Highlights
Parthenon on the Acropolis and surrounding area, National Archaeological Museum, Agora, Museum of Contemporary Art

When to go - climate
Athens has a dryer Mediterranean climate, with the hottest months being June to September. April to May and September to October are very enjoyable seasons to visit Athens.

Cuisine
Olive oil is the most characteristic element of Greek cooking. In keeping with Mediterranean tradition, the most used vegetables are tomato, aubergine, peppers and beans. Basil, thyme, fennel seeds, mint and nutmeg are popular herbs and spices, and olives, feta cheese and grape leaves are prolific.

Some traditional dishes:
- Greek Salad: (tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, peppers)
- Tzatziki:  a dip made of yoghurt, cucumber and garlic puree
- Spanakopita: spinach wrapped in filo pastry
- Moussaka: eggplant casserole
- Baklava: a dessert made of filo pastry layers with nuts, sugar, syrup and cloves

Ouzo is an alcoholic beverage widely drunk in Greece. It is flavoured with anise and is commonly slowly sipped after adding ice or water.

Shopping
Athens' best shopping streets are Voukourestiou, Tsakalof, Patriarhou Ioakim, Skoufa and Kanari. On Mitropoleos you can shop for handbags and shoes, then visit the covered market hall.

Did you know?
- The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a Roman theatre which houses as many as 5,000 spectators
- Athens is named after its patron goddess, Athena
- 2004 was the second time that Athens hosted the Olympic Games. The first was in 1896

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