Athens was the birthplace of Classical Greece. The first settlement on the site of the city arose around 3000 BC. During this long period, Athens experienced several periods of both prosperity and decline.

Athens comprises the Old City, the central districts, the suburbs, and the port of Piraeus. Two hills rise in the center: the Acropolis Hill with the Parthenon and ancient temples, and Lycabettus Hill with the picturesque church of St. George at its summit. It takes time to explore all the ancient monuments and ruins, beautiful neoclassical buildings, and museums in detail.

Entertainment and Attractions
The Parthenon Temple is the symbol of the city and the main attraction of Athens. It is the most monumental and majestic building on the Athenian Acropolis. But the entire complex of ancient buildings is also worthy of tourist attention. Specifically, a building that has been used by Greeks for almost 2,000 years is located here. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus still hosts theatrical performances and classical music concerts.

At the foot of the Acropolis, on the former market square, stands the Temple of Hephaestus, the god of fire. This building has been well preserved despite its impressive age.

The old town of Plaka is the most popular tourist area after the Acropolis. The central part of the city resembles a triangle formed by Omonia, Syntagma, and Monastiraki squares. The Parliament building stands in Constitution Square, with an honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Next to the Parliament building lies the luxurious royal park, Zappeion, beyond which you will find the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the famous Arch of Hadrian.

It is also worth taking the funicular up Lycabettus Hill (277 m), which offers a magnificent panorama of the city. Museums

Athens is home to over 250 galleries, museums, and temple complexes. The National Archaeological Museum houses unique finds from all over Greece. The Byzantine Museum boasts Europe’s finest collection of icons and mosaics. The Benaki Museum is renowned for its rich collection of ancient Greek and Byzantine art, as well as its displays of Chinese porcelain, oriental jewelry, and weaponry.

In the northeastern part of the city, the Archaeological Museum of the Athens Agora houses exhibits related to the world’s oldest democracy, Athenian democracy. It houses ostraka—pottery shards used by Athenians to vote. The Goulandris Museum of Natural History showcases Greek flora and fauna, including rare and endangered plant species.