The Timeless Allure of a Trip to Athens
- Peregryn travel writers
- Sep 4
- 11 min read
Updated: Sep 8
When it comes to city breaks that immerse you in the wonders of the past, few places can hold a candle to Athens. This is a city imbued with a sense of grandeur, an ode to fallen empires and ancient splendour. Yet, in recent years, the Greek capital has become infused with a new freshness and vibrant energy that’s reinvigorated the city, transforming a time-worn treasure into a thoroughly modern metropolis.
Athens now boasts an influx of new hotels, offering world-class amenities, comfort and luxury. Its culinary scene has exploded too, with a new generation of talented chefs bringing imaginative twists on contemporary Greek cuisine, while the city’s burgeoning cosmopolitan foodie scene is flavored by cuisines from all over the world.
A trip to Athens is now a journey to the intersection of the past and present. Ancient ruins and modern attractions; classic cuisine and innovative dishes; old world romance and contemporary cool: you’ll experience it all in a city that’s become the beating heart of Greece's booming luxury tourism scene.
Where History and Modernity Converge
Athens. The very name evokes images of philosophical discourse, democratic ideals, and architectural marvels. Yet beyond the iconic Acropolis lies a city that has gracefully evolved, embracing modern sophistication while honoring its profound past. Here, ancient history isn't just a relic – it's a living, breathing narrative woven into the fabric of daily life, offering a unique cultural tapestry for those who seek it.
A Dazzling Trip Through Time
Of all the ancient places to go in Athens the Acropolis is perhaps the most spellbinding. To truly grasp the essence of this incredible site, arrange a private, early morning tour with a dedicated archaeologist. This allows you to witness the Parthenon's unparalleled architectural perfection and the sweeping views of Athens before the heat of the day. Outside of summer, particularly in winter, you’ll find fewer crowds to better appreciate this ancient wonder.
Imagine walking the sacred ground where democracy was born, where Pericles delivered his famous funeral oration, and where philosophers like Socrates once debated the very essence of existence. The Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, stands as a timeless testament to human ingenuity and artistic achievement, its Doric columns whispering tales of a golden age that shaped Western civilization.
How can you improve upon this uniquely fascinating experience? Context. While the ruins are truly astonishing, the incredible variety and wonderful conservation of the pieces bring the whole civilization to life. This makes a prior visit to the Acropolis Museum essential.
This architectural marvel not only houses every artifact found on the Acropolis from the Archaic to the Roman period but also features transparent floors revealing ongoing archaeological excavations beneath. This innovative design creates a powerful, visceral connection to the past, allowing you to walk above ancient Athenian neighborhoods. The museum's collection, meticulously displayed, includes the ethereal Caryatids, the majestic Parthenon Frieze, and countless sculptures that bring the ancient world to life with stunning clarity and context.
For an even deeper dive into Greece's storied past, the National Archaeological Museum stands as one of the world's most important. It boasts an unparalleled collection of artifacts from across Greece, spanning from prehistory to late antiquity. Here, you can marvel at the dazzling Mycenaean gold, including the famed "Mask of Agamemnon," the enigmatic Cycladic figurines that inspired modern art, and the breathtaking classical sculptures like the bronze Poseidon of Artemision. Each exhibit tells a powerful story of a civilization that laid the foundations for so much of what we understand today.
Step into the Ancient Agora, the very heart of ancient Athenian life. This was the political, commercial, and social hub where Socrates once walked, where democracy flourished, and where citizens gathered to discuss philosophy, politics, and daily affairs. Wander among the ruins of temples, stoas (covered walkways), and public buildings, including the remarkably preserved Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-intact ancient Greek temples. Adjacent, the Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds further illustrate Athens' layered history, offering glimpses into later periods of its development. Imagine the bustling marketplace, the impassioned speeches, and the intellectual debates that shaped Western thought.
Immerse yourself in athletic history at the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. This historic venue, dating back to the 4th century BCE, was originally used for the Panathenaic Games, an ancient festival of rituals, processions and athletic games held every four years. It was also the first venue of the modern Olympic Games in 1896. Imagine the roar of the crowd as you stand on the hallowed ground where ancient and modern athletic history intertwine. You can even indulge in one of the most unique things to do in Athens and run a lap on the track, following in the footsteps of past champions.
The Benaki Museum, with its extensive collection spanning Greek history and culture, offers another refined cultural excursion, as does the Museum of Cycladic Art, focusing on the fascinating prehistoric Aegean civilizations. The city's cultural calendar is remarkably rich, offering everything from international film festivals and open-air cinema under the stars to theatrical productions that breathe new life into ancient myths, often performed in ancient amphitheaters like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
The Heartbeat of Modern Athens
There’s an array of fascinating places to go in Athens, with several neighborhoods leading the charge in Athens' modern renaissance.
Kolonaki
Nestled at the foot of Lycabettus Hill, this upscale neighborhood is a hub of high fashion, independent art galleries, and chic boutiques, where Athenian intellectuals, artists, and discerning locals mingle. Spend an afternoon browsing contemporary Greek art, discovering unique designer pieces, or simply enjoying a coffee in a stylish cafe while observing the city's fashionable elite.
Monastiraki
With its charming narrow streets and popular Sunday vintage market, this vibrant neighborhood offers a fascinating insight into local Athenian life. You’ll find some of the city’s best dining spots, buzzy bars, chic shopping and shops selling local handmade goods. There’s a reason it’s one of the most popular places to go in Athens.
Plaka
Akin to a pretty little village inside a city, Plaka is a picture-postcard perfect neighborhood with cobblestone streets, neoclassical mansions and Byzantine churches. You’ll find fabulous restaurants, from old fashioned tavernas to buzzing street-food spots, along the main pedestrian street known as Adrianou, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Pangrati
This artsy and relaxed neighborhood, located southeast of the city center and a short walk from the Panathenaic Stadium, is a hub for creatives. It boasts a lively cafe culture, charming streets for wandering, and a diverse array of independent shops, eclectic eateries, and stylish bars. Don't miss the Goulandris Museum of Modern Art, which houses an impressive collection of contemporary Greek and international works. Pangrati also offers green spaces like Alsos Pangratiou, an urban oasis perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Koukaki
Just south of the Acropolis, Koukaki has earned a reputation as one of Athens' coolest neighborhoods. It beautifully blends vibrant modern delights with historic charm, all while maintaining a distinctly local feel. You'll find a mix of neoclassical and modern architecture, housing stylish boutiques selling items by Greek designers (from jewelry to unique ceramics), alongside art galleries and traditional tavernas. It's incredibly walkable and offers easy access to major archaeological sites while feeling wonderfully authentic.
Makrygianni
Located on the south side of the Acropolis, this upscale neighborhood is one of Athens’ hippest neighborhoods. You’ll find the Acropolis museum at its heart, with a leafy avenue lined with chic cafes, independent art galleries, charming bistros and artisanal craft shops. An eclectic blend of buzzy modernity and old world charm, it’s one of Athens’ most popular neighborhoods.
Psyrri
Once a gritty industrial area, Psyrri has been reinvented as a hip and happening district, particularly renowned for its nightlife. While it retains a taste of old-style Athens with traditional workshops, it's now packed with trendy bars, live music venues, and vibrant street art. Explore the area around Iroon Square for a lively evening, or during the day, discover hidden art galleries and unique shops.
Exarcheia
Known as Athens' counter-cultural hub, Exarcheia is a raw and authentic neighborhood with a strong artistic and intellectual vibe. It's a haven for independent bookstores, comic shops, music stores (especially for metal and punk), and boasts a prolific street art scene. While perhaps less polished than other areas, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a different side of Athens, with numerous cafes and alternative cultural spaces.
Kypseli
This diverse and multicultural inner-city neighborhood is a true "beehive" of activity, attracting young creatives and artists. Its streets are lined with a fascinating mix of international eateries, from Kurdish kebab houses to Ethiopian restaurants, alongside traditional ouzeries. Kypseli offers a glimpse into authentic local Athenian life, with a growing number of galleries and bars.
Gazi & Kerameikos
These adjacent neighborhoods, once home to an old gas factory (now the Technopolis 20 cultural center), have transformed into Athens' post-millennial design, art, and nightlife districts. Gazi, in particular, comes alive at night with a plethora of very cool bars and a thriving club scene that continues into the early morning hours.
The Fashion Triangle
A charming little wedge between the historic squares of Syntagma, Omonia and Monastiraki, Athens’ fashion triangle is home to some of the city’s chicest boutiques and best brands. Ancient Greek Sandals makes fabulous footwear inspired by antiquity, Karavan creates colorful womenswear and 90-year-old Natural Greek Fabrics sell beautiful custom-made beach towels and household textiles.
Beyond the Ancients: The Best Things to Do and Places to Go in Athens
A masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by Renzo Piano, the SNFCC is a cultural beacon. It houses the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece, but it's much more than just buildings. The sprawling Stavros Niarchos Park offers vast green spaces, walking paths, a Mediterranean garden, and hosts free concerts, yoga classes, and outdoor film screenings. Head up to Faros, the lighthouse, for stunning views of the Saronic Gulf.
Housed in a beautifully repurposed former brewery, EMST is Athens' answer to the Tate Modern. It showcases an impressive collection of contemporary Greek and international art, with a focus on challenging and thought-provoking exhibitions across various media, from painting to video and experimental architecture.
Street Art Tours
Athens' street art scene is prolific and dynamic, especially in neighborhoods like Psyrri, Exarcheia, and Metaxourgeio. Consider taking a guided street art bike tour or walking tour to discover hidden alleys, bold murals, and understand the stories behind these powerful urban expressions.
Boutique Shopping & Concept Stores
Beyond the mainstream, Athens offers a growing number of independent boutiques and concept stores. Explore areas like Kolonaki for high-end Greek designers and international brands, or delve into Koukaki and Psyrri for unique ceramics, handmade jewelry, and quirky fashion. Keep an eye out for places like Hyper Hypo in Monastiraki/Psyrri, an art book and magazine shop that also hosts events and exhibitions.
Rooftop Bars & Dining with a View
Athens' skyline, punctuated by the Acropolis, provides a dramatic backdrop for modern dining and drinking experiences. Numerous rooftop bars, particularly the A for Athens hotel in Monastiraki and the GB Roof Garden and Bar 8 at Hotel Grand Bretagne. Many offer incredible views of the Parthenon and the Acropolis illuminated at night, providing a truly unique blend of ancient and modern.
Local Markets and Food Experiences
While the Varvakios Agora Central Market offers a traditional sensory overload, explore smaller, localized markets within neighborhoods like Kypseli for a glimpse into daily Athenian life. Consider a guided street food tasting tour to delve into the city's burgeoning culinary scene beyond formal restaurants, sampling local delicacies and discovering hidden gems.
One of Athens' newest cultural additions, inaugurated in 2023, this museum is dedicated to the life and work of the legendary Greek opera singer. It's a fascinating journey through her career and personal life, with exhibits of costumes, music scores, and personal items. The museum also hosts concerts and workshops.
Gastronomic Excellence: A Culinary Renaissance
Athens has undergone a remarkable culinary renaissance, transforming its traditional flavors into a sophisticated art form that rivals Europe's leading gastronomic capitals.
There are endless places to eat, from Michelin-starred establishments and innovative eateries to traditional old world tavernas, with something for every budget and palette. If you’re wondering where to eat in Athens, we’ve tried and tested the best the city has to offer. Here’s a selection of our favorites, many of which are adored by locals.
This excellent ice cream parlour recently opened this Athens locale after its first store on the island of Syros became a runaway success. Expect a large selection of signature flavors, with smoked hazelnut and nut sorbet standouts.
This cosy, sophisticated, minimalist wine bistro offers classic Greek delicacies, local natural wines and organic coffee. The orange wines are a particular highlight.
A laid-back eatery popular with young Athenians, Fita specializes in seafood dishes. Take a table in the leafy courtyard and peruse the creative menu, which features a stunning tuna carpaccio.
A charming little local bar with a vibrant crowd, Amore Spitzeria is the perfect place to grab an aperitivo before dinner. Great atmosphere, attentive service and an authentic slice of Athenian life.
Set on a quiet tree-lined street in the Neos Kosmos district of Athens, this low-key eaterie serves homespun Greek cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Serving wonderfully affordable, delicious Greek food, this unpretentious Greek diner features everything from authentic Greek salads to sumptuous seafood feasts. Head there after a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which is just around the corner.
Serving organic coffees, freshly squeezed juices, club sandwiches and delicious puffy pastries, this cosy, charming cafe is a breakfast essential if you find yourself wandering the streets of the historic center in the morning.
Headed by two French foodies and a Greek chef, this establishment has the flair of a French wine bar or bistro and the homeliness of a Greek taverna.
It’s all about meze at this family-run restaurant, which combines classic Greek flavors with modern cooking techniques. The perfect fusion of tradition and creativity, both in terms of the decor and the food.
This elegant restaurant serves some of the best Greek food in Athens. Expect fresh ingredients, unusual flavor combinations and artful presentation, as well as an incredible wine selection of over 250 local wines.
A charming taverna featuring classic Greek dishes. Interiors are rustic, with natural wood finishes and a high-beamed ceiling, while the terrace is the perfect place for a late dinner. Tuck into the pappardelle with crab sauce, a local favorite.
Quite possibly the best cocktail bar in Athens, this impossibly hip joint serves incredible hand-crafted cocktails along with delicious small plates. The Between the Sheets cognac cocktail is simply divine.
A popular natural wine bar with an exceptional selection of local wines. Rub shoulders with cool locals and savor wood-fired Greek delicacies to the sounds of eclectic Greek music.
A relatively new addition to the Athenian culinary scene, this restaurant has a familial atmosphere. Dishes feature fresh ingredients and are cooked to perfection, with an excellent selection of wine and the sounds of classic vinyl to top it all off.
This wonderful old school eaterie in the heart of the city center serves the best souvlaki – tender Greek meat served in a pitta – in the whole of Athens.
The Best Hotels in Athens, Greece
The Greek capital is home to a range of wonderful accommodations, from stately historic hotels to elegant boutiques. Here’s where to stay in Athens:
This unique hotel was built among the ruins of ancient landmarks, making it a truly enchanting place to stay in Athens. Not just one of the top hotels in Athens, it’s one of the finest in the whole of Greece.
Housed within an exquisitely restored neoclassical building with a rich history, the Dolli is an ode to Athenian luxury and style. The mesmerizing infinity pool was voted by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the best of its kind in the world.
The Athenian version of a Palm Springs classic. The stunning Greek modernist design gives it a certain retro flair, while some of Athens’ best beaches are right around the corner. Book a suite with a balcony for sweeping views over the Saronic Gulf.
A Timeless Metropolis Renewed
Athens, a city where ancient myths and modern tales intertwine, has gracefully reinvented itself without losing its soul. It's a destination that satisfies both the history buff and the contemporary traveler, offering a rich tapestry of art, culture, and gastronomy. From the timeless whispers of the Parthenon to the vibrant energy of its reborn neighborhoods and the sophistication of its new culinary scene, Athens has become a dynamic, must-visit metropolis. It stands as a powerful testament to how a city can honor its storied past while embracing a vibrant, stylish, and thoroughly modern future.
Want to delve deeper into the uncharted travel experiences and mysteries of this incredible country? Read our other travel articles to uncover more of enigmatic Greece, from the undeciphered scripts of the Minoans to the hidden wonders found across the land.
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