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Athens
Athens

Athens Vacation Packages & Tours

One of the world’s oldest cities, Athens is widely regarded as the birthplace of democracy. Continuously inhabited for at least 5,000 years, it offers plenty for history and archaeology enthusiasts with its ancient ruins, iconic monuments like the iconic Parthenon on Acropolis hill, and internationally renowned museums. 

While the centuries-old history is reason enough to visit, there’s a thriving dining scene to explore as well. Traditional tavernas serve authentic dishes like spinach pie, souvlaki, and moussaka, and you’ll find Greek salads, feta cheese, and sweet treats too. There are also fine-dining restaurants helmed by top chefs serving a wide range of Greek and international fare, and no matter where you go, you’ll find plenty of tasty regional wines to pair with it. 

Endless shopping opportunities include antique shops and markets offering a great taste of Athenian culture and the chance to discover bargains while sampling all sorts of delicious Greek meze. Of course, squeezing time in to unwind is important too and you’ll find many enticing cafes for sipping coffee or wine while watching the parade of locals and visitors walk by.

Private Tours to Athens

 

Best Hotels in Athens

You’ll find a wide range of hotel options in Athens which means you’ll first want to choose the neighborhood in which you’d like to stay based on what you hope to see and do. Historic Plaka is a great choice as it not only offers lots of charms, but it’s one of the most central, set between the Syntagma metro station, the Monastiraki area, and the Acropolis. Or stay in the city center at or around popular Syntagma Square, within walking distance to Plaka, the Acropolis, and Monastiraki. You’ll find some of the very best hotels here, including Hotel Grande Bretagne. Booking a property in Monastiraki, which hosts lots of small boutique hotels, will put you just steps from one of the top areas for shopping as well as the vibrant dining and drinking scene while being just a 10-minute walk from the Acropolis.

Another option is the Makriyanni neighborhood, centered around the Acropolis Museum south of Acropolis hill. The upscale area offers an extensive array of hotels from budget-friendly to luxury options along with lots of good dining choices. Thission is popular for young travelers who want a mix of sightseeing and lively nightlife, while Psiri is a bohemian, alternative, “up and coming” neighborhood with trendy cafes, stylish tavernas, street art, and plenty of fun after dark.

Read here our full guide of where to stay in Athens.

 

Things to do in Athens

Before you embark from Athens to your next Greek island destination, there are plenty of things to do in Athens in a perfect 2 day itinerary.

  • Acropolis in rays of sunsets

    Visit the Acropolis

    Climb the steps of the Acropolis, one of the wonders of the ancient world, as there are few sights that compare to this, a place that many people only read about in history books and see on television or in films. The Parthenon temple sits high atop a rocky crag, keeping watch over the city as it has for centuries. This was the center of the ancient city, and the Parthenon is the largest temple of the classical period. Pass through the Propylaia gateway to witness the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon.

  • agora

    Explore the Agora

    Located just below the Acropolis, the Agora is a testament to the city’s status as the birthplace of western civilization. It includes long, colonnaded arcades, a concert hall and temples. This was the very spot where people gathered to talk about the nature of the universe, politics and other current events, and to conduct business, as an important trading and meeting place. In Plato’s and Socrate’s day, it was the heart of public life. The Royal Stoa is believed to be the site of Socrates’ trial in the late 4th century BC.

  • acropolis Museum

    View the Treasures at the Acropolis Museum

    This museum lies at the foot of the Acropolis and showcases surviving treasures with a focus on the 5th-century BC, although the collection includes everything from the Archaic period to the Roman period. View layers of history with ruins that can be seen through the floor and floor-to-ceiling windows, while the Acropolis stands visible above.

  • National Archaeological Museum, Athens

    Spend an Afternoon or Longer at the National Archaeological Museum

    The largest museum of its kind in the country, and one of the greatest antiquity institutions in the world, the National Archaeological Museum sits within a majestic Neoclassical building and hosts an incredible collection of ancient Greek jewelry, pottery, and sculptures. The Vase and Decorative Objects collection includes pottery from the 11th century BC through the Roman period, while the Sculpture collection features ancient Greek sculptures from the 6th-century to 5th-century BC. Visitors can also view a 2,000-year-old computer called the Antikythira Device, which was uncovered in a shipwreck off Antikithira Island.

  • Plaka street - Athens

    Stroll through the Plaka

    The Plaka has a history that goes back at least 3,500 years as one of Europe’s most ancient settlements. Located under the Acropolis, it includes ancient ruins, renovated Neoclassical buildings, and Byzantine temples. Nestled in peaceful corners are historic churches like the Church of Kapnikarea and the Metamorfosis Church while pastel-hued, bougainvillea-trimmed homes line the streets. There are some outstanding eateries here for enjoying a meal outdoors on a warm evening, along with ouzeries to duck into when a chill sets in. It’s also home to hundreds of shops for browsing or buying, with everything from kitschy souvenir items to handcrafted products.

 

Athens FAQs

When is the best time to visit Athens?

As most visit Athens with the hopes of marvelling at iconic sites like Acropolis hill, and exploring the monuments and museums, the best time to visit is when the weather is mild and there’s no need to battle the tourist crowds. Those ideal periods generally fall between mid-April and May or mid-October to mid-November when you won’t have to worry about searing heat or elbowing your way through the masses. If you have your heart set on enjoying the beaches and swimming along the Athenian Riviera too, you might want to aim for late May through mid-June or early October. Read our full guide on the best time to visit Athens.

How many days do you need in Athens?

While some feel that there is never enough time to spend in Athens, with two days you can see the highlights of the historic centre, including Acropolis hill, the Parthenon, and Ancient Agora, as well as enjoy shopping and dining in the charming Plaka district or other neighbourhoods. Three days would be ideal as you can experience all of that and take a day trip to the Temple of Poseidon, the Athenian Riviera, or a place of significant importance like Delphi.

When is the best time to visit the Acropolis in Athens?

During the off-season, from November through March, you may be able to stroll around the Acropolis with few others around, especially if you arrive soon after it opens. In the winter, it may be nearly deserted most of the day while skies are often clear, providing magnificent views from the top. If you visit during the busy tourist season, April through October, you’ll want to arrive a few minutes before the site opens at 8 a.m. to beat the thickest crowds and the hottest temperatures. Or, come at the end of the day, about an hour or two before closing. Our guide to the Acropolis.

Is the food in Athens expensive?

Food in Athens is reasonably priced, especially when compared to other European cities like London, Milan, or Oslo, although it will be more expensive in and around main tourist areas. You’ll find the best values at restaurants catering to locals. That said, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant here typically ranges from 7 to 12 euros while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range eatery runs around 50 euros. It’s easy to find budget-friendly eats by heading to the street food stalls. Greece: Our favorite foodie destination.

Is Athens worth visiting?

A vibrant city with an excellent mix of historic and modern, Athens is an exciting destination that offers something for everyone. Of course, it’s a must for history buffs who could easily spend their entire life exploring the Greek capital with something to marvel at around every corner not to mention there are more than 80 museums. Foodies love it too as a visit to Athens brings a chance to sample cuisine from across the country. There are art galleries and plenty of street art to explore, endless opportunities to shop, and fantastic nightlife venues too. Best Greek sites to visit.

 

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