Athens

Athens, the capital of modern-day Greece, also stood at the heart of Ancient Greece. Fifthcentury B.C. landmarks still dominate this city, which historians generally consider the birthplace of Western civilization. Make sure to explore the many historic sites and breathtaking views.

GETTING THERE & AROUND

Most visitors who arrive by air fly into Athens International Airport. From the airport, you can ride Metro Line 3 or one of four EXPRESS airport buses into the city. When it comes to exploring Athens and its major attractions, opt to travel on foot or take the Metro. Most of the attractions lie within a short walking distance of each other.

Ancient Temple:

Parthenon on the Acropolis

PHOTO: © ANYAIVANOVA | DREAMSTIME.COM

LODGING

Adonis Hotel

Adonis Hotel offers a great location in the heart of Athens, stunning views and excellent guest care. Just a five-minute walk from Syntagma Square, the newly renovated property provides a bed and breakfast accommodation with free WiFi.

Kodrou 3 and Voulis streets, Athens Plaka 105 58, Greece, tel 30 21 0324 9731 hotel-adonis.gr

Emporikon Athens Hotel

The Emporikon Athens Hotel’s location offers a great base from which guests can explore all the surrounding areas. Ask for a room with a view of the Acropolis or Lycabettus Hill. Live like a local with friendly service, in-house cultural happenings and exclusive access to Agia Irini Square’s lively collection of restaurants, bars and nightlife venues.

Aiolou St. 27A, Athens Plaka 105 51, Greece, tel 30 69 3016 1566 emporikonathenshotel.com

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

One of the most luxurious hotels in Athens provides a panorama of the city from its rooftop pool, bar and restaurant. Enjoy breathtaking views of the fabled Acropolis, regal Syntagma Square, Lycabettus Hill, the original Olympic Stadium and more.

Vasileos Georgiou A’ St. 1, Syntagma Square, Athens 105 64, Greece, tel 30 21 0333 0000 marriott.com DINING

Orizontes Lycabettus

Perched on Lycabettus Hill, one of the highest peaks in Athens, Orizontes provides fine dining on Athens’ most scenic terrace. Sit outdoors around sunset for breathtaking views of the Acropolis, Aegean Sea and entire city; you will feel like you are dining on Olympus.

Aristippou 1, Athens 106 76, Greece, tel 30 21 0721 0701 orizonteslycabettus.gr

Taverna Klimataria

Known for its traditional Greek food, music and dance, Klimataria is a family-run taverna that has been going strong since 1927. Come evening, it’s packed with people looking for great Mediterranean food, music and dance — a combination Greeks love!

Theater Square 2, Athens 105 52, Greece, tel 30 21 0321 6629 klimataria.gr

Varoulko Seaside Restaurant

This Michelin-starred restaurant offers one of the most elegant sea-view experiences in the city. Chef Lefteris Lazarou specializes in adding a creative and flavorful seafood touch to traditional Greek dishes. Visitors can take in the picturesque view of Mikrolimano marina.

Akti Koumoundourou 54, Mikrolimano, Piraeus 104 35, Greece, tel 30 21 0522 8400 varoulko.gr ATTRACTIONS

The Acropolis

No visit to Athens is complete without a trip to the Acropolis, the most famous hill in the capital. This landmark is home to so many significant Greek ruins. From the Parthenon at the summit travelers can view many monuments and enjoy a panorama of the city.

Panathenaic Stadium

Although built by the Ancient Greeks, Panathenaic Stadium plays an important part in sports history. It was originally constructed around 300 B.C. and rebuilt in A.D. 144. The stadium hosted several Olympic Games and marks where the Olympic flame begins its journey to each host nation for the modern games.

Vasileos Konstantinou Ave., Athens 116 35, Greece, tel 30 21 0752 298 6 panathenaic stadium.gr

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Known as the largest temple in Greece, the Temple of Olympian Zeus took nearly seven centuries to build. The temple, dedicated to Zeus Olympios, serves as a reminder of Greek history, but only 15 of the 104 original columns remain.