You can’t visit Athens without seeing the Acropolis and Parthenon. Explore the ancient ruins, take in the city views, then stop by the Acropolis Museum to see the history up close. Go early or around sunset for fewer crowds and great photos.

The central areas in Athens are quite walkable and have so much to see and do. The Plaka, Monastiraki and Kolonaki neighborhoods are right in the center and are great areas to explore before or after visiting the Acropolis. You can find a mix of touristy and boutique shops in Plaka and Monistiraki, while Kolonaki has all the designer stores (you might find Dominique there). Mix in a walk through the National Garden too for some shade and nice foliage views.

The food scene in Athens (and all of Greece for that matter) is unsurprisingly incredible. It's truly hard to go wrong, but here are some of our favorite spots:

In the city center, our favorite restaurants are Dopios, O Thanasis, A Little Taste of Home, and Aneton. For a more high-end but unforgettable dinner, we recommend trying Soil.

There are a bunch of rooftop bars with views of the Acropolis that are great for an afternoon libation – A for Athens or 360 Cocktail Bar are good options. If you're into craft cocktails like us, you must visit Baba Au Rum, The Clumsies, and Kowalski. The Line is another fantastic spot (recently the #8 bar in the world) but is a bit further out from the city center.

Rising above the city, Mount Lycabettus offers incredible Athens views. Hike up or take the funicular from Aristippou Street to reach the Chapel of St. George and a hilltop café — perfect for sunset.

Just 1.5 hours from the Piraeus port via the Flying Dolphin ferry or organized tour, the island of Hydra is a charming, car-free island full of stone mansions, flower-filled courtyards, and narrow alleys. Explore by donkey or marine taxi, soak in the peaceful vibes, and enjoy the mix of historic charm and modern touches.

Enjoy the stunning coastline just south of the city, where the Athens Riviera offers everything from lively beach clubs to peaceful coves. Spend the day at Astir Beach for a luxurious vibe, Vouliagmeni Beach for easy access and calm waters, or Varkiza Resort for great food and cocktails by the sea.

There are over 200 inhabited islands in Greece you can visit, each with its own charm. These are the ones we recommend:

Naxos is the island we know the best and feels like a second home. It is the most well-rounded island, great for families and couples alike. A typical day might include hiking up Mount Zas for sunrise, cooling off in the Aegean Sea, eating too much at Paradiso Taverna, and late-night drinks and gyros in Chora. Enough said, Naxos has it all.

Milos is one of the most uniquely beautiful islands – moonlike beaches, colorful fishing villages, and hidden coves amongst striking white rock formations. This place is an adventure waiting to happen – rent a car or ATV and try to explore every inch of the island.

Santorini is probably the most well-known and for good reason. This island is all about the views. It's not cheap but it's a bucket list destination worth seeing for a couple days!

Kefalonia sits west of the mainland in the Ionian Sea and full of emerald waters, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages. Chill on hidden beaches, drive the scenic coastline, grab a bite at a local taverna, and check out one of the most famous beaches in the world – Myrtos Beach.

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens holds one of the world’s greatest collections of Greek antiquities, with artifacts spanning from prehistory to late antiquity.

The museum showcases Greek art from prehistory to modern times, a major Asian art collection, rotating exhibitions, and a leading restoration workshop.