Explore the historical significance of Athens
There are few places where the past comes to life in quite the same way as in Athens. Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilisation, it’s a city bursting at the seams with historical landmarks, culture, intrigue and beauty.
It’s not just a place for history buffs – it’s one of the liveliest European capitals. A thriving café culture ensures you’re not left waning in between all the sightseeing and you’ll never have to venture far to enjoy the vibrant nightlife. A sophisticated bar scene will keep you hydrated and if you visit in summer, the party spills out onto rooftop terraces and garden courtyards. Foodies can indulge in everything from Michelin-starred cuisine to more traditional taverns. You’ll also find opportunities for exciting culinary pairings with a variety of excellent Greek wines.
Taking in Athens’ impressive sights has never been easier thanks to the pedestrian-only archaeological promenade, a tree-lined walkway that links the city’s major archaeological sites. You’ll journey back in time, taking in marble temples, Byzantine churches, ancient theatres, Greek cultural landmarks and Neoclassical museums.
No trip to Athens would be complete without taking in the Acropolis, towering above the city and taking on a different character over the course of a day. See it bathed in the early morning light, the soft glow of the evening, and lit up in all its golden glory at night.
Athens isn’t a city stuck in the past, however, and there are plenty of modern galleries including the National Gallery of Contemporary Art and the Technopolis, a restored complex of furnaces and industrial buildings in the city’s former gasworks.
One of the cultural highlights is the Athens Festival, a summer programme of open-air theatre, opera, classical music, and dance staged at venues across the city, including the second-century BC Odeon of Herodes Atticus, carved into the rocks below the Acropolis.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
Visit the Acropolis
Explore the incredible Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that rises above the city of Athens.
Sample Athens' art scene
Visit the National Gallery of Contemporary Art and spend time exploring collections of contemporary Greek and international art.
Step back in time
Walk the archaeological promenade, beginning on the marble-paved Dionysiou Areopagitou Street that runs along the southern slope of the Acropolis.
Soak up the architecture
Go exploring and discover the city’s numerous Byzantine churches and ancient theatres, including the 10th century Church of the Holy Apostles.
Roam the streets of old Athens
Wander through the beautiful streets of old Athens, stopping in at small cafes and boutiques along pretty walkways.
Unwind in the National Garden
Relax in the National Garden of Athens and enjoy some people watching surrounded by fragrant plants and trees.
A word from one of our experts
Athens has a well-deserved reputation as Europe's oldest capital city so it is no surprise that's it has got so much to offer to history buffs. But beyond ancient ruins and historical museums, the city also plays hosts to an eclectic collection of restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect gateway to the rest of Greece.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Athens
There are many incredible places to stay in Athens. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
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Trip Inspiration
Get inspired with our Athens example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
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Explore more of Greece
Crete
Crete was home to Europe’s earliest civilisation, the Minoans, and the legendary birthplace of Zeus. That’s quite a claim to fame but not content to just be historically interesting, the island also has a wealth of natural beauty and some of the country’s best beaches.
Folegandros
Positioned in the southern reaches of the Cyclades and surrounded by the glistening blues of the Aegean Sea, Folegandros is a beautiful and largely undiscovered island, currently emerging as a rewarding and laid-back haven.
Milos
The southwestern-most of the Cyclades, it encapsulates the beautiful beaches, rustic white-washed houses, cyan waters, great food and rich history of its neighbours without the crowds of Santorini or Mykonos.
Mykonos
Mykonos might be one of the smallest islands in the Cyclades complex but it makes up for it in character. Its reputation as a glamorous party destination has stuck since the 50s and while it’s true people here know how to have a good time, the island is incredibly beautiful, its beaches and secluded corners offering refuge to those who seek it.
Paros
Paros is an idyllic Greek island, which decorates the already beautifully mesmerizing Aegean seas, as part of a group of islands known as the Cyclades. It is the second largest island here and is famous for its bright sandy beaches which are lapped by perfectly turquoise waters, as well as its quaint yet traditional villages, connected by unrivalled Byzantine footpaths.
Peloponnese
The southern peninsular of Peloponnese, separated from the mainland by the Corinth Canal, encapsulates everything that is wonderful about Greece. It is both rich in culture and naturally beautiful.
Santorini
Sheer cliffs hundreds of metres high shield coves and beaches made up of red, white and black sand, while pretty villages of limewashed cubic houses creep up the sides, nestled into every nook and cranny.
Spetses
Despite this rather diminutive size, it has a rich history dating back millennia and has been a favourite of well-to-do Athenians for over a century, now hosting a handful of wonderful boutique hotels.
Meet your Europe team
When to visit
Greece is known for glorious summer weather, blazing sunshine and clear blue skies from May to September. This is typically the best time to visit Greece – the country is full of life and temperatures reach the late 30s. It’s also peak season, though, so many tourists descend on the small island.
Beach Break
June - September
Religious Celebrations
March - April
Plan your trip to Athens
Whatever you want from your adventure in Athens, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
