Things to Do in the Greek Capital

Athens is a big city, with almost 4 million people in the metropolitan area, and it offers plenty for visitors to see and do. You'll always find it easy to fill your itinerary when you visit the Greek capital, where there are activities for everyone's tastes.

Visit the Ruins of Ancient Athens

Above all else, the city is full of historical attractions. After all, it's where Greek culture reached its intellectual and artistic peak. Exploring the ancient city is fascinating, and although there's plenty to see, try not to miss anything out. Aside from the Parthenon, which soars over the city, don't miss the Keramikos and the Agora, the Theatre of Dionysos and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Plenty of Shopping Opportunities for Holidaymakers

A short walk to the north of the Acropolis you'll find Monastiraki, which is easily the best place to shop for souvenirs (as well as antiques, DVDs, watches, jewellery and much more). For a more upscale shopping experience, Kolonaki is the area to visit. From the imaginative t-shirt prints at Koukoutsi to the designer beachwear from Zeus and Dione, Kolonaki has boutiques covering pretty much every area of fashion.

Find a Special Taverna for a Greek Feast

Greek food is one of the nation's treasures, and the capital has some exceptional places to try. You'll find authentic gyros at Thanassis, hearty kleftiko meat dishes at Dia Tafta and moussakas to die for at Efcharis. If you want a snack on the move, grab a spanakopita from Smile Cafe or a bag of loukoumades (honey doughnuts) from Lukumades. Or just find a table at family-run tavernas like Skoufias and relax.

Indulge Your Artistic Sensibilities with a Tour of the City's Galleries

The Greek capital is also home to some stunning works of art. You can gaze at religious-inspired art at the Byzantine and Christian Museum or the Museum of Islamic Art, peruse the industrial art at Technopolis or head to smaller galleries dedicated to contemporary artists like Inna Orlik, before discovering the incredible street art created by Exarchea's creative population.

Dance the Night Away at the Capital's Leading Nightclubs

Greece's capital city is also a destination for hedonists who love to dance. Every day you can party till dawn in districts like Thissio, Plaka and Exarchea. Start your evening in beautifully decorated bars like Brittos, where the fruit liqueurs are a speciality, before heading to city centre clubs like Venue or venturing down to beachfront clubs like Island to party by the sea.