if you wanted to visit athens where would

Lonely Planet's guide to Athens

Nov 11, 2023 • 8 min read

Here are things a traveler should know on their first trip to Athens, one of the world's most storied cities © Lisa Schaetzle / Getty Images

Founded in 508 BCE, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and it's regularly touted as one of the Mediterranean’s best capital cities to visit. From the iconic Parthenon and the unique street art rivaling that of Berlin  to the city's glittering coastline, there’s so much to see and do in this ancient capital. 

One thing’s for sure: whether you’re into architecture, mythology, ancient sites, modern art or simply relaxing by the beach, Athens has something for everyone.

When should I go to Athens?

Greece generally attracts most people during the summer months (June to August) and Athens is no different, but we recommend visiting in the spring and autumn to avoid the heat. These shoulder seasons – March to May and September to October – offer cooler temperatures and a more comfortable travel experience overall. It’s also worth remembering that Athens is a humid place thanks to its coastline, which creates humid heat in the summer and gives the winter cold an extra chill. Consider this when packing and bring layers for all seasons.

Greek Orthodox Easter usually falls in April or May and the run-up to it, plus the event itself, is a huge celebration in the Greek calendar – even more so than Christmas. Expect street carnivals to mark the end of Lent and street processions to the various neighborhood churches on the Easter weekend, culminating in Mass and a huge meal on the Easter Sunday with a lamb on the spit. 

Restaurant prices won’t change much throughout the year, but accommodation prices do vary.  The same four-star hotel located near the Acropolis could be €140 per night in March and jump up to €320 in June for a weekend date, with Easter time seeing similar price rises.  It’s often cheaper to book directly, and hotels generally only publish their prices about two to three months in advance. 

How much time should I spend in Athens?

Many Europeans come to Athens for a weekend break, and long-haul travelers often use the city as as a stopover on the way to the Greek islands. 

You can get an initial taste of the city in two days, but we recommend a longer stay to truly understand the essence of this ancient capital. With four days, you can spend a day and a half at the capital’s famous sights, spend an afternoon wandering its neighborhoods , and still have time time to explore the beaches and ancient ruins of the Athenian coastline for a day or two.

Is it easy to get in and around Athens?

Located at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, Greece (and Athens in particular) attracts many tourists, which means the travel infrastructure is well developed and easy to use. Athens International Airport is 33km (21 miles) and a 30- to 45-minute drive – or a 45-minute metro ride – from the city center. There are also good ferry connections to Greece from Italy, with coach or rail services to and from Athens. 

Island hoppers will set out from the port of Piraeus , which is 45km (28 miles) from the airport and 10km (6 miles) from the city center. Piraeus is well linked to both the center (20 minutes by metro) and airport (a 24-hour bus service that takes about 90 minutes).

Public transport around Athens itself is easy, accessible and affordable, with a single ticket valid for a 90-minute journey and costing a mere €1.20. There is also a range of ticket deals, including  tourist passes lasting three and five days. 

The four modes of transport in Athens are:

• the very clean metro system . Note: no food is allowed.
• the overground train that connects the center to Piraeus port and other mainland destinations.
• an extensive network of  buses and electric trolleys . These primarily run to urban neighborhoods beyond the touristic center. 
• a tram service that connects the city center to the Athens coast and its beaches in about an hour.

After you’ve gotten yourself from the airport to the city center, most of Athens’s popular sights sit within a compact, walkable area. Just be aware of the traffic – cars don’t always immediately stop at red lights, and motorbikes occasionally mount the sidewalk to park.

Top things to do in Athens

Naturally, many visitors head straight to the Acropolis and the  Parthenon , Athens' most notable sights. The Acropolis has a daily visitor’s cap to avoid overcrowding and to preserve the ancient monument, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. It’s not really necessary to have a guide for the Acropolis – which can be booked on site – unless you’re very interested in dates and knowing the intricacies of ancient Greek history.

At the foot of the Acropolis lies the impressive Acropolis Museum , which showcases treasures from the Archaic to Roman periods, plus a stunning glass floor that reveals the excavated ruins underneath it. There’s also a terraced restaurant on the top floor with gorgeous views across to the monument.

Ancient artifacts crop up all over the city in random places, too; the metro stations of Monastiraki, Akropoli and Syntagma are like mini museums in their own right, and there's even ruins of a Roman tomb in a glassed-off area of the Zara clothing store on the shopping street of Ermou.

If it’s shopping you’re into, pedestrianized Ermou St is the place to go. It runs for nearly a mile from the Acropolis area up to Parliament in Syntagma Square, and features tons of fashion brands such as Mac, Desigual and the aforementioned Zara, plus a huge H&M. Greece’s main department store, Attica, is also here, and it's a great place to stock up with your holiday essentials. 

Looking for free and low-cost things to do in Athens ? Meander along the streets of Monastiraki flea market on a Sunday to peruse all the random wares for sale (everything from old drachma coins to shop mannequins), or take a stroll through the National Garden  next to the Parliament building, with its many species of plants and parrots flying freely. Witness the changing of the evzones (presidential guards) on the hour outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , or make your way to  Filopappou Hill /Hill of the Muses with its pine forest – a great destination on a hot day thanks to its abundant shade. Be sure to head up here at sunset for views across to the Saronic Gulf.

My favorite thing to do in Athens

As an aficionado of street art, I love exploring the burgeoning street art scene here and getting to know the various neighborhoods where it proliferates. Take in the famous Praying Hands Mural just off Omonia Sq, for example, which depicts Jesus praying for the people down on Earth – a play on Albrecht Dürer’s Praying Hands (1508).

I also love wandering around the hidden village of Anafiotika , which sits beneath the northeast side of the Acropolis. A sub-district of Plaka, it was built in the mid-1800s when King Otto brought in workers from the Greek island of Anafi to construct his palace. Homesick, the workers set about making their neighborhood a replica of their homeland, building white, sugar-cubed houses with flat stone roofs and brightly painted wooden doors and shutters, like those found in the Cyclades. Pink and white bougainvilleas wind their way up these buildings, several of which have roof gardens. 

Anafiotika is a bit difficult to find, but worth the effort. Start at the Acropolis main entrance, and walk to your left along the path; keep the monument to your right until you reach the Church of Metamorphosis. Continue straight past the church and follow the wider path up a steep hill. The path turns right and runs into stairs – this is the start of the island village.

How much money do I need for Athens?

Athens isn’t an expensive place to visit compared to other European destinations, especially outside of the high summer season when prices rise significantly.

• Hostel dorm room: approx. €26 per night
• Basic room for two: €36–128, depending of style of hotel and location
• Self-catering apartment: €65 per day
• Public transport ticket: €1.20 for a 90-minute journey, €10 from the airport, €4.10 for a day pass, €20 for a three-day pass including one airport journey, €8.10 for a five-day pass (not including airport)
• Coffee: €2–2.50
• Typical Greek gyros with salad and fries: €2–3
• Dinner for two: €30 (add €2.50 for beer or wine)
• Beer at a pub: €2.50+

What do I need to know before going to Athens?

Bring layers, no matter the season 

As Athens is located on the coast, it’s sticky in the summer and quite chilly in the spring, fall and winter evenings. Layers are always a good idea: think T-shirts, light sweaters and a jacket for the cooler months. For the really hot summer months, bring a sports cooling towel to wrap around your neck to cool off as you explore.

Be aware of your belongings on the metro

As with any capital or big city, pickpockets can take advantage of large tourist crowds, especially on crowded public transport. Avoid hanging large cameras around your neck and keep your backpack in front of you. You may also want to invest in a hanging cord for your cell phone to loop across your body so it can’t be snatched from your hands.

No flushing toilet paper!

The plumbing in Athens is antiquated and the pipes tend to be very narrow. Flushing paper down the toilet will clog things up, so you’ll always find a bin with bag inside it in the bathroom for you to place toilet paper inside. This is removed daily by housekeeping.

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The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Athens Itinerary

Last Updated on March 4, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

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Planning a 2, 3 or 4 days in Athens itinerary can sometimes seem like an afterthought when mapping out a longer trip to Greece. Although some of the main images that the word Greece inspires for travelers are Athens and the Acropolis, few people spend more than a day in the capital city or outside of the port.

For most people, Greece is synonymous with the Greek islands such as Mykonos , Milos , Corfu and Santorini with vast deep blue seas, and dream-worthy sunsets. With a few days set aside to explore Athens, you’ll manage to get to know the heart of this special country, its people, and the birthplace of democracy.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Athens?

It can be tough to put your finger on just how many days to spend in Athens as it’s a relatively condensed city. However, there are also plenty of things to do and areas to explore outside of the heart of Athens.

In 1 day, you’ll be able to explore the main area of the center of the city and wander around the Acropolis.

With 2 days in Athens, you’ll be able to explore the city center at a much slower pace and maybe check out another museum.

Spending 3 days exploring the sites of Athens is ideal to do the city justice and get a better feel for what it is today.

And with 4 days, you’ll have the chance to get out of the city and take a day trip to one of the nearby areas rich in ancient history as well as beauty. If you have even more time, you can also go on a day trip somewhere further afield, such as to Meteora or Delphi .

Getting To & Around Athens

Chances are you’ll most likely be arriving in the city by plane or by ferry. While there is a train station in Athens, it’s more for local commuter routes so we’ll be skipping train transport in this article. 

If you’re arriving in the city by plane, you’ll be arriving at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. The airport is 27 km from the city center and there are a few ways of reaching it.

The metro line 3 runs directly from the airport through the center, stopping at various points throughout the city. You can reach the metro from the airport by about a 3-minute walk outside the terminal.

The journey is just under 40 minutes from the airport to the city. A special airport ticket is required, so keep this in mind while purchasing!

It is possible to take a taxi to the city from the airport. But keep in mind that if you arrive after midnight, taxi costs increase to over double what you would pay earlier in the day. You can also organise a transfer in advance here .

If you’re arriving by ferry from one of the Greek islands, you’ll be arriving at the Piraeus port. Fortunately, there is a metro stop at the port making it easy to transport you onwards to your destination in the city. You can book ferries in advance here .

The center of Athens and its sites are quite small, making it a walkable city. If you’re just spending time in the more touristy part of the city, it’s pretty easy just to walk between destinations.

Otherwise, the public transportation system is great and using it can keep your Greece trip cost lower. Buses run throughout the city during the day and night making it an efficient way to manoeuvre around the city.

The metro system has 3 lines that have points throughout the city which is one of the most ideal ways to get around Athens.

Tickets for both the metro and busses can be purchased at any metro station kiosk for 90-minute tickets once validated.

From Athens, there are also quite a few solid day trip options and although there isn’t a flourishing train system, there is a good bus system. The KTEL buses are more like charter buses connecting Greece. They tend to be on time and have good routes and frequent journeys.

If you’re hoping to go onward to the Greek islands from Athens, the Piraeus port is one of the main ports in Greece making it the perfect place to begin your trip to the islands.

2, 3 or 4 Days in Athens Itinerary

From eating classic Greek home cooking, mingling with the locals, and really getting to know the character and history of this city, this itinerary is full of history, fun, and delicious food. 

Day 1 – Acropolis & Ancient Athens

Greek breakfast .

The best way to begin your time in Athens is to enjoy a classic Greek breakfast. Greek breakfast tends to be coffee of any sort, (although classic Greek coffee or “freddo” iced espresso tends to take reign) and a pie. 

Hop into any fourno (bakery) and grab the most appealing pie for you. I recommend either ham and cheese pie or bougatsa (a custard pastry!)

Acropolis Museum

As we will head to the Acropolis later today on day 1 of this itinerary for Athens, there’s no better way to begin the day than by learning about this famous Ancient landmark at the Acropolis Museum.

The Acropolis Museum is home to the majority of the archaeological findings from the Acropolis and it’s truly an impressive collection of history.

The museum is located directly below the Acropolis and offers some of the most impressive views of the Acropolis from below. You can also see the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the incredible Temple of Hephaestus nearby.

The visiting hours and ticket costs are split into seasons; summer and winter. If visiting Athens in winter , the season is from 1 November – 31 March with reduced hours and ticket fees. The summer season is from 1 April – October 31 with lengthened opening hours. 

If you plan on visiting the Acropolis and numerous other Athens landmarks and museums, then it can also be worth purchasing the Athens City Pass to save a bit of cash.

Making its first appearance in the 5th-century BCE. and the star of the show, the splendor herself, is the Acropolis. Most people think that the temple on the hill in central Athens is the Acropolis when in actuality it’s the Parthenon. 

The Acropolis is the hill rising above the city that was quite common in most towns and cities in ancient Greece. You can get an incredible view of Athens here. If you’re just spending 1 day in the Greek capital, the Acropolis is a must-see during your stay. 

The Acropolis hosts the Parthenon as well as some of the other most striking pieces of ancient Greece; the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Old Temple, and the Erechtheion among others. 

Visits to the Acropolis are also divided into seasons. The summer season from April-October allows visitors between 8 AM-8 PM with the last entry at 7:30. The winter season is from November-March and closes earlier at 5:00 with the last entry at 4:30.

You can buy skip-the-line tickets here that include an audio guide. You can also get a combined ticket here for the Acropolis and many other sites in Athens.

If you’re interested in learning more during your visit, you can organise a guided tour here . It’s such a dense area with so much information and a guide or tour can really enhance the experience.

Also, keep in mind if you’re visiting during the summer months that there is no shade once you reach the top and it can become extremely warm. Either come early in the morning or later in the evening if the direct sun is something that you struggle with. Regardless of when you visit, this is no doubt one of the best things to do in Athens.

Roman Agora, Ancient Agora & Hadrian’s Library

Nearby you’ll also find a few other important pieces from Ancient Greek history and architecture. The Roman Agora, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and Hadrian’s Library (created by the Roman Emperor Hadiran) are all located near each other and are between the Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods.

It’s truly interesting wandering these areas of everyday Athenian life and imagining what life was like almost 2,800 years ago.

If you’re interested in visiting these sites as well, you can purchase a combined ticket which allows access to all of these sites.

Wander Around Plaka & Anafiotika

After your dive into Ancient Greece, a great way to wind down your first day in Athens is to stroll around the classic Athenian neighborhood of Plaka. 

Sitting beneath the Acropolis, you’ll find gift shops, clothing shops, delicious taverns, and ideal spots to have a drink and do some people-watching.

Another unique neighborhood worth spending some time in is the residential area of Anafiotika. It’s quite small and pretty tricky to find, but once you’re there you’ll feel as if you’re in a village far off on a Cycladic island. 

From the winding stairs and paths to some of the most gorgeous views, I highly recommend adding Anafiotika to your Athens itinerary. It’s difficult to find, but first, make your way to Plaka and then plug Agios Georgios church at Stratonos into your GPS. You’ll then be on your way!

Sunset at Filopappou Hill

Looking for the best spot in Athens to watch the sun go down? Head to Filopappou Park and follow the signs and crowds to make your way up the hill looking over the city. 

Here you’ll find one of the best views of the city and the perfect spot to bring a bottle of wine and good company to watch the sunset.

Alternatively, you could head to Lycabettus Hill – the top of which can be reached by funicular – where you can view the city from the highest point in Athens.

Day 2 – Central Athens

Benaki or archaeological museum.

If classical Greek sightseeing wasn’t enough for you on day 1, you’re in luck as Athens is the place to be. A few of the other best museums are the Benaki Museum and the Archaeological Museum.

The Benaki Museum is located in the center of the city near the National Garden and is home to over 100,000 artifacts from Ancient Greece.

The Archaeological Museum is located near the Victoria metro station and is known to be one of the greatest museums in the world. This museum is also the largest in Greece with important artifacts from prehistory to late antiquity.

Hours vary depending on the time of year as well as the cost of your ticket; summer season tickets are are more expensive.

Psyri & Monastiraki Neighborhoods

Lively Psyri and Monastiraki are both two central neighborhoods that can’t be missed during your Athens itinerary. With 2 days in Athens, you have the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the excitement of the city center. 

From Monastiraki station, you can wander around the markets that have a certain feel almost like Arabic markets. Then head to Ermou Street to do some shopping if you fancy. 

Afterwards head to Psyri which is full of cafes, artisanal stores, bars, and music-filled Greek taverns. Don’t forget to look around while you wander as there are some truly beautiful and interesting works of graffiti art in Psyri (among the rubbish ones).

Lunch at Lithos Tavern

As all of the walking and shopping is bound to make you hungry, it’s the perfect time to stop for some lunch. Lithos Tavern in Psyri is the perfect place to fill your classic Greek food needs and rest your feet. I recommend the Moussaka or maybe some classic Greek mixed grilled meats.

Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guard

After lunch, make your way to Syntagma Square and the Parliament Building of Greece. This is just about a 15-20 minute walk away from Psyri and many Athenians would call this the main square of the city.

At all times of the day and night, there are soldier guards standing watch on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the presidential and parliament buildings.

These soldiers wear traditional Greek uniforms inspired by what was worn during the Ottoman Period and change positions with other soldiers every hour.

During the changing of the guard, you’ll witness a uniquely coordinated and almost dance-like motion as positions are changed. It’s quite a remarkable experience to witness and a must-see.

Drink With a View at Attic Urban Rooftop

Modern-day Athens is synonymous with wonderful views as well as creative cocktail bars. A great place to enjoy a nightcap and wind down on your second day in Athens is to make your way to the Attic Urban Rooftop .

Here you’ll enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Acropolis under the moonlight as well as a tasty drink and/or food. 

Day 3 – Explore the Food Scene, Panathenaic Stadium, National Gardens & More!

If you’re spending 3 days in Athens, you’ll have the chance to dive deeper into the food culture of the city as well as more of the unique neighborhoods the city has to offer.

Food Tour or Central Market

A food tour is a perfect way to get a better look and taste of the food scene in Athens. A guided tour with a knowledgeable local will take you to key foodie places in the city to try tasty local foods.

You’ll learn the history beyond what you taste as well as more about the history of the city. Some highly rated options include this gourmet food tour and this street food tour .

If you prefer to skip the food tour and would prefer to do something independently, I’d suggest heading to the Central Municipal Athens Market to get a taste of what food and life are like for a local Athenian. 

Panathenaic Stadium

One of the most impressive sites to visit in Athens is the Panathenaic stadium, which can be looked over by tourists due to the Acropolis!

The Panathenaic stadium is located in the Pagrati neighborhood of Athens and is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. 

The stadium was built primarily for the Panathenaic Games in 330 BCE with a capacity of over 50,000 seats. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympic games in 1896 as well as multiple sports during the games and other ceremonies. 

You can just take it in from the outside or pay an admission fee to wander around inside.

National Gardens

Whilst the city of Athens may truly be a concrete jungle, there are a few green areas available to get away and get a breath of fresh air in nature.

The National Gardens of Athens are located about an 8-minute walk away from the Panathenaic Stadium and are comprised of around 38 acres of greenery and different flora. 

Here you’ll also find a handful of ancient ruins, statues, and different memories of Greece’s past; modern and ancient. It’s free to enter the gardens and the entry gates are open every day.

Explore a Different Neighborhood

If you’re looking to get to know different parts of the city and stray away from the crowds, this is the perfect time to explore deeper. Two of my favorites are Glyfada and Exarcheia.

The neighborhood of Glyfada is likely the biggest neighborhood and residential area in the southern suburbs and by the Athenian coast. Known as the home to many ex-pats, Glyfada is bursting at the seams with restaurants, cute cafes, bars, and things to do. 

This is also the perfect place to head to if you want to spend some time at the sea; whether in the water or just by walking and taking in the Greek waters and sunset. 

Glyfada can be reached by bus but the best way to reach Glyfada is by the tram system (leaving from Syntagma Square.)

Exarcheia is most well known as one of the edgiest and most alternative areas of the city. To many Exarcheia is just referred to as the “anarchist” neighborhood of Athens but there’s a lot more to explore if you dig deeper. 

Here you’ll find crowds of students, artists, intellectuals, and all those looking to experience life and the city through more of a unique lens. There’s delicious food here, jazz bars, street art and independent local finds of all sorts.

Day 4 – Cape Sounion or Marathon

If your trip to Athens consists of 4 or more days in the city, I recommend trying your best to get out of the city to one of the many nearby towns to experience a different side of Greece. I suggest different locations depending on the time of year you visit as well as your interests.  

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is located around 48 miles south of Athens and is the southern tip of the Attic Peninsula. While the entire area is full of idyllic views and things to see, the main attraction of Cape Sounion is the Temple of Poseidon. 

The Temple of Poseidon is a temple dedicated to the god Poseidon and is an important part of ancient Greek history. The temple looks out over the vast blue seas and standing at this southern tip of the Attic region surrounded by ancient monuments makes you feel like you’re in your own version of the Odyssey . 

There’s a cafe at the monument as well as nearby restaurants if you decide to make a longer day out of it. Visiting in the cooler months is ideal as it isn’t as crowded, and make sure to stay for sunset. The views are sublime.

To reach Cape Sounion you can either rent a car and transport yourself there or take public transport. Another option is to take part in a guided tour such as this sunset tour that will pick you up from your accommodation and return you there at the end of the day. 

The public bus system outside the city is KTEL and buses from central Athens to Sounion will depart near the Victoria metro from a bus stop across from Pedion tou Areos. The journey takes around 2 hours. You can find bus timetables here . 

Marathon/Schinias 

Another great option for a day trip from Athens is to visit the Ancient town of Marathon and nearby areas. We all know a “marathon” as the 26-mile race that happens all over the world, but it was actually inspired by the ancient and epic battle of Marathon. 

This battle then led to the legend of Philippides. Philippides was the Greek messenger who supposedly ran to Athens from Marathon, hence the 26-mile race today.

The town has many things to do from the Archaeological Museum of Marathon, Marathon Lake, the Marathon Run Museum, and my favorite, Schinias Beach.

Schinias Beach is a long sandy beach on the northern side of Marathon surrounded by the sea on one side and the lush pine forest of Schinias on the other.

The water is clean and warm, the environment is friendly, and it’s one of the best places to get some forest bathing and sea bathing all in one day. 

The beaches are much cleaner and better kept than those near Athens and also incredibly cheaper to visit. There are different options for restaurants and taverns on the beach, making it a solid option for a summer day trip from Athens.

To reach Marathon and Schinias from Athens, you’ll also want to take a KTEL bus. It’s about 45 minutes away from the center of Athens and you’ll take the bus from the Pedion Areos by Viktoria Station going to Marathon and get off at Marathon Beach.

From there, you’ll walk north along the coast until reaching Schinias. Tickets can be purchased when boarding the bus.

Where to Stay in Athens

Athens Ivy Suites – This centrally-located hotel is an excellent choice for mid-range visitors to Athens. They have a range of lovely rooms available and there is also a bar on site and a wonderful terrace boasting views over the city.

The Modernist Athens – Those looking for luxury in the Greek capital are sure to love this beautiful 4-star hotel. Perfectly located for exploring all Athens has to offer, they have a number of luxe, modern rooms available and plenty of amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

101 Adrianou Apartments – If you’d like the privacy and convenience of your own apartment with all the benefits of staying in a hotel, then this aparthotel is an excellent choice. There are a couple of flats to choose from – some with views of the iconic columns of the Acropolis.

City Circus Athens – For those travelling to Athens on a tight budget or solo, this hostel is a great option. Offering both dorm beds and private rooms, they have a great location and excellent common areas. They organise social events, as well.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Athens hotels!

One of the most historic cities in the world, Athens today is a unique metropolis worth visiting before or after heading to the Greek islands. Although it may have a lot of grit, you’re bound to have an exciting visit to Athens filled with great music, sites, history, and tantalizing food.

Are you planning a trip to Athens? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Perfect 7 to 10 Days in Crete Itinerary

Meteora Day Trip from Athens: A One Day Itinerary

The Perfect 3, 4 or 5 Days in Rhodes Itinerary

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

As a Greek from Athens, these are excellent recommendations. Especially the schinias day trip 😍

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Athens, Greece, According to Travel Experts Like Rick Steves

The ancient Greek city delivers one memorable vacation.

Cavan Images/Getty Images

There’s not much that hasn’t been written about the perks of visiting Athens, Greece. The ancient city has long been a popular travel destination, thanks to its bountiful historical sites, distinct architecture, and oh-so fantastic food. But just because it’s all been said doesn’t mean it isn’t worth repeating. So, we’ll say it one more time: Athens is, without question, one of the world’s greatest travel destinations, especially for those famed attractions. And we’re not the only ones who share this sentiment. 

“The Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world, is crowned by an architectural masterpiece: the mighty Parthenon,” Rick Steves told Travel + Leisure . “I visit in the cool of the early evening, when the crowds are gone and the setting sun turns the marble golden.”

But Athens' appeal goes far beyond its history lessons. “Athens has a vibe. The restaurants and bars feel intimate, and visitors can either indulge in the city's vibrant nightlife scene or simply go for a stroll at night — the city is second to none during the evening,” Alys Colayera, the lead travel expert for Greece at Black Tomato, shared with T+L. Colayera also called out the city's shopping scene, noting, "The boutique shops have tons of local artisans selling high-quality Greek crafts, jewelry, and clothing.”

Ready to start plotting your own Athens adventure? Here’s how to plan the perfect trip. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Don't miss Greece's most recognizable landmark — the Acropolis. Get there early to experience it with fewer crowds.
• Spend a night at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, T+L readers' favorite hotel in 2023 World's Best Awards.
• Head to Syntagma Square to watch the official changing of the guard every hour on the hour.
• Grab a souvenir or a snack in the famed Plaka neighborhood.
• Order a coffee at Minu, arguably the coolest cafe in Greece, and then sit in its garden or take it to go to explore the antique shops nearby.

Courtesy of The Four Seasons

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Four seasons astir palace hotel athens.

The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens — a T+L reader favorite in 2023 — holds a prime location along the Athens Riviera, providing ocean views while remaining just a short drive from all the city's major attractions. It also sits on 75 private acres, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a bit of solitude. 

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

“My all-time favorite [hotel] is the Grande Bretagne , a landmark right in the heart of the city that celebrates 150 years of history this year,” said Christos Stergiou , a T+L A-List Advisor and founder of TrueTrips . “From its rooftop restaurant to its elegant lobby and rooms, it epitomizes class and culture.” Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this property is consistently a top choice in T+L’s World’s Best Awards, coming in second for our readers’ favorite hotels in Athens in 2023. When only the best accommodations will do, this property ticks all the boxes.

Gatsby Athens

For a truly central stay in the city, there's no better place than the Gatsy Athens . Located right outside the Plaka neighborhood, the property makes for a fantastic home base for those looking to walk just about everywhere in the city. Inside, guests will find a playful space filled with art deco touches and a fantastic food and beverage program. Just don’t miss the guest-only rooftop, which provides spectacular views of the city. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Best Things to Do 

Visit the acropolis..

As Steves alluded to, no trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis . And it’s a sentiment Colayera agrees with. “The Acropolis is the epitome of ancient Greek architecture and a symbol of Athens. It houses several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon,” said Colayera. The best time to go is early morning or late evening, when the crowds are thinner, though you should always expect other tourists hanging around. Want to make the most of your visit? Colayera also suggested checking out the Acropolis Museum, home to a collection of artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations of the Acropolis. “The exhibits offer insights into the daily life, rituals, and artistry of the people who lived in Athens during different periods,” Colayera added. 

See Hadrian’s Library.

Another fantastic historic landmark to visit while in Athens is Hadrian's Library. The building, built in 132 A.D., was used as an entertainment space, lecture hall, and, yes, an actual library. Today, just a few columns and sections remain, but visitors are welcome to walk through and imagine what used to be. Tickets are only $3 or can be purchased as a combination with the Acropolis. 

Watch the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square.

Looking for a fun free activity in the city? Visitors to Athens can watch the changing of the guard in front of the Parliament building at Syntagma Square every hour on the hour. And every Sunday at 11 a.m., the official event takes place in full regalia. Just plan to arrive a little early to snag a front-row seat. 

Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

For something a little more new school, head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art . The museum’s mission is to preserve contemporary works by Greek and international artists across disciplines. It includes both permanent and rotating collections, so check its website before going to know what to expect. 

Ken Welsh/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Best Shopping 

It’s hard to ignore the Plaka neighborhood of Athens. It is, after all, at the base of the Acropolis. But really, there’s no need to ignore it, especially if you want to go home with a memorable souvenir or two. Explore the area by simply allowing yourself to wander its streets, popping into any shop that catches your eye and perhaps grabbing a frappe along the way on a hot day, too. 

Find yourself in one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods with a visit to Psirri. Located about a 15-minute walk from Plaka, Psirri offers travelers the chance to admire some of the best street art in the world ( book a tour with Kalliopi for the ultimate insider experience), peruse unique stores, step into a few third-wave coffee shops, and eat plenty of local Greek cuisine. 

Anthologist

For those seeking an all-around shop, where you can pick up everything from high-end goods to more affordable trinkets curated from around the globe, look no further than Anthologist . The store, owned by travel tastemaker Andria Mitsakos, is a visual paradise, filled with goodies you’ll want to stuff in your suitcase. 

RUBEN RAMOS/Getty Images

Best Restaurants 

Begin a day in Athens by mixing fantastic food with shopping at Minu , a third-wave coffee shop and boutique. The space is gorgeous — find a back corner to settle into, go all the way up to its loft area, or sit outside on the patio when the weather is right. Order a coffee and a bite to eat (menu items include smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and more).

Enjoy another delicious alfresco meal in Athens at Soil , a sustainably focused, Michelin-starred restaurant. The ingredients here are grown in the chef’s private garden, providing flavors you can’t taste anywhere else. Book a table (preferably outside) and don’t even worry about ordering, as you can opt for the seasonal tasting menu and enjoy every bite. 

Don’t leave Athens without digging into some tasty Greek desserts. When I was a child, my Greek grandmother would make loukoumades , so it’s a personal favorite, and in Athens, you can get a taste of the same at Lukumades . Smothered in honey and cinnamon, the dough balls are small enough to pop in your mouth one after another — and you won't be able to stop at just one.

Starcevic/Getty Images

Best Time To Visit

There's no bad time to visit Athens, but according to Steves, the spring shoulder season is particularly lovely. “I was last in Athens in April 2022, and it was a great time to visit. The weather was cool and pleasant, and the city wasn’t crowded,” he said. “It just felt good.” Indeed, both the spring shoulder season (April to mid-June) and the fall (September through October) offer visitors the chance to explore the city in milder weather. Summer is the peak period, and with it comes sweltering temperatures . So, if you don’t tolerate heat (or crowds) well, try to book your stay outside of July and August.  

How to Get There

By Air: Travelers from around the world can make their way to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). It’s serviced by every major airline, including Delta and American, which offers direct flights from the U.S. 

By Sea: Athens is an ultra-popular port for cruises, including MSC Cruises , Crystal Cruises , Seabourn , Royal Caribbean , and more.  

How to Get Around

By Rental Car: Rental cars are readily available in the city, at the airport, and at the ferry terminal. Just make sure to book an automatic as early as possible if you can’t drive a manual, as they tend to be in short supply.  

By Taxi: Both yellow cabs and Ubers are plentiful around Athens. Simply open the app or hail the next one you see. Prices are about €1 per kilometer .

By Metro: Athens has a robust metro system to get you around the city with ease. There's also a metro line directly to and from the airport. Pick up a rechargeable Ath.ena ticket , which starts at €1.20. 

By Foot: Athens is a walkable city. If you enjoy slowly taking in the sights and popping in and out of shops and cafes, this is the way to go. You never know what you may find along the way.

Related Articles

One Day in Athens: The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary for Athens

One day in Athens may not seem like a long time to explore the capital city of Greece, but you can visit and see a surprising number of top attractions with just 24 hours in Athens. Of course, if you’re planning a weekend city break in Athens, then you can do all of these essential attractions and more.

Visiting Athens in one day is most likely if you’re stopping by at the start or end of a Greek island hopping itinerary . A one day Athens itinerary might also be useful if you’re visiting Athens as a port of call on a cruise.

Fortunately, Athens is a manageable destination to visit in one day, with lots of attractions concentrated in a fairly compact area. Its central vibrant neighbourhoods are dotted with ancient ruins, so you can enjoy a cocktail in one of super cool bars one minute and be visiting another awesome ruin the next.

One Day in Athens: Essential Information

If you’re planning to see Athens in one day, I’d recommend being smart with your travel and accommodation location in order to maximise your time in Athens. Read one for my guide to getting around Athens and where to stay in this ancient city:

Getting to Athens

From the airport to the city centre, there are two main options. The metro which takes around an hour is a flat cost of 10 Euros per person, or a taxi. The taxi from the airport has a fixed price of 35 euros in the day and 50 at night.

If you’re arriving from the Pireaus Port, you can either take the xx bus which runs 24 hours, the metro line or jump in a taxi for about 20-30 Euros.

Much of the city is highly walkable and especially this one day in Athens itinerary. Even if you need to take a metro, a 24 hour pass is just 4 euros per person, which is very reasonable (but excludes the journey to the airport).

Where to Stay in Athens

If you only have one day in Athens (and one night), I’d make sure to stay as central as possible. Being near to the main sites, and to a metro stop, will really help you maximise your time in Athens.

Syntagma Square is considered the heart of Athens. From here it is walking distance to the Acropolis, but you can also nip there in two stops on the metro too.

There are some excellent hotel options covering all price ranges located in the Syntagma Square area:

Budget hotels in Athens:

• Arethusa Hotel – a budget hotel with an excellent central location
• Kubic Athens – a modern hotel with lots of conveniences
• Amalia Athens – a good choice for location and comfort

Mid-range options in Athens:

• Melia Athens – a dependable hotel chain for a great stay
• The Athenian Callirhoe Exclusive Hotel – this hotel offers luxury a great price
• Elia Ermou Athens – super close to the Acropolis
• The New Hotel – home to the incredible Art Lounge, a restaurant I highly recommend in Athens. Also packed with quirky art and awesome design

The best luxury hotels in Athens:

• Intercontinental Athenaeum – another excellent hotel from the IHG group
• King George – this iconic hotel is a truly regal stay
• Hotel Grand Bretagne – except a truly special stay here

Also, Airbnbs in the city are often good too, so don’t forget to check these out also.

Top Things to Do in Athens

Athens is one of the best cities in Europe to explore on foot. Even with just one day in Athens, you’ll be pleased to know you can visit the Acropolis and many of the main historic sites in this time.

The city is of course one of the oldest in the world, and no visit is complete without visiting some of the ancient sites. Even if you’re no history buff, it’s incredible to wander amongst such impressive sites and architecture.

The Acropolis was built in 5th Century B.C and is today one of the most famous Greek monuments. People come from across the world to lay eyes on these impressive ruins, and to explore them in person. The Acropolis is actually a complex of sites, including the Theatre of Dionysos, the Parthenon and the Odeon of Herodes.

In particular, the Parthenon blew me away. Considered a symbol of both Greek democracy (which was born here), and acknowledged as one of the most significant cultural monuments in the world, the Parthenon is something else. Do note however, that ongoing reconstruction efforts are taking place so whilst the monument is beautiful, your view will have scaffolding covering a large portion of it.

One of the best things about the Acropolis is the unbelievable views visitors are afforded. Stretching across the whole city of Athens and towards the Aegean Sea, it is surely breathtaking.

Finally, do not miss out the incredible Panathenaic Stadium which hosted the world’s first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Aside from visiting historical sites in Athens, the city has several vibrant and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods that definitely have to visited. From picture-perfect Plaka, home to excellent shopping and characterful tavernas, to buzzy Monastiraki Square. Visiting the colourful quarter of Anatofika nestled under the Acropolis is also a must do!

If you’re looking for some green space, don’t miss stopping in the National Gardens near to Hadrian’s Arch and home to the Zappio Palace.

Another area not to miss (and likely you’d be staying near to here too), is Syntagma Square. A great spot for people watching, it is also home to the Greek Parliament building which was built in the mid 1800s. It was originally the residence for King Otto, who was the first monarch of modern day Greece. .Every hour, in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Expect some high kicking – surprisingly from men wearing short kilts.

Places to Eat and Drink

Art Lounge – Exceptional views and truly brilliant food. The Kritharoto is unbelievable and one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in my life! It’s a kind of risotto, with slow cooked pork, sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese and lemon. Just wow!

Just Made 33 – excellent sandwiches and toasties. Location on Google Maps here .

Falafellas – not too far from Syntagma Square, this place makes the best falafel dishes in town. Located on Google Maps here .

Baba au Rum – a cocktail bar you have to visit, especially as it’s listed on the world’s top 50! Located on Google Maps here .

Six Dogs – this awesome inside/outside eatery is very popular with locals and tourists. A great place to eat and drink from day to night. Location on Google Maps here .

A for Athens – Located on Monastiraki Square, this bar has a perfect rooftop location for sunset and Acropolis views. Location on Google Maps here .

Couleur Locale – this bar is popular with locals, partly because they must be the only ones that can find it! I walked past the entry a couple of times before finally realising it’s tucked away location. Great staff and great drinks, I highly recommend. Location on Google Maps here .

48 Urban Garden – a great spot for brunch in, you guessed it, an urban garden. Dine on wooden benches and enjoy delicious food surrounded by vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers. Google maps here .

For local cafes, I recommend strolling along Ermou, the long road connecting Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Square.

Things to Do in Athens at Night

Rooftop bars are a big thing in Athens, especially since so many of them have incredible views of the Acropolis. There are plenty dotted all over the city and non-hotel rooftop bars will definitely be more affordable.

If beer is more your thing, make sure to stop by Barley Cargo for craft ales galore. Google maps here.

Later into the night, one of the main areas for locals to go to for nightlife is the Gazi area.

One Day Self-Guided Walking Tour Itinerary in Athens

7.30am: Leave your Athens hotel

Well, with one day you need to get started early. Coffee shops, cafes and bakeries open early at Athens so I’d straight to one to get a freddo cappuccino – an amazing iced Greek coffee. Also, I recommend popping into a supermarket/convenience store and pick up water and morning snacks.

7.50am: Go to the Acropolis

The Acropolis should be the first stop on one day itinerary. Not only does the midday heat make exploring the Acropolis quite challenging, but the crowds that descend on the Acropolis from 10am onwards make sightseeing here almost unbearable.

It opens at 8am, so I’d recommend getting to the gates for 7.50am and being first in line. The ticket booth is located at the south slope, which is also the one you come to from the metro station.

Top tip: Buy your multi-attraction day pass the day before if you can. Just scan your way in at exactly 8am when the gates open. However, note this pass is one-use only so don’t visit the evening before and try to visit again the next morning .

Or you can buy your tickets online in advance, and join a small group tour. Check rates here.

The Acropolis is actually an ancient complex made up of several temples, the most famous of which is the Parthenon. We found 2 hours to be sufficient time at the Acropolis. Make sure to take in the amazing views across the city from up here.

10am: Make your way to Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus

After the Acropolis, head down Amalias Avenue towards Hadrian’s Arch and visit the Temple of Zeus which is located behind. Although it is one of the biggest ancient temples of the Greek-Roman Empire, we actually didn’t need very long to look around here. Maybe 15 minutes maximum.

10.45am: Head to the Panathenaic Stadium

From here, continue along Amalias Avenue and turn left at the end, and you’ll see the epic Panathenaic Stadium. Entry to this stadium isn’t included in the 5 attraction pass, so you’ll need to buy separate entry at the gate. I would say this was 100% worth it and we ended up spending more than hour in the stadium. Between climbing the stands, to running on the track and posing on the podium, we ended up spending a long time here. It was such fun!

12pm: Walk towards Plaka for lunch

Walking back towards Plaka, I recommend walking through the National Gardens. Plaka has some excellent cafes for lunch, although all are open for breakfast and dinner too. We had a great meal at Trattoria in the main square.

Take a browse of the kitsch souvenir shops and stroll along the main shopping street of Adrianou. Don’t forget to get some post lunch gelato!

Plaka can be considered the heart of the old city – in fact, Plaka practically was the city when Athens became the new Greek nation’s capital in 1834.

This area is marked by narrow laneways that weave between Neoclassical mansions, Byzantine churches and traditional tavernas.

2pm: Explore Anafiotika

This cool and hip neighbourhood is literally located in the hillside beneath the Acropolis. We stumbled across it by accident, as we wandered out of the Plaka area. Only afterwards did I realise it was Anafiotika. It’s totally different to the rest of Athens, with whitewashed buildings and brightly coloured doors and gardens. We came across brilliant street art too.

Do be mindful that this is residential area, and people are doing all kinds of normal things like laundry and gardening. I would advise being quite quiet and respectful.

2.40pm: Stop by the Library of Hadrian, the Roman Agora and the Ancient Agora

Visit The Library of Hadrian, the Roman Agora and the Ancient Agora. The latter stop is a particularly interesting attraction in Athens to visit – it’s literally the birthplace of democracy and the first ever House of Parliament.

4pm Cocktails at Monastiraki Square in Athens

Although the square is very famous in Athens, you don’t actually need too long here. The A for Athens bar is located here however, which is great spot for late afternoon cocktails. Nearby is the Monastiraki Market, which is an excellent flea market to spend an hour or so perusing. You can buy all kinds of unusual goods here, as well as plenty of vintage items.

6pm Freshen up back at hotel

You will almost definitely feel the need to shower and freshen up after a full day exploring the city. Wash the dust off and get ready for a lovely evening in the city. Also, if you’re departing Athens early the following morning then use the time to prepare for this too.

7pm Dinner and sunset at rooftop restaurant

Many restaurants in Athens offer spectacular rooftop views of the Acropolis, since it sits on a hill overlooking the whole city. The Acropolis is beautifully lit up and you won’t struggle to find an impressive shot of the ruins.

We chose to have dinner at the incredible Art Lounge in The New Hotel by Syntagma Square, following a recommendation from another travel writer. Well wow, not only was the view spectacular but I had one of my favourite meals of my entire time in Greece here!

Visiting Athens for longer than one day?

If I had longer in Athens, or if I was returning to Athens for the second time, these are the other places I’d visit or activities I’d do:

The Athens Riviera. Did you know Athens has beaches? And gorgeous beaches at that! You can even get to the beaches in Athens on public transport via metro to Elliniko station on Line 2 and then a bus. People don’t even really realise but you could easily spent longer in Athens by combining city and beach!

Athens city hop-on hop-off bus . A great way to see even more of the city, and with a guide sharing lots of unusual and interesting facts. Buy your bus tour tickets here.

Mount Lycabettus. This large hill rises sharply right in the middle of the city of Athens. You can see Mount Lycabettus from all over the city, as it’s the tallest hill in Athens. Yet not so many people choose to climb it. Not only does it offer incredible views, but there’s also a tiny church, Agios Georgios at the summit.

A guided city tour . Whilst it’s liberating and fun to explore the city at your own pace, sometimes it’s great to do a city tour with a local. Not only can you learn about Athens from their perspective, but they’ll always show you hidden spots and share lesser known facts.

Visit the neighbourhood of Exarchia. I didn’t have enough time to visit this district, but it’s known for its bohemian population and leftist views towards the government. I hear its streets are packed with alternative stores, creative art/graffiti and inexpensive tavernas.

Lake Vouliagmeni . This unique lake is a bit of a lesser known gem near to Athens. The lake is known for its healing springs and thermal spa. Impressively, people often swim year round in this lake. Not only does it have wellness benefits, but it’s beautiful too!

The National Archaeological Museum. Definitely somewhere to consider if you have more than one day in Athens, as it can take around 4 hours to visit. It isn’t located close to the other sites in Athens, but it has a comprehensive set of artefacts for history fans.

The New Acropolis Museum. This museum provides another wonderful learning opportunity and to view artefacts that were excavated from the slopes of the Acropolis. It is located just across the street from the Acropolis.

Temple of Poseidon . For some reason, I thought this located right next to Athens. But it isn’t. The Temple of Poseidon is more than an hour’s journey from Athens, so it’s a great one to join a tour. Check rates for tours to the Temple of Poseidon here.

Athens in One Day

So that’s my complete guide to visiting Athens in one day, as well as a 1 day itinerary for the city. Hopefully this covers everything you need to know before visiting this awesome city. Whether it’s a brief stop on a Greek island hopping itinerary, or one day in Athens during a cruise, this guide should hopefully detail all of the best things to do in the city in the time you have.

Athens is of course, the perfect starting point for any Greek island hopping itinerary. And if you’re planning to visit several Greek islands, then make sure to check my detailed  guide to Santorini  as well as my Milos travel guide here . These are two islands not to be missed!

If you’re keen to find quieter and more remote islands, then make sure to check my guide on lesser known Greek Islands here !

Feel free to drop me a line if you would like any advice or further recommendations on visiting Athens.. If you’ve enjoyed this 1 day Athens itinerary, then please do share using the below links!

Wanna see more? Check my Instagram  here , my Facebook  here  or my Twitter  here !

Disclaimer: This visit to Athens was entirely paid for by myself, and there was no involvement from the tourism board or a hotel. This is an independent guide.

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This is a good list for one day however I would not recommend just visiting for just one day. There are so many amazing ruins and Athens is such a great city. I have met so many people over the years that told me to get in and out of it. I, however, could have spent a month here and it may not have been long enough. I loved every second in Athens and in Greece. Thank you for helping first-timers with their trip to Athens! Your list of hotels and places to eat are great!

Thank you for your comment! I totally agree – but as you say for a first-time visit to Greece island-hopping, a day or two in Athens is the perfect introduction to Greece life. I would definitely go back for longer as a standalone trip though! 🙂

You captured the city so well. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for your comment! 🙂

We were planning a trip to Italy and the Greek Islands this year (on hold for the moment!!) and Athens wasn’t at all on my list of places I wanted to visit, but now I’m glad our trip is on hold because I think I want to visit Athens! I love the detail in your article and your photos look beautiful.

Thanks Fiona – it sure is a cool city. A day or two before island-hopping is ideal!

I’ve heard Athens nightlife is lots of fun! Hoping to make it there next year as I’m planning a big family vacation and we want to do the islands! So maybe before 🙂

That would be epic!!

This is a wonderful and helpful post on Athens! I remember going there myself, but wish I added in some of these activities, including watching the guards switch over at the Acropolis!

You’ll have to go another time! 🙂

Did you walk everywhere or use other transportation! This is a great guide, using it for our trip in a couple weeks!

Brilliant itinary. We are going next weekend and found this so helpful. Thank you

Very well organized writeup for 1 day Athens tour. I was actually looking for this type of review that would be helpful for my short stay in Athens. I will also visit Peloponnese region as that region has many ancient ruins more than Atehns. Thanks for your concise perfect tips.

Can we do athens or trip of athens, Santorini trip with kids?

Absolutely! Just perhaps avoid peak summer months due to heat and crowds 🙂

Thanks so much for the info, it helps planning my trip =)

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The Ultimate Athens Travel Guide

Athens, a city known for its rich culture and historic significance, is a time capsule of classical civilization. Immersing yourself in the Acropolis Museum , the National Archaeological Museum, and a stroll through the quaint Anafiotika neighborhood will transport you back through the annals of time. Some of the most important must-sees in Athens include:

Visit the Acropolis

The Acropolis, a monumental 5th-century BC citadel perched above the vibrant capital of Greece, is a testament to the city’s ancient glory. The Acropolis hilltop is home to a collection of significant historical structures and ruins, including the grand Propylaea, the sacred Temple of Athena Nike, and, most notably, the iconic Parthenon. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as an indispensable visit. Moreover, during the summer months, a variety of plays come to life in the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Admission is approximately 20 euros per person, or 30 euros for a comprehensive 5-day pass that grants access to numerous other archaeological wonders. For those desiring a deeper exploration, a guided walking tour is available for around 50 euros. Finally, to elevate your visit, Greece Insiders offers exclusive private experiences of the Acropolis, ensuring a personal and unforgettable encounter with this cornerstone of ancient history.

Visit the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum inaugurated in 2009, resides in a sleek, contemporary edifice, meticulously crafted to showcase the archaeological marvels within. The museum’s centerpiece is a striking glass floor, inviting you to walk above the remnants of an ancient Athenian neighborhood. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter over 4,000 unearthed treasures, including exquisite sculptures, intricate pottery, and a myriad of other historical artifacts.  Admission fees start from 10 euros.

National Archaeological Museum

A visit to Athens would be incomplete without exploring the esteemed National Archaeological Museum. Established in the 19th century, this museum is a sanctuary for one of the most comprehensive collections of ancient Greek artifacts in the world. As you wander through its grand halls, you’ll be greeted by five primary permanent collections, encompassing a vast array of prehistoric relics, masterful sculptures, delicate metalwork, an array of vases, and minor arts, along with Egyptian and Cypriot antiquities. Among the museum’s most astonishing exhibits is the 2,000-year-old Antikythera mechanism, often hailed as the world’s first analog “computer”, retrieved from the depths of a shipwreck. Allocate at least a half-day to immerse yourself in the wonders housed here.

Hike in Lycabettus

Steeped in myth, Mount Lycabettus stands as a towering testament to the ancient Greek legend of the goddess Athena, who is said to have placed this limestone giant amidst the city. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy a beautiful hike up the 277-meter hill, the zenith of Athens. The panoramic views from this vantage point are simply breathtaking. At the peak, treat yourself to a cool, refreshing drink at the café, and if your timing is right, catch an exhilarating concert at the open-air theater that comes alive in the summer months.

Walk around the historic sites

In the heart of Plaka, also known as the “Neighborhood of Gods,” you’ll find yourself wandering amidst the ancient ruins of old Athens. Nestled near the Acropolis, this area is considered the most enchanting part of the city. Here, you’ll discover the timeworn splendors of the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, the majestic Olympieion, Thisio, and Kerameikos. During your visit, seize the opportunity to spend a magical evening meandering through these sites, where history whispers in every corner.

Walk through Anafiotika

Built in the 19th century, Anafiotika is a quaint neighborhood perched on the northern slopes of Acropolis Hill. Ideally situated near the Agora entrance and hovering above the charm of Plaka, it remains a serene oasis, untouched by the city’s hustle and bustle. This picturesque location, with its whitewashed walls, shuttered windows, and charming little sidewalk eateries, exudes the idyllic vibe of the Greek islands. As you walk around this area, you’ll find yourself enveloped in a timeless tranquility, where it feels as if the world has paused just for a moment.

What else can you see and do in Athens?

Athens is a city celebrated for its rich cultural and historic charm. The renowned Acropolis Museum, the prestigious National Archaeological Museum, and a stroll through the picturesque Anafiotika neighborhood are gateways to the city’s storied past. Among the essential must-sees in Athens, include:

• Discover the Propylaea Athens: On the western slope of the Acropolis hill, where the gate of the Mycenaean defense formerly stood, the Propylaea of the Parthenon were constructed. This gate was most likely constructed to strengthen the Acropolis’ defenses. The name of this entrance honors French archaeologist Ernest Belule, who discovered it behind Turkish fortifications.
• Witness the Easter Vigil: If you find yourself in Athens over the Easter weekend, make sure not to miss this fascinating procession of vigils. Each year on Good Friday, tens of thousands of people form a candle-lit march throughout the city. Go to Lycabettus Hill and follow the masses up to the church of St. George, a truly captivating experience.

Is Athens a walkable city?

Yes, Athens is indeed a walkable city. Regarded as one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in Greece, Athens, much like other European capitals, offers the best sightseeing experiences on foot. By strolling through its streets, you’ll have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and experience the authentic day-to-day life of the locals.

How can you get around Athens?

Besides walking, there are many ways you can get around Athens, such as using public transport, taking a taxi, or even cycling around the city. Below are all the ways, you can explore Athens at your leisure:

Public transport

Public transport in Athens is affordable and reliable. The subway is the easiest and fastest way to roam around. Additionally, a network of trams, buses, and suburban railways are at your service. There are also many trams, buses, and suburban railways. Tickets can be used on all types of public transport, cost about 1.20 euros, and are valid for 90 minutes.

For more extensive travel needs, there’s the unlimited pass at approximately 4.10 euros, or a five-day pass for 8.20 euros, offering great value for more extended stays. Also, the express bus service from the airport is priced at 6 euros each way. Alternatively, the subway, costing 9 euros each way, will conveniently transport you to the city center in about an hour.

For the adventurous souls unphased by Athens’ bustling streets, bike rentals offer a delightful and eco-friendly way to explore the city. Typical bike rentals begin at around 12 euros per day, with electric bicycles available at a higher rate for an even smoother ride.

Taxis provide a swift and convenient means of transportation, though they can be pricier. When opting for a taxi, ensure that the meter is running – it’s a legal requirement. Be vigilant with taxi drivers, as some may attempt to overcharge. The meter should display “1” during daytime hours. The “2” setting, indicating double rates, applies only from midnight to 6 a.m. Finally, it has become a mandatory legal requirement for all taxis to be equipped with a POS (Point Of Sale) system effective from January 1st, 2024.

Renting a car can be an economical option for those looking to venture beyond the city limits. It’s an ideal choice for exploring the wider region. Drivers are required to be at least 21 years old and possess a valid driver’s license for a minimum of one year, making it a practical choice for many travelers.

How many days in Athens is enough?

If you want to visit Athens, 1-3 days in the city are enough, but this number of days depends on how much time you need to arrive in the city. The city’s key attractions, including the awe-inspiring Acropolis, the informative Acropolis Museum, and the historic treasures scattered around Plaka, can be explored in a single day with strategic planning. If Athens serves as your gateway to further Greek adventures, such as island-hopping, a one-day visit can capture the essence of the city. However, to delve deeper into Athens’ captivating tourist spots, a leisurely three-day stay is recommended. Regardless of your time frame, embarking on a guided tour will enrich your experience, offering a taste of the city’s vibrant culture and delectable food scene.

Remember : It’s crucial to factor in the time required for travel between destinations. So, if you travel from a long distance (for example USA) you might find it necessary to allocate a few additional days to fully complete your trip.

What is the best month to visit Athens, Greece?

Reservations for Athens should be made from March through November, with the best times to visit being in the spring and fall. This is because the weather during these months is not too cold or hot, with the days being predominantly sunny. Additionally, the city is less crowded during these seasons, making it easier to find attractive deals on hotels and airfare, unlike the busy summer period. If you want to summer travel to Greece , you should probably equip yourself with lots of sunscreen. 

However, visiting in the winter season can also offer its unique charm. Winter in Athens is mild, with the average temperature being 10°C, thanks to Greece’s advantageous location along the Mediterranean. The months between June and August are known for the high temperatures and the large number of tourists, so sightseeing can get a bit challenging at times. Nevertheless, a winter holiday visit to Athens can be delightful, especially at Christmas, as you can take part in Greek traditional holiday festivities.

How can you save money in Athens?

As in other European cities, in Greece, there are many ways that you can risk overspending. If you would like to travel on a budget, consider some of these savvy tips:

• Opt for off-peak seasons: Avoid planning your Athens adventure during the summer high season when flights and accommodations tend to be pricier.
• Explore Athens on foot : Athens is a remarkably walkable city, especially in the central areas. Exploring on foot not only helps you save money on transportation but also allows you to uncover the city’s hidden gems. Invest in a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and you’ll be all set to embark on a memorable journey.

Extra tip: For guaranteed savings, consider booking your trip several weeks or even months in advance. This can lead to more budget-friendly options for your Athens escapade.

What can you eat in Athens?

Athens’ culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, offering a wide array of options to satisfy every palate. From charming family-owned eateries serving up traditional recipes to upscale dining establishments nestled in the chic Kolonaki district, your taste buds are in for a treat. Whether you crave the delightful simplicity of gyros and moussaka or the exquisite complexity of gourmet Greek cuisine, Athens has it all.

For an authentic dining experience away from the tourist hubs and a glimpse into the locals’ preferences, be sure to explore neighborhoods like Koukaki, Mets, and Pangrati. One important cultural note: Greeks typically enjoy their dinners around 9 p.m., so plan your dining accordingly.

Want to gauge a restaurant’s pricing? Look no further than the salad and bread test. If the bread cover costs around 1 euro and salads are priced between 7-8 euros, you’re in for an affordable dining experience. For establishments where the bread cover is approximately 1.5 euros and salads range from 8-9 euros, expect moderate prices. For other price ranges, you might be venturing into the realm of upscale dining.

Is Athens safe for tourists?

Athens is a safe city. A great part of the city is pedestrianized, and there are usually a lot of people walking around. While navigating crowded spaces, it’s advisable to remain vigilant against pickpockets. Solo travelers can enjoy solitary moments at restaurants, bars, and iconic landmarks without a hint of apprehension.

For female solo travelers, Greece emerges as a secure haven. The consensus among many female visitors is that Greece, as a whole, welcomes solo female travelers with open arms, provided that standard precautions are observed.

How not to be rude in Greece?

The Greek people are known for their hospitality and generosity. This hospitality goes back to ancient times when people believed that a guest who came to your doorstep could be a god in disguise. Moreover, Greeks are very generous in extending invitations to social events. An invitation to have coffee with them may lead to an invitation to dinner. If you want to be polite to Greeks and not seem rude, consider the following guidelines:

• Greek people use verbose and theatrical language. Sometimes, this communication style can seem a bit exaggerated. Although, It is also very common for people to merge the discussion with other thoughts they have. In cases like these, interpretation is common, but it’s advisable to avoid this practice whenever possible.

Is Athens worth visiting?

Yes! Athens is worth visiting. Athens is a top-rated destination adorned with a wealth of historical sites. From the iconic Acropolis to the enchanting streets of Plaka and Psiri, each location exudes a distinctive ambience that promises to transform your perspective on the world.

This Athens travel guide invites you, to embark on an extraordinary journey, allowing you to tailor your stay to your desires and create remarkable memories. If you choose to explore this captivating city during the enchanting seasons of spring or autumn, be prepared to fall deeply in love with its charms. Reach out to us, and let us assist you in curating the ideal itinerary for your perfect trip.

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30 Best Things To Do In Athens Greece In 2024

Athens in Greece is where I live. Our bustling capital has tons to offer, from ancient history to modern art to interesting neighbourhoods. Here are the 30 best things to do in Athens.

Athens: A city with many faces

“ Athens, the birthplace of western civilization and Greek philosophy “.

You’ve no doubt heard these words a thousand times! But that’s not all Athens has to offer. The Greek capital has many different faces.

The ancient side is important, but you can also visit modern museums, walk around quaint neighbourhoods, check out some cool shops and eat fantastic food.

Although the Greek capital is a big, chaotic city of just under 4 million people, the centre is fairly compact. It’s easy to get around on foot, by metro or taxi – I totally don’t recommend driving in Athens though! 

Here are just a few of my favourite things to do in the Greek capital. I’ve clustered those things together in sections that make logical sense. So, if you are not overly interested in our ancient past, just scroll down to the next entries!

1. Climb up the Acropolis Hill and see the Parthenon

Stereotype or not, you simply can’t come to Athens and not visit the Acropolis. Well, you can, but you’ll be missing out.

The Acropolis is an ancient citadel up on a hill, right in the heart of Athens. The area was first inhabited around 3,500-3,000 BC.

The most important temple inside the Acropolis complex is the Parthenon , which was built in the 5th century BC to honour the goddess Athena. Here’s a cool story about how Athens got its name .

Apart from the Parthenon, there are more temples inside the sprawling complex. You can see the Erechtheion, with the replicas of the famous Caryatids statues, and the temple of Athena Nike .

How to visit the Acropolis

I would suggest taking a guided tour of the Parthenon and the Acropolis . You will learn a lot about life in Ancient Athens, and appreciate why the world-famous temple is so important.

Of course, you can always visit on your own. I suggest you watch this video , which explains the history of the Parthenon. It will help you understand why Ancient Greece is considered the birthplace of western civilization.

Tickets for the Acropolis are available online , or you can get them at the entrance. In fact, there are actually two entrances to the Acropolis, and you can get your ticket there. However, if you are visiting in the peak season, it’s best to book your ticket in advance.

Choose between a single ticket to the Acropolis, or the combined ticket for all archaeological sites in Athens , which allows you to visit seven ancient sites. If you have more time in Athens, this is definitely a better option.

You can also look out for these Acropolis free days . 

Closest metro: Acropolis

2. Stroll around the Ancient Agora

Close to the Acropolis, you will find the archaeological site of Ancient Agora. This is one of my favourite places around Athens, not only due to its historical significance, but also because of its natural beauty.

The Agora was the most important place in ancient Athens. This is where everything happened – shopping, socializing, discussing. There were several temples, altars, statues, and many impressive buildings.

One of the highlights of the Ancient Agora is the temple of Hephaestus , the best preserved temple of Ancient Greece. Visitors can see more ancient ruins everywhere around the site.

Allow enough time for the excellent Ancient Agora museum , hosted inside the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos . There is a lot of information and artifacts shedding some light on life in Ancient Athens.

Here is my complete visitor’s guide to the Ancient Agora . Allow at least a couple of hours to see it properly.

Tip: There is also a Roman Agora. This is an entirely different archaeological site, and its most famous landmark is the Tower of the Winds.

Closest metro: Monastiraki / Thisseio

3. Visit the temple of Olympian Zeus

A short walk from the Acropolis metro station, across the busy avenue, you will see what’s left of the imposing temple of Olympian Zeus .

The temple of Zeus was dedicated to the king of the 12 Olympian gods . It was one of the largest temples in ancient Greece, consisting of 104 massive columns.

The temple was built over many centuries. Its construction started in the 6th century BC, and was completed by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, a man who deeply admired the ancient Greek civilization, in 131 AD.

Today, only 15 columns remain, and they are undeniably impressive. You can even spot them when you are up on the Acropolis hill!

At the moment, the temple is undergoing restoration work, and there is scaffolding all around the columns. The photo above is an old photo, to show you what it usually looks like! 

Side note: During the time he lived in Athens, Hadrian had commissioned several ambitious works. Today, we can see the ruins of Hadrian’s Library and the innovative aqueduct. A massive gate close to the Temple of Zeus, known as Hadrian’s Gate, was built in 131-132 AD to honor him.

4. Explore the National Archaeological Museum

If I only had time for one historical museum in Athens, I would visit the National Archaeological Museum.

This fantastic collection offers a great overview of Ancient Greece. Among others, you will see the statue of Zeus / Poseidon, the child on the horse, and the golden mask of Agamemnon, the mythical King of Mycenae.

There is also an impressive section with Egyptian artifacts. Often, there are temporary exhibitions, so check in advance.

Most first-time visitors go to the New Acropolis Museum, which is also more conveniently located. Yet, the National Archaeological Museum will give you a much better understanding of Ancient Greece.

Allow for three or four hours if you want to see the whole museum. You can always take a break in the quiet café downstairs.

Closest metro: Omonoia / Victoria

5. Visit the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum opened in June 2009. Since then, it has been attracting millions of visitors who are interested in finding out more about the Acropolis.

The museum hosts artifacts, such as sculptures and statues, that were discovered in the wider area. Its most famous exhibits are the five original Caryatids statues, which were removed from the Erectheion in the Acropolis to be protected from pollution.

Located literally across the street from the Acropolis itself, the museum also has a fantastic cafe, which offers a unique view of the ancient citadel.

Athens has many more museums offering an insight to Greek history, such as the museum of Cycladic art or the Byzantine and Christian museum. Have a look at my article with 20 of the best museums in Athens , and you will definitely find a few more to visit.

6. Stop by the Panathenaic Stadium

Even if you aren’t really into ancient monuments, you will definitely be impressed by the massive Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.

The majestic stadium was originally built in the late 4th century BC to host the Great Panathenaia, a range of athletic games dedicated to goddess Athena.

During the Roman era, a lot of restoration and reconstruction took place, and the stadium’s capacity expanded to a whopping 50,000 people. When Christianity prevailed, however, the stadium fell into decline.

In the late 19th century, it was decided to revive the Ancient Olympic Games , that had been originally held in Ancient Olympia. For this purpose, the Panathenaic stadium was restored, and held the first modern Olympics in 1896.

Today, the stadium is open to visitors, and you will definitely be impressed by its size and geometry. There is also a small museum including memorabilia from previous Olympics. Occasionally, you may catch a concert here.

For more information about stadium Panathenaic, check this article .

Closest metro: Syntagma / Acropolis

7. Climb up Areopagus / Areios Pagos

If you want the best views of the Acropolis, the coolest place to go is Areopagus Hill. It is a small hill, or perhaps a large rock, very close to the ancient citadel.

In Ancient Athens, Areios Pagos was the city’s court. Cases of homicide, arson and sacrilege were taken here. The hill is also where the Apostle Paul delivered his famous speech in 51 AD.

The Rock can get busy on different times of the day, especially at sunset. It’s one of my favourite spots in the city, and I’ve seen several sunsets (and a couple of sunrises) here!

Here is some more information on the Areopagus Hill in Athens .

Closest metro: Acropolis / Thisseio

8. See a performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

If you are visiting summer in late spring, summer or autumn, you should definitely check for any concerts or performances at the Herodes Atticus Odeon, or Herodion as we call it.

The grand odeon was commissioned in the 2nd century AD by a wealthy philosopher / orator, Herodes Atticus. He built the theater in memory of Regilla, his late wife.

Like other ancient buildings, Herodion fell into disuse for several centuries. It was restored in the 1950s, and since then it has been used for performances and concerts. Seeing a show here is really an experience!

Check out more ancient theatres in Greece in this article .

9. Watch a movie at a summer cinema

Athens is famous for its summer cinemas. Watching a movie at an outdoors cinema is a very traditional Greek thing to do in summer.

Two of the most iconic summer cinemas in Athens are “ Thisseio “, on Apostolou Pavlou, and the iconic “ Cine Paris ” in Plaka. Where else in the world can you watch a movie within walking distance from the Acropolis?

10. Observe the Changing of the Guards

The image of the Greek Guards with their traditional uniforms is one of the symbols of Athens. The Evzones are guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a cenotaph dedicated to all the soldiers who lost their lives fighting for Greece. 

Day and night, rain or sun, the Changing of the Guard happens 24/7, every hour, on the hour. People gather in front of the Greek Parliament building, right on Syntagma Square , to watch this popular event.

On Sundays, the ceremonial changing of the guards takes place at 11 am. Go early, to find a good spot.

Here is some more info:   Changing of the Guards . 

Closest metro: Syntagma

11. Visit the National Gardens

The National Gardens are right next door from the Parliament building, close to Syntagma Square. You can easily visit right after you’ve seen the Changing of the Guards.

Designed by Queen Amalia, the wife of King Otto, the National Garden is one of the loveliest green spaces in central Athens. It’s a great place to take a break on a warm summer day .

Here is some more info: The National Garden in Athens

12. Walk on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street

This long, pedestrianized road is one of my favourite areas in Athens. If I only had a half day in Athens, I would visit the Acropolis and then  walk this beautiful route .

Begin your walk at the Acropolis metro station, and follow Dionysiou Areopagitou street towards Thisseio. At some point, the name of the street changes into Apostolou Pavlou.

As you are walking, you will see the Acropolis , Areios Pagos and Ancient Agora to your right. The green hills to your left are Filopappou and Nymphs Hill . You can hike up for some great views of the Acropolis.

Along the route, you will see buskers, artists and local vendors, selling jewelry and souvenirs. Who knows, maybe you would see similar people in Ancient Athens!

You can read more here:  Pedestrian-friendly Athens

13. Wander around Plaka neighbourhood

Few neighbourhoods in Athens are as well-known as the iconic Plaka. The tiny neighbourhood is located at the foot of the Acropolis, and is a popular place for visitors to stay.

Alongside cafes and restaurants, you will find beautiful neoclassical buildings, a few interesting museums and all sorts of shops.

Here is some more information: Plaka in Athens Greece

Closest metro: Acropolis / Syntagma / Monastiraki

14. Discover the quaint Anafiotika

Just above Plaka, and below the Acropolis, there is an even smaller neighbourhood called Anafiotika.

This is one of the strangest areas in central Athens. The houses look like they were built on the Greek islands! And rightly so, as the people who built them originally came from some of the Cyclades islands, like Anafi.

Allow for an hour to explore this quirky neighbourhood, and be prepared for some steep and uneven steps.

Here is some more information about Anafiotika and its fascinating history: Anafiotika in Athens

15. Explore the quirky neighbourhood of Psiri

Another tiny neighbourhood in central Athens is Psiri, just off Monastiraki square. It’s an all-day hangout for locals, and is full of shops, cafes and places to eat.

During the day, you will find plenty of traditional, old-fashioned shops selling all types of household goodies that you never knew you needed.

In the evenings, Psiri is a vibrant, lively little area, with plenty of tavernas and cool, relaxed bars.

Read more here: Psiri in Athens

Closest metro: Monastiraki

16. Experience the central food market

The Varvakios central food market in Athens is really quite unique. It is located on Athinas street and the side streets, just a five minute walk from Monastiraki square.

There are separate sections for meat, fish and fruit and vegetables. On top of that, there are numerous shops selling local goodies like cheese, Greek yoghurt, nuts, rusks and olive oil.

Unlike some other food markets in Europe, the central market in Athens is authentic, maybe even quite raw. This is where I do some of my own shopping, and I love it!

Read more here: Varvakios food market  

17. Explore the bustling Athens markets and shops

Apart from the Varvakios, Athens is home to many more markets. Most areas of the city are full of tiny shops selling everything possible. Moreover, there are many open-air markets.

People who are interested in antiques and all sorts of old stuff should head to Monastiraki flea market , on Ifestou street and the nearby side alleys.

Even though it’s a lot more commercial than it used to be, its a good place in central Athens to find all sorts of things, including some tourist souvenirs.

Nearby, you can find Ermou street and its side streets, which are good for mainstream shopping. This is also the best area in Athens for fabrics, beads and all sorts of art materials.

Note that commercial stores are closed on Sundays, but you will then find numerous other open-air markets at the outskirts of the city.

For more information, check out these other guides:

• What to do on a Sunday in Athens
• Shopping in Athens
• The best Greek souvenirs

18. Hike up Mount Lycabettus

If you haven’t had enough hills and viewpoints, you can go up Lycabettus hill, known in Greek as Likavitos. It’s a bit out of the tourist centre, but still a comfortable walking distance.

You can reach the top after a short hike, but you can also take a taxi or the cable car. The views from the chapel of Agios Georgios are pretty cool. I love visiting at sunset! Here’s some more information on Mount Lycabettus .

On your way down, stop at Kolonaki area to have a drink and watch the people go by.

Closest metro: Evangelismos

19. Check out the cool street art in Athens

Did you know that the word “graffiti” comes from the Greek word “γράφω / grafo”, which means “to write”? It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that Athens is one of the best European capitals for street art.

Walk around Psiri, Kerameikos, Metaxourgio and Anafiotika meighbourhoods, and you will see some fantastic murals and smaller artworks. Venture into Exarchia, the area next to the National Archaeological Museum, and you will discover lots more.

If you are feeling adventurous, take the metro to Katechaki, on the blue line, and head into the University campus. You will find some of the best and less photographed street art in our city. 

Here are a few photos: Street art in Athens

20. Visit the new National Gallery in Athens

The much awaited National Gallery is finally open to the public! It’s a must-see place to visit in Athens if you are interested in art.

This brand new modern building features hundreds of works by prominent Greek artists. Just a few of them – Fasianos, Tsarouchis, Parthenis, Engonopoulos, Kontoglou and my favourite, Hatzikyriakos-Ghika.

You will see a great selection of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and several installations by contemporary artists.

Some of the Gallery’s highlights include works related to the Greek Independence Day .

21. Explore the temporary art exhibitions at Benaki Pireos museum

The Benaki Museum on Pireos street is my favourite art museum in Athens. I can’t remember the number of times I’ve visited! It hosts temporary art exhibitions, featuring Greek and international artists.

This museum is part of the Benaki foundation, which has several more museums around Athens and Greece. The main Benaki museum in Kolonaki area is a great place to visit if you want to get a glimpse of Greece’s very long history over the millennia.

You can find more information about the different Benaki collections and exhibitions on their official website .

Closest metro: Kerameikos

22. Taste the delicious Greek food

No visit to a foreign country is complete if you don’t taste all of the amazing food! And Greece has lots to offer in that respect.

From our rich meat dishes and hearty pies to our healthy salads and light grilled fish, the  Greek cuisine  is quite versatile.

Top that with various types of cheese and dozens of vegetarian dishes, and you will have an amazing experience! 

Here are  50 popular Greek dishes  for you to taste. Includes popular snacks like koulouri and spanakopita , the famous Greek salad, souvlaki and mousaka , and plenty of other traditional Greek dishes that you may not have heard of.

There are also numerous food tours you can take in Athens. This food tour gets some of the highest ratings, and it’s ideal if you want a local’s introduction to our rich and diverse cuisine.

23. Have a frappe and a Greek coffee

Visitors often joke that Greeks seem to be addicted to coffee. Well, it’s true. Having a coffee with a friend or ten is one of our most popular pastimes!

There are many types of coffee in Greece . Some of the most popular ones are served ice-cold. They are frappe, freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino.

When it comes to hot coffee, you will find the staples, like filter coffee, espresso, cappuccino and instant coffee. You should also try the Greek coffee, a somewhat thicker drink with an earthy flavour. Do not, I repeat do not, drink the sediment 🙂

When it comes to coffee drinking, my suggestion is to do it like the Greeks – take your time!

24. Taste our local drinks – ouzo, tsipouro and wine

Most people will have a drink or two when on holiday. And in that respect, Greece won’t disappoint!

Local drinks you could taste here include the famous ouzo , the strong tsipouro , or raki , and hundreds of types of wine and beer.

Tip: Ouzo is stronger than you may think at first. My best suggestion is to water it down, and combine it with food. After all, you don’t want to miss on tomorrow’s sightseeing! Here’s how best to enjoy Greek ouzo .

Here is some more information on Greek drinks .

25. Have a drink with a view of the Acropolis

Ten or fifteen years ago, bars with a view to the Acropolis were pretty hard to find. Crazy! Nowadays, there are plenty, especially if you include the rooftop bars of recently opened hotels.

Two of the my favourite rooftop bars with a view to the Acropolis are 360 and A for Athens near Monastiraki Square. Many hotel bars in Plaka, Monastiraki and Koukaki areas also offer great views.

Depending on where you are staying in Athens, you may even be able to see the Acropolis from your balcony!

26. Enjoy the nightlife in Athens

If a relaxed drink at a rooftop bar doesn’t exactly qualify as nightlife for you, don’t worry. Athens is a city that never sleeps!

Areas in the centre to go bar-hopping include Psiri, Syntagma, Kolokotroni street and the numerous pedestrian side alleys.

Kerameikos area also gets very lively – though mature people might find it too lively for their taste. This is a euphemism so hopefully you can read between the lines!

It’s important to know that, sadly, dancing is not so common over here. Yet, you will find venues where people dance. You can ask for parties in this FB group .

27. Check out some live music

Athens is a paradise for live music lovers. You can find all types of live music, including the traditional Greek rebetika , contemporary Greek musicians and international artists.

You can often catch bigger concerts at the following venues:

• Megaron – The Athens concert hall
• Athens Technopolis
• Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre  
• Gazarte Athens Cultural Hub
• Gagarin live music space
• Kyttaro live club

For small, intimate gigs, watch out for any posters close to where you are staying. You can also check Facebook events, though they are likely to be in Greek.

28. Go for a swim at the Athens Riviera

People planning to visit Athens in summer, will soon realize that the weather over here gets hot! If you have time, you can escape to the coast for a few hours.

Areas like Faliro, Alimos, Glyfada and Voula are easy to reach on the tram, by bus or taxi. You will find plenty of urban beaches and seaside cafes where you can take a break from all this sightseeing.

There are also more beaches on the other side of the coast, close to the port of Rafina, Nea Makri and Marathon. Some of them are wild, with no facilities.

Tip: Marathon is the starting point of the Athens Classic Marathon race , which happens every November. It is just over 42 kms away from central Athens. 

29. Take a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon

If you’ve had enough of our busy city, you can take a half day trip to Sounio area, about 70 kms from central Athens. Here, you can visit the majestic temple of Poseidon .

The temple is built right on the edge of the Attica peninsula, and views towards the Aegean sea are really stunning. Try to go for sunset if you can.

You can get there independently by public bus, rental car or taxi. Or you might prefer to take an organized tour to the Temple of Poseidon .

30. Go to Piraeus port and take a ferry to the Greek islands

Close to Athens, you will find the port of Piraeus. Here is where ferries depart for most of the Greek island groups .

The islands closest to the Greek capital are the Saronic islands, like Hydra or Aegina, which you can easily visit on a day trip from Athens.

There is also the Cyclades group, which includes the well-known Mykonos , Santorini and Milos .

Here are three guides that will help you plan your trip independently:

• Island hopping in Greece
• Island hopping in the Cyclades  
• Islands near Athens

Unless you are travelling in low season, I suggest that you book your ferry tickets in advance. Ferryscanner is a great platform where you can compare routes and prices, and book your tickets.

FAQs about Athens

Here are some questions asked by people who take a trip to Athens:

What should I avoid in Athens?

Like everywhere, be mindful of pickpockets, especially when you are in crowded areas, including the metro and airport metro. Take pre-booked taxis wherever possible, as sadly the old overcharging habit is still in place. Last but not least, never leave your mobile phone or other valuable item on the table as you are having a coffee, as it might disappear out of thin air.

Is 2 days in Athens enough?

Two days in Athens is nowhere near enough to see everything. Still, you will get an idea of our city. You can visit the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Acropolis Museum, the National Gardens and the Panathenaic stadium. You can also see the Changing of the Guards, explore a few neighbourhoods like Plaka and Anafiotika, and taste many of our local food and drink.

Is Athens worth visiting?

As I’m an Athenian, I’m biased! Yes, Athens is totally worth visiting. Where else can you experience this mix of ancient and byzantine history, combined with modern art, funky nightlife, lovely food and a lively coastline?

Is Athens a walkable city?

People who like walking will not really need to use any public transportation in Athens. The centre is quite compact, and you can pretty much walk everywhere. Just bring comfortable walking shoes.

Which area of Athens is best to stay in?

The best areas to stay in Athens city center include Plaka, Monastiraki, Psiri, Thisseio, Syntagma and Koukaki. If you are happy to walk, these areas are walking distance from each other and you will be able to explore the city on foot.

Do they speak English in Athens?

English is widely spoken in Athens, especially in the more popular areas. Still, it doesn’t hurt to learn a few words in Greek !

Best things to do in Athens

These are just a few of the best things to do in Athens. As you see, the city has lots to offer, which is why you could consider spending more than a couple of days!

Here are a few more Athens guides that you will find useful:

• 2 days in Athens itinerary
• Itinerary for 3 days in Athens
• 15 free things to do in Athens
• The best day trips from Athens
• Celebrations in Greece

Hi! I am Vanessa, and I was born and raised in Athens. I love my city’s many different faces! The above list should help you plan your time in Athens, especially if it’s your first time here. Feel free to ask any questions right below, or get in touch on my FB page .

4 thoughts on “30 Best Things To Do In Athens Greece In 2024”

Hello, I have found your description of Athens and its hive of places to visit extremely valuable as my wife and I will visit first weekend in November. Thanks for the information kindest regards Bob Lewis

Thank you very much for your comment!! So glad it helps! Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions 🙂

Awesome information. Thank you. We will be visiting Athens for the second time next year and you have given us some ideas of what to visit that we missed last time.

You are welcome! Feel free to ask any questions!

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The Best Things to do in Athens, Greece

Written By: Marisa Feyen

Updated On: May 26, 2024

Explore the capital city of Greece with our complete breakdown of the best things to do in Athens. We love Athens, but there is so much to see that it can sometimes be overwhelming, especially for a first-time visitor. If you follow these recommendations you will see the best of Athens in a relatively short amount of time.

To bring you the most comprehensive information on what you should see in Athens, we partnered with Marisa Feyen, a local Athens resident. We combined our knowledge to put together an Athens guide with popular attractions, ancient ruins, and some local recommendations to take you off the beaten path. Are you ready to plan your trip to Athens? Let’s go!

Table of Contents

The Best Things to Do in Athens

The capital of Greece is the perfect place to get your dose of ancient history while taking in the vibrant Greek culture. The best things to do in Athens include visiting its ancient ruins, enjoying Greek food, and taking in some of the city’s vibrant nightlife.

We used the Athens Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Site Pass on our latest trip and it was perfect if you want to see the Athens highlights, this pass is the right fit.

To visit the best archeological sites, purchase this Athens Combo Ticket, where you’ll enjoy skip-the-line access to major Athens Attractions. The combination ticket includes the Acropolis, Roman Agora, and Ancient Agora as well as Aristotle’s School and the Keramikos Ancient Cemetery. Plus, access to Hadrian’s Library and Temple of Olympian Zeus. Details here .

1. Visit the Acropolis

You cannot come to Greece and not visit the Acropolis. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and the Acropolis has been standing high above Athens for more than 2500 years. The Acropolis is considered one of the greatest architectural wonders in the world. It is the historical center of Athens and is one of the most famous sites on earth. So naturally, a visit to the Acropolis is one of the most popular things to do in Athens. Therefore, we suggest going to see the Acropolis early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

The Parthenon is the most famous of the ancient ruins of Acropolis. It is the symbol of democracy dominating the hill of the Acropolis and dates back to the 5th century BC. But the Acropolis is filled with archeological wonders besides the Parthenon. On the grounds, you will also see The Temple of Athena Nike and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre.

Purchase this combo package to see both the Acropolis and the Museum. Skip-the-line tickets are highly recommended, and this combination ticket gives you front-of – the-line entry to both the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Follow a field expert and licensed archaeologist through the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Details here

Other temples to visit are the Propylea Temple of Nike, the Erechtheion Temple and you must see the Dionysus Theater. I learned of this theater while studying Greek Tragedies in theatre school and it was amazing to see this famous theater. Also, don’t miss seeing the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the sanctuary of Asclepius.

The Temple of Athena Nike is my personal favorite. It is a temple dedicated to the Goddess Athena and Nike Goddess. Athena Nike may be the smallest of the temples of the Acropolis, but I love its location standing on the edge of a high cliff. Purchase  skip the line tickets  in advance to avoid queues.

• Opening Hours : 8 am to 8 pm last admission 7:30
• The entrance fee  to the Acropolis is €20.
• If you buy ahead of time with  GetYourGuide  it’s approximately €24 and includes skipping the long line tickets and access to the Acropolis hill

2. Acropolis Museum

To escape the crowds and heat, go to the Acropolis Museum. Athens is full of history and there is no better place to learn all about it than the Acropolis Museum. This highly rated guided tour takes you on a tour of the New Acropolis Museum with a local guide. The 1 hour 15 minute guided tour of the New Acropolis Museum goes through the modern building that houses 4000 ancient relics and artifacts from Ancient Greece.

This is a great compliment to an Acropolis visit and there is a good video that shows the history of the Parthenon. The new Acropolis Museum, located at 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou Promenade

3. Concert at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Odeon in ancient Greece was a building for singing and musical shows. In Athens, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is the theatre that sits at the base of the Acropolis. To this day it hosts world-renowned artists, like the Foo Fighters in 2017 and Sting in 2018. See details of events at the Odeon here.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to watch a concert in the oldest of venues among ancient ruins. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is not only historic, intimate and every seat offers great views of the stage. As part of the Epidaurus Festival every summer, the Odeon hosts dozens of concerts. Don’t be afraid to attend theatre events! Unless noted specifically, theater shows will have English subtitles.

4. Ancient Agora And The Temple of Hephaestus

The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved ancient ruins in Athens. Located within the walls of the Ancient Agora, some say this is even more impressive than the Parthenon. The intricate details and towering fluted columns make the Temple Of Hephaestus a great thing to see in Athens if you love greek architecture.

• This Ancient Agora Guided Tour takes you through the Hephaestus Temple from the 5th century BC including the 12 Apostles, the Temple of Apollo Patroos, the Stoa of Zeus, the Altar of Zeus and more.

The surrounding Agora was founded back in the 6th century BC when the Ancient Agora of Athens was originally used as a meeting place or a place to congregate. Like most of the temples in Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus is best to visit in the morning. The light is better, it is cooler and you will avoid the masses of tourists that show up later in the day.

Stoa of Attalos was restored in 1953 – 1956 and today it is a museum that houses sculptures and exhibits of Ancient Agora. There are also remnants from the ancient ruins of Temple of Hephaestus.

A guided tour of Ancient Agora is one of the best ways to visit the Temple of Hephaestus . You’ll visit the Greek temple as well as the church of the 12 Apostles, the Temple of Apollo Patroos, the Stoa of Zeus, the Altar of Zeus. The tour ends at the Attalos Museum to tour its ancient artifacts.

5. The Roman Agora

This is the most popular Agora (or meeting place) in Athens. Probably because Socrates used to lecture here. The Roman Agora was built between 19 and 11 BC, this area is huge with over 30 buildings and ancient monuments and requires a lot of walking. It is a good way to spend a couple of hours after visiting the more main sites.

6. Cultural History at the Benaki Museum

The elegant Benaki Museum highlights the history of Greece throughout the ages. The most unique items are gilded ceilings and wood paneling recovered from 18th-century Greek mansions and are displayed as reconstructed rooms in the museum. The museum also has a fabulous gift shop. I visit the museum just to purchase high-quality reproductions and other gifts for family and friends.

• Hours: Closed Mon – Tue. Wed/Fri: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Thur/Sat: 10:00 am – 12:00 am. Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Cost: permanent exhibition €9 (free Thursdays), special exhibition €7

7. National Archaeological Museum 

Established in 1829, the National Archaeological Museum is the largest museum in Greece. It houses 11,000 exhibits of ancient Greek art from prehistory to late antiquity and is considered one of the world’s best museums for ancient Greek art. If you are really into art history, then this is a place you should visit. If you do, make sure not to miss Agamemnon’s gold death. It is worth the visit just to see this.

8. Ancient Greek Temple of Olympian Zeus

Compared to a lot of the other ancient ruins in Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus may seem not to have a lot left of it. That being said it is no less impressive. I found myself imagining just how grand and massive this temple would have been in its glory. In its prime, there were 104 17 meters (55 feet) of columns housing statues of Gods. Today only 15 remain, but the grounds are very impressive to visit. It started in the 6th century BC but was not completed until the 2nd Century AD. This is probably one of the temples that took the longest to build.

• Note: The Temple of Zeus is currently under construction and the pillars you see above are all hidden under scaffolding. I wouldn’t recommend visiting it at this time.

One look at those columns, and you will see why. A good way to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus is to book this audio tour that you can listen to on your phone. It includes skip the line tickets to Acropolis Hill, Temple of Zeus and the Ancient Agora. Enjoy a full attraction experience with three separate e-tickets and audio tours on your phone

9. Stroll the Streets of Plaka

Plaka is a neighborhood located just below the Acropolis and stretches to Syntagma Square. This is the oldest neighborhood of modern Athens and it feels like you have stepped back in time with the Neoclassical buildings, and balconies overflowing with all kinds of flowers. We walked the tight, twisting alleys that are accented by 19th-century facades that burst with colors in the summer. Plaka is all about family-run shops and restaurants and is a great place to check out some nightlife in Athens.

For a fun tour of Plaka and other Athens neighborhoods, take this ebiking tour through the streets and side streets of Athens without the crowds. Climb the Hill of Nymphs for views of the Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus. Plus, discover the site of the first modern Olympic Games at the Panathenaic Stadium which is a modern reconstruction of the stadium built for the Panathenaic Games.

10. Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square is a bustling meeting place located in the heart of Athens. Located beneath the Acropolis, Monastiraki Square is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens. With walking streets, cafes and patios it is a great place to relax and take a stroll for an afternoon. In Monastiraki, you’ll find the archeological site of Ancient Agora.

11. Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian’s Library is located next to Monastiraki Square. It was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. It’s an impressive set of columns in the heart of the city center. The site was used for exactly what you would think, to house books. It was also a place for philosophical walks and teaching.

This 3-hour private walking tour is an excellent way to explore the area. Take a walk along the walking street of Mitropoleos Street to the Metropolis Athens Cathedral. See the Roman Forum, the Tower of the Winds, and Hadrian’s Library. You’ll cover a lot of ground to see Monastiraki Square and its Flea Market, Ancient Agora, Temple of Hephaestus, and much more. 

12. Athens Food Tour

A great way to visit the Monastiraki area of Athens is to take a food tour. This food tour takes you through Monastiraki and its famous Greek tavernas and restaurants plus its archeological attractions and ancient ruins of the city center including Hadrian’s Library, the Ancient Agora, and the Monastiraki Flea Market. This market is famous for its indoor artisanal shops selling handmade sandals and souvenirs plus its outdoor food market. This tour will take you to cafés, markets, delicatessens where you’ll also sample some great street food haunts. More details here.

13. Changing of the Guard -Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The first time we visited Athens, we stayed at Syntagma Square and had the privilege of watching the changing of the guard without even knowing they did it! The Hellenic Parliament building dominates the area and is a popular place to visit in Athens. The guards stand guard over the Tomb of the Uknown Soldier and each day the guards change, however, on Sundays at 11:00 am, the official ceremony takes place.

This city tour not only includes stops at Athens’s top attractions to visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, Nike Temple and more, but you’ll also see other lesser-known sites. Meet in the city center at the House of Parliament and see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the National Garden, Zeus Temple and Hadrians’s Arch while you learn of the first Olympic Games and ancient Greek History.

14. Lycabettus Hill (Mount Lycabettus)

The acropolis may be the high hill in Athens that everyone knows, but Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens. The prominent 277-meter hill that is visible from all over Athens is one of the best views of the Acropolis. It is one of my favorite sites because you can see the entire city, including the Acropolis, all the way to the sea. It’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset in Athens.

There is a funicular that can take you to the top of Mount Lycabettus, or you can take the stairs if you’re looking for some extra exercise. At the top, you’ll find Agios Georgios (St. George Church) and there is a cafe. If you want to do something decadent, book dinner at Orizontes for views of the Acropolis to Piraeus and the Saronic Gulf

• Location: corner of Ploutarhiou and Aristippou Streets
• Cost: €7 return (€5 one-way)
• Hours: 9 am – 2:30 am (every 30 minutes) Details for funicular hours here.

Another good place for sunset in Athens is Philopappos Hill. Take a hike through this park filled with pine trees and walking paths for views of the Acropolis, city center, and the Saronic Gulf.

15. Take in the Neoclassical Architecture

Signs of ancient Greek history are evident throughout Athens, but there are also signs of its modern history as well. This history begins when the capital of Greece was moved from the Peloponnese peninsula to Athens after Greece gained independence from the Ottoman Turks.

At that time, Athens was a village of 7,000 residents with very few real houses. Wanting to recreate a grand capital city, the new king of Greece commissioned a reconstruction. The remaining neoclassical structures are a result of this effort.

• Zappeion Hall, the first building in the world to serve the Olympic Games, the Athenian Triptych
• Three buildings near Panepestimio
• National Library of Greece
• The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
• The Academy of Athens
• The buildings that house both the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Benaki Museum
• The Hellenic Parliament Building that dominates Syntagma Square.

The guides at  Livin’ Lovin’  give a fantastic tour that covers neoclassical buildings (or many other interesting fascinating details about Athens)

16. Museum of Cycladic Art

The M useum of Cycladic Art is not only a fine example of Neoclassical Art, it also houses one of the finest collections of Cycladic art. Here you’ll see vases, tools, weapons, pottery, and marble figurines from the bronze age (3000 BC). If you plan on visiting the Greek Islands, the Museum of Cycladic Art is a great compliment as The Cycladic culture flourished in the Aegean Sea in such places as Santorini and Mykonos .

17.Explore Athens Central Market

Every day except Sunday, you can experience the buzz of the largest market in Athens. Athens Central Market extends to both sides of Athinas Street, with vegetables and olives sold on one side, and meat and fish on the other.

This is not a place for those with a queasy stomach – animal heads and carcasses hang from hooks in front of passersby and butchers carve the meat in open stalls. Even if you do have a sensitive stomach, head to the vegetable side of the market and try the olives on display. My favorite is the wrinkly kind, which is sun-dried and dry salt-cured. I recommend making a stop by Miran for a glimpse into old Athens and sample their excellent cured meats.

• Hours: daily, except Sunday 7 am – 6 pm
• Location: Athinas 42

18. Temple of Poseidon

Be Inspired at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio. If you’ve had enough of the city and want to get away to relax, Cape Sounio is a fantastic option. Standing 60 meters above sea level, it is still the  perfect location for a temple honoring Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. The Temple of Poseidon was constructed in 444–440 BC and is 70 km outside of the city.

Take a tour of the marble temple, which dates from the 5th century B.C., and then have lunch or dinner at a taverna on the beach just below the temple . You can book day tours to Poseiden here.

19. Sounio for Sunset

Sounio is another fantastic spot in Athens to view the sunset. Located on the sea about 70 kilometers from the city center, you’ll need a car hire to reach it but it is worth it as it is one of the coolest things to do in Athens. You can  book sunset tours   from Athens to Sounio’s meeting at the Halandri Metro station where you’ll take a bus to the Poseidon Temple.

• For more information check out  Odysseus’ Culture
• Hours: winter: 9:30 am – sunset, summer: 9 am – sunset
• Cost: €8/€4 reduced

20. Visit the Metro Station Mini-Museums

During preparation for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, the metro system was expanded, including a brand new line connecting the new airport to the center (the blue line). Parts of this line had to be dug essentially by hand to preserve artifacts that were buried beneath the current city.

These metro stops now serve as mini-museums displaying some of the ancient statuary, gravestones, oil lamps, and vases from the 5th century BC that were found during the dig. The most interesting stations to check out are Syntagma, also home to the tomb of the unknown soldier, and Monastiraki stations.

• Hours: 5:30 am – 12:30 am
• Location: Syntagma and Monastiraki metro stations

21. Aeropagus Hill (Mars Hill)

Greece has strong ties to early Christianity. The Apostle Paul wrote to early Christians in the Greek cities of Corinth and Thessaloniki and made a famous sermon about the identity of “the Unknown God” on the Aeropagus Hill (also known as Mars Hill) next to the Acropolis.

It is referenced in Acts 17 of the New Testament. The location is marked by a plaque (in Greek). Climb up the stairs and admire the fabulous view where Paul had stood preaching to the people of Athens.

22. Epidaurus Festival

Every summer, Athens presents dozens of theater, music and dance events throughout June, July, and August. The artists come from all over the world, but promoting Greek artists is the primary focus of the festival.

The venues are several sites in Athens (including the Odeon) and two sites in the ancient Epidaurus on the Peloponnese peninsula, including the magnificent ancient theater. The theater events typically include English subtitles but check the event information to confirm.

• Where: various venues around Athens & Epidaurus
• When: June 4 – August 15 (2020)

23. Transcend Ancient History into Modern Art

State of Concept is a non-profit organization that serves as a bridge between Greek contemporary art and the international art scene. They feature up-and-coming artists via solo or group shows. Their aim, “has been asking questions that relate to the notion of the State and its contemporary condition in the West and beyond.”They also offer free consultations to advise local artists.

State of Concept is also known for its high-quality curation that feels like the Tate Modern but in a small and intimate setting. They have showcased everything from virtual reality to films and traditional mediums.

• Hours: Wednesday – Friday 4:30-8:30pm, Saturday 12pm – 5pm

24. Experience the Chatty Coffee Culture

For me, the best place to experience the coffee culture is the square of Agia Irini. It’s a short walk from Monastiraki on a pedestrian street (Aeolou Street). You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the cathedral, which was the main cathedral of Athens until the new one was built. Take a peek inside the cathedral for a fantastic example of the Byzantine style.

Tailor-made and Rooster are cafes that are full day and night. Kostas, a tiny shop that serves the best souvlaki in Athens (in my humble opinion) is also located in the square.

25. Taste the Meze

Traditional Greek food is very simple and relies on high-quality fresh ingredients. Greeks eat family style, with a large number of small dishes, called meze, that is shared by everyone at the table. “Meze” means taste or small bite. Like the food itself, eating Meze is a casual affair. Greeks are not shy about grabbing food from the shared plates with a fork, or with their fingers. It starts with salads like the Greek salad (tomatoes, feta, cucumber, onion, peppers, olives) and dips (fava, tzatziki) and then leads to meat and fish dishes, and side dishes like wild greens and fried potatoes.

Don’t neglect to add a squeeze of lemon to almost everything nor the traditional drinks – raki, ouzo, or house wine. Barbounaki in Kolonaki or Seychelles in Metaxourgheio are modern takes on the traditional meze, but any taverna will offer these small dishes. Read this Greek Food Guide – Traditional Dishes to Eat in Greece

26. Stavros Niarchos Center

This cultural center was fully funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (€617-million) and was donated to the Greek state. The building is designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and the 43-acre parks were designed via a partnership between New York and Greece-based landscape designers.

The building is modern with angular glass walls and the park’s indigenous Mediterranean plants bring much-needed green space to the neighborhood. The site houses the Greek National Library and the Greek National Opera House.

27. National Gardens

Did I mention that Athens is very hot in the summer? You’ll appreciate the shade of the National Gardens! Commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838 as the royal garden of the adjacent palace (which is now the Greek Parliament building), the National Garden is a picturesque respite from the busy city.

It’s one of the few shady spots in the center and is great for a walk and spotting ruins, like columns and Corinthian capitals. The entrance of the park is on Leoforos Amalias (named after the queen) just a short walk from Syntagma Square and is marked by the 12 palm trees that she planted.

28. Open Air Cinema 

My favorite thing to do in Athens in the summer is going to the outdoor cinemas. This is a summer tradition since the 1960s when there were over 600 outdoor cinemas. The summer heat in Athens keeps the temperature comfortable well past midnight.

For me, the best place to go is the cinema in Thissio because it has a great view of the Acropolis. Another great spot is the cinema in the Plaka, which also has a view of the Acropolis and is conveniently located. Cine Paris is another popular outdoor cinema. It is one of about 90 outdoor cinemas in Athens.

• Cost: €6 (Mon-Wed), otherwise €8
• Hours: generally open evenings late April – late October
• Check their website out for showtimes . 

29. Rooftop Bars

One of the best things to do in Athens is to sit back and relax while taking in the views of the Acropolis and city lights. Athens has some incredible rooftop bars and we had the luxury to visit a few for outstanding evenings in the city.

Looking for unique things to do in Athens? This Athens wine tasting experience under the Acropolis takes you to a rooftop restaurant with beautiful views of the Acropolis where you enjoy a wine tasting with tapas as you enjoy delicious Greek Wine.

Some of the best rooftop bars in Athens include A Is for Athens, M.S. Roof Garden Hyper Astrobar at Monastiraki Square, The Terrace Floor at Syntagma Square, Novotel Athens with a rooftop pool bar, Athens Gate overlooking the Temple of Zeuss, Couleur Locale in Monastiraki, The Sky Lounge at Melia in the city center, and the Air Lounge Roof bar in Kotzia Square.

I have to admit, we can’t readily remember all the rooftop bars we visited in Athens, but we always made sure to pop into one at night.

30. Lybacettus Hill

For the ultimate view of Athens go up Lybacettus Hill. Lybacettus Hill is the highest point and the most popular place to go for sunset in Athens. Take the Terleferik (Funicular) up to the top of this high hill after a long hike starting a Aristippou Street and winding your way upwards. The funicular leaves from the corner of Ploutarhiou and Aristippou Streets every 30 minutes.

The funicular is all underground and costs 7€. When you get to the top there is a fine dining restaurant (reservations recommended) and a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the Acropolis and Athen city. You can easily spend an hour or two at the top. There are a couple more bars, a cocktail bar and another restaurant plus snacks. The views are astounding and you can see all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.

31. Hunt for Street Art

Athens is a great city to view street art and it rivals street art in Berlin and Paris. On my first visit to Athens, I spent several days wandering the neighborhoods to find hidden gems.

I became curious after I spotted different versions of a black and white princess, always with her eyes closed and a sad expression on her red lips, painted throughout the center. I learned that the artist, Sonke, painted them for an ex-girlfriend in places where she would see them. Street art is more than streaks of paint on a wall. It tells a story about its surroundings and the people in it.

Athens Neighborhoods for Street Art : Check out the neighborhoods of Anafiotika, Psirri, and Metaxourgheio, and on the hill just below the northeast side of the Acropolis.

32. Church of Panagia

Right in the middle of the city is the Church of Panagia, an Old Byzantine Church. It is located along the walking street that connects Sygmata Square and Monastiraki Square. You cannot take pictures inside the church but it is free to enter and it is a beautiful church right in the heart of all the hustle and bustle.

33. Escape With an Island Day Trip

No trip to Greece is complete without experiencing the island life , and Hydra is a great place for that. Be transported back in time to an old-world village that has been preserved like it was when it was built in the 1800s. It doesn’t even allow cars. This is the scene that attracted Leonard Cohen to live here in the 1960s in a house that his family still owns. The restaurants along the harbor are a great place for people-watching. We especially enjoyed hiking on the well-marked trails.

• Check out  Ferry times at OpenSeas
• Ferry Cost: €28 one-way
• Ferry Duration: 1hour, 35 minutes
• You can book this day tour from Athens for a cruise to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina in the Saronic Gulf. 

34. Athens Riviera

Spend a few nights at the Vincci Ever Eden Hotel located on the Athens Riviera. This is a great way to escape the city without needing to get on a ferry to one of the Greek Islands. This hotel offered half board which gave us free breakfast and dinner with our plan. There is a beautiful indoor thermal cycle pool where we enjoyed water stations before enjoying a long and hot sauna. The beach is located right across the beach with a walking path under the highway so you never need to face traffic.

Where to Stay in Athens

If you are looking for where to make a base for Athens sightseeing, we have an entire post on Where to Stay in Athens. For first-time visitors, we suggest Syntagma Square or the Plaka neighborhood. They are in the center of Athens walking distance to many of the top Athens Attractions. See the full post Where To Stay In Athens – A Guide To The Best Neighborhoods

How to Get Around Athens

From the airport to downtown Athens

• You can take the bus from the airport to downtown Athens. That is what we did our first time in the city. The bus is 6€
• The metro also goes from the airport to the city center and is the Metro is 10€. We took this when coming back from our trip to Crete in the Greek Islands .
• There are taxis from the airport as well.
• If you are flying into Athens for the first time on an international flight, we recommend a private pick up. When visiting a new city, we always love seeing our name at arrivals and knowing we have no hassels ahead of us getting to our hotel. Book this affordable private airport transfer here.

Getting Around

Athens is a walkable city and we walked to most major attractions in Athens. Making a base in the city center, it was an easy walk to the ancient ruins like the Acropolis, The Temple of Hephaestus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and more.

The Metro is a great way to get around to limit walking. It stops at most ancient ruins, museums and attractions. We use Google Maps to get around cities and follow the transportation recommendations. See 32 Best Travel Apps

For an overview of Athens, a hop on hop off bus tour is a good way to see the city and this combination tour gives you access to the museums and 48 hours of access to the hop on hop off bus around the city.

A visit to Athens is a trip you’ll never forget. To see the Acropolis for the first time, walk in the footsteps of Gods, and discover the ancient ruins of an ancient city will stay with you for a lifetime. So, these are the best things to do in Athens. Have you visited this ancient city? What do you recommend visitors do when they visit Athens?

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Marisa Feyen

Marisa Feyen runs the travel blog One Single Step inspiring people to step outside their comfort zone with one single step at a time. "It doesn't matter how slow you go as long as you do not stop." ~ Confucius. Follow Marisa's travels at WithOneSingleStep / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

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30 thoughts on “The Best Things to do in Athens, Greece”

Anthens is one of the most beautiful cities in which I have ever been, if you have any doubts shoul you go or not – don’t even consider it. Just pack the bags and go!

Beautiful country

yeah Athens seems very beautiful place with so many interesrting place . thanks for sharing

very beautiful place, I have seen the views and pictures of this place. I will add this place in my tour plan this year.

Many thanks for sharing your wonderful travel experiences

Greece has been on my bucket list since forever. Thank you guys for this amazing blog. Will plan a trip to Greece soon.

Great article! Thanks and keep posting

Very beautiful city…Thank you for sharing this post

Athens is one of those destinations that I’ve always dreamed of visiting (along with the rest of the world haha). I visited Rhodes a while back and the old town just blew me away. Kinda felt like I was stepping back in time and Athens looks exactly the same. I would love to see the Acropolis too. Perhaps 2020 – fingers crossed! 🙂

Athens is a beautiful city with ancient structures and museums. Nice article. Thanks for sharing.

I have visit two times Athens and it is great city that has so many things to do and see!Your list is great nice article very informative!

Wow so many great things, Thanks for sharing this 🙂

Very beautiful city…. the places you mentioned are just awesome. The photos are just amazing… !!!

Greece seems to be an ideal destination. thx for the tips

Athens is always a charming place to visit. The photos and the landscapes are giving me real travel goals to plan a trip soon to this paradise.

Athens is a beautiful city

Oh my! I have been to Athens and its breathtaking. With the new tips, I’ll be going again.

Wow, I really love Greece and I am really looking forward to visiting someday. Thank you for the tips and for sharing.

Athens is always beautiful and stunning…loved reading throughout your blog.

This is such a helpful post! My husband and I are going to Greece in July of this year and we will be using this guide to help us build our itinerary! Thank you very much for the great ideas – also I have included your wonderful website/blog on my site in a roundup of the best blogs! If you’d like you can check it out on the link I’m including for website. Thanks again – Elle

Hello guys! Very nice presentations about Athens. Next time I will visit more.

Greece seems to be an ideal destination. These tips are really useful. I would recommend you to visit Romania because you will find here as well, absolutely spectacular places.

Hey guys! It is always a treat to read your blog. You write such amazing content with so much amazing information, I never want to leave your website. Also, I am in love with Athens. Thank you for sharing the blog with us.

I’m headed to Athens next week so I’m looking forward to it. Will definitely be checking out Lake Vouliagmeni now that you mention it 🙂

Make a few YouTube videos for us to see how your vacation was in Greece. Please and thank you. 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing about these spots to visit including pictures. It seems like Athens is filled with things to do and it is awesome to see a curated list of the top spots to hit.

Nice Post, you share thing information about athens, I will Appreciate you for your efforts. this information is enough for planning a trip of athens.

Great! Loved it…I am planning a trip to Athens in the coming month. Thanks for the tips.

Wow Great No Need More Details this is enough info to share with everyone. Thanks.

Oh My God! There are so many things to do in Athens. The list is quite long. I’m sure you guys must have enjoyed a lot while visiting these places. Nice post.

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Home » Europe » Athens

11 BEST Places to Visit in Athens (2024)

Athens is not only the capital of modern-day Greece, but also the birth of western civilization. When visiting the city, you’ll see constant reminders of this with remnants of buildings that date to way before the time of Jesus Christ!

It can be hard to know where to start when exploring Athens, as there are so many cultural and historical attractions. That’s where we come in. We’ve put together this list of the best places to visit in Athens – a mixture of cool cultural landmarks and quirky attractions that will help you get the best out of your holiday!

Our list has more than enough places to visit in Athens in 3 days, you could probably stay in the city for a week without getting bored!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Athens:

These are the best places to visit in athens, faq on the best places to visit in athens, final thoughts.

Many describe Gazi as the new cafe and restaurant district and others simply utilize it as an affordable base from which to explore Athens. Whichever camp you’re in, there’s a whole load going on…

• Visit the Technopolis (former gas works) where you can catch outdoor shows, concerts, exhibitions and pop-up galleries
• Explore streets Iakou, Persephonis, Dekeleon and Voutado for cool cafes that turn into bars after sundown
• Eat at The Butcher Shop – here you can tuck into grilled meats and traditional souvlaki

Before you hit the ground running on this adventure hot on the tail of the supersonic Hermes, keep in mind that Athens is a diverse city with loads of great accommodation spread all over the map. We’ve condensed this down for you so be sure to check out where to stay in Athens before you embark!

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#1 – Acropolis of Athens – One of Athens’ coolest historical sites

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• Top of everyone’s Athens itinerary!
• Home to some of the world’s most archaeological and historically significant buildings
• See where democracy was established

Why it’s awesome: The Acropolis of Athens is a citadel perched upon a rocky hill at the top of the Greek capital. It is without a doubt the most important landmark in Athens, possibly even the whole of Greece! According to UNESCO, who listed it as a World Heritage site, it’s the most beautiful architectural complex from Greek antiquity. There’s more than enough in the Acropolis to spend a few days wandering around and exploring. Just beware it can get extremely hot and it’s uncovered, so take adequate sun protection and wear comfortable clothes!

What to do there: There’s a long list of things to do at this Athens must-see attraction. First on your list should be the 5 th century BC Parthenon Temple. It’s a beautifully preserved temple and a key point of interest in Athens and the Acropolis. The Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike are other important temples in the Acropolis, while the Theatre of Dionysius at the foot of the hill is worth a visit too. Before or after you explore the citadel, take a walk around the Acropolis museum to learn more about this incredible archaeological site. If you really can’t get enough of this place, stay in an Airbnb nearby with a view of the acropolis!

#2 – Mount Lycabettus

• Enjoy woods and nature in the centre of Athens
• Take the funicular up to the top for fab views of the city
• Boasts one of the coolest places to eat in Athens

Why it’s awesome: Another hill in the Greek capital and another cool place to visit. Rather than being famed for its manmade wonders, the highest point in Athens is covered in Pine forests which are a cool and refreshing walk option on a hot summer’s day! If a walk sounds like too much hard work, there’s a funicular train on the hill too. That’ll take the strain off your legs while still allowing you to enjoy the stunning views all the way down to the ocean! Don’t miss this awesome Athens hotspot. See if you can spot your hostel from the top, as there are many great hostels to stay in , in Athens located around the area.

What to do there: There’s a whole host of things to do at one of the coolest landmarks in Athens. As we’ve already mentioned, a walk or taking the funicular is a great way to enjoy the views on the way up and at the top of the hill. Not only that, atop the hill is one of the best places to eat in the capital. Stunning views at twilight with delicious local and traditional food is an unforgettable way to spend an evening. Especially if you’re looking for something romantic to do as a couple, you’ll want to add this to your Athens itinerary !

#3 – Panathenaic Stadium

• Visit the world’s only stadium entirely carved of marble
• The site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896
• Still hosts live events such as concerts!

Why it’s awesome: You can’t travel to Athens without knowing it’s the birthplace of the modern Olympic games. And what’s better than seeing the original stadium, and the only one in the world made completely of white marble?! The stadium’s history goes way further back than that though. There were sporting events dating back to before Christ taking place on the land now occupied by the stadium! As well as being a proud sporting achievement, it was the first place to play the modern Olympic Hymn. The Panethenaic Stadium also had a place in the Athens Olympic Games in 2004!

What to do there: Walk around the stadium and take in the impressive architecture of the world’s only marble stadium. If you’re travelling to Greece in November, see athletes make it over the finish line of the city’s marathon! Nowadays, the Panthenaic Stadium isn’t just used for sporting events, but it’s a concert venue. So, if you’re running low on Athens vacation ideas, check out who’s playing. Maybe you’ll get to see one of your favourite artists in an unforgettable and amazing location!

#4 – National Garden, Athens – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Athens

• Take a walk through the National Garden
• See native and exotic plants
• Explore ancient ruins of columns and mosaics

Why it’s awesome: Just over the road from the Panathenaic Stadium, the National Garden is another of the most famous places in Athens. Not only can you enjoy native and exotic plants, but there are tortoise and terrapin ponds in the garden too! If you’re planning on walking from Mets to Kolonaki, then this is one of the prettiest routes you can take. Exploring the gardens is a perfect way to spend half a day when visiting Athens, and it’s popular with tourists and locals alike!

What to do there: The beauty of the national garden is that you can make it suit your style. So, if you want to spend a few hours reading a book in the shade, no problem. Want to learn about the 7,000+ species of plants and trees in the park? You can do that too. There’s even a children’s library to keep the kids entertained! Oh, and if you have a jogging or running routine that you want to keep up on your holidays, there’s nowhere better to exercise than this gorgeous place!

#5 – The Old Madrasa of Athens – One of the more unique places to visit in Athens!

• See the remains of some of Athens’ darker times
• Located in one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Athens – Plaka
• Great for a short break between other activities

Why it’s awesome: So, one of the more unusual things to do in Athens is visiting the Old Madrasa. It’s not something that will take a day or even half a day, but don’t let that put you off. The Madrasa is more modern than most of the ruins in Athens, dating back just 300 years. It’s practically brand new by the standards here! A remain of Ottoman rule, this became one of the most feared and terrifying prisons in the Greek capital. Few who entered left, with many either being sold to slavery, tortured, or hanged from the ‘hangman’s tree.’

What to do there: Nowadays, the Madrasa is an interesting place to take a walk and see what’s left. The key part is the doorway that led many a prisoner, student, or condemned person to their fate. You can also see the remains of the walls that held the prisoners in! The Plane Tree where so many were executed from can’t be seen though – that was destroyed by a lightning strike in 1919. It’s good to combine visiting the Madrasa with some of Athens’ other cool landmarks, like the Roman Agora.

#6 – Syntagma Square

• See the Old Royal Palace of Athens
• Explore Athens’ central and biggest square
• Great place for people watching with a coffee!

Why it’s awesome: Syntagma Square is the centre of Athens and a very important place! Translated into English, Syntagma means Consitution, and it’s where the first King of Greece, Otto, granted that in the 19 th century. Nowadays, it’s the base of the Greek parliament and where you’ll find the country’s royal palace. That’s not all though, Syntagma Square is a top Athens hotspot, with plenty of restaurants, nightlife, and accommodation here! In fact, most of the city’s 5 star hotels are based around the outside of the square. It’s a great place to eat, although do be wary of tourist pricing!

What to do there: Around the outside of Syntagma Square, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for half a day. Such a large number of cafes with outside seating are the perfect place to enjoy a drink, a book, or just watch the world go by! It may sound weird, but the square’s metro station is worth a visit too. Why on earth is that?! Well, when digging the foundations of the station, workers discovered one of the largest archaeological discoveries in Athens! So, when walking through the station, some of that is on display!

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#7 – Temple of Hepaesthus and the Agora of Athens – One of the most underrated places to see in Athens!

• Visit one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world
• One of the earliest and best examples of a marketplace
• Another of the most famous landmarks in Athens

Why it’s awesome: Since these two are so close, we’ve put them in together. Temple of Hepaesthus is the perfect place to visit before or after a visit to the Ancient Agora. Among all the beautiful places in Greece , this one often gets overlooked. It’s a mystery as to why though, considering this is one of the most complete in the city! Head on to the Agora, where minimal restoration has taken place so that you can imagine how the ancient marketplace was in the glory days of Ancient Greece!

What to do there: As well as visiting the Temple of Hepaesthus, there are a few things to keep you entertained for at least half a day here. Another impressive building that has been beautifully preserved is the Stoa of Attalos. This building comes from the Hellenistic Period. At the Agora, you can learn about how it was important through the eras of not only Ancient Greece but Roman and Byzantine too!

#8 – Kerameikos Cemetery – A nice quiet place to visit in Athens

• Visit a cemetery that remained undiscovered for over 2,000 years
• A beautiful spot that tourists often don’t get round to visiting
• One of the more unusual things to do in Athens

Why it’s awesome: The stunningly beautiful Kerameikos Cemetery is a victim of a city that has so many archaeological sites! Often overlooked for more glamorous sites like the Ancient Agora or the Acropolis, you may be lucky enough to get this cool place almost to yourself. Especially if you’re not visiting in the high season! The cemetery is dedicated to Keramos, the son of Dionysius. He was the hero of potters, and that’s where the Latinised word ceramic comes from!

What to do there: You might think that fewer tourists come here because it hasn’t been worked on. Well, you’d be wrong! As well as the beautifully preserved cemetery, there’s a museum too. And yep, you guessed it, it’s dedicated to pottery. Once you’ve finished at Kermeikos, head to one of the cool local spots nearby. Some of the best places to eat in Athens can be found nearby in the Psiri and Gazi districts. There’s a hammam nearby too, where you can enjoy a relaxing Turkish bath!

#9 – Technopolis – A fascinating educational place to visit in Athens

• Visit one of Europe’s best live industrial museums
• See an autonomous and self-reliant community
• A cool point of interest in Athens

Why it’s awesome: There are plenty of museums in Athens, but for the average person, there is only so much you can learn about ruins and archaeology before you start to get a little bored. If you’re looking to enjoy a spot of culture and something educational, this is the perfect alternative. Technopolis is located in the old gas factory in Athens but has been transformed into one of the city’s most artistic and intriguing cultural centres. Visit here to see a different side of the Greek capital’s history and culture!

What to do there: This charming place is often seen as a factory of art. However, it’s not just art that you can enjoy here! As a live autonomous community, you can see carpenters, mechanics, and barbershops working here. It’s a closed community and a tourist attraction at the same time! Check out Technopolis’ events programme to see what cool things are happening when you travel to Athens. Poetry readings, art exhibitions, and concerts are just the start!

#10 – Agia Dynami – Quite the quirky place in Athens

• Visit this tiny Byzantine Church which is surrounded by an entire building!
• Learn this little building’s fascinating history
• One of the more unusual attractions in Athens!

Why it’s awesome: This charming little church has plenty of character and is worth making a detour to when you’re in the centre! It’s a Greek Orthodox Church dating back to the 16 th century, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The quaint little church is actually a shrine for pregnant women, who can go to pray for a safe delivery. The most interesting thing about it though, is that it’s surrounded on all 4 sides by another building! It’s also on the original sites of a temple dedicated to Heracles!

What to do there: If you’re a pregnant woman, then this church is set up for you! However, if you don’t want to pray for your own safe delivery it’s still a really cool place to pop in and take a look. It’s almost entirely surrounded by the five star Electra Metropolis hotel, so if you’re staying there you literally can’t miss it! If you do plan to visit Agia Dynami, make sure you dress appropriately. Usually covering below the knee is enough, but to be on the safe side it’s probably best to wear jeans or long trousers.

#11 – Polignotou – A great place to visit in Athens at night!

• Be led by the glowing light of the Acropolis above
• Feel as though you’re in Ancient Athens
• Enjoy a magical movie at the open-air cinema

Why it’s awesome: Polignotou is the street which leads to the Acropolis, and a leisurely stroll from Thissio to Plaka at night is an ideal spot for a romantic walk, or just to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s almost always quiet, and you’ll just be guided by the moonlight and the lights of the ancient Acropolis! When you reach your destination of Plaka, you can find some of the best places to eat in Athens.

What to do there: Of course, sometimes a walk just isn’t enough to keep you entertained. Something that will make for an unforgettable evening though is watching a movie at Thissio open-air cinema. Not only are you under the stars, but you’re also in the shadow of the Acropolis and the iconic Parthenon. There are a number of other open-air cinemas in Athens too, so if sitting under the stars in relative warmth appeals to you, you’re certainly in the right city!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Athens

What is Athens famous for?

Athens is famous for its historical routes and their contributions to world politics. It also has important historical monuments, such as the Acropolis.

What is the best place to visit in Athens beside the Acropolis?

The Panathenaic Stadium is definitely my second favourite place to visit in Athens after the Acropolis. It’s extremely rare to see a full Roman stadium in all its glory, so definitely check this one out.

Is Athens a safe place to visit?

Athens is considered a safe city for tourists, but you do hear about the occasional muggings in crowded places or on the metro.

Is Athens expensive?

Athens is not expensive as long as you learn to budget and make wise money-saving decisions. Read our guide to ‘ Is Greece Expensive? ‘ for some tips.

So, that concludes our list of the best places to visit in Athens. We hope this has been a useful and informative list which has also given you an idea of the best neighbourhoods and places to stay in Athens too!

Whatever you want from your break in the Greek capital – you’re bound to find it here. Fascinating architectural treasures, great food and nightlife, and some cool and unusual attractions, it’s all hidden there somewhere under the shadow of the Acropolis.

Hopefully, our list doesn’t just show you the best places to visit in Athens but also offers you the opportunity to stay in the city and see it like a local. If you’re passionate about travel, there’s no way that you’ll not have a fantastic time in Athens.

Worried about spending too much money on the Island? We’ve put together some tips and tricks in your Greece Travel costs guide . Be sure to check it out!

Athens? Completed it mate! If you’re looking for more stuff to do, check out the amazing day trips from Athens you can do too.

Alright, we’ve said enough – Enjoy your trip!

Mathilde Magnier

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Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Athens

By Anastasia Miari

Often misunderstood as a chaotic urban jungle or a mere pit-stop before hopping the islands, Greece’s capital is having a shining moment. Driven by young Athenians who have moved back to the city following years of financial crisis, Athens is experiencing a renaissance in its arts and culture scene. While the Cyclades have made Condé Nast Traveler’s list of the Best Places to Go in 2024 , for those en route to the islands, Athens and its bon vivant attitude await, and demand more than just a single night to be discovered.

The neighborhoods of Athens are all vastly different, and each deserve a little ‘getting-to-know-you’ time, from the turquoise-wave-lapped ‘riviera’ of Glyfada (home to the new One&Only Aesthesis hotel ) and Vouliagmeni beach areas, to the industrial port of Piraeus that’s become a magnet for creative types to the frenetic appeal of downtown Athens with its charming, old-world Athenian architecture. Depending on where you spend your days, you can have many different experiences in this complicated, enthralling Greek city.

While the summer months are best dedicated to the islands, Athens makes for a great off-season destination in the winter months, or during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. While in August, even the Athenians clear out of the city to take a break from the soaring temperatures, spring and autumn see locals playing backgammon under the dappled shade of bitter orange trees, dining out late on balconies and pedestrianized streets just before enjoying what the city is now best known for: its nightlife. Here’s how to explore the full potential of Athens, from the coastline to the lively central neighborhoods.

Beyond the Parthenon, the Acropolis' many landmarks include the ancient Erechtheion temple and its famed Porch of the Caryatids (or maidens).

The best things to do

A visit to Athens would not be complete without the urban hike up to the Acropolis , the over-2,000-year-old temple at the heart of the city, built in dedication to the goddess Athena. The three main arterial roads leading into Athens all lead to the Acropolis, making it the crown jewel of the city and a massive landmark to set aside enough time to visit. The modern Acropolis Museum , nestled into the foothills of the complex, offers context into the monument thanks to its impressive glass windows that span floor to ceiling with views over the Parthenon. Visit the Acropolis in the morning or late afternoon, when temperatures dip, and make sure to also stroll up Philopappou hill just a stone’s throw away for sweeping views over the city, onto the port of Piraeus and the neighboring island of Aegina.

A more inconspicuous museum you should set time aside for is the Fassianos Museum , celebrating the bold, color-saturated works of the late, great Greek artist Alekos Fassianos, who took inspiration from antiquity and Byzantium, breathing bold hues into his canvases that always nodded in some way to life in Greece across the ages. The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture , full of art, classical pottery and traditional dress from throughout history also gives great context on the history of Greece while the National Gallery offers a dip into the reflections and masterpieces of Greek artists (like Nikiforos Lytras, Nikos Haztikyriakos-Gikas, and Yannis Tsarouchis) from the 18th century onwards.

If you’re looking for art that’s a little more contemporary, head to Athens’ port of Piraeus’ Polidefkous Street for a series of new galleries that have popped up in former boat warehouses in the wake of the crisis. Intermission, Rodeo, and Carwan galleries are all on the same street, with openings often taking place on a Thursday, giving you the opportunity to rub shoulders with Athens’ creative crowd.

For those lucky enough to be in Athens over the weekend, head to edgy Exarcheia—the now-vibrant neighborhood known for its anarchistic spirit—for a lively farmer’s market (the ‘laiki’) which pops up on a Saturday morning complete with a live band. It’s here that you can shop for food souvenirs like dried herbs, olive oil, and local honey before pulling up a pew at a local kafeneion for an iced Greek coffee and some people watching.

Newly opened Taverna Ton Filon serves traditional Greek mezze and heartier Mediterranean dishes for a taste of Athenian home cooking

Where to eat and drink

A geographical meeting point between east and west home to immigrants from Asia Minor and the Levant who brought their cuisine with them to the city, Athens’ food scene is representative of an amalgam of culinary inspirations. You might find a ‘galaktoboureko’ at Cherchez La Femme in the heart of Athens and be taken aback with its similarity to a Turkish bourek. Or try a silty coffee from the same spot and notice that the ‘Greek’ coffee really has very little difference to the ones you might find across the Middle East.

For a modern take on the Greek taverna concept, head to recently opened Taverna Ton Filon for fresh, local produce that sings of the flavors of the Mediterranean—the taramosalata (a pureed, salted roe dip) here is hard to beat, and the desserts are elegant in their simplicity, but most charming are the staff, always up for a chat.

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By Caitlin Gunther

In the heart of town just by the Varvakios central market, basement joint Diporto has been in business since the 1880s, churning out the same chickpea, grilled sardines, fava and greek salad combo of dishes for time immemorial. It is here you can come for a flavor of stripped-back, home cooking. On the topic of home cooking, don’t miss a trip to Geitonia in the downtown neighborhood of Kypseli for classic dishes like spanakorizo, pastitsio, and gemista—cooked as they would be by a Greek yiayia .

Over in Pagrati just a stroll away from the National Gardens and Athens’ houses of parliament in Syntagma Square, Akra has become the restaurant of the moment with much of the Athenian crowd, and for good reason. An open kitchen with a cooking-on-fire concept along with prep-benches that run the periphery of the restaurant so that the action happens all round the diners makes for an entertaining dining experience. Fresh grilled seafood and exquisite patisserie are what to order at this place.

If you’re heading out and wondering which night is best to party, don’t fret—”every night of the week,” is the answer most Athenians will give you. Locals dine late and dance until dawn. Athenian wine bars , like Tanini Agapi Mou in buzzing Exarcheia, are where you can start the night, with the option of a tasting if you’re new to the Greek varietals and want to find out more. Head to Galaxy Bar, an Athenian institution for fifty years now, if you’re more into the idea of a martini. For live music, Feidiou 2 is a small rebetadiko , or traditional music cafe, known for its melancholic Greek folk music and meze bites swilled down with sharp swigs of tsipouro , a Greek version of grappa. Then it’s onto Romantzo, an old magazine printing factory, for dancing until late on a moonlit roof terrace.

The famous Astir Palace, now a Four Seasons hotel, is an Athenian Riviera gem that overlooks the Saronic Gulf

Where to stay

What Athens lacks in green spaces it makes up for with its proximity to the beach. Stay at the Four Season Astir Palace for a nod to a golden period of tourism for the city in the 1960s. Perched on the Saronic Gulf overlooking the island of Aegina, the hotel’s stylish mid-century bungalows designed by famed Greek architects Prokopis Vasileiades, Emmanouel Voulekas, Konstantinos Dekavallas and Pericles Sakellarios are the ultimate hideaway if escaping the crowds is something you crave on a city break. Beyond the privacy of your sea-view bungalow, the hotel’s offer includes six restaurants, including Nobu off-shoot Matsuhisa and the wave-lapped Taverna 37 right by the beach.

If the heady nightlife of the city is what you’re most interested in, then look to the newly opened design hotel Apollo Palm for a comfortable, central location that’s just a walk away from most of the bars and clubs of downtown Athens. This 48-bedroom hotel at the heart of Psyrri has a terrace with a view of the Acropolis. It nods to LA or Palm Springs with its fresh-feeling Americana aesthetic, punctuated with color and bespoke furnishings.

For an opportunity to live like a local, stay at Monsieur Didot , a neoclassical townhouse in the well-heeled neighborhood of Kolonaki, a stroll away from one of Athens’ best bakeries, Kora, and one-time hosts of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. The suite with its own roof terrace is the one to plump for here.

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Planning a Trip to Athens: The Ultimate Travel Checklist

• Last Updated on: Jan 25, 2024
• Read Time 18 mins
• Published: Mar 20, 2020

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You’ve already heard and read about the wonders of Athens, the archaeological sites, the Parthenon, the sandy beaches, the nearby islands, and the picturesque city center. Now it’s time to visit this intriguing destination yourself. But where do you start? How do you prepare for a relaxing vacation with no unpleasant surprises? This travel checklist will cover all the things you need to consider before you start planning your trip to Athens, Greece, and answer all your questions to help you ensure that your holiday will be no less than flawless. In addition, at the end of the article, you’ll find a quick guide for first-time visitors to Athens that will go through all the things that should be on your bucket list and all the attractions you should not miss when you get there. So, keep reading, make sure to tick all the boxes off your travel checklist, and prepare for the most unforgettable vacation.

Travel Checklist for Athens, Greece

This 10-point travel checklist should be your starting point and your most trustworthy travel planning partner if you want a seamless vacation. After all, what better way to prepare for a trip to Athens than to get all the information you need directly from the locals? Without further ado, here’s all you need to know about your upcoming Athens trip.

1. Get your passport ready and check the visa requirements

Greece is one of the only two countries in the Balkans that is a part of the Schengen Zone which means that if your passport was issued in a country that also belongs to the Schengen Zone, you will not need a visa to get to Athens.

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong S.A.R, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao S.A.R, Macedonia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Venezuela

Keep in mind, however, that some of these countries have some special requirements you have to meet before being allowed to travel within the Schengen Zone without a visa. It’s always best to check with your local authorities beforehand.

Also, note that the 90-day period starts counting from when you land in any Schengen country. Lastly, it’s always best to travel with a passport that expires no less than 6 months from the date of your trip.

If you have any questions regarding your passport or visa status after arriving in Athens, we recommend checking with your country’s embassy or consulate. You can find an extensive list of foreign embassies and consulates in Athens here .

2. Book your flights early

We always say it, but there is no way to stress this enough: if you want to get a cheap flight to Athens, you’ll have to book your tickets early!

Tip : Aviasales searches travel and airline sites to help you find cheap flights at the best prices . Search for tickets with 728 airlines and leading ticket offices and get the best prices on flights.

Especially if you’re traveling from faraway places like North America or Australia, booking your ticket well in advance will not only guarantee that you get a good deal but also that there will be enough time for you to schedule all your activities in time and book any tours, ferry or train tickets you will be needing.

You can book any tours or tickets here .

Greece is primarily a summertime tourist destination. Thus, many more flights are operating during the summer months to choose from.

Sometimes, flying to Athens and then getting on a ferry or another flight toward the islands is quite cheap. Plus, you might get the chance to spend a day in Athens – or more!

In our experience, you can get the best deals by searching and comparing flights on Aviasales , a cutting-edge flight search platform with frequent offers and real-time updates.

3. Plan your Athens itinerary

Regardless of how much time you plan to spend in Athens, you should always be one step ahead and have an organized schedule.

A well-crafted itinerary always makes for an enjoyable trip. The first thing you’ll need to ask yourself before starting to plan every step of the trip is what kind of vacation you are looking for.

Save Money : If you are planning to visit some must-see archaeological sites in Athens, plus the Acropolis Museum it is much cheaper to buy the Athens Pass than to buy single tickets.

Athens Pass Tourist Card: Skip-the-Line Tickets for All the Must-See Attractions in Athens

Athens combines nature, culture, urban walks, gastronomy, and nightlife in an exciting blend that will make this decision difficult.

We have some good and some bad news for you. The bad news is that fitting everything into your Athens itinerary will be impossible. But here’s the good news: whatever you choose to do on your vacation, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re planning to stay in Athens for more than a week:

You’ll have plenty of time for the most famous attractions and explore the city’s best neighborhoods at your own pace. So why not take it a few steps further?

We highly recommend taking a day trip away from Athens to discover one or more of the country’s famous sites like the unique Meteora , the enigmatic site of Delphi , or Ancient Olympia .

You can find a few more ideas about great day trips from Athens right below.

Best Day Trips From Athens To: Ancient Sites – Islands – Towns

If you’re planning to stay in athens for less than a week:.

Of course, you should prioritize visiting the must-see attractions , but you’ll also have the chance to explore some lesser-known spots.

Start by discovering the hidden gems of Athens , make sure to dive into the vibrant nightlife, and don’t forget to get a taste of authentic Greek cuisine. Last but not least spend some hours exploring Anafiotika, the hidden island under the Acropolis .

Now, if sandy beaches are what you are after, consider taking a short cruise to the Saronic Gulf islands.

The Ideal Day Trip From Athens to Saronic Gulf Islands

If you’re planning to stay in athens only for a few days:.

If you’re planning a weekend in Athens , the top attractions like the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum should be at the top of your list.

You’ll also have time to explore a few of the city’s most famous neighborhoods like the picturesque Plaka and the famous Monastiraki .

We highly recommend booking a guided tour to these places to save time and make the most out of your visit to Athens.

Finally, if you’re only visiting for a day, have a look at this guide to planning the perfect one-day itinerary for your trip. And don’t worry if you don’t make it to all of the stops; you can always come back!

4. Book your activities in advance

Apart from day trips and island cruises, there is a wide array of options for activities in Athens you can choose from.

From urban sightseeing walks that will take you through the most famous attractions, nightlife walking tours, and charming rooftop sunset tours to street food tours and watersports activities, there is not much you cannot do in Athens.

Keep in mind that if you are traveling during the tourist season of Greece (April to September), you have to book any activities in advance to secure a spot.

Try having a look here for more exciting ideas and tours with guaranteed lowest prices in Athens.

5. Book your accommodation

If you are a frequent reader, you already know that we mention this a lot, but this simple tip is perhaps the most important piece of advice you must follow.

Book your hotel right after you book your flights!

Athens is indeed home to many hotels, but that doesn’t mean that all of them offer high-quality amenities at reasonable prices or are located in privileged spots in the city.

Discover the Best Hotels in Athens: A Guide to the Best Areas to Stay

If you want to get a good deal for your stay in Athens and be sure your money is well spent, you must book in advance.

One of the hotels we usually recommend to our readers is the Attalos Hotel .

This hotel is located in a perfect location within a 15-minute walk of all important sights, restaurants, and interesting neighborhoods.

Check some photos and reviews on Booking.com

We recommend using booking.com , one of the largest booking platforms worldwide to make sure you get access to exclusive offers. Plus, you can get free cancellation for bookings made even months before your arrival.

6. Pack your bags

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but we’ve all had trips ruined by forgetting some of our most essential things. Make a packing list and be sure to include the following:

• Beach attire and accessories . Downtown Athens is just a breath away from a few spectacular beaches . Ensure you have your swimsuit and anything else you might need at the beach.
• Sunscreen . Even if you don’t plan to go to the beach, the summer weather in Athens can be cruel. You don’t want to get sunburnt while walking up the Acropolis or strolling down the sunny streets in the city center.
• Medication . Even though there are pharmacies everywhere in the city center, buying almost anything requires having a doctor’s prescription and you will have a hard time buying even common medicine. ( Pro tip : if you’re planning to travel by ferry, make sure to pack some seasickness pills for windy days).
• A smartphone . You’ll even be able to purchase a SIM card in Athens and have a local number with just your ID. Having a smartphone with a local number will also allow you to use taxi apps in Athens.
• Appropriate clothing . Make sure to pack a pair of sneakers for all those long walks up and down the hills of Athens and a spring jacket even if you’re traveling in the middle of the summer. Nights in Athens can be chilly, especially in places near the seaside like the Athens Riviera .

7. Have some cash ready

The monetary unit of Greece is the Euro. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout Greece but we recommend that you try to make some exchange and have cash with you before getting to downtown Athens.

A few (though rare) restaurants, cafes, and kiosks still do not accept credit cards. Also, remember that you won’t be able to use a credit card with street vendors or taxis.

If you don’t want to carry cash with you on your flight, you can exchange any currency at the Athens International Airport by withdrawing money from the ATMs or at the currency exchange booths.

8. Prepare for your arrival

It’s time to get prepared for all the practical stuff. The main concern you will have as soon as you arrive in Athens will be how to get to the city center and locate your hotel.

If you plan to land at Athens International Airport , you will have three different transportation options: the metro, the bus, or a taxi.

The metro station is located right outside the airport and is a terminal stop (blue line). Boarding the metro will take you to Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Kerameikos in downtown Athens , as well as the port of Piraeus.

In addition, four bus routes (X93, X95, X96, X97) head in different directions throughout Athens and all the way to Piraeus port .

The metro ticket costs €9 and the bus ticket to Athens or the port of Piraeus costs €5.30 .

If you want to save time, we recommend getting a taxi. There is a fixed price for rides from the airport to the city center at €40 in the daytime (05.00 – 00.00) and €55 at night (00.00 – 05.00).

That is all the information you need to get from the airport of Athens to the city center . For more information on how to get around Athens after you have reached downtown, have a look here .

9. Learn a few common words in Greek

Communicating in English while in Athens -and especially at all the tourist hotspots- will not be a problem. However, learning a few words in Greek will be a fun way to make your way around, and it will surely put a smile on people’s faces. Here are a few words you need to know to make a great first impression:

• Hi – Yah
• Yes – Né
• No – Okhi
• Thank You – Efkharistó
• Please or Welcome – Parakaló
• Do You Speak English – Miláte Angliká?
• I don’t speak Greek – Den miláo eliniká
• Excuse Me – Signómi
• Good Morning – Kaliméra
• Good Evening – Kalispéra
• Goodnight – Kalinikta (only say this when you are bidding someone goodbye)

A Quick Guide for First-Time Visitors to Athens

We’re not done yet! If you need a travel checklist for Athens, it’s safe to assume that you are a first-time visitor.

So, after ticking off all of the boxes above, we’ll give you a little bit of information on our beloved city so that you get to know it better before arriving.

When Is the Best Time To Travel To Athens?

The most convenient period to travel to Athens is during spring and autumn because of the pleasing weather with temperatures that are not as hot as the summer months but still warm enough to enjoy your stay.

Also, there are fewer visitors during these periods, meaning that all the famous sites and museums will be less crowded and the hotels cheaper and easier to book.

Wintertime is also quite an interesting time to visit Athens if you want to experience the city without all the flashy touristy stuff, like a true local. You can get a feel of what visiting Athens in the winter could be like by going through this guide .

Summertime is the peak tourist season and when the city is at its busiest.

If you can handle the tourist crowds and the hot weather, visiting Athens in the summer will be an unforgettable experience, especially if you plan to go on a day trip to an island or enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.

If you want to read more about when is the best time to visit Athens, please read this detailed article .

Tradition and Culture of Athens

Greece is a country full of culture, customs, and traditions that date back thousands of years.

And while it’s true that Greek culture is best experienced in small places in the countryside, you’ll find that Athens will make for a trip completely different from anything else you have experienced in Europe – or the world!

If you’re lucky enough to visit on Christmas or Easter, you’ll get the chance to witness unique festive celebrations and get in touch with local culture.

Christmas in Athens: Weather – Tips – Where to Go and What to Do

Also, don’t miss out on joining any local event. A Greek wedding or christening feast would be the best example, but simply hanging out with the locals at a tiny taverna or a traditional kafenion will be enough for you to get in touch with Athenian culture .

Hospitality in Athens

Greek hospitality is definitely not a myth, even in the big city of Athens! Just spark a conversation with any local, and you’ll soon discover that Greeks are big on hospitality.

People are friendly and will be more than happy to give you instructions on the street or help you out with anything you need.

The uniqueness of Greek hospitality is also reflected in the hotel’s services and staff and the local gastronomy scene.

What You Should Not Miss When You Visit Athens

You shouldn’t miss the lovely walk around the Acropolis (built for the Olympic games and finished in 2002), starting from the site of the Arch of Hadrien and the Temple of the Olympian Zeus , passing by the amazing theatre of Herodes Atticus, and descending to Thissio , where you can enjoy a drink or a coffee in one of the nice cafés with view on the Acropolis.

A guided tour of the ancient sites of Athens is strongly recommended

Make sure to reserve an entire morning to visit the majestic Acropolis , some of the best museums in Athens, and the lovely little theatre of Dionysus on the southeast slope of the Acropolis.

Check out this skip-the-line ticket for all the sites in Athens.

Combined Ticket for the Acropolis & all the Archaeological Sites in Athens [Skip the Line with a Single Ticket]

Places to go when in athens.

Start by walking around the city center between the small streets of Plaka and pass by the flea market in Monastiraki.

Please your senses with colors and odors at the Athens Central Market on Athinas Avenue, home to local fruit and vegetable vendors and little shops selling nuts, herbs, honey, and dried fruits.

Read our detailed article about the Athens central market and learn how to get there, the opening hours of the Varvakeios, and many more.

A Hidden Foodie Oasis: Visit the Athens Central Market

You can also take a walk in the district of Psiri where you can find a lot of artisanal shops, a few modern shops with home furniture, as well as several restaurants and tavernas, trendy bars, and wine places.

Of course, you must visit Lycabettus Hill and enjoy the wonderful view from there. Lycabettus Hill is a vantage point that gives a great view of the city of Athens below.

On a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Parnitha in the north, Piraeus in the west, and the Saronic Gulf in the south.

Lycabettus Hill, which means “Hill of Wolves,” is the place to be on “Clean Monday,” which is the first day of Lenten according to the Greek Orthodox Church. Athenians gather here to fly kites on this day, and the sky is full of colors.

Cabs go half the distance and then you have to walk to the top.

Another option is to take the funicular and you’ll cover the distance in two minutes. The cable cars are available every half hour from 9 am till midnight.

Syntagma Square is another place you can’t miss. Look at the imposing neoclassical building of the Greek Parliament (the old king’s palace) and take a few photos of the Evzones (Greek guards wearing the traditional fustanella skirt, hat, and shoes) who guard it.

Syntagma Square in Athens: The Central Meeting Point of the City

Finally, for a bit of freshness and nature, go for a walk in the National Garden or the charming Gardens of Zappeion.

And that’s just the beginning. Check out our guide on the top things to do in Athens here , and tailor your itinerary to suit your tastes and preferences.

That’s all the essential information you will need to start planning your trip to Athens.

We hope that you find our travel checklist for your upcoming trip to Athens useful and that you’ll be able to enjoy this marvelous city absolutely stress-free.

Follow our tips, and we are certain that your vacation will be one that you will never forget.

Athens Uncovered: Must-Visit Places for Every Traveler

A Quick Reminder:

Remember that Athens By Locals is here to guide you with planning the perfect trip to Athens and help you every step along the way. If you didn’t found what you’re looking for, or need any recommendations about your trip to Athens, feel free to  contact us  and we will do our best to help you. Please be as more detailed as possible regarding your subject so as to help you better.

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Is Athens Worth Visiting? 29 Great Reasons to Visit Athens

Wondering, is Athens worth visiting? Great, you’re in the right place!

The capital of Greece is a city steeped in history and culture, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

So why should you visit Athens? Because it’s an outstanding city! From its archaeological sites to its vibrant nightlife, this article delves into 29 reasons to visit Athens and why it should be at the top of your Europe travel bucket list.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning after many years away, this ancient city will not disappoint. Get ready to explore everything this captivating Greek capital has to offer!

This post may contain affiliate links. To find out what this means and more information visit my disclosure page .

Is Athens Worth Visiting?

If you’re wondering what to visit in Athens, this section gives you a quick glance at some of the most popular attractions the city has to offer.

Whether you’re planning a quick stopover before onward travel, or a short city break, you’ll find an abundance of things to see and do.

Top Reasons to Visit Athens

• The Acropolis and Parthenon
• Delicious Greek Food
• Over 250 Sunny Days a Year
• World Class Museums 
• Great Base for Island Hopping
• An Abundance of Historical Landmarks Nearby
• Athens Is a Walkable City
• Home of the First Modern Olympic Games
• Vibrant Rooftop Bars and Nightlife
• Photogenic Streets of Plaka and Monastiraki
• Welcoming Locals
• Less than 90minutes to ski-resorts
• A Year-Round Calendar of Great Cultural Events

Visiting Athens, Greece – Know Before You Go

Before we delve into why visit Athens, here’s some useful information to know before you go.

If you’re in the planning stages of your Athens visit, then be sure to read this section, if you’re reading this article and you’re already in Athens, then jump straight to the reasons to visit the Athens section.

How to Get to Athens?

If you’re travelling to Athens, Greece, you’ll be glad to know that getting to Athens is easy and straightforward. There are a range of transportation options available;

By Air: The main airport serving Athens is the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH). It’s located about 20km outside of the city centre. There are direct flights from many European cities, along with international destinations in Asia, Africa, and the United States.

By Road: Greece shares borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey, making it a great destination for a road trip around the region. 

By Boat: Athens has three ports namely Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrion, all of which offer daily ferry connections to the Aegean Sea islands.

Getting Around Athens

Once you’re in Athens, the city is well-connected and easy to get around. The public transport system includes metro, bus, suburban rail, tram and trolleybus services. The central hub that everything goes past is at Syntagma Square.

There are plenty of taxis available for hire, however before getting in, check the price and that it is a metered journey. There are numerous reports of scams from taxi drivers in Greece even when using apps!

Is Athens, Greece walkable?

As a huge fan of walking, I was pleasantly surprised with how pedestrianised everywhere was, especially in the areas of Plaka, Monastiraki and Koukaki.

The city is large and sprawling, however, all the points of interest are fairly centrally located making it easy to get around on foot. Get you bearings by doing a city walking tour .

Is Athens Safe?

One of my biggest concerns before my visit was about the safety in Athens. I’d heard so many stories about the crime that when I arrived I was on edge a little. I’m not saying crime doesn’t happen – it does – however, in my personal experience it felt like it was on par with London or Paris. My slight anxiety dissolved fairly quickly.

The two biggest gripes I heard about were either pickpocketing or scams – but in fairness, this can happen anywhere in the world. I stayed in the Koukaki district and didn’t encounter any problems, even walking at night alone.

So, is Athens safe for tourists? Yes, just be cautious of where your valuables are. As for scams, these are mostly from street vendors and taxi drivers. Buy tickets from official outlets and check how much your taxi ride will cost before you get in.

29 Reasons to Visit Athens

So, why go to Athens?

Although there are dozens more things I could have listed in this article, here are my top reasons why you should visit Athens.

If you’re looking for more great things to see and do in the city, then you can read my full Athens bucket list article here.

1. The Acropolis and Parthenon

If you’re not sure what is Athens famous for, then this is it. The Acropolis is the most popular attraction in Athens and a must if you’re visiting the city.

The iconic ancient citadel located high atop a rocky outcrop in the centre of the city is home to one of the most famous ancient ruins in the world. It includes the Parthenon, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion and Monument of Agrippa. In 1987, The Acropolis was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Dating back to the 5th century BC, it is one of the world’s oldest and most revered landmarks. If you’ve read my blog for a while, you’ll know I love temples and ruin sites . The Acropolis had been on my bucket list for years, so much so, I actually visited twice during my time in Athens just to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

Tips for Visiting the Acropolis

Walk into any Athens tourism shop and you’ll find a multitude of tours based around it. You can visit independently. Buy your skip-the-line ticket in advance, and get there as soon as the gates open at 8 am.

The site gets insanely busy. On my visit, I went straight to the Parthenon first. The first hour after opening, the crowds are still minimal, however, from about 10 am, it resembled an ant hill!

If you want a balance of a guided tour, but without the crowds, then the Pristine Parthenon tour by WalksTours offers just that. You’ll get to enter the site as soon as it opens making the most of the quieter hours.  

2. Delicious Greek Food

Greek cuisine is renowned for its unique flavours and fresh ingredients. From the classic Greek salad to souvlaki and gyros, there is a myriad of delicious dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.

The key to traditional Greek cooking is simplicity – using few ingredients but relying on quality produce and time-honoured techniques to create mouthwatering dishes.

As a vegetarian, I sometimes struggle with finding enough variety in a country’s traditional dishes. In Greece, I ate like a Queen every day. I was spoilt for choice, and thankful that I was doing so much walking to counteract everything I was gorging myself on.

Here are some of the irresistible things I highly recommend tying:

• Dolmades –  This traditional Greek dish is made of vine leaves filled with a mixture of rice, vegetables, herbs and spices. The filling is then rolled up in the vine leaves and cooked and then drizzled with olive oil and lemon.
• Greek Dips and Pita Bread – I particularly enjoyed tzatziki (yoghurt, cucumber, and garlic), melitzanosalata (aubergine dip), and fava, (smooth and velvety puree made from split peas).
• Kolokythokeftedes – Diced courgette, often mixed with feta and herbs, rolled into balls and then fried.
• Kasseri cheese – Often served semi-melted and drizzled with honey
• Greek Salad – A classic dish made from tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, and olives seasoned with oregano and salt and then dressed with olive oil.

3. Over 250 Sunny Days a Year

Athens is blessed with over 250 sunny days per year making it a year-round destination.  With plenty of sunshine, you can enjoy visits to all the city’s attractions without worrying about extreme weather conditions.

The summer months (July and August) are usually the hottest times of the year with temperatures reaching the mid-30s.

Winter is milder, with temperatures often reaching around 13 degrees, but with plenty of sunshine. If you’re visiting Athens in winter don’t let the cooler temperatures put you off.

4. World Class Museums 

Athens is a city that is rich in culture and history, and this can be seen in its world-class museums.

One of the most impressive is the Acropolis Museum, which houses some of the greatest archaeological finds from the ancient Greek site. The museum’s modern glass and marble building is designed to showcase these spectacular finds while telling the story of Athens’ past and ancient Greek history. The building straddles ruins that were found during its construction.

It’s worth visiting the museum after you visit the Acropolis, as it helps to piece everything you have seen together. Looking at the ruin site, it can be difficult to imagine what it would’ve looked like three thousand years ago. Aside from the original artefacts, I really liked the number of artist reconstructions in the museum which brought everything to life.

If you’re a fan of ancient Greece then another worthy museum is the National Archaeological Museum. This is the largest of its kind in Greece and contains over 11,000 artefacts from various time periods. The Benaki Museum is another top choice, and gives an insight into Greek culture throughout the centuries, with a large collection of art, furniture, jewellery and coins.

5. Great Base for Island Hopping

Athens is the perfect base for island hopping, with easy access to the Aegean Sea and its beautiful archipelago of over 2,000 islands, ranging from picturesque Cyclades to quaint Crete.

With a wide variety of transportation options like cruise ships, ferries and hydrofoils, you’ll have plenty of options to explore a range of destinations.

Although you can visit the Greek islands on a day trip, if you have time, I highly recommend taking the 4-night cruise with Celestyal Cruises . This is one of the most efficient ways to visit a lot of islands in a short space of time. Their 4-day Mediterranean cruise calls in at Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini.

Read Next: The Best Greek Island Hopping Cruise In the Aegean Sea

6. Abundance of Historical Landmarks Nearby

Athens is blessed with more ruins than just the Acropolis. If you have time for more, I highly recommend Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaistos as well as Roman Agora – although with Roman Agora you can see most of it from the gates.

You can buy a multi-ticket which gives entry to seven ancient sites in Athens, including the Acropolis. If you’re a fan of ruins and plan to see at last the Acropolis and Ancient Agora, the multi-pass will save you a lot of money .

7. Athens Is a Walkable City

I’m a huge fan of walking – partly because it helps orientate myself, but also because I love taking photos and discovering little hidden gems that you’d miss out on if you took the metro, bus or taxi everywhere.

Athens is a huge city that officially covers an area of 38.96 km2 (15.04 sq mi). Thankfully, all of the main tourist attractions are central. Many of the areas surrounding the Acropolis, such as  Plaka and Monastiraki are pedestrianised making it pleasant to wander.

Lycabettus Hill & Philopappos Hill

Athens is relatively flat, that is unless you want to climb one of the surrounding hills – which I highly recommend you do. The easiest of the two, and the best sunset view in Athens is Philopappos Hill. The more challenging walk is up Lycabettus Hill which gives impressive views over the city – if this walk is too challenging, then you can opt to take the funicular train up.

8. Easily Acceable Ski-Resorts and Alpine Regions

Did you know you can go skiing in Greece? No, neither did I! In less than two hours from Athens, you’ll find yourself in the municipality of Xylokastro-Evrostina.

My visit was in May, so the snow had melted, but driving around this region it really does resemble a Swiss village. The ski season here runs from December and March.

Outside of the ski season, this region really does feel like stepping into the set of ‘Sound of Music’. During spring, the mountainous terrain still has caps of snow, but the lower areas a filled with meadows and spring flowers, scented pine tree forests, refreshing waterfalls and sapphire blue- lakes. The area transforms into an outdoor-sport lovers’ playground where you can hike, bike, horseback ride, ATV and boat on the lakes.

9. Home of the First Modern Olympic Games

A short walk from the Acropolis and old town you’ll find the stadium.

Athens was the host of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, which were held at the Panathenaic Stadium. This was an ancient stadium that was initially built in 330 BC and reconstructed out of marble for the first modern Olympics. It is still standing today and is the only stadium made entirely out of marble.

10. Vibrant Rooftop Bars and Nightlife

Athens is a vibrant city with plenty of nightlife. You can find everything from cosy, traditional taverns to chic rooftop bars. I had THE BEST Espresso Martini at a brunch-by-day-bar-by-night venue called This is Loco in the Koukaki district.

For the best rooftop view of the Acropolis head to either A for Athens or 360 Degrees Hotel and Bar. They aren’t the cheapest place to drink in the city BUT you pay for the view.

For nightlife, I recommend heading to either Drunk Sinatra or the incredibly quirky but Insta-worthy Little Kook.

11. Photogenic Streets of Plaka and Monastiraki

Plaka and Monastiraki are two of the most photogenic and vibrant neighbourhoods in Athens. Located near the heart of the city, these areas boast a unique mix of ancient and modern that make them popular with tourists and locals alike.

Plaka is located below the Acropolis hill and is made up of winding cobblestone streets, coloured townhouses and plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafes. Monastiraki is located a short walk from Plaka and is known for its lively street market, charming rooftop bars and bustling tavernas.

Flower-laden balconies and windowsills, plant-lined streets and colourful houses all make these areas incredibly photogenic. Both of these areas get busy, so if you’re wanting to photograph the pretty streets, I suggest getting there before 10 am to make the most of the tranquillity.

If you’re a fan of street art, keep your eyes peeled. You’ll see loads of it around all these areas.

12. Welcoming Locals & the friendly street Cats

One of my first impressions after arriving in Greece was how friendly and welcoming the locals were. 

Although Greek is the official language, English is widely spoken, particularly in the tourist areas. As an English speaker, you shouldn’t face any difficulties when visiting the city. I had so many random conversations with random strangers.

Athens (and Greece in general) also has hundreds of friendly street cats. You’ll see them lounging about in the sun at the ruin sites, sitting in doorways and even on the chairs at cafes. The residents of Athens take care of the street cats, and you’ll see little shelters and bowls of food left out for them. If you’re a cat lover, then you’ll be glad to hear that they are also super friendly – I spent ages petting them.

Visiting Athens – Month by Month

You might be wondering if it is worth going to Athens in a particular month. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect throughout the year when you visit Athens.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in January?

• Christmas World – Throughout December and January – features light installations, an ice rink and traditional Christmas stalls.

Athens weather in January: Temperature ranges between 7°-13° with around 5 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in February?

• Apokreas Carnival – A festival to signify the start of lent. Expect colourful street parades, traditional music and elaborate costumes.

Athens weather in February: Temperature ranges between 7°-14° with around 5 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in March?

• Greek Independence Day Parade – Marked with Striking Military Parade in Athens on the 25th March every year

Athens weather in March: Temperature ranges between 9°-16° with around 4 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in April?

• Athens Science Festival – This is a spring festival that poses thought-provoking questions and presents enjoyable, imaginative, and engaging ways to answer them. It’s a great experience for people of all ages.

Athens weather in April: Temperature ranges between 12°-20° with around 3 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in May?

• Athens City Festival happens throughout the months of May. You’ll find a diverse range of free events to enjoy such as open walks, exhibitions, picnics, street parties, large concerts, intimate gigs, sports events, and food experiences.
• Athens Digital Arts Festival – Experience a fusion of art and science through interactive installations, video art, animations and audiovisual performances that push the boundaries of our perception of reality, whether it is physical, enhanced or simulated. Get a sneak peek into the future.
• Onassis Fast Forward Festival – There is a two-week festival in Athens that showcases contemporary culture with hybrid performances, interactive installations, and video works in both public and private spaces. It challenges our perceptions of art, life, and the universe.
• Athens Jazz Festival – This week-long celebration of jazz features performances by both local and international musicians. Admission to the event is free of charge.

Athens weather in May: Temperature ranges between 16°-25° with around 2 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in June?

• The Athens Epidaurus Festival happens from June through to August.  At this special celebration of music, theatre, dance and art, you can see some of the great works by ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles and Aristophanes. Famous international stars like Sting and Nana Mouskouri will be there too. The show takes place over three months at two different venues: the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.
• The Summer Nostos Festival – dates differ each year (see July for more details)
• Athens Open Air Film Festival – happens between June and August – It transforms Athens into one big (and free) outdoor cinema all summer long. 

Athens weather in June: Temperature ranges between 20°-29° with around 1 day of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in July?

• The Athens Epidaurus Festival happens from June through to August (see June for more details)
• The Summer Nostos Festival – dates differ each year, but the week-long festival falls during the summer months.  The event offers a combination of music, dance, sports, and workshops featuring international celebrities.
• Ejekt Festival – A music festival featuring global acts and emerging artists at this summer event.

Athens weather in July: Temperature ranges between 23°-32° with around 0 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in August?

Athens weather in August: Temperature ranges between 23°-32° with around 0 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in September?

• Athens International Film Festival – This popular two-week film festival showcases independent movies from various countries worldwide. The opening night premiere is considered the unofficial beginning of the Athens film festival season.
• Athens Beer Festival – Featuring local and international craft beers

Athens weather in September: Temperature ranges between 20°-28° with around 1 day of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in October?

• The Art Athina festival runs between October and November. For one month, you can look at special rooms online and talk to cool artists. There will also be a free Pop Up exhibition that is open for a shorter time.
• Panorama of European Cinema – runs between October and December – The film festival in Athens is a must-visit for those interested in European arthouse cinema and world movies, and it is also the longest-running festival of its kind in Athens.

Athens weather in October: Temperature ranges between 15°-28° with around 3 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in November?

• The Art Athina festival runs between October and November (see October for more details)
• Athens Avant-Garde Film Festival – between November and December – Our selection includes previously unreleased films and timeless classics from around the world. The language for this message is English (US).
• Panorama of European Cinema – runs between October and December (see October for details)

Athens weather in November: Temperature ranges between 12°-18° with around 4 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in December?

• AthensCon – A two-day festival celebrating comic and pop culture, featuring notable guests, workshops, screenings, and cosplay.

Athens weather in December: Temperature ranges between 8°-15° with around 6 days of rain.

Is It Worth Visiting Athens- FAQs

If you were wondering, is Athens worth a visit? Yes, 100%

I’ve given you 29 great reasons why you should put this city on your radar. I’m hoping you’ve learned that Athens is 100% worth visiting. This next section answers some common questions and travel tips that crop up when planning your trip to Athens.

This final section devels into some common questions about planning a trip to Athens.

Is Athens in Europe?

Yes, Athens is in Europe.

Is Athens in Greece?

Yes, Athens is the capital of Greece.

Where Is Athens City Centre?

Athens city centre is located in the heart of Greece’s capital in the south of the country. It is bordered by Mount Lycabettus to the north. The Acropolis of Athens is situated just south of the city centre.

How Many Days Do You Need in Athens?

I would suggest allowing a minimum of three days to get a good feel for the city. If you have longer then you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Athens.

Is Athens Expensive?

If you’re wondering is athens expensive for tourists, the answer is, it depends on where you’re comparing it to. Athens is cheaper than other European capitals like Paris, Amsterdam or London, but it’s more expensive than cities in Eastern Europe. Typically a meal costs between 10-20 Euros, a cocktail is around 10 Euros, and a coffee is about 3 Euros.

Is Athens Dirty?

Athens has a reputation for being dirty, but this is largely untrue, especially around the historical and tourist areas.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in the Winter?

Athens is a year-round destination. You might be wondering is athens worth visiting for tourists in winter – yes!  Athens offers plenty of entertainment during the colder months, such as Christmas markets, ice skating rinks and seasonal events.

Why Is Athens Better Than Rome?

Athens is an incredible city with millennia of history. It’s older than Rome!

Is Athens a Safe City?

Overall, yes Athens is a safe city. If you’re wondering is Athens safe for American tourists, the answer is also yes. Greece, like the rest of Europe, is incredibly liberal and welcomes American tourists like those from any other nation.

Still Thinking, Why Visit Athens? 

So, why is Athens a good place to visit? Not only is it home to centuries of history, stunning landscapes and parks, vibrant nightlife, and delicious local cuisine there are also plenty of year-round festivals to enjoy.

I absolutely fell in love with Athens, my only regret was that I could have spent double or triple the time there exploring the city. It’s an outstanding destination with so much appeal. If you’re still wondering is Athens worth visiting, then my suggestion, go and experience it for yourself – you won’t regret it!

Looking for more reasons to visit Athens or Greece, read more here…

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Hey, I'm Becki......and I'm a self-confessed travel addict and experience connoisseur!

In other words, I’m a bucket-list traveller, on a mission to experience the best things our fabulous little planet has to offer with the least environmental impact.

When I'm not climbing mountains, scuba diving, spotting wildlife or exploring ruins, you'll probably find me sipping coffee, or with a glass of wine in hand planning my next adventure.

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Is Athens Worth Visiting? 16 Reasons to Visit Athens, Greece, in 2024

Athens was never somewhere that I’d been desperate to visit. Over the years, plenty of fellow travellers have told me that Athens is an ugly, sprawling city, with a sketchy vibe and dilapidated buildings everywhere. ‘ Go to see the Acropolis, and then leave ,’ seemed to be the general consensus. Indeed, until just a couple of years ago, the average tourist only spent a single day in the Greek capital before heading elsewhere (now, it’s more like 2-3 days). As someone who hates big cities, adores quaint hilltop villages, and doesn’t like having to look over my shoulder every 2 seconds when I travel, I figured that Athens would be my worst nightmare. ‘Is Athens nice?’ I thought. Meh, probably not. Until, that is, I visited.

Just a couple of weeks ago, I flew to Greece to attend the annual TBEX travel conference, which was to be held in Kalamata , in the Peloponnese. Flying into Athens was the cheapest way to get to Greece, so I decided I may as well spend a few days exploring the largest city in Greece before the event began. Boy, was I glad I did. During my 6 days in Athens, I lost count of the number of times I’ve exclaimed ‘ HOW is Athens not worth visiting?! ‘ often through mouthfuls of juicy grilled meat.

I couldn’t believe how wrong I’d been about Athens, and by the time I returned home (2 kilos heavier and with a piece of my heart left behind), I was Athens’ biggest cheerleader. In this blog post, I’ll dive into just what makes Athens so special, some unique things to do in Athens, my best Athens travel tips , and whether Athens is safe for solo female travellers. Is Athens worth visiting? Let’s see.

Table of Contents

Is Athens Worth Visiting? 16 Reasons to Visit Athens, Greece

As the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games, as well as being named after the Goddess of Wisdom, Athena, Athens certainly has an impressive history. Over the last 15 years, however, things haven’t been easy for the Greek capital. The financial crisis of 2009 left the Greek economy on its knees, and the refugee crisis, which began in 2015, only added to the strain. With thousands of refugees forced to live destitute, often turning to drugs in order to survive, it is no surprise that certain corners of Athens can feel sketchy to visitors. Some people talk about seeing people shoot up drugs in broad daylight, or of trash left to pile up in the oppressive summer sun.

They point to graffiti and crumbling buildings, using them to illustrate their point that Athens is not a nice city. What these people don’t talk about is that these things do not make up the whole of Athens, or even a significant part. Contrary to what the naysayers would have you believe, Athens is a vibrant city full of leafy greens, ancient ruins, striking street art, and an abundance of churches, museums, tavernas, galleries, rooftop bars, and more. Sure, it can feel a little gritty (it actually reminds me of a cross between the Sicilian capital of Palermo and Tirana in Albania), but if you want a sanitised version of Greece, then perhaps you should stick to an all-inclusive resort on Santorini. Okay, snark aside, let’s get into why you should visit Athens on your next trip!

16 Reasons to Visit Athens

It’s beautiful.

The biggest misconception about Athens is that it is an ugly city. Sure, it’s big, and it’s definitely missing some of the staggering baroque architecture that we see in Italy, for example, but architecture isn’t the only thing that contributes to the beauty of a place. In Athens, I was bowled over by the tree-lined streets, buildings covered in bougainvillea, colourful street art, and, of course, the omnipresent Acropolis that towers over everything. In some neighbourhoods, I felt like I was on an isolated Greek island rather than a bustling capital city, and the hipster coffee joints, elegant boutiques, and traditional tavernas everywhere just added to the overall aesthetic. Of course, outside of the most touristy areas, you won’t find Athens to be quite so beautiful, but I stayed in a mostly residential neighbourhood, and was still pleasantly surprised by its charm!

Why visit Athens? Well, Athens has a really strong café culture, and it’s not unusual for Greeks to make their freddo espresso (cold coffee) last for hours as they watch the world go by and enjoy the local ambience. Greek coffee culture is similar to Albanian coffee culture in this way, and one of the best things to do in Athens if you want to live like a local is to spend as much time as you can discovering the hundreds of coffee shops in Athens. If you want a really cool café experience in Athens, head to Little Kook . This dessert shop is absolutely insane , and although it had an Alice in Wonderland theme when I visited, they change the entire theme 3 times per year (at Halloween, Christmas, and spring!). It’s on the pricey side, but it’s well worth going. Also worth a mention is Fairytale Athens , which claims to be the most Instagrammable café in Athens. With dozens of pink flamingos, fabulous milkshakes, and even a giant pink gorilla guarding the entrance, it’s safe to say they might just be right!

Plaka is the oldest part of Athens, as well as one of the most touristy areas, and it’s easy to see why. Teeming with boutiques, tavernas, neoclassical architecture, and friendly street cats, this historical neighbourhood has been inhabited since Ancient Greek times, and its picturesque cobbled streets and proximity to the Acropolis make it the perfect place to spend an afternoon (or several!). Be sure to pick up some souvenirs here – you can buy everything from olive oil cosmetics to leather sandals, evil eye talismans, and various spice mixes (I got a large selection of these!). You can also find the Roman Agora here, which would have been the marketplace in Ancient Greece, the Temple of Hephaestus, which was completed in 415 BC, and the Orthodox Church of Panagia Kapnikarea.

Anafiotika is a small, pedestrian-only neighbourhood located within Plaka, that receives a fraction of the foot traffic of Plaka! Perched on the slopes of the Acropolis hill, Anafiotika is a photogenic neighbourhood with Cycladic architecture that will make you feel as though you’ve escaped to a Greek island! Despite its proximity to Plaka, Anafiotika is a haven of calm and tranquillity, and when I decided to take a stroll there, the only other person I came across was an old man sitting outside his home, who told me I was free to explore all the narrow alleyways that I wanted! There are no shops or tourist restaurants here – Anafiotika is a purely residential neighbourhood, home only to locals and cats – but it’s more than worth exploring.

Athens street art

Athens is full of colourful street art, and when I say ‘street art,’ I’m not just talking about tagging (what you may know as ‘graffiti’), but unique and often political pieces that each tell a story about the city where they were created. The neighbourhoods of Psiri and Exarchia are particularly famous for street art in Athens, but you can find it pretty much everywhere. For a deeper understanding of Athens street art, you might want to take a street art tour .

I could write a whole blog post about what to eat in Athens (update – I did! ), but let’s just say that whatever your culinary tastes, you’ll be more than happy in Athens. From sizzling skewers of grilled meat to slabs of saganaki fried cheese (so bad, but soo good), freshly-baked pita, simple salads dressed with olive oil, tangy tzatziki, yoghurt drizzled with honey, fat juicy olives…the list goes on! In Athens, you will not only find old-fashioned tavernas that have been in the same family for generations, but lots of international cuisine, fine dining spots, and casual eateries serving street food staples like gyros to hungry patrons. Make sure you wash down all of that good food with a shot of tsipouro (the Greek version of rakija !). A great way to sample the best of Athenian cuisine is to take a food tour in Athens !

Psiri (also spelt Psyri and Psirri ) is another really cool neighbourhood in Athens, especially when the sun goes down. Countless wine bars, cocktail bars, and restaurants line the streets of Psiri, and in my opinion, it has an even cooler vibe than Plaka, with lots of alternative folks choosing Psiri as a place to hang out.

While there are certainly not as many cats as there are in Kotor (Montenegro), there are certainly enough friendly felines in Athens for you to get your furry fix, especially in Plaka. The cats in Athens are generally very tame, clean, and well looked after by the residents, and if you ask me, they’re definitely one of the best reasons to visit Athens!

Ancient ruins

Yes, I did include cats before ancient ruins on a post about why you should visit Athens, but hey, it’s my blog god damnit, and if I want to write about cats more than ruins, I will! WITH THAT BEING SAID, you could spend a whole week exploring the ancient ruins in Athens and still have only scratched the surface. Just like Rome , you can be walking through a relatively modern area of town and BAM, an ancient stadium or theatre appears! Some ruins of note in Athens include the Parthenon, Propylaia, Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion (all part of the Acropolis), the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. When you consider that these structures were build hundreds of years before Christ, and are where the foundations of Western Civilisation were born, it’s quite literally awe-inspiring.

Great nightlife

While I only had 1 ‘proper’ night out in Athens, it was still enough to see just what a buzzing nightlife scene this city has. Every neighbourhood in Athens is known for having its own unique vibe, and I found the areas around Monastiraki, Plaka, and Psiri to be super cool, with dozens of bars to choose from. Similarly to Spain, people in Greece tend to go out late, so don’t expect an early night if you decide to party in Athens!

Monastiraki Flea Market

I stumbled on the Monastiraki Flea Market totally by chance, and wow , was I glad I did! Narrow streets reminiscent of Moroccan souks lead to wide open spaces packed full of tables selling everything from old silver spoons to broken dolls, record players, rocking horses, old newspapers, and just about anything else you can think of. Around this area, you will also find tonnes of grungy stores selling vinyl and obscure band t-shirts, dive bars, and antique book stores. To me, the area around here kinda felt like Camden Market! A word of warning – if you’re anything like me, you will want to buy everything in this weird and wonderful little corner of Athens, so try not to get carried away!

Athenian Riviera

I must admit that I didn’t know Athens had a beach before I visited! Just a short metro ride away from the city centre are some great beaches, as well as the so-called ‘Athenian Riviera,’ where you can find even more stunning beaches. The most popular Athens beach is Glyfada, while the Riviera begins at the Port of Piraeus and runs all the way to Cape Sounio. There are plenty of luxury hotels around here, so if you want a relaxing escape from the city, skip the islands and head to the Athenian Riviera!

Rooftop bars

There’s no better place to be for sunset in Athens than one of the many rooftop bars around the city, all of which boast stunning views of the Acropolis. Most of them are elegant yet pricey cocktail bars, such as Thea Terrace (pictured below), and A for Athens , but if you’re on a budget, you can also head to the rooftop bar of the Safestay Athens hostel for happy hour wine (2 for 5 EUR!) and equally great views,

This leafy residential neighbourhood is where I stayed, and I loved how non -touristy it was. Tonnes of coffee shops, bakeries, and trendy brunch places surrounded my hostel (I had a lovely brunch at The Rabbit Punch , which also happens to be laptop-friendly!), and yet I didn’t see a fellow foreigner once while I was there! There aren’t many ‘sights’ to see in Pagrati per se, but it is generally just a nice place to be, especially to get a more authentic experience of local life. Pagrati is also where you’ll find the Panathenaic Stadium, which dates back to 566 BC and is where the first modern Olympic Games were held! Fun fact: The Panathenaic Stadium is the only stadium in the world made entirely from marble! The neighbourhood of Pagrati alone might not be enough of a reason to visit Athens, but it’s certainly a nice place to stay while you’re there (and I highly recommend it if you’re thinking of staying longer in Athens as a digital nomad/slow traveller).

This article might be about whether it’s worth visiting Athens , but there’s no harm in doing some exploring around the area while you’re there! Athens is a great place to base yourself if you want to take a few day trips, whether you fancy a guided tour or a solo venture. Popular day trips from Athens include Nafplio, one of the prettiest towns in the Peloponnese , the Temple of Poseidon, and Delphi. You can also take a sailing trip to 1 or more of the nearby islands!

It’s affordable

Considering how many tourists visit Athens every single year, I was surprised at how affordable it was! You can get a bed in a hostel dorm for as little as 10 EUR, a private room for less than 30, and a 90-minute ticket for public transport costs just 1.30 EUR. Food and drink is also cheap, with souvlaki skewers coming in at around 2 EUR per skewer (in restaurants), and huge gyros costing around 3 EUR. Another excellent thing about Greece is the table wine, which comes in carafes and costs just 4-5 EUR per half litre. Of course, if you want a more luxe experience, you can certainly find it, but if you’re visiting Greece on a budget, you’ll easily be able to stick to it in Athens.

Athens travel tips

• Athens is a big city, but most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other, so you can easily traverse the city on foot. With that being said, some of the pavements aren’t the best, and they also tend to be slippery, so do be careful.
• While Athens is a very walkable city, the public transport in Athens is excellent , and so you should definitely make use of it. The beauty of public transport in Athens is that you can purchase a ticket for a set amount of time (for example 90 minutes, or 24 hours), and use it as many times you want, and on every different type of transport within that time. A 90-minute ticket costs 1.30 EUR. I frequently made use of the buses and metro system while I was in Athens.
• Athens is the hottest capital city in mainland Europe, so prepare accordingly!
• Athens is not only very hot, but it also gets incredibly crowded in the summer months. I recommend visiting Athens in the shoulder season (the months just before and after summer), when the crowds are thinner, the prices are lower, and the heat isn’t quite as stifling.
• Don’t just visit Athens to see the main sights. Athens has so much more to offer than the Acropolis, and you’ll find a much stronger connection with the city if you slow down and live like a local.
• The best way to get to the centre of Athens from the airport is by metro. The journey costs 9 EUR (or 16 return), and takes about 40 minutes.
• Athens also has Uber, which I recommend using rather than traditional taxis. This reduces your chance of being ripped off!

Is Athens safe?

One of the biggest points of contention about Athens is whether or not Athens is safe . Some tourists, especially solo female travellers, say that they felt unsafe in Athens, and while I’m never going to discount somebody’s experiences, what I will say is that the numbers show that Athens is a very safe city, and I prefer to go by the numbers rather than people’s self-reported feelings, because we all observe things differently. On the whole, Athens is a very safe city (you can read my post about safety in Athens for more detailed information). You should watch out for pickpockets, especially around touristy areas like Monastiraki Square and the Plaka district. In terms of areas to avoid, Omonia has a bad reputation, and this part of the city is generally where people are talking about when they reference homeless people and people using drugs in the street. During the daytime, you’ll be fine, but I would avoid walking alone at night through Omonia if you are alone, especially if you are a woman. If you do have to walk through Omonia at night, stick to the the wide main streets and avoid the narrow alleys that intersect through the main roads. There is a lot of poverty in Omonia, and although you will often find cheap guesthouses there, it’s probably better paying a couple of extra bucks to stay in a more touristy part of town. With that being said, Omonia is certainly not the hell hole that scaremongers paint it out to be. Sure, it’s grimy, and it’s a little sketch, but it’s nowhere near as dangerous as the ‘bad’ parts of London, Paris, and NY. I’d much rather walk through Omonia than certain areas of Manchester on my own, for example. Other areas to avoid in Athens are Vathi Square and Viktoria Square, but they are not in the centre of town and therefore not places you would accidentally stumble upon.

How many days in Athens is enough?

I recommend a minimum of 3 days in Athens, but even then, you won’t be able to see everything that Athens has to offer. If you want to see all the ruins, get a good feel for the city itself, and perhaps take a day trip, you’d need at least 5 days. You could also add on a day or 2 to spend sunning yourself on the Athenian Riviera.

Is Athens Worth Visiting? | Final Thoughts

So, is Athens worth visiting? If you hadn’t already guessed, I 1000% believe that Athens is worth visiting! Even as somebody that likes small villages and picturesque old towns, Athens still managed to win me over, and I’m already driving my boyfriend nuts with my constant ‘ can we live in Athens? ‘ chatter. Athens has a lot to offer. It’s got great weather, it’s well-connected, it’s affordable, and there are tonnes of things to see and do beyond the ancient ruins. However, if you visit Athens expecting a polished city that watches its manners and holds its tongue, you will be sorely disappointed. Just like Palermo and Tirana , Athens is not an easy city, but it is one that, given the chance, will steal your heart. That’s about all I’ve got for today, but as always, if you have any questions, let me know in the comments section and I will do my best to help! Until next time, XOXO

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20 free things to do in Athens this summer

If you are traveling to Athens this summer and on a budget, don’t worry, there are plenty of fun sights to see and activities to participate in that are free. Kathimerini English Edition has compiled a broad list of free things to do in the city.

If you are traveling to Athens this summer and on a budget, don’t worry, there are plenty of fun sights to see and activities to participate in that are free. Kathimerini Engish Edition has compiled a broad list of free things to do in the city.

Whether you are a history buff, love sightseeing, or simply want to sit back and watch a movie, this list has got you covered.

Ancient Monuments 

• Stop by the Arch of Hadrian. It’s the perfect spot to take cool photos to share with friends and family.
• Watch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Hellenic Parliament building in Syntagma Square.
• Visit Kallimarmaro ! Take a walk around the Kallimarmaro stadium where the first modern Olympic games were held in 1896.
• Go to the Acropolis, one of the world’s most recognizable monuments of the ancient world. Children and young people up to the age of 25, from EU member-states, are entitled to free entry, upon presentation of their ID card or passport for verification of their age and country of origin.
• Walk up Lycabettus Hill , the city’s highest point, to get a beautiful view of Athens.
• Admire the white-colored cottages and winding alleys at Anafiotika in Plaka.
• Philopappos Hill offers great views of the Acropolis and the city. It’s a perfect spot for a hike or a picnic. 

Arts and Activities 

• Exercise in Fokianos sports park : use the free exercise machines in Zappeion Neighborhood. While you are there, consider visiting Zappeion Hall.
• Art Walk in Psiri: Take a stroll through the neighborhood of Psiri and enjoy the street art. 
• Visit the Current Athens website and check out the free art exhibitions around the city.
• Run or cycle for free at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA).
• Travel to Glyfada or Kavouri Beach for a day of fun and relaxation by the Aegean Sea. 

Walking Activities and Traditional Greek Sightings

• Stroll through Monastiraki Flea Market. The market is a sight to behold as the street is covered with street vendors selling intriguing items.
• Wander through the historic neighborhood of Plaka whose charming atmosphere is sure to leave you inspired and content.  
• Visit Varvakios Agora to experience a traditional Greek market.
• Walk through Exarchia, a neighborhood known for its edgy aesthetic and anarchist history. The area was the site of the 1973 student uprising against the Greek dictatorship and a vibrant space for free thinking and mutual aid networks.
• Visit the National Garden near Syntagma Square. Take a peaceful walk or simply stand back and admire the greenery. 

Museums and Cultural Centers 

• Visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center : Enjoy the park and the free events often held there.
• Benaki Museum of Greek Culture has free admission on Thursday (6 pm to 12 am).
• Watch an outdoor film: participate in the Athens 14th Open air film festival at different locations each week.

Irene Anastasiadis is a summer intern at Kathimerini English Edition and a master’s student at Boston University.

Achilles Frangos is a summer intern at Kathimerini English Edition and a third-year college student at Columbia University.

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10 things you must do on your next visit to Athens, Greece

Posted: October 4, 2023 | Last updated: October 4, 2023

Athens is located in the Peloponnese peninsula, and it is the capital city of Greece. It is known as the birthplace of democracy, and many historical figures, such as Aristotle and Socrates, have traversed its cobbled streets. Apart from being historic, it is also beautiful at any time of the year. To help you navigate the city, we have devised a list of ten of the best things to do in Athens, Greece.

1. Climb The Acropolis

The Acropolis is the most famous archeological site in Athens. It is a citadel located on a hill in the center of Athens. It contains several famous ancient buildings such as The Parthenon and The Temple of Athena.

2. Visit The Acropolis Museum

While you are in the area, to get the full experience of how the Acropolis looked in the past, make sure to visit the Acropolis Museum. It contains all the artifacts recovered from the Acropolis site.

3. Walk Through The Streets of Plaka

Located on the other side of the Acropolis is Plaka. It is a small neighborhood covered in cobblestone streets with beautiful cafés and jewelry shops. It looks out of this world, and it feels like you are stuck in the early 1900s, far away from mobile phones and the fast living style of today. The thick shade provided by its many trees makes it a perfect place to have a coffee break.

4. Explore Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is the very center of Athens . It is a place where all social gatherings and concerts happen. You can see The Old Royal Palace in the Syntagma square, which serves as the Greek Parliament building. Its bright yellow color and neoclassical building style are very distinctive. The building itself was built for King Otto to celebrate Athens becoming the new capital of Greece.

The square itself was named after the first Greek constitution, and thus the meaning Syntagma Square which in Greek means The Constitution Square.

5. See The Guards Change at The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier

Located across Syntagma Square, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument dedicated to all Greek soldiers who died in World War 1. It is guarded twenty-four hours a day by soldiers called Evzones. The Evzones are part of the Presidential Guard and change every hour. It is quite an attraction since they have a special choreography that they perform every time the change is due.

6. Get Lost in The Monastiraki Square

In our opinion, Monastiraki is one of the most beautiful squares in Athens. It is named Monastiraki due to a church in the middle of the square. The Church of Pantanassa was built in the 10th century, and after some time, the locals started calling it “Monastiraki,” which means little church.

The church is not the only thing that makes this part of Athens beautiful. The narrow cobblestone streets leading to the square give the feeling of being somewhere far from home. The streets are filled with pastry shops, tavernas, and souvenir shops.

There is one downside to mention. The streets are filled with people who offer you bracelets or some other forms of hand-woven jewelry for free, saying it is a gift from them and that you don’t need to pay. However, from the moment they put the piece on you, they start asking for money and feign ignorance of any previous conversation. It is advisable to just return the “gift” they give you and continue on your way.

7. Try The Famous Pita Gyro

A pita gyro is a traditional Greek food , and it can be found on every corner. It consists of shredded meat, usually pork, served with pita bread and fresh vegetables. Oh, and of course, don’t forget the tzaziki sauce, made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumbers, garlic, and dill.

8. Taste Local Spirits

Greece is famous for its alcohol, and there are a variety of drinks to choose from if you want to get a buzz. The first on the list is Ouzo, a high-proof drink made from fermented grape skins. The drink is usually served before the meal, acting as an aperitif. After fermentation, the mix is added to anise and other herbs to make the distinct Ouzo flavor. It is a staple in Greek culture.

Rakii is also a very high-proof alcoholic drink made from grapes that didn’t make a cut for wine production. It is fermented for several weeks until all of the sugar in the grapes becomes alcohol. Unlike Ouzo which is popular in Greek culture only, Rakii is famous across the Balkan and Middle East as every country has the same name for it, and it is produced in the same way.

Metaxa is a highly concentrated drink made from fermented red wine. The wine is left to sit for a couple of years and must reach a particular oxidation part to be considered a Metaxa. It is best described as a crossover of wine and whiskey.

9. Check Out A for Athens

A for Athens is the best cocktail bar/cafe in Athens. To understand why, you just have to go there. The drinks and food are fine, but the view separates it from every other bar in Athens. A for Athens is located on top of a building, and once you get on the rooftop, you look directly at the Acropolis. No words can sum up that level of beauty until you see it for yourself. 

10. Take a Trip to The Corinth Canal

The Corinth Canal is technically not in Athens itself but rather on the outskirts of town. It is a canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with The Ionian Sea, and it has been in the making since AD 1. When we say in the making, we mean they tried to make it but failed many times. Finally, in 1893, it was finished. The canal is a very creepy place. It is very deep and rather narrow, so you feel impending doom when you stand on that tiny suspension bridge while a harrowing wind tries to push you over the edge, and the ships below seem like little remote-controlled toys. 

Things To Do in Athens Greece

There are many other great places to see, so don’t hesitate to ask any local to point you where you should go, as they are very friendly and helpful. Once you get there, pick an orange from the orange trees planted all over Athens or ride their amazing subway system. It is the best mode of transportation in such a big city! Enjoy your trip !

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Here's how to watch the presidential debate without cable

Although the November election is more than four months away, the start of debate season is coming in hot.

After preceding the autumn debate schedule from the Commission on Presidential Debates , Democratic incumbent President Joe Biden will go head-to-head against Republican frontrunner and former President Donald Trump in CNN’s Atlanta studio this Thursday, June 27.

The last 2020 debate between the pair drew over 60 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media, but this year, there will be no live audience ; viewers will watch on their TVs, laptops, tablets, and phones.

Can I watch the debate if I don’t have cable?

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

A live stream of the ‘CNN Presidential Debate’ will be available on USA TODAY via YouTube , which takes place on Thursday, June 27, at 9 p.m. ET.

Looking for reliable streaming options? Check out USA TODAY Home Internet for broadband service plans in your area.

CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash will moderate the in-studio debate, with several networks planning to provide commentary before and after the big production. ABC is set to host the next debate on Sept. 10.