A behemoth of an archaeological site, where ancient history and mythology meet modern life, no trip to Greece is complete without time spent in Athens. Situated on the western coast of the Attica Peninsula, Greece’s capital is a central tourist hub that requires thorough exploration. The Acropolis is the city’s crowning jewel, sitting above Monastiraki, a neighborhood famous for its flea market, souvenir shops, cafes, and old-world magnetism. When in Athens, culinary travelers often find themselves in Varvakios Agora, a local market with stalls upon stalls selling fresh meats and seafood, and in budget-friendly tavernas that stay open all night offering tasty, traditional options.

The location of the first Olympic Games, in 1896, Athens is easily reachable from the far corners of the continent and is the ideal starting point for travelling around Greece. Additionally, ferry tickets to Athens is a simple process using Ferryscanner. There are three ports near the city, of which Piraeus is the largest in Greece, situated eight kilometers outside Athens, in the Bay of Phaleron. If you’re only here for a day before catching a late-night or early morning boat, plan to stay near Piraeus, which has the pretty Zeas Marina, several harborside restaurants, and the Veakio Theater. This gorgeous hilltop amphitheater with magnificent views plays host to regular cultural events during the summer months.

On the eastern shore of Attica is Lavrio. The industrial port city is an hour away from Athens. While it lacks tourist attractions, a growing number of cheap connections to various Greek islands makes it a favorite departure point. Heading from Kea and Tinos to Naxos, as well as taking the 15-hour journey to Milos, are all possible from the port of Lavrio. When looking to fly out of Greece, many tourists take ferries to Athens. While Piraeus is convenient because of its metro access, the port of Rafina is only 20 minutes away from the Athen International Airport. From here there are many ferry connections offered to the Cyclades islands.

Irrespective of the port you use, try and make time for some of all the eclectic offerings in Athens. From riding the Lycabettus Funicular and catching a film at the open-air Aello Cinema to visiting the completely unique Pittaki Street and eating at an underground club and pizzeria called Crust, there’s much to do and see in Athens.