Holiday in Athens

What makes Athens special as a destination?

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and the cradle of Western civilization, where democracy, philosophy, and theater originated. The Acropolis with the Parthenon majestically overlooks a metropolis that seamlessly blends ancient ruins with vibrant city life. At the foot of the sacred rock stretches the largest archaeological pedestrian zone in Europe — from Kerameikos through the ancient Agora and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The new Acropolis Museum, an architectural masterpiece by Bernard Tschumi, showcases the Parthenon sculptures and finds from the Sacred Rock in light-filled spaces above visible ancient excavations. The National Archaeological Museum houses the most significant collection of antiquities in the world, including the gold mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera mechanism — the oldest computer in history. But Athens is much more than antiquity: The Plaka district with its neoclassical houses and bougainvillea-lined streets, Monastiraki with its flea market and street food stalls, the alternative Exarchia with its graffiti artworks and anarcho-cafés, and the trendy Koukaki with rooftop bars and views of the illuminated Acropolis form a mosaic of urban subcultures. The Athenian Riviera along the southern coast offers beaches and fish restaurants, while Mount Lycabettus provides the best 360-degree view over the city to the Saronic Gulf. The culinary scene is booming: From traditional taverns with moussaka and souvlaki to award-winning restaurants with modern Greek cuisine, everything is represented.