Culture Trip's Guide to Athens, Greece
Read this ready collection of bookable travel ideas inspired by what you love. From the Parthenon on the Acropolis to Unesco-listed Delphi, discover the things to do, where to stay and the best spots to eat and drink in our definitive guide.
Athens, named after the Greek goddess of wisdom Athena, is one of the world’s oldest cities. From the ancient ruins of the Acropolis to the cracked frescoes of Byzantine churches, the city is a treasure trove of mythological and historical monuments. There is no shortage of modern-day delights either, with colourful street art, sleek eateries and open-air cinemas peppered among the time-honoured sights.
Where to stay
1. Coco Mat Hotel Athens
Boutique Hotel
Coco Mat Hotel Athens, in the well-heeled district of Kolonaki, offers all the perks: cloud-like beds, espresso machines and Zealots of Nature toiletries, while suites provide extra living space to lounge in with a good book. In the evenings, plug into Bang & Olufsen speakers while you’re getting ready, then head up to the rooftop garden for fresh Mediterranean fare and views of the historic skyline. It’s worth a look in daylight too – check out the wall murals depicting a donkey in The Thinker pose, a rabbit shooting carrots and a dog riding a dragonfly, all framed by spilling ivy.
2. City Circus Athens Hostel
Hostel
3. AthensWas Design Hotel
Luxury
From the second you set foot on the polished labyrinthine-style floors of AthensWas to the moment you curl up under your bed’s feather duvet, you’ll be surrounded by luxurious designer furniture and prints of ancient Greek sculptures. There are only 21 rooms, creating that extra boutiquey feel while also ensuring you won’t need to wait (or wait long) for a machine at the gym in the morning. Rinse off after an intense workout in your rain shower, make a frothy coffee using the in-room Nespresso machine and pull up a chair on your balcony. Splash out on the Hellenic Suite for beguiling views of the Acropolis from the plushly furnished veranda.
What to do
4. Discover the wonders of Delphi
Historical Landmark
Put yourself in the leather sandals of the ancient Greeks on a trip to the Unesco-listed archaeological site of Delphi. No need to rent a car, just hop on a coach tour and be whisked away to the enchanting remains of the Hellenic hilltop sanctuary. Make sure your walking boots are tightly laced as you clamber up stone steps to the overgrown ruins of the ancient Temple of Apollo and its weather-beaten sculptures. If you’ve already ticked Delphi off your list, take a tour to the 14th-century monasteries of Meteora or 4th-century BC theatre of Epidaurus.
5. Wander through the ruins of the Acropolis
Historical Landmark
6. Learn How to Scuba Dive in Nea Makri
Natural Feature
Explore the cerulean depths of the Mediterranean on a scuba diving experience. Just a three-hour excursion from Athens lies the town of Nea Makri, home to a handful of diving centres. If you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics of scuba diving, then this is the place. An experienced instructor will give you the lowdown on theory and safety measures before you take to the water. During your first dive, you’ll drop slowly down to the shrouded seabed where you can swim among the marine life.
Where to eat
7. Lithos Tavern
Restaurant, Greek
8. Dionysos Zonar's
Restaurant, Mediterranean, European, Greek
9. Oikeio
Restaurant, Greek
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