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The crown jewel of Greece, if not all of Europe. Its temples are the most influential buildings in Western architecture. (see Acropolis)

Socrates, Aristotle and St Paul all held forth in the marketplace below the Acropolis. This was the heart of the ancient city. (see The Agora)

Ancient Greece’s most colossal temple stands beside the monumental arch that divided Athens between Greek hero Theseus and formidable Roman emperor Hadrian. (see Temple of Olympian Zeus)

Corinth’s location, between the Peloponnese and mainland Greece, made it a rich and powerful trading centre from Mycenaean times onwards. Material wealth was accompanied by a reputation for wild and licentious lifestyles, including polygamy and orgiastic cults, which St Paul addressed with great concern in the biblical Book of Corinthians . After the 19th century, Corinth declined into a small, unattractive city. Its attraction resides in the extensive remains of the ancient glories, especially the 6th-century BC Temple of Apollo, and the Roman Agora and Odeon.

A green-gladed respite in the city centre, with a wonderful view and a mix of monuments that encompass ancient, Byzantine and modern Greek culture. (see Filopappos Hill)

Voluptuous Aphrodite was Artemis’s polar opposite – the temperamental goddess of love had dozens of affairs.

This tiny islet off Aegina is even more of an escape from it all. Quiet beaches, clear beautiful water, a handful of small hotels and fish tavernas, and not much else.

Follow the winding paths to different monuments: two Byzantine churches, a Roman memorial and Athens’ old observatory. And, at the summit of this shady hill, extensive views over and beyond the city. (see Filopappos Hill)

Kallidromiou is the heart of Exarcheia, especially on Saturdays, when the whole neighbourhood turns out for the open-air laiki (farmer’s market). Soak up the sights of the street and buy some fresh fruit before heading to nearby Strefi Hill (see Strefi Hill) for a healthy climb and bite to eat.

Greece’s tallest building; no observation deck, but great views if you’re visiting any of its companies.

This is one of the best deals in town. For only a little more than most budget hotels, you get a stylish restaurant and lobby, and bright, comfortable rooms with room service, satellite TV, business amenities, and, if you ask, Acropolis views. Though not located in a tourist neighbourhood, it’s within an easy walk of most sights.

The Adrian offers rooms that are small, clean and serviceable, if somewhat sterile, in the heart of Plaka next to Hadrian’s Library. The rooms have small balconies and the roof garden has lovely views. The café-filled square below is a nice place to sit, but can get noisy at night.

Price and location (on Plateia Syntagma, directly across from the National Gardens) combine admirably. The rooms are comfortable, functional and, despite facing a noisy major road, surprisingly quiet.

From the gimmicky entrance (playing on the name, “left-right”) to the cheeky toilets, you’re in for a good time. But the real draw is the food. (see Aristera-Dexia)

With its polished concrete walls and floor, water garden and coloured lighting, 48 has become one of the trendiest restaurants in town.

Romantic split-level restaurant-bar built into a cliff overlooking the sea. Creative fish, meat and cheese mezes.