Athens Travel Guide
History, history, history! Wherever you wander in the intriguing city of Athens, you will find both the obvious attractions and hidden gems around every corner. These ancient buildings are unmissable, but if history isn’t your bag, there’s still so much to see and do in Greece’s capital.
Athens is an exhilarating blend of contemporary cool and ancient history. Even if you are all about all things hipster, you can’t fail to be charmed by the birthplace of democracy. When it comes to the ancient buildings, the Acropolis is the crème de la crème. This citadel is regarded as one of the most important ancient sites in the world and is home to some of the most spectacular views of Athens. It is also where you will find the Parthenon – a resplendent marble temple built at the height of the Greek Empire.
However, if you prefer to gaze upon the wonder of these ancient sites at a rooftop bar with a glass of retsina and indulge in a plate of saganaki, head to one of the many establishments that afford incredible views of the Acropolis and beyond. Athens is fast becoming a thriving city renowned for its expansive culinary scene – from its budget-friendly tavernas where you devour meze with the locals to restaurants offering haute cuisine which takes influence from everywhere from Syria to Ethiopian, there’s a world of flavours to explore in Athens.
Athens Travel Guide
History, history, history! Wherever you wander in the intriguing city of Athens, you will find both the obvious attractions and hidden gems around every corner. These ancient buildings are unmissable, but if history isn’t your bag, there’s still so much to see and do in Greece’s capital.
Athens is an exhilarating blend of contemporary cool and ancient history. Even if you are all about all things hipster, you can’t fail to be charmed by the birthplace of democracy. When it comes to the ancient buildings, the Acropolis is the crème de la crème. This citadel is regarded as one of the most important ancient sites in the world and is home to some of the most spectacular views of Athens. It is also where you will find the Parthenon – a resplendent marble temple built at the height of the Greek Empire.
However, if you prefer to gaze upon the wonder of these ancient sites at a rooftop bar with a glass of retsina and indulge in a plate of saganaki, head to one of the many establishments that afford incredible views of the Acropolis and beyond. Athens is fast becoming a thriving city renowned for its expansive culinary scene – from its budget-friendly tavernas where you devour meze with the locals to restaurants offering haute cuisine which takes influence from everywhere from Syria to Ethiopian, there’s a world of flavours to explore in Athens.
Soundtrack of the city
Spending in the city
3 course meal for 2: £37.90
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A regular cappuccino: £2.49
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A medium beer: £4.66
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One-way (Local Transport): £1.01
Spending in the city
-
3 course meal for 2: £37.90
-
A regular cappuccino: £2.49
-
A medium beer: £3.37
-
One-way (Local Transport): £1.01
Soundtrack of the city
Weather in Athens
Hot, hot, hot! An Athens summer is a busy summer and you can expect to see the iconic landmarks packed with tourists. Spring and autumn offer more bearable temperatures and it might be easier to get THAT shot of the Parthenon where you aren’t jostling for position with the perennial gaggle of coach parties.
Discover the real Athens
Sprawling, vast and – surprisingly edgy, Athens is so much more than its postcard image of ancient monuments and learned philosophers. Expect quirky galleries with graffiti-scrawled walls and eccentric coffee shops in the district of Pagrati, which is somewhat of a hipster hang out as well as the best place to find a brew in a town.
A trip to Athens will see your schedule crammed tighter than the crowds at the Parthenon. Historic landmarks, culinary gems and underrated neighbourhoods chock full of world-class street art, eccentric cafes and stellar speakeasies that have become an unofficial Athens institution. It’s time to discover the secrets of a lesser-known Athens.
Whether you favour moussaka and meatballs or michelin-starred haute cuisine, Athens has an eatery for every budget, whim and palate. There’s no doubt that traditional Greek food is one of the best cuisines in the world to eat, but when in Athens why not venture to restaurants serving international cuisine such as Syrian, Indian, Ethiopian and more.
The city of Athens doesn’t compromise on top-notch attractions and must-see attractions. In fact, the higgledy-piggledy streets are a treasure trove of cultural and culinary treats. But where do you start and how do you squeeze the best out of your trip, no matter what you’re looking for?
- See & do
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A trip to Athens will see your schedule crammed tighter than the crowds at the Parthenon. Historic landmarks, culinary gems and underrated neighbourhoods chock full of world-class street art, eccentric cafes and stellar speakeasies that have become an unofficial Athens institution. It’s time to discover the secrets of a lesser-known Athens.
- Food & Drink
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Whether you favour moussaka and meatballs or michelin-starred haute cuisine, Athens has an eatery for every budget, whim and palate. There’s no doubt that traditional Greek food is one of the best cuisines in the world to eat, but when in Athens why not venture to restaurants serving international cuisine such as Syrian, Indian, Ethiopian and more.
- Guides & tips
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The city of Athens doesn’t compromise on top-notch attractions and must-see attractions. In fact, the higgledy-piggledy streets are a treasure trove of cultural and culinary treats. But where do you start and how do you squeeze the best out of your trip, no matter what you’re looking for?
- Map View
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More of Italy
In Italy, it’s hard to choose between a road trip along the Amalfi Coast, a countryside romp through Tuscany or a culture-packed city break in Rome. Of course, the answer should be to do all three. Except, you’ll have to add in time on the glorious island of Sicily, cruising along Italy’s lakes and alpine thrills in the mountains. That’s before you’ve even considered a casual look at Umbria, Naples and Florence. The FOMO is real.
