I never tried to sound like a proud Greek, but sometimes, I can’t help it when it comes to Athens. Greece is one of the world's most renowned and popular tourist destinations, and even though Greek islands take pride in themselves, the capital of Greece has nothing to be jealous of. Athens is a name synonymous with history, with tales of ancient glories and echoes of a civilization that shaped the world. There are so many amazing things that this city has to offer, all enclosed in a lively (not Blake, of course) and joyful vibe that combines ancient history with modern energy. And if you are still wondering why Athens is the place to be, we have seven reasons to make Athens your next stop.

Athens is full of history

If history is your gig, then you probably know that Athens was a major center of ancient Greek civilization, known for its democracy, philosophy (think Socrates, Plato, Aristotle!), art, and architecture. Athens is considered the birthplace of democracy, as it developed a system of government where citizens had a voice in political decisions. Walking through ancient sites like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Agora is like stepping back in time and wondering how ancient Greeks spent their days and making their decisions in the Assembly. Each corner of the city is connected to history, and you can literally find something of historical importance. The city is also packed with museums: the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum, and the list goes on. 

Athens knows food

Nobody can argue that Athens has a vibrant food scene. Greek cuisine emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. Think vibrant salads with tomatoes and cucumbers, grilled meats and seafood seasoned simply with herbs like oregano and thyme, and creamy dips like tzatziki made with fresh yogurt and cucumbers. The Mediterranean diet, heavily influenced by Greek cuisine, is renowned for its health benefits. It emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and lean protein, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Athens street food, the renowned “souvlaki,” is one of the most delicious, wholesome, and comforting foods you will ever eat —at a very affordable price! Athenians know how to eat, and this is proven by the diversity of restaurants within the city, where you can eat from delicious “mezedes” (small dishes) to Michelin-rated Greek cuisine. And it’s not only the food per se. Greek food is deeply rooted in the country's history and culture. Sharing meals with family and friends is a central part of Greek life, and the convivial atmosphere often associated with Greek dining adds to its appeal.  

Athens is truly hospitable

Greek hospitality has been known since ancient times. Many Greek myths and legends highlight the importance of hospitality. For example, the story of Baucis and Philemon, who offered hospitality to Zeus and Hermes disguised as travelers, is a classic example of this value. The ancient Greek word “filoxenia” translates to "friend to the stranger" and embodies the core of Greek hospitality. It's a deep-rooted cultural value emphasizing welcoming and caring for visitors. Athenians are generally friendly and welcoming to tourists. You'll often encounter locals offering advice, directions, or even a friendly chat, and it’s possible that you will get invited to an event or grab some drinks with locals. Sharing is caring for the Greeks, and they make sure that tourists feel like home! In Athens, you never hesitate to ask locals about anything, such as directions, restaurant suggestions, or even a bottle of water; they will make sure to get you what you need.

Athens is affordable

One of the most remarkable things about Athens is that it’s a really affordable city compared to many other major European cities. Restaurants and bars have very reasonable prices without sacrificing quality, making it the ideal destination for those who want to explore a European city on a budget. Also, Athens has an excellent public transportation system (subway, buses, trams) that is affordable and can take you anywhere. Many of Athens' top attractions, such as the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum, are free to enter on certain days or for specific hours. Plenty of free walking tours, budget-friendly museums, and inexpensive day trips are available for those who want to take the most out of the city and enjoy its beauty. 

Athens has the most stunning views

Athens is not a flat city; it spreads on a series of hills, which adds to its unique character and offers stunning views. As long as you are ready to walk, standing atop the Acropolis will give you memorable panoramic views of the entire city, stretching from the Aegean Sea to the surrounding mountains. You can see iconic landmarks like the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, and the ancient Agora spread out below. One of the most famous hills of the city is Lycabettus Hill, which offers 360-degree views of Athens, and if you are lucky and the sky is clear, you can even see all the way to the Saronic Gulf. There's even a funicular railway that takes you to the top, making it easily accessible. Another spot for impeccable views is Filopappos Hill, which is located near the Acropolis and offers stunning views of the Parthenon and the surrounding neighborhoods. It's a popular spot for both Athenians and tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Athens knows how to party

When you visit Athens, get ready for one of the best nightlife experiences in the world. Athens boasts numerous rooftop bars offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the Acropolis, and the Aegean Sea, where you can enjoy cocktails and mingle with locals while soaking in the city's nocturnal beauty. You can find a variety of live music venues around the city, from traditional Greek music to modern jazz and rock as well as larger venues hosting international acts. The city has a thriving club scene with something for everyone. Whatever your preferences are, this city can undoubtedly accommodate them.

Different neighborhoods offer distinct nightlife experiences; one day, you can visit Gazi for an intense nightlife experience since the area is known for its trendy clubs and bars, or the other day, you can enjoy your dinner along with some wine at a live music venue. Plaka, in the heart of downtown Athens, spread around the ancient Agora, can offer a more traditional Greek experience with tavernas featuring live music and dancing. 

Athens has the best weather

The first thing that Greeks miss when they migrate abroad is the weather. Greece is known for its Mediterranean climate, which is considered very pleasant and accommodating. Athens is located in the southern part of Greece; hence, it enjoys mild winters and sunny and warm summers. The long days during the summer allow for plenty of time to explore the city and its surroundings. Winters are mild and wet with occasional rain, while temperatures rarely drop below freezing, making it comfortable to explore the city even in winter. Spring and autumn are generally considered the most pleasant times, with mild temperatures and comfortable sightseeing conditions, making it the ideal place to visit all year round. Also, Athens has over 300 sunny days per year, or around 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, which means that you can enjoy the sun all year round, fueling your vitamin D reserves, as long as you don’t forget your SPF.

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