Travel and Leisure

 by: Rahul Viz

Athens is a city which arguably has one of the richest histories in the world. It was the home and center of the world empire of Greece, and is still the capital of the country today. If you are looking for a lively city rich in culture and history, there are few places better to visit than Athens.

Athens is a city riddled with mythology. The city is very ancient, and was the center of learning and Greek culture. Many of the concepts and ideas formulated in ancient Greece are what we today call "western civilization." Today the city is home to nearly three and a half million people.

Athens is named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom, and the best time to visit is during the late summer or fall. Winter is also a good time to visit, as there will be few tourists and the weather will be good with the exception of a bit of rain.

Athens is a city full of parks, gardens, and cafes. While the hustle of the city might remind you of New York, you will find that Athens has a charm of its own. There are many landmarks for tourists to see, and you don't have to travel far to see all of them.

The first place you may want to visit is the Acropolis, the ancient part of Athens field with beautiful temples. You will be able to fully appreciate ancient Greek architecture after viewing the Acropolis with your own eyes.

The Agora market is another area of Athens you will need to visit. In antiquity this was the center of the commercial and political activity in the city. This was once the place where Socrates gave his speeches, and is also the place where St. Paul searched for potential adherents to Christianity.

When it comes to dining, Athenians love to eat out. You will find a lot of fresh produce while touring the city, and there are plenty of places to eat traditional Greek cuisine. You will want to try the country salad and eggplant mixed with mince meat.

Athens is no longer the cheap city it used to be. Frugal backpackers can expect to spend 40 euros per day by hiking and staying in hostels. Having your own room and eating at hotels will cost you about 80 euros a day, and if you really want to enjoy yourself you can expect to spend up to 120 euros daily. No matter what budget you're on, traveling to Athens is the trip of a lifetime.