Athens City Breaks

A guide to Athens

Few short breaks to Athens can possibly take in all there is to see in the endlessly fascinating Greek capital. Athens boasts a truly awe-inspiring choice of sights, including the mighty Acropolis and the iconic Parthenon, as well as the ancient Agora, the Dionysus Theatre, the Royal Palace on Syntagma Square and the National Archaeological Museum, full of a mind-boggling wealth of ancient treasures. A stunning collection of museums also includes the Byzantine Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art.

World-class ancient sights, romantic atmosphere

Holidays inevitably focus on the Plaka; an atmospheric maze of narrow streets climbing up to the world-famous Acropolis. The compact old city centre is a highly picturesque ensemble of narrow lanes, pretty churches and flower-decked whitewashed houses, and weekends here focus on dining in atmospheric tavernas with shady vine-covered courtyards and rooftop terraces. Charming cafes and characterful restaurants add to the experience, even in the hottest days of summer. Athens boats some of the most enjoyable nightlife and finest restaurants in Greece, and you can enjoy romantic open-air dining during the long summer holiday season, and a lively clubbing weekend throughout the year.

Tour the Greek markets, then hit the beach

Athens provide a thoroughly entertaining snapshot of life in Greece. There is no better place to be on a Sunday morning than the huge Monastiraki street market. Get there early and soak up the atmosphere from one of dozens of attractive pavement cafes, take a tram ride to the beach or a ferry trip to the Greek Islands, with Aegina and Angistri providing an instant contrast in pace and character. Short breaks are ideal for the spring and autumn, when the weather is fantastic but not too hot, and temperatures are more comfortable for relaxed sightseeing.