After more than two years with restrictive COVID measures, tourists are returning to the Greek capital in droves. Locals, meanwhile, are rejoicing, spending their evenings outdoors with friends. The city is inviting and exciting, thanks to dozens of new cafés, bars, restaurants, boutiques and shops, hotels and cultural attractions, and according to recent surveys, a great majority of tourists are happy with their stays and wish to return again.

But as more visitors than ever arrive in Athens, and the average length of a stay in the city is slowly rising (from 2.5 to 3 days, towards the city’s strategic target of 3.5 to 4 days), we realized the need to consider the obvious: what should visitors do with that extra day?

This city of our hearts boasts many secrets, many attractions, and many vibrant neighborhoods. In this, our latest issue dedicated to the Greek capital, we‘ve pulled together our best tips for city experiences, new arrivals, urban havens offering respite from the summer heat, and upcoming events.

We also guide you through the neighborhood of Kypseli and the Attica basin’s fabled hills; present the trendsetters bringing something new to the Athenian experience; and discuss some hot debate-worthy topics: How much tourism is too much? What is going on with the Parthenon Marbles? Where should we eat?