 Named after Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of war and wisdom, Athens is one of the most famous cities in the world. Greece’s capital city is best known for its historical importance and legendary landmarks such as the Acropolis. Visit this site to view photos taken in Athens.
Modern Athens is a bustling, cosmopolitan city, home to over three million people. Today, the Athens metropolitan area is the dominant centre of economic, financial, industrial, cultural and political life in Greece.
If you are a history lover, Athens’ impressive history dates back to the first century BC. There are countless ruins and museums throughout the city, demonstrating what life would have been like in ancient Athens and throughout the ages. There are also art museums documenting the origins and history of art in Greece as well as activities for children and many ancient monuments, all of which are worth a visit.
You will find an abundance of shops and restaurants in Athens. There are plenty of department and designer stores to choose from and many shops where you can buy souvenirs. Dining for the Greeks is entertainment in itself and evening meals can often last well into the early hours, with eating out being a way of life in the city.
 Visitors to Athens will have an excellent choice of accommodation, ranging from the most luxurious hotels to more modest lodgings and budget hotels. There is such a wide variety of accommodation that there is something to suit every taste and budget. Many hotel chains in Athens pride themselves on their family accommodation. Top hotels can be expensive, although there is a good selection of hotel discounts and bargains to be found.
 The desirable areas in which to stay include Plaka, Makrianni, Koukaki, Thission, Syntagma and Monastiraki. These areas all border with the Acropolis and the archaeological park that surrounds it. Finding accommodation can be difficult, especially during the height of the tourist season in July and August. Making hotel reservations in advance is advisable and a necessity in high season. Hotels are located throughout the city and a variety of room prices are available.
 The people of Athens are very proud of their cultural heritage and their part in the world’s cultural development. Residents are friendly and you will find that they always treat you like a close friend, even if they have only just met you. They are also very sociable, making excellent hosts, so be sure to always take them up on an invitation for a meal.
History
 Athens was one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean during the 1st millennium BC. During what is known as the ‘Golden Age’ of Greece, from roughly 500 BC to 300 BC, Athens was also arguably the world's leading cultural, commercial and intellectual centre.
During the Byzantine era, Athens lost its importance and by the time of the Crusades, it was already reduced to a small regional town. In 1458, the city was taken over by the Ottoman Empire and it came under the control of Sultan Mehmet II. As the Emperor entered the city, he was deeply moved by the beauty of Athens’ ancient monuments and he issued a decree to ensure that Athens' ruins not be touched. After the Greek War of Independence (1821 to 1831), only 5,000 people inhabited the city. During the next few decades, the city was rebuilt into a modern metropolis and by the end of that century, Athens became the first host of the newly revived Olympic Games.
 During WWII, the city was occupied by Germany and it went into a rapid decline. In the years following the war, Athens quickly grew and developed. Today, it’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan city with an extremely modern infrastructure, stunning ancient monuments and museums, excellent nightlife and world-class shopping.
Weather
 Athens enjoys a distinctive Mediterranean climate, with the majority of rainfall occurring from mid-October to mid-April. The rest of the year remains largely dry, making Athens one of the sunniest cities on the European continent, although one of the driest.
Winters are generally mild, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cool nights. Winter rainfall tends to occur in the form of short and sometimes heavy showers. Snow is very rare, although the city has experienced blizzard-like conditions in the past.
Spring and autumn are considered ideal times for visiting, with summers being particularly hot. The average summer daytime maximum temperature is 32°C and heat waves are not uncommon during the months of July and August, when daytime temperatures can soar above 40°C.
| 
