Athens is an ancient city, as well as the capital of modern Greece and its largest city. It is located at the south of Greece’s mainland, in the Aegean Sea’s Saronic Gulf. You can reach many of the country’s famous islands from Athens’s Piraeus Port. Many of Classical civilization’s intellectual and artistic ideas originated here, and the city is generally considered to be the birthplace of Western civilization. At the same time, it is a contemporary and vibrant city, combining its history and ancient sites in unique and creative ways.

The best things to do in Athens are visiting the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, as well as all the sites surrounding the historic part of town they are located in. Athens is steeped in history and culture, from the ancient ruins dotted around the city, to its fascinating museums, like the National Archaeological Museum. You can stroll the charming streets of Old Plaka, discover Greek food and wines, hit a number of beaches and ascend the Temple of Poseidon. Attending a concert at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone Roman theater at the base of the Acropolis, is an unforgettable experience.

The best times to visit Athens are between March and May and from September to November. Weather during these spring and fall months is agreeable and sunshine is pretty much guaranteed. Also, crowds are thinner and hotel and airfare deals are easier to come by than in summer.

In Athens, the summers are hot, dry and clear and the winters are short, though they can be cold and are sometimes windy and cloudy. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 42 F to 92 F and is rarely below 34 F or above 97 F.

In comparison to other European capitals, Athens is on the cheaper side, though tourist attractions and hotels can become pricy. While prices can vary, the average meal in Athens should cost around €25 per person. Breakfast prices are generally cheaper than lunch or dinner. The average price of a 3-star hotel in Athens is about €80-120, though nightly apartments are much cheaper. A coffee or cheap beer cost just under €2.

Athens is considered a very safe city, even for solo female travelers. Visitors can be put off by the graffiti that proudly covers some of Athens’s neighborhoods, Exarchia in particular. But this street art is a part of the city’s history and feel. The crime rate is very low and as long as you take normal precautions, you will feel safe here. Most visits are trouble-free, though like most large cities, petty theft is more common on the metro and in crowded tourist sights.

Greek cuisine features lots of seasonal vegetable, high-quality olive oil and good seafood. You may know popular Greek foods like souvlaki, moussaka, and feta cheese, but there’s so much more to discover. Stuffed vegetables, fresh calamari and a variety of street food like savory pies, fresh yogurt, Choriatiki salad, fantastic cheeses, wines and more!

The best neighborhoods in Athens for tourists are Plaka, Monastiraki, Koukaki, Syntagma, Kolonaki and Psyri, which are conveniently located to all the major sites. Travelers with early morning ferries might be tempted to stay in Piraeus near the port, but the metro opens early and taxis are plentiful, so staying in Athens is strongly recommended.

Full vaccinations currently stand at close to 61.42% of the population, and proof of vaccination is required for entry.

Travelers from USA may travel to Greece with proof of vaccination, and require no visa up to 90 days.

You can fly directly to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos, which is a 30-40 minute taxi ride to downtown Athens. You can also reach the center by metro (45 minutes) or shuttle bus (60 minutes).

Athens has a very diverse dining scene from the traditional to the trendy, and it is ever-changing. Some of our favorite restaurants include Diporto, Seychelles, Kriti and Ama Lachi stis Nefelis.

Athens can be a fantastic getaway for families with kids of all ages. Many of the sites and museums offer plenty to entertain both children and adults, and the pleasant parks and seaside are a perfect place for families to relax after a few days of sightseeing.