Athens is a truly memorable and exciting place to visit for the tourists. Places of great historical importance dot this city, making it a touchstone of western civilization. Amongst others, below is the list of places you just cannot afford to miss.

Acropolis: The image of the Acropolis towering above the city is almost synonymous with Athens. It was dedicated to the patron goddess Athena, and has been a religious site since 4,000 BC. The Parthenon is the most interesting monument on the Acropolis.

Panathenaic Stadium:The site of the first modern Olympics in 1896, the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens is the first choice of the tourists having deep interest in ancient and Olympic history. The original stadium dates back to 556 bce, but was rebuilt on its ruins on the same lines.

New Acropolis Museum:This archaeological museum preserves the findings from the ancient site of the acropolis of Athens. Founded in 2003, the museum was opened for public in 2009. It is home to nearly 4,000 objects from the Greek Bronze Age to Byzantine Greece.

The Plaka:Located above the Acropolis, the Plaka is a pedestrian only zone. It features hordes of shops, restaurants and cafes and is a fun zone for the tourists. It is the best place to buy and take back your souvenirs for your loved ones.

National Archaeological Museum:This museum stores most of the artifacts from Acropolis. Often considered to be the best archaeological museum in the world, this one is the largest in Greece. Treasures from the Greek Golden Age like potteries, sculptures and bronzes are also found here.

The Greater Athens Metropolitan Area is home to more than 350 hotels that cater to the varied needs of travelers from all over the world. The most important decision here is to choose the area you`d like to stay in, which should majorly depend on your purpose of visit.

Syntagma Square:Downtown Athens is known for its huge cluster of hotels catering to all budgets. Grande Bretagne, built in 1842, is a majestic five star property with remnants of history still visible in the hotel`s architecture. NJV Athens Plaza is another attractive option for the ones who prefer to live in style. Electra and Amalia are some of the hottest hotels in the four-star range. Best Western Fenix lies close to the Metaxa Street shopping and entertainment district, and is comparably easier on your pocket.

Omonia Square:Omonia Square is frequented by tourists looking for some cheaper accommodation options. Grecotel Athens Acropol and the Omonia Grand Hotel are the most preferred four-star hotels in the region.

Kolonaki:Home to groovy nightspots and upscale restaurants and boutiques, Kolonaki is a hot favorite of local and international tourist alike. St George Lycabettus Hotel is the best five star hotel in the region with some scintillating views from its balconies and roof top pool. The two-star Athenian Inn is the best budget hotel that offers great service and a comfortable stay.

All nationals intending a visit to Greece must possess a valid passport not expiring 3 months from the date of travel.

Visa is not required by nationals of the following countries for stay of up to 3 months:

• Australia
• America
• UK
• Canada
• South Africa
• New Zealand

All Schengen nationals possess a Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option.

The best time to visit Athens is during the spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) season when it`s much pleasant than the summers. In winters, the temperately rarely goes below zero degree Celsius though the rainfall is at its highest during this time.

Summers can be quite hot in Athens, though the nights are relatively cooler. The average temperature during these months revolves around 33 degree Celsius. Do keep in mind that the temperatures and weather conditions are different in southwest (warmer) and northeast regions of Athens. Winter temperatures are usually in the range of 5-9 degree Celsius. It is common to experience rainfall during winters. Snow is quite rare. The fantastic weather conditions can be enjoyed during October and November.

Currency:Greece is part of the European Union, hence the currency used in Athens is Euro. Currency exchange can de done at banks, ATMs and exchange bureaus located throughout Athens.

Language:Greek is the dominant language spoken in Athens. Apart from it, English, French and German are also spoken and understood by people employed in tourism trade.