Destination Spotlight: Athens, Greece
Written on February 27, 2025
We still recount the culture, marvel at the buildings, and read the stories that originated in ancient Greece. At the heart of many of these famous elements is Athens, Greece’s capital city. Today, Athens, is much more than ruins and history; it’s a thriving destination that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition in ways that continue to captivate travelers.
Celebrate the Past
For many, the allure of Athens lies in its rich history. Perhaps no symbol of the city is as prominent as the Acropolis. This rocky hill rising in the city’s center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to several ancient buildings, including the famous Parthenon. The Parthenon’s precise construction remains a feat of engineering even today, and ongoing restorations continue to preserve its legacy for future visitors.
Visitors to the Acropolis can walk amongst the ruins, but they should also visit the neighboring Acropolis Museum. This modern museum opened in 2009 and displays many artifacts from the site. The entire top floor is dedicated to the Parthenon with sculptures positioned to replicate their original placement on the structure. Excavations during the construction of this new museum revealed ancient walls and artifacts, which are now on view in the museum’s entrance.
The intricate details of the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and Hadrian’s Arch will inspire the imaginations of both history buffs and architecture lovers. They can take in the detail and skill of Greek culture’s early bronze works and mosaics at the National Archaeological Museum. The marble-laden Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic games in 1896, can also be found in the heart of the city.
Beautiful Views
Athens in a sprawling city that rests in the shadow of hills and sweeps down to the Aegean Sea. Although the Acropolis is centrally located, Lycabettus Hill is taller and offers the best spot for a panoramic view of Athens. Those who are up for a climb can take the stairs carved into the hillside to reach the top. Riding the cable car is also an option.
After a long climb or a short ride, visitors can explore Saint George’s church. Built in 1870, this small church is known for its white-washed exterior that contrasts with the richly colored murals inside. After a stroll around the church, visitors can relax and enjoy the view at the hilltop’s restaurant. The view only gets better as the sun sets and the city lights come into view.
From the hilltop, visitors can likely spot the National Gardens. These 38 sprawling acres bring lush greenery to one of the busiest areas of the city. Nestled between the Greek Parliament and the Panathenaic Stadium, the National Gardens offer an idyllic way to escape to nature’s beauty. Visitors can stroll the winding paths and visit a small zoo, playground, duck pond, and the Botanical Museum.
Cuisine
Trying fresh olive oil in Greece is a must, with many restaurants serving it as a dip with bread. Gyro shops are found at nearly every corner and prepare the perfect on-the-go pitas for lunch. Visitors may be (pleasantly) surprised to find that along with the typical gyro fillings, most Athens gyros include French fries!
Many traditional Greek dishes, from savory spanakopita to delicate baklava, are prepared with filo dough. Be on the lookout for tiropites, which are filo dough filled with a mixture of Greek cheeses. Feta me meli, another treat, is feta wrapped in dough and drizzled with honey.
Hundreds of eateries around Athens offer tasty dishes to try. The neighborhood of Plaka around Monastiraki Square and Syntagma Square is vibrant and open late into the evenings. Look for restaurants that offer rooftop or open-air dining with a view of the nearby Acropolis.
