Breathtaking antiquity of Athens
The revival of Europe’s classical capital has attracted plenty of artists, curators and digital nomads. But it’s entrepreneurial young Athenians who are opening pop-up restaurants, design collectives and guesthouses, regenerating derelict buildings in rough-around-the-edges areas such as Pangrati, Kypseli and Keramikos. Unpredictable, Athens fizzes with an intense energy that burns bright into the night.
What to see and do?
The Acropolis
Everyone visits the Acropolis and the cleverly curated Acropolis Museum, where you can get up close and personal with the antiquities, both above and below ground.
Hit the Parthenon first thing in the morning or just before dusk – at midday, the white marble reflects the high heat. To get beyond the symbolism, book a tailormade tour with Athens Insiders, whose charismatic guides even get kids excited about ruins, with treasure hunts, pottery workshops and a running commentary of mythology.
Discover Athens’ museum mile
A visitor walks by a 12th century icon depicting the Prophet Elijah at the Athens’ Byzantine and Christian Museum
Stroll down Vasilissis Sofias Avenue and you can explore Greek culture through the ages in a single day.
The Museum of Cycladic Art displays stunning bronze age figurines and ceramics.
The Byzantine and Christian Museum is a trove of sacred icons, mosaics and textiles, set in walled gardens with shady seating among the fruit trees and fountains.
