Saturated with history, the city of Athens offers a combination of ancient and modern cultures. Athens is considered by many to be the birthplace of civilization, but don't be surprised to find historical sites like the Acropolis resting alongside modern designer stores and restaurants.

Acropolis

Surrounded by mountains, Athens is sunny year-round with mild winters and hot summers. The most popular site in the city, and the country, is the Acropolis, the remains of the ancient Athenian town that rests upon a hill overlooking the rest of the city. Made up of several weathered buildings, including the Parthenon, an ancient temple, the Acropolis can be seen from almost everywhere in Athens and often takes a day to tour.

Museums

The National Archaeological Museum is the most important and well-known museum in Greece and contains collections that date back to ancient civilization. The Benaki Museum, the country’s oldest private museum, is another popular museum and offers a collection of over 20,000 items that all revolve specifically around the history and culture of Greece.

Places to See

If you have time, be sure to visit the Tomb of the Unknown soldier, a monument in honor of Greek soldiers who have fallen in the battlefield, to witness the changing of the guards. The tomb rests at the base of the Parliament Building in Syndagma Square, the political heart of the city. Nearby, visitors will find Plaka, the oldest district of modern Athens, where the street layout and monuments offers a glimpse into what it was like to live in ancient Greece.

Mingle with locals in the afternoon at the old Turkish bazaar near Monastiraki Square, where you can find everything from handmade jewelry to fresh fruits and vegetables. Spend the rest of the afternoon taking in some of the cities most important buildings and monuments, including Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Byzantine Kapnikarea Church. End the day with a stroll through the National Garden, which offers a peaceful atmosphere filled with small lakes, vibrant flowers, some rare trees, a small zoo and a botanical museum.

Dining and Entertainment

Dining in Athens is always a treat and whether you’re looking for something to pick-up and enjoy as you walk or a sit-down meal, you’ll have no problems finding it at one of the hundreds of restaurants and small cafes that are littered throughout the city. After dinner take in a live performance at the Odeon of Herod Atticus or catch a move at one of the many Greek therinas (open-air cinemas) that fill the city. In the winter, the Megaron Musikis is open for concerts.

Many people visiting Athens are surprised to find that the city is known throughout Europe not just for it’s ancient history but for it’s lively nightlife as well. Set against a background of monuments and historic buildings, the bars, pubs and lounges in Athens are open into the early hours of the morning.

Hotels

Since the city hosted the Olympics in 2004, the hotels in Athens have increased in number and improved in quality. Before the games began, almost every hotel in Athens underwent renovations to prepare for the crowds so that now the budget-friendly hotels have more amenities and higher-end accommodations are even more luxurious. There are also more hotel choices for middle-class visitors who might not be able to afford some of the pricier hotels but want more comfort than is offered in hostels.

(Photo:Fotolia/Roman Milert)