Athens is an ancient city dating back more than three thousand four hundred years ago. Athens is the capital city of
Greece as well as its largest and most populated city. The city is one of the oldest cities in the world and is home to many archaeological and historical sites. Athens remains one of the most active economic, historical, cultural, and financial hubs in the Attic region as well as in Southeastern Europe.
Athens has an outstanding landscape, complete with a mix of the ancient housing designs, some of them dating back into the 5th Century BC, and the contemporary building designs. Some of the ancient landmarks in Greece are the most attractive tourist spots. The Acropolis, for example, features a beautiful fortress that is set on the top of a rocky hill, standing mighty for all to see. The Parthenon Temple is another of the attractive ancient building, equally set high up on a pedestal hilltop.
Ancient Greece was a mighty empire with the most civilized people. Most of this history is preserved within Athens Museums, including the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. Here, numerous sculptures, jewelry, vases, and many other precious things are stored away. Various works of art and craft, drawings, and paintings are displayed here as well; tourists flock here to learn the cultural history of ancient Greece.
The other side of Athens is a vibrant nightlife where people drink and party all night long, and this is made possible at the Psiri, Kolonaki, and Gazi districts. Tourists visit these regions for good music and dance accompanied by their favorite drinks and meals. More food courts that serve traditional and local dishes are available at the Plaka region. The Plaka region is famous for its endless winding paths, and lanes only meant for pedestrian use. It features a laid-back kind of life and the ever-beautiful neoclassical home designs.
Ermou Boulevard is famous for being the best shopping area in Athens. Here, numerous boutiques trade both modern fashion and beautiful traditional art and silver jewelry. Close by, the Syntagma Square is home to the Old Royal Palace that is now Greece’s Parliament building, and it forms yet another attraction spot.
The beautiful walkway at the Grand Promenade goes around the Acropolis and gives view to the ancient ruins of the Agora of Athens Complex. Established to hold the 2004 Olympics, the Grand Promenade forms a very magnificent sight with its outstanding contemporary design.
Athens enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Most of its days are hot, humid, and dry. The peak travel period to Athens is between
May and
September when the weather is warm, pleasant, and tolerable. On varying dates in
March and
April, Athens celebrates the Holy Easter week, a very important religious festivity that sees most businesses closing down for the same. The celebration is marked with great church services, religious candle-lit processions, and beautiful fireworks to sum it up.
Another key event in Athens is the Athens and Epidaurus Festival. It celebrated on varying dates during the summer months, and it showcases incredible classical music, ancient Greek Drama shows, as well as various traditional and contemporary dances for entertainment on several outdoor locations across Athens. In
November, Athens holds the Athens Marathon that usually follows the iconic route of the 490BC run, to appreciate and cheer the sport.