Greece’s capital Athens won “Europe’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2023” at the World Travel Awards, beating over nine other European cities in the same category.
The title signifying that Athens is the top destination for culture enthusiasts in Europe was awarded during a ceremony known for honouring those who set high standards and best practices in the travel and tourism industry. This event took place in Batumi, Georgia, on Friday, September 29, 2023.
Our winners represent stellar examples of tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and everyone for helping to raise the collective benchmark to even greater heights.
Athens secured this spot in the face of competition from renowned international cities, including Edinburgh (Scotland), Lisbon (Portugal), London (England), Palma de Mallorca (Spain), Paris (France), Porto (Portugal), Prague (Czech Republic), Rome, and Venice (Italy). It maintained its status as the winner from the previous year.
Considered the birthplace of Western civilization, the historical landmarks in the city serve as evidence of the profound historical and cultural legacy of ancient Greece. Within the city, visitors can find some of the world’s most renowned ancient remains, such as the Ancient Agora, the Pnyx, Areopagus, the Library of Hadrian the Hills, and the Acropolis, where the Parthenon, a temple devoted to the goddess Athena, stands.
With their extensive collections of Greek art and artefacts, museums such as The National Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis Museum, the Benaki Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, and the Athens War Museum transform Greece into a treasure trove of art and history. Each offers a unique perspective on Greek history, making them essential stops for any visitor to Athens.
Every year, roughly 6.4 million tourists visit Athens, attracted by the city’s architecture, which serves as a testament to its diverse history, showcasing a combination of ancient, Byzantine, and modern buildings.
For drama lovers, the theatre scene in Athens is unlike any other. Being the birthplace of theatre, it offers a unique experience where the venues themselves are half the attraction, as the National Theatre is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
The city also hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Athens Epidaurus Festival, which features performances of ancient Greek drama, the Athens Digital Arts Festival, and the annual Athens Technopolis Jazz Festival for jazz and music enthusiasts, among other festivals.
Greece’s success this year, highlighted by winning “Europe’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2023,” solidified its position as one of the big winners, securing a total of 20 top European titles.
