Athens, Greece
City guide · Attica · Greece
The Acropolis & Parthenon · Acropolis Museum
About Athens, Greece
Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, a significant coastal urban area in the Mediterranean and the capital of the Attica region. It is one of the world's oldest cities, with recorded history spanning over 3,400 years, and is often regarded as the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy. The heritage of the Classical Era is still evident in the city, represented by ancient monuments and works of art, the most famous being the Parthenon on the Acropolis. Athens retains Roman, Byzantine, and a smaller number of Ottoman monuments, and contains two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Acropolis of Athens and the medieval Daphni Monastery. The city is home to several museums and cultural institutions, including the National Archaeological Museum, featuring the world's largest collection of ancient Greek antiquities, the Acropolis Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Benaki Museum, and the Byzantine and Christian Museum. Athens was the host city of the first modern-day Olympic Games in 1896 and hosted the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Who this destination fits
Highlights worth planning around
Strong fit
- Home to world-renowned ancient sites, including the Acropolis and Parthenon
- Rich cultural heritage with numerous museums and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Neighbourhoods like Plaka, Koukaki, and Monastiraki offer distinct characters and attractions
- Hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and the 2004 Summer Olympics
Tradeoffs
- The Acropolis is the most popular site and can have big crowds, especially midday
- Plaka, the most famous neighbourhood, is a top attraction but can be crowded
- A timed-entry reservation is required in advance to visit the Acropolis
Plan the trip
Best time to visit
April, just before Easter, is described as a wonderful time to explore the city with perfect sightseeing weather and relatively light crowds
Planning lead time
2 days is suggested as the amount of time needed to see the highlights