Athens has a remarkable historical timeline, being one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities with a recorded history of over 3,400 years. Athens holds the distinction of being widely recognized as the birthplace of democracy, where the concept was first introduced and practiced during the 5th century BC. The Acropolis, an iconic symbol of Athens, houses the magnificent Parthenon—a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Renowned for its architectural and historical significance, it ranks among the world's most important sites. Athens boasts multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Acropolis, the Historic Centre of Athens, and the Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage. Playing a significant role in Greece's olive oil industry, Athens contributes to the country's reputation for olive oil production. Olive trees and olive oil have held a central place in Mediterranean culture and cuisine for centuries.
For an optimal experience, consider visiting Athens during the pleasant weather and lesser tourist crowds of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). Summers tend to be hot and busy, while winters are generally mild but can be rainy.
The Athens Metro provides efficient and convenient travel within the city, with an extensive network that connects major attractions and neighborhoods. Athens has a comprehensive bus system that covers the entire city, including both central areas and suburbs. Well-established bus routes and schedules can be found at bus stops and online. Along the coastal areas, Athens has a tram network that operates, providing scenic views and access to popular destinations such as the beach and the city center. Taxis are easily available in Athens. You can either hail one on the street or locate them at designated taxi stands. It is recommended to ensure that the taxi meter is running throughout your journey.
Greek is the official language spoken in Athens, Greece. However, in tourist areas, you will find that many locals have a basic understanding of English and can communicate to some extent.
To fully explore Athens' major attractions like the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and Plaka neighborhood, it is advised to allocate a minimum of 2-3 days. If you have additional time, you can consider venturing out to nearby destinations such as Delphi or the islands for a more comprehensive experience.
When visiting Athens, some essential attractions that shouldn't be missed include the Acropolis and its iconic Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, the charming Plaka neighborhood, the National Archaeological Museum, and the impressive Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Athens is a relatively safe city. Keep these travel tips in tow so your trip can go off without a hitch. Though beautiful, it’s best to take extra caution when visiting Omonia Square, especially late at night. Green spaces throughout the city like the National Gardens are beautiful in the daytime, but minimal lighting at night means the areas can be rife with pickpockets. When considering the things to do in Athens after dark, walking in the gardens should be avoided. In any emergency, dial 112.