Athens is steeped in history and is a must-visit for any travel lover.

For those planning a round the world trip, often times western Europe is left off because of the high prices. RTW travelers tend to stick to more affordable places where their dollar goes further – like Latin America and Southeast Asia. But Europe has plenty to offer even the budget traveler, and there are plenty of tips out there to save a few bucks while traveling here.

If you’re into history and want to see some of the most famous sites in the world, then adding Athens to your round the world trip might be a good plan. Part of the beauty of taking a long-term trip is to go see some of the cities and sites that you’ve always dreamed of. Athens fits the bill with a history like no other and sites that date back thousands of years. Who wouldn’t want to visit the Acropolis, see the Parthenon, and walk the same streets as famous philosophers?

The 2004 Olympics saw a renovation of Athens, making it much more travel-friendly. The public transport options are much better than they were a decade ago, and while it does still have traffic and walking issues, it’s much more pedestrian friendly than it once was. There is a metro link directly to the airport, as well as to the port of Piraeus.

There is an archaeological walk that takes in many of the famous sites and it is mostly car-free. Once you get in the Plaka are you are pleased to discover an area where pedestrians rule. The cafes, restaurants, and shops line the cobble stones. And the New Acropolis Museum is interesting to visit.

And if you do happen to get sick of sight-seeing and crowds, it’s easy to get away to one of the four surrounding mountains for some outdoor activities.

Note: this article includes links that may qualify as affiliate links. If you book through them I may earn a small commission.