ATHENS

Getting around Athens

Athens is the capital of Greece. It’s a large, vibrant city known as the cradle of democracy and Western civilization. People visiting Athens for a couple of days typically stay in the center of Athens, as this is where most of the ancient sites and other attractions are located.

Getting around downtown Athens is relatively straightforward. As many streets are pedestrianized, going around on foot is the best (and often the only) way to explore the city. The Acropolis, for instance, can easily be reached on foot from many hotels. You can also catch the metro for a few stops, or use taxis now and then.

Things to see & do

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and it is filled with archaeological treasures. The Acropolis and Parthenon are the big draw for first-time visitors, but the city is littered with ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Visiting Athens is like taking a step back in time, a wonderful history lesson that is great for all ages. Whether you have one, two, or more days in this city, here are the best things to do in Athens.

Dining in Athens

Athenians love to eat out. From a quick kerbside souvlaki to a drawn-out evening sharing round after round of meze and tsipouro, city life is built around the simple pleasures of eating and sharing food. There are street food stalls, neighbourhood tavernas, and modern Greek bistros on every corner. Tables and chairs spill across squares and are wedged onto tree-studded pavements. It’s often cheaper to eat out than cook at home, though Athens has plenty of fine dining restaurants too