Welcome to Athens, the vibrant capital city of Greece! This bustling city is full of ancient history, breathtaking architecture, delicious food, and a lively culture that is sure to captivate any visitor. Here's a Lonely Planet style visitor guide to Athens:

Things to Do:

- Acropolis: The most famous landmark in Athens, the Acropolis is a must-see. Climb to the top for incredible views of the city and to explore the ancient ruins, including the Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike.
- Ancient Agora: This was the heart of ancient Athens, and is now a popular tourist site featuring ruins of temples, government buildings, and public spaces.
- National Archaeological Museum: This museum houses some of the most important artifacts from ancient Greek history, including sculptures, pottery, and jewelry.
- Plaka: This charming neighborhood is a great place to explore on foot. With narrow streets, colorful buildings, and plenty of cafes and shops, it's the perfect place to soak up the city's culture.
- Athens Central Market: Wander around the bustling stalls and alleys of the market, where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs.

Food and Drink:

- Souvlaki: A staple Greek food, souvlaki is skewered meat (usually pork or chicken) grilled over an open flame and served with pita and various toppings.
- Moussaka: A traditional Greek dish made of layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce.
- Greek Salad: A simple but delicious salad made with cucumber, tomato, onion, feta cheese, and olives.
- Ouzo: A popular Greek liquor that is often served as an aperitif. It's licorice-flavored and best enjoyed with a small plate of meze (Greek tapas).
- Greek Coffee: A strong, sweet coffee that is typically served in small cups. Order it "sketos" for no sugar, "metrios" for medium sugar, or "glykos" for very sweet.

Shopping:

- Monastiraki Flea Market: This bustling market is full of vendors selling everything from antique furniture to vintage clothing to souvenirs.
- Ermou Street: A pedestrian-only street lined with shops selling everything from high-end fashion to souvenirs to specialty foods.
- Kolonaki: This upscale neighborhood is home to designer boutiques, galleries, and luxury shops.
- Athens Central Market: In addition to food, the market also has artisanal crafts, herbs and spices, and local products like olive oil and honey.

Getting Around:

Athens has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, metro trains, and trams. The metro is the quickest way to get around the city, with three lines that connect the city center with the suburbs. Taxi fares are relatively cheap, and Uber is also available in Athens. The city is also very walkable, especially in the pedestrianized areas like Plaka and Monastiraki.

Accommodation:

There are many accommodation options in Athens, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some popular neighborhoods to stay in include Plaka, Monastiraki, and Kolonaki. Airbnb is also a good option for those who want to stay in a local apartment or home.

Overall, Athens is a city full of history, culture, and excitement. Whether it's exploring ancient ruins, tasting delicious Greek food, or shopping for unique souvenirs, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.