The birthplace of civilization, the city where democracy was born, the city where the Olympic Games were invented, Athens, Greece’s capital, is the city with the most glorious history in the world. Relive the mythological times of ancient Greece by visiting the world’s most amazing edifices.

Athens is a city of contrasts: from the famous historical landmarks, to the old neighborhoods, the fancy restaurants and luxury shops all create an interesting atmosphere and the best place to enjoy a vacation.

Should you add Athens to your round the world trip?

Location

Athens is located in the prefecture of Attica and is surrounded by the mountains of Ymmytos, Pendeli and Parnitha to the north and east, while the Saronic Gulf surrounds the capital to the south and west, just a few miles from the Port of Piraeus.

More information on:

>>Ferries in Greece

>>Flights to Athens

>>Getting from Athens to Santorini

>>Getting from Athens to Thessaloniki

>>Getting from Athens to Meteora

>>Buses from Athens to Thessaloniki

Weather

Athens is blessed with sun all year round, having one of the best climates in Europe: mild winters and hot summers.

>>more information on Greece Weather

Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is the most important archeological site in Athens which attracts millions of tourists each year. Offering the best views in town, the Acropolis is the place to visit if you want to experience Greek history, mythology and culture. Visit it in late winter or early spring. For only 12 Euros (about 17 USD) you can visit all the sites on the Acropolis Hill and some located nearby.

Historical Sites in Athens

Athens is very rich in cultural and historical sites. It’s very difficult to list just a few places to visit, without feeling we’ve done injustice to the rest. The Poseidon Temple and Olympieion and The Temple of Zeus are very old sanctuaries, the first two inhabited since prehistoric times, while the latter is the largest temple in Greece.

Herodeion or the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an open air theatre which, during the summer months, hosts concerts and ancient drama.

Kerameikos is the most important necropolis in Athens. Today the tourists can visit the ruins of the fortified enclosure, the military tombs, the civilian graves and the museum which displays findings from the excavations.

Museums in Athens

The National Archeological Museum of Athens is one of the richest in the world concerning ancient Greece.

The New Acropolis Museum comprises original items and replicas from the Sacred Rock near-by. Also, visitors can see the undergoing excavations.

The Byzantine and Christian Museum is home to art collections from the fourth to the nineteenth century, comprising paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, coins, pottery, mosaics and many more.

The Railway Museum is a very interesting place to visit if you want to check out the technological advancements of the means of transportation is Greece.

>>read more about the Museums in Athens

Festivals

During the summer, don’t miss the Epidaurus Festival held at The Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. Located relatively near to Athens, the theater has an unbelievable acoustics and plays are still presented here.

Entertainment in Athens

Athens by night is in total contrast with the city you know by day. The bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants cater for every taste, from those who want to enjoy traditional Greek music and cuisine to those who want to splurge at a pool bar right by the beach.

>>more information on Nightlife in Greece

Athens also offers several beaches located very close to the center of the town. Vouliagmeni is located just 20 km (12.4 miles) from the center of Athens. The peninsula is known for its lake with mineral water and a great climate which makes vacations possible all year round.

Other things to do:
>> Free things to do in Athens
>> Athens Zoo
>> Day trips from Athens

More information on
>> Ferries from Athens – Dealing with Piraeus Port
>> Getting from Athens to Piraeus
>> Hotels in Athens
>> Budget hotels near the Acropolis
>> Hostels in Athens
>> Hostels near the Acropolis
>> Budget Hotels near Larissis Train Station
>> Hostels near Syntagma Square
>> Athens: Hostels and budget hotels near the National Archaeological Museum
>> Best Restaurants in Athens