Athens is a walkable city, especially the tourist areas around the Acropolis such as Monastiraki and Plaka. But there’s much more to this ancient town than these central spots. Move outside Central Athens and wander through the many dynamic Athens neighborhoods—you'll discover amazing dining, unique boutiques, and encounter the many local vibes that make this such a vibrant city.

Read More: The 10 Best Neighborhoods to Visit on Your First Trip to Athens

There’s no doubt that public transport in Athens is inexpensive in comparison to other cities–it costs €1.20 for a 90-minute journey to anywhere in the city. With only three Metro lines, it's also remarkably easy to navigate. Plus, as ancient artifacts are in many Metro stations, you'll often feel like you're at a museum. If you're looking to get outside the city, trams will whisk you all the way to the coast within an hour. 

Read More: Athens Public Transportation: How to Get Around the Greek Capital

With so many restaurants catering to tourists—especially in Central Athens—it’s not hard to find one that serves the classic Greek dishes, like the ubiquitous moussaka. But there’s more to Greek food than this time warn dish. There are also plenty of upscale restaurants, but as lovely as they are, don’t be lured only by the glitzy restaurants—there are plenty of hidden spots frequented by locals that will see you eating authentically.

Read More: The 14 Best Restaurants in Athens

Visitors to Athens will naturally want to see the famous sites: the Acropolis and Parthenon; the Acropolis Museum; and the all-marble Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. But there are plenty of free things to see in Greece's capital beyond the ancient sites, from street art tours to watching the changing of the evzones guards outside the Greek Parliament. You can meander the streets of the so-called "island village" beneath the Acropolis rock and sit and watch the sunset atop Areopagus–the Hill of Ares just by the Parthenon entrance.

Read More: 10 Free Things You Can Do While Visiting Athens

Despite Greece’s recent financial crisis, new hotel builds are on the rise. In many Athens neighborhoods, it’s possible to find boutique establishments to suit all wallets. Not only are these cozy alternatives to large, impersonal hotel chains, they'll allow you to experience Athens' many local scenes.

Read More: 10 Beautiful Boutique Hotels in Athens That Are Surprisingly Affordable