The capital of Greece, Athens is considered to be the historic capital of
continental Europe. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and
continues to have a vibrant cultural scene. Greece is a popular tourist
destination and Athens is at the heart of the country. It is well connected
by Athens International Airport (ATH) and Piraeus, the largest European
passenger port. The city is sprawled with Ancient, Roman, Byzantine and
Ottoman monuments, museums, cultural entities and home to two UNESCO World
Heritage Sites, the Daphni Monastery and the Acropolis of Athens. In
addition to the historic landmarks, the city has over 140 theatrical
stages, Athens Planetarium, Athens Concert Hall, Greek National Opera and
several festivals round the year to keep visitors entertained.
Things to do in Athens
The Acropolis
The Acropolis is the unmissable landmark in Athens. The citadel can be
traced back to the fourth century BC. It is the best example of Classical
Greek architecture and one of the greatest archaeological sites in the
world. Several buildings are found here, the most prominent ones are the
Parthenon (the iconic temple dedicated to Goddess of Athena), the Odeon of
Herodes Atticus (a stone theatre and venue for the annual Athens Festival)
and the Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus (a walled sanctuary dedicated to Zeus
Polieus). You may also choose to visit Acropolis museum which is focused on
the findings of the site.
The National Archaeological Museum
Athens has a flurry of museums suiting different preferences of visitors.
The National Archaeological Museum houses the best
collection of ancient Greek jewelry, sculpture, and pottery. The artefacts
displayed here are among the most important ones found in Greece ranging
from the prehistoric era to late antiquity. The museum has an epigraphical
section, which houses over 14,000 inscriptions as well as one for Egyptian
artefacts which houses over 6,000 items.
The Ancient Agora
Former marketplace and heart of city life in Ancient Athens, the Agora was
used as a place of assembly. Founded in the 6th century B.C, it
is carved out of marble. The site has several surviving examples of
statues, stone carvings, and columns.
Best Time to visit Athens
Greece is an all year-round tourist destination due to its great weather.
June to August is peak season in the country when the crowds pour in and
prices are inflated. The best time to book Athens flight is from March to
May and September to November. Those who decide to visit during peak season
are advised to book EWR to ATH flights in advance to avoid paying more at
the last minute.