Athens

Greece

“Let there be light! Said Liberty, And like the sunrise from the sea, Athens arose!”
– Percy Bysshe Shelley

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history spanning over 3,500 years. The birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western civilization, Athens continues to inspire through its archaeological treasures. The city’s iconic landmark, the Acropolis, greets its visitors with its imposing presence. As cliche as it sounds, one cannot simply miss visiting this world-famous archaeological site. Athens could well be described as an open-air museum or a treasure chest overflowing with unique possessions. This city is a paradise for history buffs and art-lovers with everything from ancient to contemporary represented in its galleries and museums. The city's concert venues range from ancient open-air theaters to a brand new National Opera house. As a culinary destination, Athens is hard to beat, graze at buzzing markets and feast on street food or head upstairs and upscale to rooftop restaurants with killer views of the Parthenon, lit up against the night sky.

Modern-day Athens is a vibrant mix of old and new. Following the years of recession, this brave city has managed to transform itself in a positive way. The revived, rough neighborhoods of Athens have become the hippest areas in the city, attracting both locals and visitors alike. A city of colors, aromas and a buzzing nightlife is a suitable description of Athens, a city that perfectly intertwines the ancient and modern, but always with an authentic touch. Athens also has a well-kept secret, as its coastal neighborhoods are equally captivating. The Athens Riviera has become one of the most popular coastal destinations in Europe. End the day at the southernmost tip of Attica, as you witness one of the most spectacular sunsets at the Temple of Poseidon, where romantic poet Lord Byron carved his name at the base of one of the columns.

What we love about Athens

Giorgia

Rome City Host & Italy Destination Expert

When I visited Athens, I understood why it was the cradle of Greek society and the birthplace of democracy, among its many other famous names. Walking through the streets you can feel all of its different souls - from the historic old town, to luxurious mansions from the middle and renaissance ages, to modern government buildings, luxurious department stores, and fancy restaurants. Everything coexists, like the many cultures and civilizations here have done before us.

Bettina

Central Europe Team Leader

It was a dream come true when I finally had the chance to visit Athens. I have loved ancient history since I was a kid, and the moment I saw the Akropolis in the distance, I got teary-eyed. It is an unbelievably cool experience to see this incredible human achievement in person. Athens is definitely a place to put on your bucket list. Additionally, the city full of great restaurants and bars with fantastic local food. Athens is a must.

Things to do in Athens

Heritage and culture are just a few of Athens’ many highlights. The city of Athens has also developed into a fascinating modern metropolis brimming with young talent, who used the recent financial crisis as a stepping stone to give Athens a new direction, sense of meaning, and life. This rise in creativity paved a way to a plethora of tours being offered to visitors to experience the many faces of Athens and its surroundings.

We believe that no visit to Athens is complete without embarking on a culinary journey through the bustling streets, colorful markets, and ancient sites. Love at first bite is guaranteed. To discover another side of Athens, we recommend spending a day driving along the spectacular coast of the Athenian Riviera, dotted with Blue Flag awarded beaches, multimillion-dollar homes, and luxury marinas.

Athens enjoys a prime location for day trips to nearby islands, the ancient wine region of Nemea, or the world-famous archaeological site of Delphi -- which the ancient Greeks believed to be the center of the world. In Athens you will be spoilt for choice, as your customized itinerary will show.

Delphi Private Day Trip

Markets and Ruins Small Group Tour

Popular Tour Itineraries Featuring Athens

Spend some time in Athens on a tour that takes in other cities in Greece and neighboring countries. Our vacation packages including Athens and other destinations make traveling in Central & Eastern Europe hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.

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Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Athens

How many days should I spend in Athens?

Athens is much more than a stopover destination en route to the Greek islands. In fact, over the years it has become one of the top city break destinations in Europe, welcoming visitors at all times of year. There's more Athens than just the obvious must sees among the ancient Greek sites such as the Acropolis and Parthenon that sits atop it, the Temple of Zeus and the Agora. Plentiful day trip opportunities to Delphi or the Athens riviera, as well as a wide variety of interesting tours activities in the city itself, could easily justify a three or four day stay.