Athenshas a recorded history of several thousand years and is considered one of the oldest cities in the world that has been continuously inhabited. The city is filled with ancient ruins, landmarks, and several historical museums that date back to the 5th century BC.
The Acropolis, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, overlooks Athens. Other notable locations include the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Most tourists visit the Acropolis Museum to see artefacts from Acropolis Hill, while the National Archaeological Museum houses impressive collections of ancient Greek art.
Athens boasts dozens of museums and galleries, ensuring plenty of things to see and do to entertain visitors of all interests. In addition to the city’s historical sites and museums, several art museums and galleries are worth exploring.
Several new art galleries have opened recently, including the National Art Gallery, Goulandris Art Museum, and National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Greece’s capital, Athens, boasts a lively arts and music scene with several live music venues. Hundreds of music festivals, theatre performances, and other artistic events occur year-round.
The Athens & Epidaurus Festival runs from May to October and showcases music, theatre, and dance performances.
Athens is renowned for its lively nightlife scene, boasting hundreds of bars and clubs offering various experiences. Whether you are searching for a cosy spot to enjoy your drink or a vibrant club to dance the night away, Athens has got you covered.
Psiri is a vibrant nightlife neighbourhood with late-night tavernas and cool bars. Gazi is another popular area among locals and club-goers.
Athens is a haven for food enthusiasts. Greek cuisine is famous worldwide for its nourishing and delectable ingredients, and Athens boasts some of the finest Greek dining experiences in the nation. You can discover numerous traditional Greek tavernas and restaurants that offer high-quality dining options.
Visitors with sweet teeth should take advantage of traditional Greek desserts such as baklava, kataifi, and galaktoboureko. Additionally, Athens has excellent ice cream and gelato shops!
Visitors to Athens can enjoy browsing through its vibrant street markets and diverse shopping destinations. Athens has everything if you’re searching for souvenirs, hand-crafted jewellery, or high-end fashion. The city boasts an impressive array of retail options, ranging from large shopping centres and chain stores to small, family-owned shops that showcase one-of-a-kind merchandise.
The main pedestrian shopping street in central Athens, extending from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki Square, is Ermou Street. Take advantage of exploring the adjacent side streets, which offer a variety of specialized shops.
A trip to Athens is relatively affordable, with plenty of value accommodation and food options available, unless you opt for a 5-star hotel.
During non-peak season, a private room can be found for 35-40 euros per night. A dinner for two can cost 15-20 euros.
Exploring the city centre of Athens is relatively easy and convenient. Although Athens is the largest city in Greece, its centre is compact and has many beautiful neighbourhoods to discover. If you enjoy walking, you can explore the entire Athens city centre on foot, without any difficulty.
The major museums and sites are only 2 km (1.2 miles) from Syntagma Square. For instance, it would take about 15-20 minutes to walk from Syntagma Square to the Cycladic Museum, Ancient Agora or Acropolis.
Athens is blessed with numerous stunning beaches easily accessible from the city centre. Few capital cities can boast of such a beautiful coastline in such proximity. You can hop on a bus or tram from downtown Athens and be on the beach within 30-40 minutes, making it a convenient and enjoyable day trip destination.
Instead of “secluded beaches around the east coast,” suggest taking the KTEL bus to “more remote beaches” in the Marathon area.
Athens is an ideal hub for island-hopping in Greece, with frequent ferries and flights to most islands.
