Athens is a large, vibrant city with no end of interesting things to do and historic places to visit. Here are a few of the best

The National Garden is a tropical oasis of tranquillity just outside of the city, and the perfect place to take a break from the hectic pace of life in the city centre. Here you can stroll down shaded pathways, spend some time with the turtles and ducks, and see lots of beautiful and exotic plant life.

The Olympic games is a tradition that dates way back to the 8th century BC, and there has been an Olympic stadium in Athens since the second century AD. It was renovated for the 1896 Olympics and was overhauled again just in time for the 2004 summer Olympics, and tours of this magnificent and historic stadium are available throughout the week.

The Plaka, in the shadow of the Parthenon, is Athens’ oldest neighbourhood, and is currently home to a whole range of boutiques, museums, restaurants and bars. The cobbled streets, old buildings, and bustling atmosphere make this a very lively and interesting place to spend an afternoon or evening.

The National Archeological Museum is the most impressive of Athens’ many museums, with artefacts dating as far back as the Neolithic era. There are so many interesting exhibits in this museum that you should try to set aside a whole afternoon if you want to get the best from your visit.

The Parthenon and the Acropolis are two of the most famous tourist attractions in the world. They are situated together on a hilltop 150 metres above sea level that overlooks all of Athens, and can be seen from miles around. These ruins date back to the 5th century BC, and stand as a monument to the great artistic and intellectual achievements of the Ancient Greeks. While the Parthenon was partially destroyed by the Venetians during their 17th century invasion of Greece, many of its most notable features are still in evidence, and plans are afoot to restore it to something approaching its former glory.

Remember that whenever you are travelling abroad, it is vital that you take out holiday insurance with a reputable provider such as AA travel insurance, so that if you need medical attention while you are away, you will not have to pay the huge bills that are involved.

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