Known as the birthplace of democracy, Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, whose recorded history spans more than 3,000 years. With the famous ruins of the Acropolis and the Parthenon looming over the city from high on a hill, the Greek capital is a blend of old and new, where modern boutiques sit comfortably next to ancient ruins.

The Grand Promenade is a three-kilometre self-guided walk through the historic city centre, connecting ancient sites and neoclassical architecture. Just below the imposing Acropolis you’ll find the historic neighbourhood of Plaka, where cobblestone streets and winding alleys come to life with cafes and traditional tavernas serving Greek delights like keftedes (meatballs) and spetzofai (sausage, pepper, and onion casserole). Plaka is also brimming with shops where you can pick up traditional souvenirs as well as clothes, crafts, musical instruments, and ceramics.

The high season in Greece is summer, when you can expect warm days and balmy nights for enjoying your stay in an Athens vacation rental. Bring plenty of sun protection and a hat, as it can get extremely hot in the middle of the day. The Ejekt Festival takes place in July and is the city’s biggest alternative and electronic music festival, attracting a superstar lineup of international artists. The weather is pleasant from March to May and September to October, when you’ll enjoy sunny and mild conditions for exploring the city. European Heritage Days occur on the last weekend in September, when many archaeological sites and museums in Athens are free to visit. The low season is from November to March, when the temperatures drop along with the crowds. But the attractions remain open all year round, so if you’re looking for a quieter vacation, this could be the best time to visit.

The Acropolis

This UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the city includes some of the most famous ancient ruins in the world. The Parthenon is the most notable, but other significant sites on the hill include the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman theatre; the Temple of Athena Nike; and the Erechtheion, an Ancient Greek Ionic temple. Wander the cobbled paths where democracy was born and where famous philosophers questioned the world. The views over the city at sunrise are spectacular.

Mount Lycabettus

A funicular railway swoops you to the summit of Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in the city at almost 300 metres. If you’re feeling hale and hearty, you can walk to the top, but be sure to carry plenty of water, especially in summer. You’ll also find a restaurant at the summit when you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine and soak up the glorious views.

The Panathenaic Stadium

This open-air stadium is a modern reconstruction of the original one used for the ancient games in the second century B.C. With a U-shaped layout and a long, thin running track, it’s like no modern stadium in the world. Today, the Panathenaic hosts sporting and musical events, with seats for up to 45,000. From its top tiers, you’ll enjoy scenic lookouts of the Acropolis and the National Garden.