10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Athens
Top-Notch Cultural Attractions in Athens
It should be no surprise that Athens is often called the cradle of Western civilization.
Arts, philosophy, history, mythology, science, linguistics, and the Athenians’ contributions to the development of Western culture over the millennia have been more than significant.
And not all is lost in the sands of time. A few of Greece’s most important cultural attractions like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Hephaestus are situated in Athens.
Even if you’re not a culture vulture, visiting the birthplace of democracy and a tour of Athens’s most important historical attractions can give you a glimpse into the past and a better understanding of how the modern world was shaped.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, also known as the Olympieion
The Weather in Athens Is Ideal
There is really no bad time to visit Athens. The mild Mediterranean climate of Greece has gifted the capital city with mellow winters, sunny summers, and soothing temperatures in between.
Regardless of when you choose to visit, you can expect almost ideal weather conditions for your short city break or extended holiday.
The weather in Athens is perfect for vacationing all year round. Locals start heading towards the beaches near Athens as early as April, and most of the cafes and restaurants in Athens follow a strong al-fresco attitude and offer outdoor seating almost year-round.
If you’re a film buff, make sure to visit an open-air cinema in the city center for an unprecedented experience.
The best time to visit Athens is from March to June
Vibrant Nightlife in Athens
The nightlife in Athens is nothing short of stellar. Countless bars and nightclubs suit every taste and accommodate any desire.
Even though troubled times, locals never ceased regularly roaming the city’s streets after sundown in search of good cheer.
Due to its large size, Athens has several different nightlife hotspots that can sometimes extend to include entire neighborhoods, each one with its own unique style and character.
If you’re a night owl, be well prepared to spend considerable time exploring the city’s hidden charms.
The Athens nightlife is sophisticated and varied
Visit Athens and Experience the Greek Hospitality
Greek hospitality is not one of the legendary Greek myths. Hospitality is a major part of the Greek culture and there’s no better way to experience it than a trip to Athens.
Locals will happily go out of their way to help you with directions, tips, and advice and, of course, get to know you a little better.
The image of a vast metropolis that is always busy might make it seem odd at first, but given the chance, Athenians are very communicative and have a spontaneous urge to engage in conversation with travelers, especially over a glass of wine at their local tavern.
In this context, you can be sure that staying in one of the numerous hotels in Athens will be an incredible experience in its own right.
Monastiraki district is the best place to meet new people in Athens
And it gets better: We have written an extensive article about all kinds of hotels in Athens and our recommendations for every type of accommodation. Check it out; you shouldn’t miss it!
There Are Several Beaches Near Athens
What more can you ask for than sea, sun, and sand just a few kilometers away from the city center of a busy metropolis for a perfect vacation?
Indeed, you might instantly think of the famous Greek islands when planning your holidays in Greece, but Athens holds some secrets to behold.
If you visit during summer, you’ll notice that half of the city’s population mysteriously disappears on weekends. The key to this enigma is all too simple. There are several magnificent beaches within a short radius of the city center that are perfect for a quick escape.
Athens beaches are spread all along the southern and northeastern sides of the Attica peninsula
Greek Cuisine Is Just Wonderful
Even if you have never visited Greece before, you have probably heard about the famous Greek cuisine. Its simplistic brilliance, splendid taste, and fresh ingredients have been recognized worldwide.
And Athens is the place to be if you want to get a real taste of the evolving gastronomy scene of Greece.
The Greek capital teems with restaurants and every other kind of eatery, serving anything from traditional finger food to gourmet high-end molecular dishes and everything in between.
Day Trips From Athens
Athens’ location in the center of Greece makes it ideal for some extraordinary day trips. While based in Athens, you can easily wander to many magnificent destinations.
Depending on what your interests are, you can explore the country’s mainland and witness some of the most phenomenal historical and religious sites like the unique Meteora and Delphi, head towards the seafront and Cape Sounion to marvel at the sunset, or even join a short luxurious cruise around the nearby islands in the Saronic Gulf.
The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is one of the best day trips you can do from AthensAnd if these are not enough, check this article below and find out the best day trips from Athens! The possibilities are endless.
Athens Offers Amazing Views
Very few places can offer visitors such enchanting panoramas over the cityscape as Athens does.
Athens city is built within the confines of what is called the Attica Basin, surrounded by four large mountains, one at each end of the city. Nature lovers visit their lush green sides to admire the astonishing views from the top.
When you set off to discover Athens, you will be surprised by the many amazing vantage points the city offers. But there are also exquisite view opportunities within the city, with hills Lycabettus and Philopappos being the most popular. Nevertheless, don’t be disappointed if all that seems like too much trouble. There are several rooftop restaurants and bars right in Athens’ city center that will allow you to enjoy your drink while marveling at the Parthenon from above, as well as magnificent hotels with views of the Acropolis.
Events in Athens
Athens is buzzing with extraordinary events all year round. Whether it’s Christmas or Easter celebrations, the springtime carnivals, an athletic event, a dramatic play at an ancient theater, a summer music festival, or just a spontaneous party, there’s always something special going on in the Greek capital.
Locals never miss a chance to celebrate every aspect of life. They usually employ an over-the-top approach that lures visitors to surprise and fascinate them incredibly.
Make sure to check what is on when you take your trip to Athens and attend any event to get closer to the local culture and witness the true Greek cheerfulness.
Christmas mood in Athens
Shopping in Athens
It might not sound that special at first, but shopping in Athens is certainly an unparalleled experience. Here you can find everything from local products, and refined clothing at famous fashion designers’ stores to second-hand vintage knick-knacks on the streets.
Shopping in Athens is much more than practical for the locals. It involves long walks in the city followed by a cup of coffee, taking the form of a Sunday morning ritual.
When in Athens, spend your Sunday morning searching for antiques and collectibles at Monastiraki’s flea market.
Apart from the stores at Syntagma and Kolonaki, make sure to visit the flea market and the traditional food markets at Monastiraki for a quick and deep immersion in local Athenian culture.