Everything You Need to Know About Athens, Greece

Athens, or Athína, is the capital and most populous city of Greece. The Acropolis of Athens, an ancient citadel dating back to the 5th century B.C., stands tall over the modern city landscape, reflecting centuries of history and culture. Historic neighborhoods like Plaka offer a combination of ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman mosques. Walk around Athens and you’ll also find a variety of urban attractions, including art galleries, cafes, and nightclubs.

Many people visit Athens for its archaeological and historic sites, but there are many other reasons to visit this diverse city. Athens is a major economic, financial, commercial, and cultural center of Greece, as well as a major hub for the Mediterranean. You’ll find a unique blend of ancient sites, modern attractions, and picturesque Greek Isles. From local festivals to archaeology and food, this guide covers everything you need to know to get the most out of your trip to Greece’s oldest city.

History of Athens

Athens has been settled since at least the 11th century B.C., with archaeological finds dating back to the Bronze Age. In ancient times, it served as the capital of Attica, one of the most influential city-states in Ancient Greece. During this time, it was known as the home of ancient Greek gods, including Zeus and Athena. The Acropolis served as the hub for political, religious, and economic life. Philosophers such as Socrates and philosophers such as Plato taught at the famous Agora marketplace.

By 146 B.C., Athens had joined the Roman Empire and later experienced great prosperity under both Byzantine and Ottoman rule. During this time, the city saw the construction of numerous monuments and buildings including the Acropolis of Athens. Despite falling into decline during much of the Middle Ages, Athens regained its stature in 1834 when it became the capital of modern Greece.

Why Visit Athens?

Athens is unforgettable city with astounding ancient ruins and a vibrant modern-day culture. It is home to some of the world’s most significant archaeological sites including the stunning Acropolis, which houses the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom.

For travelers looking for more than ancient sites and monuments, Athens has a lot to offer. From traditional Greek cuisine and local eateries to shopping centers and nightlife spots – there’s something for everyone in the city. There are numerous cultural festivals throughout the year that celebrate music, dance and art with live performances by local musicians and actors.

Athens is a year-round destination with glorious sunshine in summer and mild winters. If you’re looking for a beach holiday near Athens, there are several islands just off the coast such as Mykonos and Santorini. Atop this, water activities abound with sailing excursions, swimming spots and snorkeling experiences available to explore.

What to See in Athens

Athens is home to many iconic monuments and archaeological sites including the Acropolis of Athens which is undoubtedly the city’s most popular attraction. The temple complex was built in honor of gods such as Athena, Apollo and Aphrodite. Inside you’ll find the Parthenon temple dating back to 447 BC along with other structures such as the propylaea gatehouse and Erechtheion temple.

The temple also offers sweeping views of Athens cityscape. Other popular monuments include the Tower of Winds, which was built in the 1st Century B.C., and the Temple of Olympian Zeus with its huge columns towering nearly seventeen stories high.

When it comes to museums, Athens is rich in history especially when it comes to antiquities. There are numerous archaeological museums scattered around town such as the National Archaeological Museum with its collection of vases and sculptures from ancient Greece. Other popular museums include The Benaki Museum with its 400-year collection of iconic artifacts from Ottoman rule to Athens’ heyday as an ancient trading hub.

For art lovers, Athens will not disappoint! The National Museum of Modern Art (EMST) houses exclusively contemporary works from internationally known artists such as Anastasia Dimitrakopoulou and George Lappas’ famous “Two Swans” sculpture in Syntagma Square. Other art galleries in Athens include The Frissiras Museum where you can take in folk art and contemporary paintings by leading Greek artists.

Where to Stay in Athens

As one of Greece’s largest cities, Athens has a wide range of accommodation options from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Those seeking a more budget-friendly option can find reasonable accommodation in districts such as Psyri which is situated near Monastiraki square. Airbnb is also popular in this area offering tourists access to reasonably priced apartments with convenient access to nightlife spots and local markets in the city center

Plaka is also another popular choice amongst travelers due to its quaint cobblestone streets dotted with historic churches, cafes, tavernas and souvenir shops. If travelers prefer a more luxurious experience then Kolonaki is a great option as it features many high-end boutique hotels that offer top quality amenities such as spas and swimming pools with spectacular views of downtown Athens sprawling skyline.

What to Eat in Athens

Athens is home to some of the world’s most delicious cuisine! One must-try cuisine during your stay in Athens is its classic meze dishes which are usually served as part of a shared platter along with dips such tzatziki (yogurt with garlic and cucumber), hummus (mashed chickpeas) or melitzanesalata (eggplant salad).

Other classic dishes you’ll find on restaurant menus are Greek salad, moussaka (eggplant casserole) or souvlaki (meat skewers). Of course no visit to Greece would be complete without trying some form of seafood! Freshly caught from the Mediterranean sea,you’ll find a variety of seafood dishes on restaurant menus such as grilled octopus, calamari or red mullet all served up with French fries or rice.

For those looking for something truly authentic, book yourself onto a Athen traditional Greek food & walking tour with Getyourguide Athens: Traditional Greek Food & Walking Tour. As part of this tour you’ll savor signature dishes while exploring local neighborhoods plus gain insight on traditional cuisine from knowledgeable guides who will provide valuable tips on experiencing true Greek hospitality.

Shopping in Athens

Shopping in Athens has something new for everyone! The bustling shopping streets of Ermou Street offer up an abundance of international designer outlets including many luxury designer names such as Versace or Prada for those looking for designer items on sale or newly released items straight from the catwalk. This street is also perfect for finding unique souvenirs or local craft items such as jewelry crafted out of olive wood or woven baskets characterized by geometric designs typical of Greece’s traditional culture.

Those seeking second hand items can head to Monastiraki Flea Market while night owls out on their shopping expedition can catch late night shopping at Thissio during summer months with many retailers popping up along sidewalks after dark selling fashion-forward clothing brands like H&M and Zara in addition to jewelry and books along the cobblestone street full of charming bars, cafes and bakeries making it one of the most popular spots during summer evenings in Athens.

Nightlife in Athens

Stay up late in Athens and you’ll find many dynamic nightspots throbbing with energy! For those looking for top DJs spinning tunes all night long then Exarcheia is where you’ll find several rock bars offering a mixture of up-to-date dance tunes perfect for hipsters looking for a night full of groovy music on their weekends out in Athens. Plaka also offers several chic wine bars illuminating alleys full of various eateries from delicious burgers to freshly made sushi whether you’re looking for cocktails or just a bottle of your favorite brandy .

Are you missing live music? Then Psiri is your place! Favoring live concerts this district swarms with music lovers throughout weekends where you’ll be able to listen to classic Greek tunes plus get familiar with more international artists usually offering free entry until 11pm so make sure you get there early before seats fill up!

Conclusion

Athens offers an unforgettable experience full of archaeological finds, bustling markets, sun-kissed beaches islands just off shore plus varied nightlife spots offering something for everyone whether it is live music events or hidden cocktail bars perfect for those looking for something truly unique! For those looking to dive even deeper into authentic experiences explore real Greek Cuisine & Culture on an exclusive Athens: Traditional Greek Food & Walking Tour with Getyourguide – perfect for travelers wanting an immersive discovery session about true Greek narratives serving up freshly curated gastronomic experiences straight from locals kitchens delivered directly to your plate!