Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the most favoured tourist destinations in Europe because it is a city rich in history and culture with a distinctive blend of old and modern charm.
The metropolis emits an aura of importance that will take you back in time and there are innumerable reasons to add this vibrant city to your trip wish list. Whether you enjoy history, good food, the seaside, or are just looking for an unforgettable experience, Athens has something unique to offer.
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve been in the past, this historic city won’t let you down. Here are 12 reasons why visiting Athens should be on everyone’s travel wish list.
1. Journey through time – Acropolis and beyond
With a history spanning more than three thousand years, the Greek civilization is one of the largest and oldest in all of Europe. As a result, Athens is the location of numerous significant and historic archaeological sites. The city is made even more unique by their presence and maintenance.
Numerous monuments from the far past can be found here. Of course, Acropolis is the most well-known and is an old hill containing temples and monuments at the city’s heart. The Parthenon, which honours the goddess Athena, is the largest and most significant.
Without taking in the renowned Acropolis, no trip to Athens is complete. This historic stronghold, which is topped by the Parthenon, is a monument to human ingenuity and architectural genius.
Travel back in time to the glories of ancient Greece as you tour the Acropolis and the nearby archaeological monuments. Learn the interesting stories behind each building, including the Erechtheion and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, to have a better understanding of the origins of Western civilization.
While a huge number of people visit the Acropolis alone each year and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is not Athens’ only historic site. The ancient Temple of the Olympian Zeus and the Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora are two additional noteworthy archaeological sites that you’re able to visit while in Athens.
2. Mediterranean marvel – Greece’s alluring climate
Athens experiences more than three hundred days of sunshine annually thanks to its Mediterranean environment. It is a year-round destination due to the mild winters and warm summers.
The weather in Athens is consistently pleasant, whether you’re lazing on the sandy shores of the Athenian Riviera or seeing historical landmarks. In the sweltering summer, the soothing winds are a pleasant relief.
No matter what time of year you select, you can anticipate almost perfect weather for your weekend trip or multi-week vacation.
It won’t be too chilly even if you travel in January with average temperatures of ten degrees Celsius. Athens’ year-round pleasant weather makes it a great place to travel. Beginning in April, locals begin to visit the beaches close to Athens.
If you enjoy watching films, go to an open-air theatre in the heart of the city for an unforgettable experience.
3. Birthplace of the modern Olympics
Many are aware that the Olympic Games originated in Ancient Greece, but Athens also hosted the first modern Olympics.
The first modern Olympic Games were proudly held in Athens in 1896, and the memory of this momentous occasion still permeates the city. The idea was conceived by Pierre de Coubertin, and 241 competitors representing fourteen nations participated in the Games that spring.
The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is where athletes formerly competed. Go there to relive the Olympic history that continues to motivate people worldwide. The stadium is only a short stroll from the Acropolis and the old town.
Originally built in 330 BC, this historic stadium was rebuilt using marble for the first modern Olympics. It’s a spectacular sight that provides an overview into the enduring relationship between Athens and the Olympic movement.
4. Athens’ street art – A colourful urban wonderland
Athens has experienced a vibrant growth in the street art scene over the course of the last ten years, especially after the financial crisis.
In recent years, numerous graffiti artists from all over Europe and beyond have flocked to Athens, where they have adorned the city’s walls and buildings with their distinctive styles.
If you have time, exploring neighbourhoods like Psiri to find the newest and best pieces of street art as well as some of the classic works is one of the best things to do in Athens.
Yes, there is a lot of tagging, but discovering a real gem should make your vacation to Athens delightful and an excellent reason to visit.
5. Athens’ museums – A treasure trove awaits
Athens is a haven for history buffs, boasting a plethora of world-class museums.
You can find rare artefacts that tell the story of the city’s illustrious past everywhere from the National Archaeological Museum to the Acropolis Museum.
The National Archaeological Museum is an excellent place to go if you enjoy learning about ancient Greece. With more than eleven thousand items from various eras, it is the biggest of its kind in Greece.
Another excellent option is the Benaki Museum, which features an extensive collection of artwork, jewellery, and coins and provides a glimpse into Greek culture over the ages.
With so many museums only in the city core, you are definitely spoiled for choice. You just have to choose the ones you want to go to!
For instance, the War Museum in Athens boasts an impressive array of tanks and other military equipment. The Byzantine, Christian, and Numismatic Museums are a few other renowned museums.
The Museum of Cycladic Art, which highlights the history and culture of the islands in the Aegean Sea, is another option for individuals with an interest in art history.
Additionally, there are many wonderful galleries for visitors to explore all across Athens. Read more about the best museums in Athens on Lonelyplanet.com.
6. Greek food scene – A foodie’s paradise
Travellers should definitely consider visiting Athens for the cuisine. Prepare your taste buds for a distinctive gastronomic experience. Greek food, which is highly regarded worldwide, is centred in Athens.
Greek food is well known for its distinctive flavour and seasonal ingredients. Dine in beautiful tavernas and neighbourhood cafes while enjoying the wonderful flavours of moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava.
‘Klimataria’ is a fantastic place to go if you’re looking for authentic Greek food. One of the city’s oldest taverns, it offers traditional regional cuisine together with Greek music and dance (on certain days).
Don’t miss the chance to try authentic Greek cuisine, like spanakopita (spinach pie), tzatziki (yoghurt dip with cucumber and garlic), and loukoumades (honey dumplings).
A gyro is a good option for quick meals. They are a wonderful and substantial Greek variation on the doner kebab. Some of the best food in Athens is made by ‘O Kostas’ in the Syntagma neighbourhood.
Explore the thriving Varvakios Agora, the city’s major market, to see how the fresh products and spices that make up the foundation of Greek cuisine are traded there.
7. Greece’s coastal charms – A sun-drenched escape
Although you would not consider Athens to be a beach destination, there are many sandy areas where you can top off your tan and relax by the water.
The Athens Riviera, a length of coastline with numerous public and private beaches, is located directly on the southern edge of Greece’s capital city.
There are several beaches you can visit near the city if you cannot travel to the islands. One such location is only twenty kilometres outside of Athens, and its name is Vouliagmeni. Visit Vouliagmeni Beach for the day to relax or to enjoy water sports.
There are numerous beaches in this coastal area where you can enjoy the sun on golden beaches and turquoise waters. The best aspect is that many are close together and ideal for a quick Sun-drench escape.
8. Party all night in buzzing neighbourhoods
Few cities in the world are as nightlife-focused as Athens, making it one of the best reasons to visit Athens!
There are a tonne of fantastic clubs and bars in Athens, which are dispersed over various neighbourhoods.
Discover the vibrant neighbourhoods of Psiri and Gazi, where you can enjoy a night out dancing in cool clubs and sipping cocktails in chic pubs. The nightlife in Athens is renowned for its variety, including everything from jazz lounges to clubs playing electronic dance music.
Discover the warmth of Greek hospitality while making new friends and dancing till the dawn.
9. Athens’ epic day escapes – Explore nearby wonders
Being in the middle of Greece, Athens is ideally situated for some incredible day adventures. From Athens, you can travel quickly to a variety of breathtaking locations.
You can visit the nation’s mainland to see some of the most incredible historical and religious sites, including the incredible Meteora and Delphi, head to the coast and Cape Sounion to take in the sunset, or even embark on a brief, lavish cruise around the neighbouring islands in the Saronic Gulf, depending on your interests.
If you’d like to take an extended trip, you can visit Mykines, where you can follow in Agamemnon’s footsteps and see the ruins of one of the most magnificent ancient Greek cities, as well as Nafplio, which is only thirty to forty-five minutes away and is a lovely town with two fortresses, one of which is on an island and was considered the first capital of modern Greece.
Also, you can visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus close to Nafplio and if you happen to travel during the winter, you can experience the Ski Centre of mountain Parnassos and explore the historic village of Arahova, which is 2.5 hours from Athens.
These day trips give you a deeper appreciation of Greece’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
10. Souvenir shopping in Athens – Memories to cherish
From crowded markets to high-end stores, Athens offers an excellent shopping experience. It’s a terrific city for souvenir shopping, too.
A broad variety of goods are offered, including Greek wines and olive oil, which are not only delectable but also regarded as high-quality goods that can be found in Athens.
Other Greek trinkets you can think about purchasing are handmade Greek pottery, olive oil soaps, idols of the Goddess Athena and Greek wise owls.
Discover unique goods and bargain with supportive vendors at the historical Monastiraki Flea Market. Another fantastic shopping area is the Plaka neighbourhood, where you can discover quaint stores stocked with Greek handicrafts and souvenirs.
11. Athens from above – Captivating cityscapes
There aren’t many cities that can provide tourists with the kind of beautiful views of the cityscape as Athens can.
The city of Athens is situated inside the boundaries of the Attica Peninsula and is encircled by four sizable mountains. For the breathtaking views from the top, nature lovers frequently hike up these lush green sides.
However, there are also beautiful view possibilities within the city, with the most well-known hills being Lycabettus and Philopappos. It’s the ideal location for photographing moments fit for Instagram. Since you can trek or ride a funicular to the summit, getting there is an adventure in and of itself.
But don’t be discouraged if it all seems like too much trouble. Right in the heart of Athens, there are a number of rooftop pubs and eateries where you may sip your beverage while admiring the Parthenon, as well as spectacular hotels with vistas of the Acropolis.
One of the finest is the Acropolis View Hotel, which is situated in Athens’ old neighbourhood and offers breathtaking views of the Parthenon. The ‘A for Athens’ or ‘360 Cocktail Bar’, which is located above Monastiraki Square, will treat you to some amazing 360-degree panoramas of the city.
12. Celebrate in Athens – A year of extraordinary moments
The annual calendar of festivities and events in Athens is quite active. The city is always hosting events, from music festivals to cultural festivals.
Athens and Epidaurus Arts Festival is among some of the major highlights, which takes place from June to August and features open-air drama, dances, opera, and classical music performances.
International and local musicians from all over the world perform at the week-long Athens Jazz Festival. Cine enthusiasts from all over the world travel to Athens for the International Film Festival.
Consequently, there are many activities happening all year long! When planning your trip to Athens, be sure to look up what events are scheduled and go to any you can to learn more about the city’s culture and experience authentic Greek joy.
Summary
In summary, Athens is a city of unending wonders that skillfully combines its ancient past with contemporary attractiveness.
Every traveller may find something to enjoy in Athens, whether they are interested in history, food, or simply lounging in the Mediterranean heat.
I hope this post has convinced you to visit this ancient city. Prepare to be enchanted by this charming city’s charm and warmth by beginning to plan your trip there.
The trip of a lifetime is calling, and it could start in Athens. This is the starting point of your journey through the heart of Greece, and each experience you have there will serve as a constant reminder of the city’s enduring attraction.
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