ATHENS
Athens is the largest city in Greece and the nations capital. It is also one of the oldest and most interesting cities in the world.
Named after the fierce warrior Goddess Athina ( which is what it is called in Greek) the city has a fascinating and colourful past. The Acropolis watches over a city packed with lively neighbourhoods, busy markets, street cafés, world class museums and layers of history at every turn. It is energetic, creative and rough around the edges in places, but that is exactly what makes it so compelling.
There is a lot to do and see in Athens, and the ancient centre is easy to get around and very walkable. Magnificent historical and archeological sites appear at every turn alongside traditional and modern tavernas and cafes, bars and restaurants, shops and markets.
This is the gateway to Greece, but it is also a destination in its own right with great food, strong character and plenty to keep you busy for days.It’s also surprisingly affordable compared to many European capitals.
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Where to stay in Athens
The Historic Centre is centred around the Acropolis, which rises in the middle of the city in all its glory. Visitors can stay comfortably in any of the neighbourhoods surrounding The Acropolis, as these areas are relatively flat, close together, and easy to explore on foot.
This article explains the different neighbourhoods and our hotel suggestions, as well as a section on the Ports and areas near the airport.
Which hotels have the best Acropolis Views?
There are many hotels with great Acropolis views, although rooms there will come at a premium. We have several suggestions here or you can quickly check out:
Many also have rooftop bars and/or restaurants and breakfast areas that have amazing views, so you can save money by utilising them without paying for a premium room.
Where to stay as a family or group
There are some hotels and apart-hotels that have family rooms, interconnecting rooms, and some even have 2-bedroom apartments.
They all include a great breakfast too, which can really add up when travelling with a family.
Have a look at:
 Athens Gate
Grecotel Pallas Athena
There are also self-contained apartments that we recommend, although these usually don’t include breakfast.
Aunties Home in Plaka
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How long should I stay in Athens
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world. There is a LOT to see and do and many amazing day trips nearby as well.
- many archaeological and historical sites including the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus and more
- more Museums per capita than any European city
- amazing shopping – the best in Greece!
- the food scene is on fire – there are thousands of bars, cafes, traditional tavernas and restaurants, some of which have Michelin ratings
- a year-round calendar of festivals and events
We recommend a minumum of 3 nights in Athens, but many people say they wish they had more.
If you allow 4 or 5 you can do a day trip or two.
What are the top things to do in Athens?
There is so much to see and do.
The main categories of activities and attractions are:
- Archaeological and historical sites, especially The Acropolis – the #1 attraction in Greece
- Athens Neighbourhoods such as Plaka, Monastiraki & Psyri
- Food Tours
- Cooking Classes
- Cafes, restaurants and bars – especially rooftop ones
- Shopping
- Surrounding view points:
- Mt Lycabbetus
- Areopagus Hill
- Philopappos Hill
- Nymphs Hill
- National Observatory of Athens
- Markets
- Cultural Centres
- Museums
- Hammams
- The Riviera
- Beaches
- Gardens
- Day trips
What are the best day trips from Athens
There are a lot!
The ones we consistently recommend are:
CorinthÂ
Note: As wonderful as Meteora is, we do not recommend it for a day trip. It is a 4-hour drive, each way. There are a lot of tour buses converging at once, and it’s best enjoyed at night, when the sunsets are magical. Try and plan to spend at least one night there, or even two. Nafplio is also somewhere that needs several days.
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When is the best time to visit Athens?
Athens is a year-round destination that offers a multitude of things to see and do for all budgets and interests.
It is at its best in summer when many festivals are on, including the Athens and Epidavrous Festival, but really anytime between April and December is great.
We generally avoid August because of the heat, and February because of the cold. Christmas is very festive and lively, and Easter is a huge event that runs all week on the Greek Orthodox Calendar.Â
How do I get around Athens
If you stay in the Ancient Centre, you generally do not need much in the way of transport.
It is very compact, mostly flat, and very pedestrian-friendly.
You can get to the ancient centre from the port or airport by private transfer, taxi, bus or train.
We recommend Terry and the Team for first timers, who will take you from door to door.
Public transport options are covered here.
Avoid getting a taxi from the street – sadly, this is the one thing that can lead to a scam in Greece. You can use your Uber app to call a taxi, which is much safer, or the Freenow App, which most Greeks use.
Otherwise, there is no ride-sharing in Greece.
Where are the best places to eat?
There are thousands of amazing places to eat and drink in Athens. In fact, it’s impossible to get a bad meal.
This is our recommended list, and we also have a list of great rooftop places too.
What to expect
Athens is busy, loud and absolutely alive. The streets buzz day and night, and you will notice graffiti and street art everywhere.
The historic centre is mostly flat and highly walkable, so you can move between neighbourhoods without needing a car.
Archaeology and ancient history is everywhere – the mix of ancient and modern is seamless and genuinely surprising, even if you have been before.
The food scene is outstanding. From tiny tavernas to Michelin-star dining, Athens punches way above its weight. Shopping is fantastic too, with local designers, vintage stores and markets sitting alongside the international brands.
Overall, expect energy, character, a few rough edges and a lot of personality. Athens is not polished, but that is precisely why people fall in love with it.
Language: Greek, but most people in the ancient centre speak English ( and more)
Currency: Euro
Credit Cards and ATMs: You can find ATMs all over Athens. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, and in fact, it is illegal for taxis, hotels and any business working in tourism not to accept them.
Plugs:Â The plugs in Greece are Type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. For many people, appliances and devices will work fine, but if you are from the USA, you will need a dual-voltage styling iron or hair dryer.
Best time to visit Athens
Year round
How long to go for
At least 3 nights
How to get around Athens
The ancient centre is very compact and walkable
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