Greece

Athens

view of brown ruin during daytime
About This Destination

Athens is a large, busy city in southern Greece with a population of around four million people. It’s quite hot and dry in summer, and the traffic and noise can be intense. The city has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, so ancient ruins sit right alongside modern apartment blocks and coffee shops.

The Acropolis, with the Parthenon on top, sits on a hill visible from most parts of the city. Beyond that, there are good street food options, plenty of outdoor cafes, and neighborhoods like Monastiraki and Exarcheia worth walking around. Public transport is reasonably affordable and the metro is clean and easy to use.

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dates of Stay

July 5, 2024

July 17, 2026

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Sun Princess 2024

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About

Athens is a large, busy city in southern Greece with a population of around four million people. It’s quite hot and dry in summer, and the traffic and noise can be intense. The city has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, so ancient ruins sit right alongside modern apartment blocks and coffee shops.

The Acropolis, with the Parthenon on top, sits on a hill visible from most parts of the city. Beyond that, there are good street food options, plenty of outdoor cafes, and neighborhoods like Monastiraki and Exarcheia worth walking around. Public transport is reasonably affordable and the metro is clean and easy to use.

Things to do

  • Celebrity Xcel Med — sky, cloudy, blue sky

    Temple of Olympian Zeus

    Massive columns characterize this ancient site, which stands as a reminder of how long some projects take to finish. Construction began in the sixth century BC but only ended under Hadrian roughly seven hundred years later. It was once among the largest temples in the world, though only a fraction remains. Walking through the site…

  • Recommended

    Celebrity Xcel Med — crowd, celebration, costume

    Little Kook

    Athens hosts this fairytale themed cafe in the Psyri neighborhood, where every corner of the building reflects a specific storybook world. We found it functions as a theatrical stop for sweets rather than a standard coffee shop. The design spills out from the storefront into the surrounding narrow public alleyway. Decorations change with the seasons,…

  • Recommended

    Celebrity Xcel Med — sky, blue sky, crowd

    Syntagma Square

    Syntagma Square functions as the central hub for modern Athens, acting as both a major transport junction and the symbolic seat of the Greek government. We find the area defined by the Hellenic Parliament building, where the presidential Evzones guards stand watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every day. Walking across the broad…

  • Recommended

    L'Amiral Athens — tableware, utensil, drinking glass

    L’Amiral Athens

    Athens bistros often feel like busy tourist traps, but this spot in the Plaka neighborhood offers a genuine rest between historic sights. We stopped here for drinks after a long morning of walking. The defining feature is the friendly atmosphere, largely driven by a welcoming owner who manages the terrace. Sitting outside provides a clear…

  • Recommended

    Celebrity Xcel Med — sky, cloudy, crowd

    Monastiraki Square

    Means little monastery. This was our main metro centre point nearest the hotel. It is bustling, and a major tourist attraction for bargain shopping in Athens.

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    Celebrity Xcel Med — monument, obelisk, sky

    Roman Agora of Athens

    Athens remains a city where history sits right in the middle of everyday life, and this open air forum is a perfect example. Built between 19 and 11 B.C., it served as the commercial heart of the city under Roman rule, marked by its distinctive columns and octagonal tower. Walking through the site feels grounded…

  • Celebrity Xcel Med — sky, cloudy, blue sky

    Library of Hadrian

    Hadrian’s Library stands as a massive ruin in central Athens, marking where a vast cultural complex once provided a quiet space for study. Built by the Roman emperor in 132 CE, the site served as more than just a book repository. It was a grand square for learning and civic life. Walking through the entrance,…

  • Recommended

    Acropolis — sky, blue sky, cloudy

    Acropolis

    Athens centers around this rocky hilltop where ancient temples are currently undergoing careful restoration work. We found that the site defines the city skyline and serves as the primary reason most travelers visit the capital. It is a busy archaeological complex that requires a steep walk to reach the top. Walking through the Propylaea feels…

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