As a European capital city, visiting Athens is somehow not quite considered the same as traveling to Paris or London. However, this location is becoming increasingly popular and is easily accessible from other places in Europe. Affordable accommodation and regular scheduled flights help to make Athens an attractive vacation destination.

The Acropolis

There is no doubt about it - a trip to Athens simply has to include a visit to the famous archaeological sites of the city. Rated by most at the top of the list of things to do in Athens is a visit to the Acropolis. The word 'acropolis' means high city, but as the Acropolis of Athens is the most famous such acropolis world-wide, the word has become almost automatically associated with the historical site in Athens. The Acropolis is not just the most significant site in Athens, but it is also considered one of the most important or noteworthy monuments in the world.

The Acropolis refers to the whole hill and hosts some stunning classical Greek works of art. These include the Parthenon, the Propylaia and the Erechtheum. The Parthenon is the remains of a temple that showed the Greeks' admiration of the goddess Athena. The Propylaia refer to the gates that were built on the west side of the hill. The Temple of Athena Nike is a small temple, adorned with four pillars, that is believed once to have contained a statue of the goddess Athena. The Erechtheum is another ancient temple on the Acropolis that has an unusual shape and design. Viewing these ancient ruins takes visitors back in time to ancient Greece, combining myths, legends and culture. The atmosphere at the Acropolis is all created by the combination of the dusty path, white marble, pillars, ancient ruins, Acropolis museum, restoration work, rock, impressive architecture and art. It can be safely said that the Acropolis is an important part of the cultural heritage of the area.

For first time visitors, it is worthwhile noting that comfortable shoes are in order for visiting this site, as there is quite a climb in order to reach the ruins. It is also best to visit in the early morning hours before the area becomes too hot. In accordance with European regulations, there is now access to the site for the disabled, via a specially made lift at the side of the rock.

A variety of vacation accommodation is available in the close vicinity of the Acropolis. For visitors eager to breathe in every possible minute of the historical civilization and atmosphere, it is also possible to find hotel rooms with a view of the Acropolis.

Irrelevant of where a traveler chooses to stay in Athens, a visit to the Acropolis will prove to be a memorable and striking element of the trip.