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Athens
Why visit Athens?
Athens, the birthplace of democracy and western civilization, is a fantastic destination to visit. This breathtaking metropolis brings together both ancient and modern worlds. The entire city is a museum where nearly 3,500 years of history meet a vibrant, contemporary urban culture. Walk the grounds of iconic ruins like the Acropolis and Parthenon by day. Then spend your evenings dining at a traditional taverna followed by the legendary nightlife of rooftop clubs looking over the lighted Acropolis!
History
Athens is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning over 5,000 years, often recognized as the cradle of Western civilization and democracy. Following are some key facts.
Birthplace of Democracy in 508 BC
Europe’s oldest capital city.
Birthplace of modern Olympic games in 1896.
The first ever plays were performed in Athens.
Athens was a stronghold of influential philosophers including Pato.
Arts & Architectural and Sites
As the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the arts, the city offers world-renowned archaeological sites.
Athens has over 10 major, must-see ancient architectural sites. Essential sites to see include the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Beyond the major archaeological sites, these museums offer deeper insights into Greece’s history.
Acropolis Museum
National Archaeological Museum
Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
National Gallery of Greece
Food, Wine and Nightlife
The Athens food scene is diverse and vibrant, offering everything from Michelin star dining with Acropolis views to bustling street-side souvlaki houses and family owned tavernas.
Wines from Athens will surprise you. Athens is unique among European capitals for having a flourishing wine region, Attica, located just a short distance from the city center. This area has a viticultural history spanning over 4,000 years and was traditionally known as the birthplace of Retsin. Today, the region has undergone a modern revival. Wineries like Papgiannakos Winery offer tastings and tours from their Ancient Vineyard of Attiki.
For those wanting to shop, visitors can wander through the charming, neoclassical streets of Plaka or the bustling flea markets of Monostraki.
Athens’ nightlife is a vibrant, diverse scene that transforms the city after dark, from industrial-chic clubs of the Gazi District and the bohemian bars of Psyrri to sophisticated rooftop terraces in Monastriki that offer illuminated views of the Acropolis.
During the high season from May to September, visit the “Athens Riviera” beach club scene, where you can hang for sun soaked days with high-energy nightlife.
Sports
Athens is a city where sporting tradition spans millennia, from the ancient Panathenaic Games to the birth of the modern Olympics in 1896. Today sports fans are obsessed with professional Football (soccer) and basketball teams. The Athens Authentic Marathon, follows the original route from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium.
For participant sports, Athens geography offers diverse activities for enthusiasts. The Athens Riviera is a hub for sailing, windsurfing, and scuba diving, while nearby Mount Parnitha provides trails for hiking and mountain biking.
Music, Performing Arts and Experiences
- Ancient Athens is the birthplace of Western theater, with the Theater of Dionysus hosting plays by Sophocles and others. Home to over 150 theaters, Athens has more theaters than any other city.
- The music scene in Athens is vibrant and diverse that blends ancient heritage with modern performances. During the high season of May to September, the city comes alive with open-air events. If you are lucky you will be able to see a concert at the Herod Atticus Odeon, an ancient venue at the Acropolis food used during the high season.
Travel by Time of Year
The best time to visit Athens is during the shoulder seasons of April–May and September–October, offering warm weather, manageable crowds, and ideal sightseeing conditions
Spring (March – May) Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and pleasant city strolls. Pleasant weather for visiting the Acropolis before the summer heat.
Summer (June – August) Guaranteed sunshine, lively outdoor cafes, and long days
Fall (September – November) Warm, sunny days and comfortable evenings as crowds begin to thin as the tourist and vacation season is ending and resorts begin to close as college workers go back to school. September often feels like summer, while October brings milder, pleasant weather
Winter (December – February) Fewest tourists, lowest prices, and authentic, local culture. Cozy, uncrowded, and ideal for exploring museums. Mild weather with some rain, but still enjoyable for walking
