It is a lot to live up to if you are known as the birthplace of European civilisation. That is what Athens is, having been inhabited for over 7,000 years and containing some of the finest classical architecture in the world. Being a fine place for city breaks Athens holds true to its title so much so that visitors from all over flock here to enjoy city breaks Athens style.
On your city break Athens might seem like a sprawling conurbation of streets, houses and higgledy piggledy alleyways. Do not fret. The best way to approach enjoying your city break Athens style is to plan ahead, even if that means just scribbling down a few must-sees on your flight over there.
Luckily for all city breaks Athens main places of interest are all within a relatively small area which means you can visit most of them within a few days if time is short. If you only visit one museum on your city breaks Athens tour, make sure it is the National Archaeological Museum, opened in 1891, quite soon after Athens was made capital in 1834.
From bronze and gold inlaid daggers dating from 1600 BC to naturalist sculpture and Neolithic pottery, the collection in this museum in extensive. Probably its most famous exhibit is the Mask of Agamemnon, a gold death mask from the mid-1600s BC.
For unforgettable city breaks Athens is the place to go. If you happen to visit between June and September on your city break, Athens explodes with its most important cultural festival. The Hellenic Festival is a feast for the eyes as well as the ears and mouth. It includes venues throughout the city hosting international dance troupes, world music acts, ancient theatre groups and classical music orchestras.
If you want to enjoy Easter on your city breaks Athens will not disappoint. This is the most important religious festival in the Greek Orthodox calendar and is a time when families all come together. The procession of candles in the early hours of Easter Day is a real sight to behold, especially up the slopes of Lykavittos Hill.
For quieter city breaks Athens has the National Gardens for you to stroll around. This 40 acre area is beset with shady paths, deep ponds and the remains of Roman mosaics.
The Kallimarmaro Stadium is built on the exact site of the Panathenaic Stadium from 329 BC. This vast marble structure was constructed in time for the start of the first modern Olympics in 1896 and seats a capacity of 60,000. If you fancy wandering around it on your city break Athens will show you another side to it, one not just of antiquities or homages to the gods.
Any of the city breaks Athens offers will guarantee fun and good times. Combine that with a great deal on flights from BudgetAir Canada and you are bound to enjoy your Greek experience whatever time of the year you go.