Athens is the capital of Greece, set in the region of Attica in southeastern Europe. It is known as the birthplace of democracy, and its ancient monuments, above all the Acropolis and the Parthenon, are the reason many visitors come. The city is also called Athina in Greek, and its nickname, the Cradle of Democracy, points to the place it holds in the story of Western political thought.
What a visit offers
- The Acropolis and the Parthenon, the ancient hilltop complex that dominates the city's skyline.
- Ancient sites spread across the centre, where the old city meets modern streets.
- A capital city with the everyday life of a major European centre, from its neighbourhoods to its cafés.
Because the monuments stand in the middle of a working city, a visit tends to combine history with the rhythm of Athens itself. Walking between sites is a good way to see how the ancient and the modern sit side by side.
Planning your trip
Athens is a natural starting point for exploring Attica, and it suits travellers interested in classical history, archaeology and the origins of democratic ideas. Allow time to visit the ancient sites at a relaxed pace, and leave room for the neighbourhoods around them, where much of the city's character can be found.
