Cities for every season
Some cities burst into life for a few months of the year, then fall almost silent for the rest. Hotels close as soon as winter sets in or the holiday season ends, shops pull down their shutters and the streets empty out.
Some other cities, though, never seem to go out of season, teeming with life all-year round. Why is that? The answer does not lie in a single attraction or the climate. These cities have managed to offer multiple reasons for a visit and diverse experiences. They cater to different needs depending on the season and preferences of each visitor.
When the city doesn’t stop
London never really stops. Autumn marks the start of the West End theater season, winter transforms the city with lights and decorations and a festive atmosphere, while spring and summer are all about strolls in the park, picnics and open-air events.
Something similar happens in Barcelona, where the beach gives way to gastronomy and culture as soon as temperatures drop. And then there is Vienna, which is just as popular in December for its Christmas markets as it is in June for its open-air concerts.
What do they all have in common? Each season offers its own reasons for a visit.
One city, many identities
Each season brings to life a different side of the city. The alley that is filled with tables in the summer becomes the ideal backdrop for a stroll with a hot drink in hand in the winter. The museum that welcomes families in the morning also hosts evening events in its garden or on its rooftop.
The city itself becomes a destination for culture, gastronomy, nature and nightlife. Its different facets attract different people – families, couples, groups of young people – at different times. Visitors don’t need to choose the “right” time for their trip. Each season offers a completely different yet equally authentic experience.
Athens is transforming
Athens was not always a destination. For years, it served as a gateway to the Greek islands, with 1 or 2 overnight stays to allow for a visit to the Acropolis. In recent years, however, something has changed. More and more visitors are staying longer and exploring the city.
For starters, this can be explained by how much the city itself has changed. The neighborhoods surrounding the city center have acquired a character of their own. Small restaurants and cafés set the tone and offer diverse culinary experiences: from street food in the summer, to heartier flavors in the winter or traditional Greek cuisine in any season.
Art and culture are not limited to classical museums. New exhibition spaces, galleries and festivals are expanding the available options. Open-air theaters, summer cinemas and concerts at archaeological sites create a unique setting in the summer. Come winter, indoor venues, as well as old buildings and industrial spaces that have been given new life pick up the baton.
Even shopping excursions have taken on a different dimension. Large shopping malls serve as all-in-one destinations where visitors can shop, enjoy a meal or coffee, watch movies, or visit interactive spaces with their children.
The city by the sea
Few European capitals offer the combination that Athens does. Within a few minutes of the city center, visitors find themselves by the sea. The coastal front, with Flisvos Marina as its point of reference, offers seaside strolls alongside the boats, as well as shopping, dining and coffee with a view – all at a different, more relaxed pace than the city center, throughout the year.
This way the city takes on another character, urban and seaside at the same time. And this is not limited to a single moment. The coastal front extends further, allowing visitors to easily access the Athenian Riviera and experience a different kind of urban daily life at The Ellinikon. Where the greenery will meet the sea and the vibrant pulse of the city.