Considered to be the birthplace of Western civilisation, Athens is located on the southern coast of Greece, where it meets the Aegean Sea. The city has a long and fascinating history and has made a huge impact on modern philosophy, science, and arts. Visitors come to Athens to take in some of the world’s most famous sites, from the hilltop Acropolis, which still stands high above the streets, to the Agora, which served as the heart of the ancient city. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited neighbourhoods, Plaka, sprawls down the hill under the Acropolis in a jumble of knotted alleyways and pastel-hued houses.

Not everything in Athens is ancient. Vestiges of a lost empire peek out from in between the modern buildings and grand boulevards of a truly cosmopolitan metropolis. In Syntagma Square, you can check out the grand Greek Parliament building with its classic columns and watch the changing of the guard ceremony, while in Gazi-Kerameikos, you’ll find souvlaki spots, bars pouring ouzo, and nightclubs within the shell of an old gasworks building.

The closest airport is Athens International Airport (ATH). From there, you can take a taxi to the city centre, or there is a convenient airport metro service that is located just five minutes from the terminal. It takes around 40 minutes to reach Syntagma Square, which lies in the centre of the city and serves as a major transit hub, where you can then catch the bus or metro to your Athens holiday rental. Most of the major attractions in Athens can be reached by walking, and there’s also a metro network that connects the main sites. Driving within the city isn’t necessary, and the traffic can be challenging for the inexperienced.

Athens has relatively mild weather compared to other major European cities, making it a popular year-round destination. During the summer, you can expect long, hot, sunny days for exploring ancient archaeological sites or hitting the beach at Kalamaki just south of the city. This is also when you can catch the Epidaurus Festival, which celebrates Greek music, theatre, and dance all summer long. The warmer months are also a good time to visit the Greek islands, but bear in mind this also when they’re at their busiest. Spring and autumn are quieter, and you can still take advantage of warm weather. In winter, visitor numbers drop considerably, giving you the chance to explore the city with mostly locals for company.

Acropolis

One of the most famous landmarks in Athens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient stone citadel stands on the top of a hill and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. Many of the structures here, including the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike, were originally built in the fifth century and, although the city has been under the control of many different empires throughout its history, this breathtaking complex has weathered it all.

Ancient Agora

As the centre of classical Athens, the Ancient Agora was the most important meeting place for politicians, merchants, artists, and scholars. You can check out the ruins of more than 30 buildings, temples, and monuments here, and, with a little imagination, you can almost see toga-clad figures from thousands of years ago going about their daily lives. The Museum of the Ancient Agora showcases some of the area’s most important treasures and is a great place to get a new perspective on this ancient site. Keep an eye out for resident tortoises around the grounds.

Kapnikarea

Located on Ermou Street, one of Athens’ most upscale shopping streets, Kapnikarea is one of the city’s oldest churches, dating back to the 11th century. This ancient stone structure stands in stark contrast to the luxury shops and eateries around it with its decorative carved exterior, gold-flecked mosaic, and frescoes.