Athens

Athens Traditions and Culture
Arguably the most cultural place on earth, having been occupied for 3,000 years, Athens still holds on to its traditional ways, with monuments and museums dotted all over the sprawling city. However, the recent Olympic games have ensured that such history has been successfully merged with the 21st century.
Chic bars and restaurants offer modern twists on traditional fares, such as dolmades, keftedes and homous while some of the best nightclubs in Europe still serve ouzo into the early hours.
Notably, the Greek language has largely resisted the onslaught of Anglicisation, leaving many visitors who venture outside of the main tourist areas somewhat puzzled.


Athens Recommended
Above all, Athens is all about its history. Top of the must-do list for tourists is a trip to the Acropolis, recently nominated to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world. Dating back to the fifth century BC, the Acropolis perfectly encapsulates the splendour of the ancient civilization and offers unforgettable views down across the city below. Just as impressive is the Temple of Poseidon, just a short trip away, while preserved treasures across the centuries can be seen at the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum.
The area around Syntagma Square boasts more modern, though just as impressive architecture, notably the Greek Parliament and various ministries and the revered University of Athens.
For those who fancy their history a little more recent, a tour of the 2004 Olympic stadium, while the small district of Plaka cannot fail to amuse those whose idea of a good holiday involves independent boutiques and small taverns rather than monuments and churches.
When the evening comes, Athens is the perfect place to dine or drink alfresco and, simply by following the famous music of the 'bouzokia', visitors will be able to track down parties which go on well into the early hours of the morning.

Athens Weather
As a typical Meditteranean city, Athens boasts long summers and mild winters. The city's reputation for blazing summers is fully deserved, with temperatures of over 40 degrees C all too common, exacerbated by hot air sweeping in from the south and a thick layer of smog settling over the valley in which it lies.
Any visitors brave –or foolish- enough to head to Athens in the summer will find the city almost deserted as the locals head to the islands or hills for respite. From September, the temperature remains ideal, at just over 20 degrees C and rainfall is relatively sparse. Surprisingly, during the winter weeks to the slightly surreal sight of Parthenon covered in a layer of snow is not uncommon.

Athens Destination Check List

An excellent guidebook detailing the history of the city.

Good walking shoes as getting around by foot is often far quicker than hailing a taxi.

High strength suntan lotion.

Travel insurance.

A smart set of clothes to get into the more upmarket bars and restaurants.