Spondi, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Athens is a favourite among locals. While the food leans strongly towards French cuisine, it is the perfect place to try beautifully presented and imaginative dishes. For more familiar favourites like saganaki, horiatiki salata (Greek salad), htapodi (grilled octopus) and sofrito, head to Vlassis, a restaurant that prides itself on the presentation of traditional dishes.

If you were ever in any doubt about just how spectacular the buildings of ancient Greece were and just how they impacted civilisation, take a trip to the Acropolis. The Parthenon, built in 5th century BC, sits proudly at the top of a hill overlooking the city and is a former temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Get there early though, as the heat and crowds are in full force by mid-morning.

Just half an hour from Athens’ city centre are the stunning thermal waters of Vouliagmeni Lake. Framed by sheer rock walls and featuring labyrinthine underwater tunnels, the sparkling green water fed by underground mineral springs is said to be healing. We’re not sure about that claim, but it certainly feels good for the soul to be able to swim in the warm waters all year round.

Feeling energetic? We’ve got just the hill (with a view) for you. Athens isn’t particularly hilly, which means if you walk up the wild but partly-shady Filopappou Hill, you’ll get majestic panoramic views over the city, making it the ideal spot to snap some pictures of the Acropolis. And if you want an experience off the beaten track look carefully at the base of the hill and you will see a small sign leading to the cave where Socrates was thought to be imprisoned and poisoned.

A formerly abandoned parcel of land by the sea has been recently transformed into the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC). It’s now a sort of cultural playground, which incorporates beautiful parks, gardens and a culture hub that houses exhibitions, concerts, reading rooms, the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera. You can learn to tango, play chess and take gardening lessons – all for free.