Discover Athens

Athens – Where the Ancient World Meets Modern Greece

Athens is one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals. It is a city where ancient monuments, lively neighbourhoods, rooftop restaurants and modern Greek life exist side by side. For many travellers, Athens is the gateway to Greece. However, it is far more than somewhere to pass through on the way to the islands. The city deserves several days of exploration in its own right.

What Makes Athens Different?

Few cities can match Athens for history. Ancient temples and archaeological sites appear throughout the modern city. The Acropolis dominates the skyline and has watched over Athens for thousands of years. Yet below it, Athens feels energetic, creative and very much alive.

This combination makes the city different. You can spend the morning exploring ancient Greece and the evening eating dinner in a fashionable neighbourhood filled with bars, cafés and live music. Athens also enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The Athens Riviera and the coast are within easy reach, so visitors can combine sightseeing with time beside the sea.

The People and Culture of Athens

Greek culture places great importance on family, friendship, food and spending time together. Athens reflects this perfectly. Restaurants and cafés stay busy late into the evening. People meet friends over coffee, enjoy long meals and spend time outdoors.

Athenians are often expressive and sociable. Visitors will frequently find locals happy to talk about their city, their food and Greek life. Music, art and theatre are also important parts of the city’s identity. Athens may be famous for its past, but it has a strong contemporary culture too.

Things to See and Do in Athens

The Acropolis and Parthenon are the obvious starting points. Nearby, the Acropolis Museum provides more insight into the history and archaeology of the site. Walk through Plaka, one of the city’s most atmospheric districts. Its narrow streets are filled with traditional buildings, restaurants and small shops. Continue to Monastiraki, famous for its square, market atmosphere and views towards the Acropolis.

Syntagma Square is another important landmark. It is home to the Greek Parliament and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. For one of the best views across Athens, visit Mount Lycabettus. From the top, you can see across the city towards the Acropolis and, on a clear day, towards the sea. Visitors with more time can also explore the Ancient Agora, National Archaeological Museum, Panathenaic Stadium and the neighbourhoods of Psyrri and Kolonaki.

Food in Athens

Food is one of the great pleasures of visiting Athens. Traditional dishes include souvlaki, moussaka, spanakopita, grilled meats, Greek salads, fresh seafood and mezze. Desserts such as baklava are also popular.

However, Athens is not limited to traditional food. The city has an increasingly creative restaurant scene, with modern Greek chefs giving classic ingredients a contemporary twist. Eating outdoors on a warm evening, particularly with the Acropolis illuminated in the background, is one of the classic Athens experiences.

Flying to Athens

International visitors arrive at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH). It is Greece’s main international airport and an important gateway to the Greek islands and the wider Mediterranean.

Athens has an extensive international route network. Major airlines serving the airport include Aegean Airlines, SKY express, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Air Canada, easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air, among many others. Athens continues to expand its long-haul network, including additional services to North America and new international routes.

Why Visit Athens?

Athens offers something very few destinations can provide. It has some of the world’s most important ancient monuments, but it is not a city trapped in its past. It has beaches nearby, excellent food, warm evenings, busy neighbourhoods and a distinctive Mediterranean atmosphere.

Whether Athens is your final destination or the beginning of a Greek island holiday, it is a city worth taking time to discover. And with so many airlines flying into Athens, comparing fares can help travellers find a much better flight deal.

Why Search and Compare Flights with FlightpathDeals.com?

Flights to Athens are available in Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class and First Class, with fares changing regularly. Searching FlightpathDeals.com helps you compare options from leading full-service and low-cost airlines in one place. You can check different dates, airports, cabin classes and flight combinations to find the option that best suits your plans and budget.

For travellers looking for extra comfort, it is especially worthwhile comparing Premium Economy and Business Class fares. FlightpathDeals.com can help you discover great-value options, including selected consolidated fares that may not always appear when searching directly with an airline. You can compare the latest offers and then book securely with the travel provider you choose.

Before booking your next trip to Athens, search FlightpathDeals as a better fare is waiting for you.

Excited for Athens? Here’s where to find the best rates!

Search for the Best Hotel rates in Athens with up to 60% Discount