It’s no secret that Athens is in the midst of a significant post-recession transformation, with new hotels, restaurants and even train routes popping up every year. So instead of treating it as a quick stop for ancient ruins and gyros before you head off to the islands, let the capital city and its burgeoning culinary and art scenes convince you to stay a while.

Athens, a city celebrated for its ancient history and cultural significance, is poised to undergo a monumental transformation with its £4.8 billion plan to upgrade its metro system. Known for its bustling streets and iconic attractions, the Greek capital often faces severe traffic congestion, particularly on Sundays when residents return from weekend getaways. 

Solo existe una localidad en todo el mundo que ha sido testigo del nacimiento de la democracia como forma de gobierno, escenario de la Guerra del Peloponeso y sede de las míticas Olimpiadas en dos ocasiones. A menudo llamada la cuna de la cultura occidental, Atenas también ha visto sus calles llenarse de visitantes sorprendidos por su ecléctico paisaje urbano, compuesto por un fantástico patrimonio histórico, bares, restaurantes modernos, y cómodos hospedajes. 

Athens has been named “World’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2024” at the World Travel Awards.

The award was presented during a glittering ceremony in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, on Sunday, 24 November.

The recognition highlights Athens’ growing prominence as a global cultural hub, reflecting its dynamic combination of ancient heritage and modern vibrancy. 

Chris Kontos has opened a natural wine bar in Athens. This is big news in the Greek capital, because whatever project Kontos undertakes is apparently a measure of where the city is heading, culturally speaking. His photography is partly responsible for shaping the image of “New Athens”: confusing, chaotic, magical. He is also the founder of Kennedy Magazine, a biannual journal sold from Tokyo to New York, a DJ and, as of October, the owner of Kennedy Vins, a wine and listening bar in the downtown area. 
 

The City of Athens has achieved a significant distinction in international tourism, winning the title of World’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2024 at the World Travel Awards. The impressive award ceremony took place in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal on Sunday, November 24th.
 

Boho neighbourhoods, rooftop pool bars and an exciting spirit of reinvention make Athens an excellent weekender. A winter visit means you’ll swerve the crowds, too

Athens stands as a city where the legacy of Antiquity is woven into its modern and vibrant urban landscape. World-renowned landmarks of Ancient Greece like the Acropolis and the Parthenon stand as enduring symbols of classical architecture and the city’s storied past. These structures reflect the foundational principles of symmetry and balance that have influenced generations of architects and continue to attract scholars from around the world. Yet, Athens is also a thriving metropolis where contemporary architecture coexists with its historical counterparts.