Seductive and charming, Athens is the birthplace of classical Greece and thus of the western civilization. She is now a bustling metropolis and crowded and chaotic, yet she does not let you forget that it is here that the Olympics were first born, and it is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
What to see:
There is so much to see in Athens, but fortunately most of it is located within a small area of the old city. The Acropolis is one of the world’s most recognizable monuments, and along with the Pantheon it rises above the city’s modern façade. The city’s historical central square has banned cars, and has been transformed into a beautiful pedestrian walkway. Most of the historical monuments are located around this area, and there are many cultural shows and concerts which are held here, amalgamating beautifully with the remnants of centuries of history. If you want to move beyond these monuments do visit the Zografou which has many quaint taverns and restaurants.
What to eat:
The residents of Athens love to eat late and party late and there are many nightclubs and restaurants which cater to their whimsical tastes. Most clubbers do not begin to go out until midnight, and dinner does not start before eight pm at the earliest. If you are looking for low-budget meal, try the souvlaki, consisting of grilled meat, vegetables (tomato and onion slices) and Greek ‘tzatziki’ which is mainly yogurt enriched with garlic and cucumber. These can be found at the roadside tavernas in abundance. The Athenians love to have their coffee and their drink, and the city is filled with cafes and restaurants on all the streets.
When to go:
Late autumn and spring are the best months to visit Athens. Summers are hot and dry, and during winter months there are occasional spells of rain.