World’s 10 most beautiful cities (beauty score) See where Athens ranks

Athens Acropolis Parthenon view foreign tourists

Venice: 83.3%

Rome: 82.0%

Barcelona: 81.9%

Prague: 78.7%

New York: 77.7%

Athens: 77.5%

Budapest: 75.9%

Vienna: 75.8%

Bordeaux: 75.3%

Milan: 75.1%

Why Athens, Greece ?

Of all the cities on this list, Athens is where you’re most likely to see some winter sun. With temperatures reaching the low 60s, it’s actually perfect weather for exploring the extensive network of ancient ruins strewn throughout the city.

Jam-packed with tourists and smoking hot in the summer, the Acropolis is the most famous attraction in pretty much all of Greece, perched on the top of a hill in the middle of the city. Climb to the top to explore the Parthenon with 360-degree views of the city, and don’t miss out on the informative museum, along with other ancient sites like the Temple of Hephaestus, Hadrian’s Library, and the Ancient Agora, all located right in centre of the action.

But while Athens is most famous for its ancient attractions, it’s a hip and modern city with an active nightlife scene, home to bars like The Clumsies (one of the world’s 50 best bars) and s.i.x. Dogs (built in an underground rock pit). You can eat at a classic taverna like Yiasemi, hidden away on the steps leading up to the picturesque Anafiotika neighbourhood, or opt for modern Greek-Japanese fusion at the Michelin-recommended Nolan.

Winter is also a great time to visit Athens for affordable hotel rates, so spend the night at the Trendy Lighthouse Athens, where you can book a suite with a bar, a writing desk, and a bathtub in the middle of the room for under $300 per night.

GCT Team

This article was researched and written by a GCT team member.

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