Athens’ star attraction is, undoubtedly, the Acropolis and its host of temples, the crowning glory being the Parthenon. Between April and October, you’ll want to jump the queue with skip-the-line tours to get up close and personal with the ancient marvel that continues to baffle engineers. Snap pictures of the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaia Gates glowing in the afternoon light, and if you have time, stop at the Acropolis Museum to learn more about these ancient sites.

History buffs won’t want to miss ancient sites such as the Panathenaic Stadium, Kerameikos Cemetery, or Arch of Hadrian. You can easily see them while exploring the city by bike, tuk-tuk, or Segway. To make mythology for the kids even more interesting, go on an interactive tour led by a guide who expertly brings Greek legends to life.

Beyond the archaic wonders, Athens comes alive with a surprisingly contrasting collection of neighborhoods. In the shadow of the Acropolis sits Monastiraki Square, teeming with historical monuments and shops for select Greek-designed mementos and vintage finds, while adjacent Psirri is renowned for eye-popping street art and handcrafted leather goods. Nearby upscale Kolonaki’s boutique-lined streets and galleries draw well-heeled shoppers and contemporary art aficionados.

Greeks take food seriously, so don't miss a tour of the city’s heady central markets, delis, old-school and modern cafés, laidback meze joints, tavernas, and street-food hangouts. Skip the hotel breakfast because you’ll need plenty of room to sample a seemingly endless array of goodies, from honey-dipped donut-like loukoumades and regional cheeses to olives and souvlaki.

Witness a fiery sunset at Cape Sounion as you admire the marble Doric columns of the Temple of Poseidon, erected around 444 BC to honor the god of the sea. The hilltop ancient site not only served as a vantage point in 5th-century BC Athens but today affords wonderful oceanic views. Legend has it that Athens’ King Aegeus threw himself off the cliff when he saw his son Theseus’ ship bearing black sails, mistakenly believing he had died.

While you’re in Athens, seize the opportunity to visit UNESCO World Heritage–listed sites that can be seen on a day trip. You can tour the riveting ancient site of Delphi and its small yet notable museum, Delphi Archaeological Museum. Equally fascinating are the soaring stone pillars of Meteora, crowned by centuries-old Eastern Orthodox monasteries. If biblical history is more your vibe, trace the footsteps of St. Paul in ancient Corinth and along the Corinth Canal.

Ancient history buffs and sports enthusiasts alike delight in visiting ancient Olympia, home of the first Olympics. This massive site overflows with impressive ruins and top-tier museums, including the remains of the stadium, gymnasium, a number of temples, and the world-class Archaeological Museum of Olympia. The site sits more than three hours outside of the capital city, so book a tour that includes transportation to avoid the hassle of driving or navigating public transportation.

Greece is most known for its classical art and architecture, but this land was inhabited centuries before the Greek Empire rose to power. Delve into prehistoric history at Mycenae, the UNESCO-listed seat of the powerful Mycenaean civilization as far back as 1500 BC. Follow streets where King Agamemnon is said to have walked, then jump ahead almost a millennium at the nearby Theater of Epidaurus, an ancient acoustical wonder that once seated 14,000 spectators.

With its dramatic ancient temples and vibrant dining and drinking scene, Athens shows its best side once the sun dips below the horizon. Take in the Acropolis and views over the twinkling city lights from the top of Mt. Lycabettus on a night tour of Athens by car or by e-bike—some tours end with a rousing performance of traditional Greek music and dance at a neighborhood taverna.

A short drive southwest of the city center is the glittering Athens Riviera, a string of coastal suburbs and beaches stretching 37 miles (60 kilometers) from suburban Faliro down to Cape Sounion. Reserve a spot on a half-day luxury catamaran cruise and set off on a group sailing adventure in the Saronic Gulf. Cool off with a swim and snorkel (ideally between late May and October), then tuck into a hearty Greek barbecue on board.