Athens: A Comprehensive City Guide for First-Time Tourists

Athens is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the world. It is the capital of Greece and a major metropolitan area in Europe, boasting a population of over 3 million people. With its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea, Athens has been inhabited since ancient times and was home to some of the most influential civilizations in history. Home to iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon, it is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, the Olympic Games, and the Western world.

As a tourist destination, Athens has something for everyone. From its vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine to its rich cultural heritage, Athens has something to offer every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Athens is a great choice for your next holiday.

The History of Athens

Athens has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. The first settlers were from the Neolithic period and were known as the pre-Hellenic population. They lived in small settlements and were mainly farmers and fishermen.

The city was founded in the 16th century BC by King Cecrops I. He named it after the goddess Athena, who was said to have given him the olive tree that grew on the Acropolis hill. Athens became a powerful city-state with its own government, laws, and military. It was during this time that democracy was born.

In the fifth century BC, Athens reached its peak of power and influence during the Golden Age of Pericles. This was a period of great intellectual and artistic achievement, as well as military success. During this time, Athens built the Parthenon and other monuments on the Acropolis hill.

The city’s fortunes changed in the fourth century BC when it was defeated by Sparta in the Peloponnesian War. Athens was no longer the powerful city-state it once was and went into a period of decline. After centuries of changing rulers, Athens regained its independence in 1834 and became the capital of Greece in 1833.

Getting Around Athens

Athens is a sprawling metropolis with a population of over 3 million people. The city’s public transportation system is extensive and reliable, making it easy to get around. The main modes of transportation include buses, trolleybuses, trams, the metro, taxis, and even ferries. All of these are easily accessible from most parts of the city.

The metro is the fastest way to get around Athens. It is a modern system with four lines that cover most of the city’s major attractions. It is easy to use and runs every 10 minutes during peak hours.

Taxis are also an option but can be expensive if you’re traveling long distances. The fares are set by law and are based on distance traveled. It’s important to make sure that you hire an official taxi with a meter to avoid being overcharged.

Finally, you can explore Athens on foot or by bike. The city is very walkable and bike paths are available throughout most parts of the city. This is a great option if you want to explore off the beaten path or get a more authentic feel for Athens.

Where to Stay in Athens

Athens has a wide range of accommodation options for visitors, from luxury hotels to hostels and Airbnb rentals. There are also many boutique hotels that offer an intimate experience in some of the city’s more unique neighborhoods.

If you’re looking for an affordable option, hostels are a great choice. Look for ones that are centrally located near public transportation and close to major attractions. Alternatively, there are plenty of Airbnb options if you prefer more privacy or want to stay in one of Athens’ many vibrant neighborhoods.

For luxury accommodation, there are plenty of five-star hotels located near major attractions and shopping districts. These usually come with all the amenities you would expect from a high-end hotel, such as swimming pools, fitness centers, restaurants, and spas.

Must-See Attractions in Athens

Athens is full of iconic landmarks, ancient ruins, and cultural attractions that will make your visit unforgettable. Here are some of the top places to check out during your stay:

The Acropolis

The Acropolis is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop overlooking Athens. It is home to several iconic monuments such as the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion, Theatre of Dionysus, and Temple of Athena Nike. It is one of the most visited sites in Athens and is a must-see for all visitors to the city.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in the world for ancient Greek art and culture. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts from antiquity, including sculptures, pottery, coins, and jewelry from many civilizations across Europe and Asia Minor.

Plaka

Plaka is a picturesque neighborhood located at the foot of the Acropolis hill. It is known for its quaint cobblestone streets, traditional Greek restaurants, and colorful shops selling souvenirs and handmade crafts. It is also home to several ancient sites such as Hadrian’s Library and Roman Agora.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is the main square in downtown Athens and home to several important landmarks such as the Hellenic Parliament and National Gardens. It is also a popular gathering spot for locals who come here to enjoy street performances and outdoor cafes.

The Temple of Poseidon

The Temple of Poseidon is an ancient Greek temple located on Cape Sounion just south of Athens. It was built in 440 BC and dedicated to Poseidon, god of the sea. It overlooks the Aegean Sea and offers stunning views of the coast and islands in the distance.

Things to Do in Athens

In addition to its many iconic landmarks, Athens has plenty to offer for those looking for an entertaining night out or a relaxing day trip away from the city center. Here are some activities to check out during your stay:

Explore Ancient Sites

Athens is home to many ancient sites including temples, theatres, stadiums, libraries, monuments, and more. Many offer guided tours where you can learn about their history and explore at your own pace. It’s also worth checking out some of the smaller ruins located in residential neighborhoods or tucked away in parks around town.

Visit Local Markets

Athens’ many local markets are some of its best attractions. You can find everything from fresh produce and handmade crafts to jewelry, antiques, clothing, and more. The most popular markets include Monastiraki Flea Market, Varvakios Central Market, Kifissia Market, Kallimarmaron Market, and Piraeus Market.

Try Local Cuisine

Athens is famous for its delicious cuisine with influences from all over Greece and beyond. You can find plenty of traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka (baked eggplant dish), souvlaki (skewered meat), spanakopita (spinach pie), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), tzatziki (yogurt dip), and more. Be sure to check out some of the city’s many tavernas where you can enjoy local dishes with a glass of ouzo or Greek wine.

Go Sightseeing by Boat

For a different view of Athens, take a sightseeing cruise along the Saronic Gulf or visit some of Greece’s beautiful islands such as Hydra, Poros, Aegina, or Spetses. There are plenty of organized boat tours that depart from Piraeus port which offer an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of Athens from the sea along with stops at nearby islands for swimming and sightseeing.

Visit Local Beaches

Athens has plenty of beaches close by where you can go swimming or sunbathing during summer months. The closest beach to downtown is Vouliagmeni which can be reached by bus or taxi while other popular beaches include Glyfada Beach, Varkiza Beach, Schinias Beach, Cape Sounion Beach, and Vravrona Beach among others.

Tours in Athens

Athens offers plenty of exciting tours that will take you on an unforgettable journey through the city’s ancient history and modern culture. Here are two popular tours that you can book during your stay:

Half-Day Acropolis Tour

This half-day tour will take you on an exploration of Athens’ iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis hill and Parthenon temple as well as other important sites like Hadrian’s Library and Roman Agora square. You will have a knowledgeable guide who will tell you about each location’s history as you visit them one by one giving you an insight into what made Athens one of the most influential cities in history. Book a Half-Day Acropolis Tour here.

Athens Night Tour

This tour takes you on a journey through some of Athens’ best nightlife spots including bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes, live music venues, concerts halls, theaters and more! You will have a local guide who will show you around some hidden gems that only locals know about as well as famous landmarks such as Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Flea Market lit up at night for a truly unique experience! Book an Athens Night Tour here.

Conclusion

Athens is one of Europe’s most iconic cities with its mix of ancient history and modern culture that make it a fascinating destination for any traveler. From iconic landmarks such as The Acropolis to lively neighborhoods like Plaka or buzzing cafe culture in Syntagma Square there’s something here for everyone! Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing holiday away from it all be sure to book one of these tours before you go so you can make sure you experience all that this amazing city has to offer!