Athens: The Cradle of Western Civilization

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Yia sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνετε;
  [Ti kanete?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσείς;
  [Kala. Esis?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
  [Milate agglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Υγεία!
  [Iyia!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fiye!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin astinomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε γιατρό!
  [Kaleste giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Eimai arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agora so...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Borite na miosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (dekka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Εφτά
  [Efta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννιά
  [Ennia]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Borite na mou dixete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena isitirio (ya ....)]

Athens is often celebrated as the cradle of democracy. In the 5th century BCE, under the leadership of statesmen such as Cleisthenes, Pericles, and Ephialtes, the city developed a system of direct democracy where citizens could participate in decision-making. The Assembly, open to all male citizens, and the Council of 500, were central institutions in this democratic process.

The period between 460 BCE and 429 BCE, known as the Golden Age of Pericles, marked a high point in Athenian culture and power. Under Pericles' leadership, Athens experienced a flourishing of arts, philosophy, and architecture. The construction of the Parthenon on the Acropolis during this time is a testament to the city's wealth and artistic achievements.

The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) was a protracted and destructive conflict between Athens and its rival, Sparta. The war ended with the defeat of Athens, leading to a temporary decline in its power. Despite this, the city quickly recovered and continued to be a major cultural and intellectual center in the ancient world.

After the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE, Athens became part of the Hellenistic world. Later, in 146 BCE, it came under Roman control. Despite these changes, Athens remained a hub of learning and culture, attracting scholars and students from across the Roman Empire. The Romans, recognizing the city's cultural significance, built impressive structures like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Roman Agora.

During the Byzantine period, Athens experienced a decline but retained its importance as a religious center. The city saw the construction of several beautiful Byzantine churches. In 1458, Athens fell to the Ottoman Empire, marking the beginning of centuries of Ottoman rule. Despite this, the city maintained its cultural heritage, with landmarks like the Parthenon being repurposed as a mosque.

In the early 19th century, Athens played a role in the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule. The city was eventually liberated in 1833, and in 1834, King Otto of Greece made Athens the capital of the newly independent Greek state. This period saw the beginning of modern Athens' transformation, with neoclassical buildings and public works reshaping the urban landscape.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Athens, including rapid urbanization and population growth. The city hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and again in 2004, showcasing its historical and cultural legacy to the world. Today, Athens is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends its rich ancient heritage with contemporary culture, offering visitors a unique and multifaceted experience.

Athens is accessible via Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH), located about 33 kilometers (20 miles) east of the city center. The airport is well connected with major cities worldwide. From the airport, you can take a taxi, metro, bus, or rental car to reach the city center. The metro line 3 (blue line) and express buses (X95) are convenient and budget-friendly options.

Athens has an extensive public transportation network including buses, trolleys, trams, and the metro. The metro system is efficient and covers most tourist attractions. Taxis are also widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to other European cities. For short distances, walking is often the best option to explore the city's historic sites. Renting a bike or car is another option, but be prepared for traffic and limited parking spaces.

The official currency in Greece is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout Athens, and you can easily withdraw cash using international cards.

Athens is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any major city, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid areas such as Omonia, Exarcheia, and parts of Metaxourgeio at night, as they are known for higher crime rates targeting tourists. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and public transport, to avoid pickpocketing.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This is the emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. Major hospitals in Athens include Evangelismos Hospital and Attikon University Hospital. Pharmacies are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly casual or revealing clothing in churches and monasteries. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When entering a church, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Yassou' (hello). A handshake is common for formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and dine at traditional tavernas. Don’t rush your meal; dining is a social event in Greece.

To experience Athens like a local, visit the neighborhoods of Koukaki and Pangrati for charming cafes and authentic dining. Spend a Sunday morning at the open-air market in Monastiraki for unique souvenirs. Take a leisurely stroll through the National Garden or hike up to Philopappos Hill for stunning views of the Acropolis. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and eager to share tips about their favorite spots.