Athens, renowned for its overcrowded streets and electrifying buzz, is about to get even busier and more exciting. During August, the Olympics will transform the Greek capital into a city overrun by athletes, officials, sport enthusiasts, average tourists and overwhelmed locals.

Many of these locals will tell you that the first impression of their city is one of haphazard contrasts in buildings, styles, and atmospheres on every crowded street.

Granted, Athens does look like an overgrown concrete jungle topped by a layer of nefos (smog), but Athenians will quickly point out that the city is also alive with vibrant vine-covered outdoor cafes, parks, bustling markets, gardens, tree-lined pedestrian streets, crumbling neoclassical mansions, raucous street vendors and ancient monuments.Simultaneously grubby, dilapidated, modern and charming, Athens offers a unique blend of old and new.

Much of the new is the result of spring-cleaning for the Olympics. There?s a new airport, an extended metro, extensive renovations and redesigned waterfront areas. And sports venues, of course, with the Panathinaikon Stadium ? built for the first modern Olympics in 1896 ? receiving a major upgrade.

Even the city centre?s notoriously gridlocked roads have been given a facelift. But if you?re headed to one of the sports events to be held throughout the city, it?s advisable to use the public transport system ? just one of the many tips offered by Olympics organisers.

The Games
Organisers advise that the expected 75 000 people should make use of the metro, suburban and light rail and bus services when traveling to and from Olympic facilities. As a result, it?s suggested that you plan your travel carefully and arrive early.

You?ll probably still have to cover considerable distances in the hot Athens weather ? the average temperature is 31? ? so wear appropriate clothing and comfortable footwear. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are also advisable.

Don?t take large bags, cooler bags or food and drink to the stadiums as they won?t be permitted, and neither will people without valid tickets. Tickets are available at Athens 2004 ticket offices throughout the city and selected Alpha Bank branches across Greece. Tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies are limited and they don't come cheap ? expect to pay anywhere between ?500 and ?950. Tickets for other events, starting at ?10, are still readily available. Check www.tickets.athens2004.com for availability.

The legend of Athens
Athena, the Greek goddess of war, held a duel for the city with the god of the sea, Poseidon. Hoping to win over the inhabitants, Poseidon produced the Spring at the Acropolis by throwing a spear at the ground. Athena responded by giving the people of Athens the olive tree, winning their support and the city that was subsequently named after her.
If it?s not the Olympics you want to see, Athens offers a wealth of attractions from a history rich in both scale and mythology. Beyond the legends, Athens is renowned as the birthplace of democracy some 2500 years ago and for refining the arts of philosophy and architecture. During the city?s so-called ?Golden Age? of the fifth century BC people like Socrates, Plato, Aeschylus and Sophocles were citizens while the Parthenon, the Propylea, the Long Walls of Piraeus and many of the remaining temples were built. It?s a good idea to explore most of these attractions on foot ? especially since most are within comfortable walking distance.