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There's no shortage of information about Athens on the web - here's a sampling of some particularly useful sites.

One concern of most travelers is the weather - monitor the temperature in Athens at this Athens Weather site from USA Today. It gives rapidly-updated current conditions in Athens, as well as a handy five-day forecast.

Events in Greece, such as strikes or unusual weather patterns, can sometimes affect travel. One way to help you predict delays is to check into the Athens News site. This excellent site from the major English-language newspaper in Athens offers streaming headlines, daily news, and a photo of the day.

A great introduction to Athens in general comes from Matt Barrett, whose on-line Athens Guide is an entertaining and informative read useful for virtually all travelers, with lots of insider information. Aegean offers a brief, fact-filled guide, Welcome to Athens. Scroll through the selections, which end with a selection of on-line hotels.

Another good though more formal introduction to the capital comes from Arthur Frommer, whose Introduction to Athens is particularly helpful. Tourist Guide to Greece provides About Athens, which includes a little bit of everything, from history to sightseeing and hotels, plus a good, big map.

Outlying areas of Athens which are worth familiarizing yourself with before traveling include the Port of Piraeus, including Marina Zea and the other small harbors serving Athens. Many cruises, hydrofoils, and other craft embark from Piraeus, and it is often the first experience of Greece for travelers arriving by water. The different marinas are close to each other - make sure you know which one you need if someone tells you "It docks at Piraeus".

Many hotels are located in the Athens Suburbs. These areas have their own charms but may sideline you from the throbbing heart of Athens. If being where the action is takes top priority with you, or you don't want to spend much on taxis, you may want to avoid the suburbs and choose a hotel downtown or in the Plaka.

Though Athens is more expensive than the less-visited areas of Greece. bargains still abound in Athens. Athens is filled with museums, but the one you must see is The National Archaeological Museum, which is proudly and thoroughly presented online by the Greek Ministry of Culture. The Museum itself is so rich in objects that it can be daunting for a first-time visitor. Use this site in advance to help narrow down the areas you want to really absorb. Be prepared - most package tours rush through this masterpiece of a museum. By the way, the excellent Egyptian collection located upstairs is often neglected in the natural desire to see Greek pieces.

Athens hotels and restaurants are online in a dizzying abundance. Many of these are included in my link list for Athens and Attica. Nightlife in Athens is an art in itself, and several sites exist to help you adjust. The best is Magical Journey's Nightclubbing! - a fascinating guide to the nightiquette of Athens.

Enjoy your virtual visit to Athens - but remember, nothing is as good as being there. The energy and excitement of Athens is far too powerful to be contained electronically - make your reservations and experience it for yourself.