Curated by our Focus on Project Management 2025 local partner, ORCO, for your Athens adventure.

This December, during ELIA’s Focus on Project Management in Athens, don’t miss your chance to explore the wonders of the city.

Athens is a city that doesn’t try too hard to impress you; and maybe that’s why it does.
The light, the sounds, the constant rhythm of daily life all blend together in a way that feels natural and familiar, even if you’ve never been here before.

A city built on words

Hosting a language industry event in Athens carries profound symbolic significance, as the city lies at the very heart of the Greek language’s historical and cultural legacy. For millennia, Athens has been a center of thought, expression, and dialogue; the birthplace of philosophy, democracy, and rhetoric. It was here that language was elevated from mere communication to a means of reasoning, civic engagement, and cultural exchange, shaping the intellectual foundations of the Western world. Greek texts by Homer, Plato, and Aristotle became the cornerstones of this tradition, translated into Latin, Arabic, and later into European languages, forming a continuous dialogue across civilizations and showing that translation has always been central to the survival and evolution of civilisations. Today, Athens still carries the power of words to bridge ideas, cultures and eras, making it a fitting home for celebrating the language industry.

Standing on history

Every visit begins at the Acropolis. Standing there, with the Parthenon above and the city stretching out below, you can almost feel the centuries layered beneath your feet. But what makes the experience truly special is what comes after.

Take the pedestrian path along Dionysiou Areopagitou and let it lead you toward Philopappou Hill. It’s a favourite walk for locals: quiet, green, with a view that shifts as you move higher. From there, you can look back at the Acropolis from a distance, surrounded by pine trees and the city below.

The dialogue of past and present

On your way down, you’ll pass the Acropolis Museum. Its glass walls frame the Parthenon, linking ancient history and modern design. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth noticing how it connects the city’s past with its present. A little further along, the cafés and small restaurants around the base of the hill are perfect for a pause, a coffee, a meal, or simply a moment to appreciate the city.

Where time slows down

Continue into Plaka and Anafiotika, the city’s most picturesque neighbourhood. The whitewashed houses, stone steps, and colourful doors give the feeling of a small island village tucked inside a capital city. You might hear someone playing music on the street. Nothing staged, just everyday Athens at its best. Take a seat on the steps along Mnisikleous Street for a coffee or a light bite and let the neighbourhood’s easy rhythm set your pace.

When you’re ready for something a little more refined, explore the Thissio area, where many modern Greek restaurants are set in restored neoclassical houses. They serve familiar flavours with a lighter, contemporary touch, the kind of meal that feels both local and fresh.

For a calming break, the National Garden near Syntagma offers shade and quiet paths. Perfect for a morning jog or a peaceful walk!

The city after dark

As evening settles in, a walk through the busy Ermou pedestrian street and Monastiraki area is always rewarding. The lights, the music, and the steady flow of people give the centre its unmistakable pulse. Rooftop cafés and restaurants provide an easy escape from the crowds, with good food, relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful view of the Acropolis that make you want to stay a little longer. Just a few streets away, Psyrri comes alive after dark with bars, meze spots, and street art. A neighbourhood that feels effortlessly vibrant, creative, and full of that easy Athens energy.

Living like a local

To experience Athens as locals do, head to Koukaki. It’s lively yet relaxed, with small bakeries, creative shops, cosy tavernas, modern bars. It’s a neighbourhood where you feel part of the city rather than just a visitor.

With a little extra time, Lycabettus Hill is a classic. Walk up or take the funicular; the panorama at the top is worth it every time. Up among the pines, a hilltop café is an easy stop for coffee or a light lunch with the whole city at your feet.

Those drawn to contemporary spaces should make the short trip to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in Kallithea. Architecture, art, and open parkland come together in one place, with views toward the sea. In December, the whole complex is lit for the holidays, adding a festive spirit to the city and to your PM 2025 trip!

A city of balance

Athens is full of contrasts, but it never feels complicated. It’s a place where history is part of daily life, where the old and new exist side by side without effort. For those visiting for ELIA Focus on Project Management 2025, it’s also a reminder of balance between work and rest, focus and curiosity.

Let Athens unfold

Take your time here. Walk, look, taste, listen. Athens is not a city you race through; it’s one you walk, taste, and watch unfold. And that’s often the best way to experience a city not by rushing to see everything, but by letting the city reveal itself, one moment at a time.

Thank you to our local partner ORCO for sharing their local recommendations.

Are you joining us for the Athens Guided Tour? We hope you will enjoy memorable experiences with colleagues and friends while visiting these sights. See you soon!

About ORCO
With over 40 years of experience, ORCO S.A. stands as a trusted leader in translation and localization services across Europe. Based in Athens, Greece, ORCO combines linguistic expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver quality, security, and efficiency in every project. As a comprehensive partner, ORCO provides translation, consulting, and technology-driven solutions, integrating AI-powered tools that boost accuracy, streamline workflows, and align with digital transformation. Beyond language services, ORCO empowers professionals through customized training programs, shaping the next generation of language experts. As the authorized TRADOS reseller for Greece and Cyprus, ORCO brings world-class translation technology and support to the wider localization community.