Athens Travel Guide

Greece › Athens Travel Guide
Updated: September 1, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com

Popular Pages

• Best Areas to Stay in Athens
• Best Hotels in Athens
• Best Hotels for Families in Athens
• Best Things to Do in Athens
• Acropolis Tours
• Piraeus Ferry Port
• Athens to Mykonos Ferry
• Athens to Santorini Ferry

My wife and I in Athens, with the Arch of Hadrian in the background.

Athens deserves at least two or three days, even if you’re mainly coming to Greece for the islands. The city is busy, gritty in places, and packed with historical sites, excellent restaurants, rooftop bars, and good hotels. The Acropolis is the obvious highlight, but Plaka, Monastiraki, the Ancient Agora, the Acropolis Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum are all worth time. When you’re ready for the islands, Piraeus has frequent ferries to Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Crete, and many other islands.

The 2027 Athens Travel Guide

• Skip to the Athens FAQ

Athens Basics

• Where to Stay in Athens
• Best Time to Visit Athens
• Athens Maps

Athens Hotels

• Best Hotels in Athens
• Best Hotels on the Athens Riviera
• Best Hotels for Families
• Hotels with Acropolis Views
• Hotels with Rooftop Pools
• Good Value Hotels in Athens
• Athens Airport Hotels
• New Hotels in Athens
• Athens Hotel Map

Athens Activities and Attractions

• Best Tours & Things to Do in Athens
• Acropolis Tickets & Tours
• Best Museums
• Best Archaeological Sites
• Best Shopping
• Best Restaurants
• Best Bars and Clubs
• Athens Changing of the Guard

Athens Trip Planning

• Getting Around Athens
• Athens (Piraeus) Ferry Port Guide
• Airport Car Rental
• Athens to Delphi & Meteora
• Athens to Mykonos Ferry
• Mykonos to Athens Ferry
• Athens to Santorini Ferry
• Santorini to Athens Ferry
• Athens to Crete Ferry
• Crete to Athens Ferry
• Athens to Naxos Ferry
• Naxos to Athens Ferry
• Athens to Paros Ferry
• Paros to Athens Ferry
• Athens to Milos Ferry
• Milos to Athens Ferry
• Rafina to Mykonos Ferry
• Mykonos to Rafina Ferry

Latest Articles & My Travel Newsletter

• Newsletter

Frequently Asked Questions about Athens

See Also: Greece: Tips & Information for First-Timers

What is Athens famous for?

Athens is best known for the Acropolis and its extraordinary collection of ancient sites. The Parthenon is the city’s defining monument, but the Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Panathenaic Stadium are also worth seeing. The Acropolis Museum and National Archaeological Museum are two of the best museums in Greece.

But Athens isn’t just ancient ruins. Plaka and Monastiraki are great for walking, the restaurant and cafe scene is excellent, and rooftop bars throughout the center have wonderful Acropolis views.

Booking Acropolis tickets or a tour in advance is highly recommended.

What are the top 10 must-see attractions in Athens?

For a first visit, these are the places I’d prioritize.

1. The Acropolis (Parthenon)
Athens’ essential sight. The complex includes the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Caryatids, Temple of Athena Nike, and Propylaea. Tip: Acropolis admission uses timed entry. Book ahead and go early in warm weather. The entrance near the Acropolis Museum is my preferred entrance.

2. Acropolis Museum
At the foot of the Acropolis, this excellent modern museum displays sculptures and artifacts found on the Acropolis. The top-floor Parthenon Gallery is aligned with the Parthenon itself. Tip: I prefer visiting after the Acropolis, when what you’ve just seen is still fresh. The museum is air-conditioned and has a good restaurant with Acropolis views.

3. Ancient Agora
The political and commercial center of ancient Athens and one of my favorite archaeological sites in the city. The highlight is the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples. Easy to combine with Monastiraki.

4. Plaka & Anafiotika
Plaka is the oldest and most enjoyable neighborhood for wandering, with pedestrian lanes, neoclassical houses, shops, cafes, and tavernas below the Acropolis. Walk uphill into tiny Anafiotika, built in the 19th century by workers from the Cycladic island of Anafi.

A cold beer on a hot day in the Plaka.

5. National Archaeological Museum
The most important collection of ancient Greek art and antiquities in the world, including the Mask of Agamemnon and Antikythera Mechanism. It’s a long walk from Plaka, so I usually recommend a taxi or Metro to Victoria station. Allow at least two hours.

6. Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)
The marble stadium that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Tip: Climb to the upper rows for a view across the stadium toward the Acropolis.

7. Temple of Olympian Zeus
Once the largest temple in Greece. The surviving Corinthian columns still give a good sense of its enormous scale. Hadrian’s Arch is right beside the site.

8. Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds
A smaller site than the Ancient Agora but easy to visit while walking through Plaka and Monastiraki. The octagonal marble Tower of the Winds served as a clock, sundial, and weather vane in ancient Athens.

9. Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guard
The Evzones guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of Parliament. The guard changes every hour. The larger ceremonial change is Sunday at 11:00 AM.

10. Monastiraki Square & Flea Market
Busy, touristy, and fun. Come for the market streets, food, and rooftop bars. A for Athens and 360 Degrees both have excellent Acropolis views.

Bonus: Mount Lycabettus
For the widest view over Athens, walk or take the funicular to the top. Sunset is busiest, but the views are excellent at any time on a clear day.

When is the Best Time to Visit Athens?

Athens is a year-round destination, but spring and fall are best for sightseeing.

• April to June: Warm weather, long days, and generally comfortable sightseeing. June can already be hot.
• September and October: My favorite time for combining Athens with the islands. It’s still warm, but walking around the city is much easier than in midsummer.
• July and August: Hot, with temperatures sometimes reaching 38°C/100°F or higher. During severe heat, archaeological sites can close during the hottest part of the day. Visit the Acropolis early and save museums, lunch, or the Athens Riviera for the afternoon.
• November to March: Cooler, cheaper, and much less crowded. Rain is more likely, but there are plenty of sunny days and sightseeing is much easier without summer heat. State archaeological sites and museums have free admission on the first and third Sunday of each month from November through March.

My favorite months: May, June, September, and October. For warm weather with fewer crowds, I’d choose late May, early June, late September, or early October.

Spring and fall are the best times to visit Athens, but major attractions like the Acropolis Museum are open year-round.

How Many Days Do I Need in Athens?

Three full days is ideal for a first visit. You can see the highlights in one busy day, but two or three days makes Athens much more enjoyable.

One Full Day
Book an early Acropolis time slot, then visit the Acropolis Museum and spend the late afternoon and evening walking through Plaka and Monastiraki. It’s a full day but very doable.

Two or Three Days
This is enough time for the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum, Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, and a good food tour without rushing from one sight to another.

Four Days or More
Add neighborhoods such as Koukaki and Kolonaki, spend more time in the museums, or take a day trip to Cape Sounion, Delphi, Hydra, or the Athens Riviera.

My recommendation: Stay three full days if your itinerary allows it. I also highly recommend a food tour, preferably early in your stay. It’s a good introduction to central Athens and you’ll leave with restaurant ideas for the rest of the trip.

What are the best neighborhoods to stay in Athens for first-time visitors?

For most first-time visitors, I recommend Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, or Koukaki. All four put you within easy walking distance of the major sights.

1. Plaka
My favorite area for first-time visitors. It’s directly below the Acropolis and filled with pedestrian lanes, neoclassical buildings, restaurants, and small hotels.

• Pros: Beautiful setting and easy walks to the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Acropolis Museum, and Monastiraki.
• Cons: Expensive and busy, especially around Adrianou Street in summer.
• Best for: First visits, couples, families, and anyone who wants to walk almost everywhere.

2. Monastiraki
Busier and grittier than Plaka, with excellent restaurants, rooftop bars, shopping, and transport connections.

• Pros: Direct Metro connections to both Athens Airport and Piraeus, excellent Acropolis views from rooftop bars, and lots happening late into the evening.
• Cons: Noisy and crowded around Monastiraki Square.
• Best for: Nightlife, short stays, and convenient transport.

3. Syntagma
The modern center of Athens, home to Parliament and hotels including the Grande Bretagne, my favorite hotel in the city.

• Pros: Excellent airport connections, relatively flat streets, easy walks to Plaka and Kolonaki, and several of the city’s best hotels.
• Cons: More traffic and less neighborhood character than Plaka.
• Best for: Luxury hotels, families, and short stays.

4. Koukaki
Just south of the Acropolis and a little quieter than Plaka or Monastiraki.

• Pros: Good restaurants and cafes, better value than Plaka, and very close to the Acropolis Museum.
• Cons: About a 15 to 20-minute walk from Monastiraki and Syntagma.
• Best for: Longer stays, repeat visitors, and travelers who want to be central without staying in the busiest tourist streets.

Other Good Areas

• Psiri: Best for bars and nightlife. Fun, busy, and noisy at night.
• Kolonaki: Upscale shopping, restaurants, and good hotels. Hilly.
• Thissio: Quieter than Monastiraki, with a long pedestrian promenade and excellent Acropolis views.

For most first-time visitors, I’d stay in Plaka. Choose Monastiraki for nightlife and transport, Syntagma for luxury hotels and convenience, or Koukaki for a quieter stay.

What are the best neighborhoods for nightlife?

Athens has excellent nightlife, and different neighborhoods work for different types of evenings. Psiri is my favorite all-around area for bars.

• Psiri: The easiest choice for most visitors. Lots of cocktail bars, rooftop terraces, tavernas, and live music within a few blocks of Monastiraki.
• Gazi: Best for clubs and very late nights. The area around Technopolis has dance clubs and a strong LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Things get going late, often after midnight.
• Kolonaki: More polished and expensive, with cocktail and wine bars that draw an older crowd.
• Exarchia: Alternative, political, and rougher around the edges. Good for inexpensive bars, rock music, and a younger crowd.
• Koukaki: Relaxed wine bars, cafes, and small neighborhood bars. Better for drinks and conversation than a big night out.
• Monastiraki: Best for rooftop drinks with Acropolis views. A for Athens and 360 Degrees are two of the best-known choices.

Athens is packed with fun little bars like this one in Psiri.

What should I buy in Athens?

Skip the generic souvenirs. These are the things I’d look for.

• Leather Sandals: Melissinos: The Poet Sandal Maker is a famous Athens shop. There are many other leather shops around Monastiraki and Plaka.
• Greek Jewelry: For high-end jewelry, look around Voukourestiou Street near Syntagma. Ilias Lalaounis and Zolotas are two of the best-known Greek names. Plaka and Monastiraki have plenty of smaller independent jewelers.
• Olive Wood & Ceramics: Bowls, cutting boards, utensils, tavli boards, and Greek ceramics make good gifts. I bought a tavli board in Plaka and it has held up well. Check that locally made pieces actually say “Made in Greece.”
• Greek Cosmetics: Korres and Apivita products are widely available in pharmacies and are often cheaper than you’ll find them outside Greece.
• Food: Greek honey, mastiha from Chios, Krokos Kozanis saffron, dried oregano, and Greek mountain tea all travel well.

Are there good hotels with Acropolis views?

Yes. Many of the best hotels with Acropolis views are in Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Koukaki.

For a special stay, I’d choose an Acropolis-view room at The Dolli or Grande Bretagne. Electra Metropolis and Herodion are usually better value and have excellent rooftop views even if your room doesn’t face the Acropolis.

The view of the Acropolis from the rooftop pool at The Dolli.

What are the best Greek Islands near Athens?

For an easy island trip from Athens, look first at Hydra, Aegina, Agistri, Poros, and Spetses. Ferries leave from Piraeus. Kea and Kythnos are convenient from Lavrio but make more sense as overnight trips than quick excursions from central Athens.

Omilos Restaurant, one of our favorites, on the island of Hydra.

• Hydra: My favorite island near Athens. Beautiful stone architecture, no private cars, good restaurants, and wonderful walking. Fast ferries from Piraeus take roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. It works as a day trip, but I prefer staying overnight when the day-trippers have left.
• Aegina: The easiest island for a quick day trip. It’s close to Athens, has frequent ferries, and combines a busy port town with the Temple of Aphaia, beaches, pistachio farms, and the seaside village of Perdika.
• Agistri: Small, green, and best for swimming. There isn’t much sightseeing, which is part of the appeal. Good beaches include Dragonera and rocky Chalikiada.
• Poros: Green and compact, with an attractive harbor town facing the Peloponnese across a narrow channel. Easy to explore on foot.
• Spetses: Handsome old mansions, good restaurants, beaches, and very limited car traffic. It’s farther from Athens, so I prefer it for an overnight stay rather than a day trip.

Kea and Kythnos are the closest Cycladic islands to Athens and are reached from Lavrio. Kea is especially good for hiking and weekend trips. Kythnos has traditional villages, thermal springs, and the unusual double-sided Kolona Beach.

My picks: Hydra for the best overall trip, Aegina for the easiest day trip, and Agistri if swimming is the priority.

Athens is generally safe and busy at night. Plaka is one of my favorite areas for first-time visitors.

Is Athens safe?

Yes. Athens is rough around the edges in places but is generally very safe for visitors. The main problem is pickpocketing, especially on crowded Metro trains, the airport Metro line, around Monastiraki, and in other busy tourist areas.

Plaka, Syntagma, Monastiraki, Koukaki, and the main sightseeing areas are busy well into the evening. I’d be more cautious walking alone very late around Omonia and on quiet streets well outside the tourist center. The same basic precautions I’d use in any large European city are enough for most visitors.

Is Athens a walkable city for tourists?

Yes. Walking is my favorite way to get around central Athens. Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, and Thissio are all close enough to combine on foot.

The pedestrian route along Dionysiou Areopagitou and Apostolou Pavlou, running around the Acropolis toward Thissio, is one of the best walks in Athens.

Two things to keep in mind: Athens is hilly, especially around Plaka and the Acropolis, and marble paving can be slippery. In July and August, avoid long walks in the middle of the afternoon when possible.

The metro from Monastiraki to Piraeus. The best way to get to the ferry port from downtown.

What are the best transportation options for getting around Athens?

For most visitors, the combination of walking, Metro, and taxis is all you’ll need.

Metro

• Line 1 (Green): Connects Monastiraki with Piraeus.
• Line 2 (Red): Stops at Syntagma and Acropoli.
• Line 3 (Blue): Connects Athens Airport with Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Piraeus.
• Late-night service: Lines 2 and 3 operate 24 hours on Saturdays. The airport section of Line 3 does not run through the night.

Fares and Contactless Payment
You can tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard, phone, or smartwatch directly at Metro gates and validators on buses, trolleybuses, and trams.

• 90-minute fare: €1.20.
• Daily contactless cap: €4.10 for regular urban transport.
• Airport Express bus: €5.50.
• Airport Metro: €9.

Paper tickets are still available if you prefer them.

Airport Transport

• Metro: €9 one-way. Allow about 40 minutes to Syntagma.
• X95 Airport Express Bus: €5.50 to Syntagma and runs 24 hours. Journey time depends heavily on traffic.

Taxis & Uber
Uber works in Athens using licensed taxis. FreeNow is another useful taxi app. Lyft does not operate in Greece.

The official airport taxi fare between Athens Airport and the central Athens inner ring is €40 from 5:00 AM to midnight and €55 from midnight to 5:00 AM. The fixed fare includes the applicable surcharges.

My recommendation: Walk around the historic center and use the Metro for longer trips. For airport transfers with several people or lots of luggage, a taxi or pre-booked transfer such as Welcome Pickups is easier.

The Piraeus ferry port has ferries to most of the popular Greek islands, including Hydra.

Which Athens Port should I use?

• Piraeus: The main port and the best choice for most travelers. Ferries leave for Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Crete, the Saronic Islands, and many other destinations. Metro Lines 1 and 3 connect central Athens with Piraeus.
• Rafina: Much closer to Athens Airport than Piraeus and useful for Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos. Depending on the season, there are also ferries to other Cycladic islands. It’s a good option if you’re flying into Athens and heading directly to an island.
• Lavrio: Southeast of Athens near Cape Sounion. Most useful for Kea and Kythnos, along with several less-visited islands. Few first-time visitors need Lavrio.

There are direct ferries from Athens to Santorini, Athens to Mykonos, Athens to Crete, Athens to Naxos, Athens to Paros, and Athens to Milos. For other routes and current schedules, check Ferryhopper.com.

Is Athens Expensive?

Athens is cheaper than London or Paris but considerably more expensive than it was a few years ago, particularly for central hotels and major archaeological sites.

• Hotels: A decent mid-range hotel in Plaka or Monastiraki is often €120 to €200+ per night. Luxury hotels with Acropolis views can run from €350 to well over €1,000 in high season.
• Food: A pita gyro or souvlaki is roughly €3.50 to €5. A casual taverna dinner is about €20 to €35 per person before getting into more expensive wine or seafood.
• Acropolis: €30 standard admission.
• Acropolis Museum: €20 standard admission.
• National Archaeological Museum: €20 standard admission.
• Transport: Regular public transport costs €1.20 for 90 minutes. Short taxi rides around the center are reasonably inexpensive.

For inexpensive meals, Athens bakeries are excellent. A spinach pie, cheese pie, or other savory pastry makes an easy breakfast or quick lunch for just a few euros.

Taking a tour is a great way to maximize your time in Athens. The Athens Gourmet Food Tour is an excellent introduction to the city.

What Currency is Used? Do I Need Cash?

Greece uses the Euro (€). Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in Athens, including restaurants, shops, taxis, and public transport. American Express is less widely accepted.

I still carry some cash for tips and small purchases. For withdrawals, use ATMs attached to major Greek banks when possible and avoid standalone tourist ATMs with high fees.

Important: If an ATM or card terminal asks whether you want to be charged in euros or your home currency, choose euros. Choosing your home currency lets the ATM or payment provider set the conversion rate, which is usually worse than letting your card issuer handle it.

What Electrical Adapter Do I Need?

Greece uses 230V electricity with Type C and F plugs, the standard two-round-pin plugs used across much of continental Europe.

Travelers from the US and Canada need a plug adapter. Most phones, laptops, tablets, and camera chargers accept 100-240V and therefore do not need a voltage converter. Check the charger before plugging it in.

US hair dryers and other high-wattage appliances are different. Unless the appliance is specifically marked for 220-240V or dual-voltage use, leave it at home.

Travelers from the UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand need a plug adapter but normally don’t need a voltage converter.

Most of the best restaurants in Athens, like Pame Tsipouro Pame Kafeneio in Monastiraki, accept credit cards.

What are the best beaches near Athens?

The Athens Riviera runs south from the city toward Cape Sounion. The farther south you go, the better the swimming generally gets.

For beaches around Voula and Vouliagmeni, public transport works, but a taxi or rental car is much easier if you want to continue farther down the coast.

• Alimos: One of the closest organized beaches to central Athens. Easy to reach but busier and more urban than beaches farther south.
• Voula: Sandy, shallow, and convenient for families.
• Akti Vouliagmenis: My favorite easy beach from Athens. Large, clean, organized, and good for families.
• Astir Beach: The luxury option in Vouliagmeni, beside the Four Seasons Astir Palace. Expensive and worth booking ahead in summer.
• Lake Vouliagmeni: Not a sea beach, but a natural thermal lake that’s open year-round.
• Limanakia: Rocky swimming coves between Vouliagmeni and Varkiza. No sand and limited facilities, but excellent water.
• Varkiza: Large sandy beaches and plenty of facilities. Good for families.
• KAPE Beach: A small pebbly cove farther down the coast toward Sounion. Beautiful water, but you’ll need a car and there are steep steps down to the beach.
• Sounion: Several beaches near the Temple of Poseidon make it easy to combine swimming with a visit to the archaeological site.

My pick: Akti Vouliagmenis is the easiest all-around choice. For a full day with a rental car, continue south along the coast and finish at the Temple of Poseidon for sunset.

The Four Seasons Astir Palace on the Athens Riviera, about 30 minutes from the sights of central Athens.

A Brief History of Athens

Athens has been inhabited for thousands of years, and much of its history is still visible as you walk around the city.

Ancient Athens
Athens reached its greatest power in the 5th century BC. Under Pericles, the Acropolis was rebuilt and the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike were constructed. The Acropolis and Ancient Agora are the best places to see this period today. Ancient temples and sculptures were originally painted, so the buildings would have looked very different from the bare marble we see now.

Roman and Byzantine Athens
Athens remained an important cultural center under Roman rule. Hadrian sponsored major building projects, and the Roman Agora, Tower of the Winds, Hadrian’s Library, and Temple of Olympian Zeus are among the major surviving monuments.

During the Byzantine period, churches were built throughout the city and some ancient temples were converted to Christian use. The Parthenon itself became a church. Several small Byzantine churches survive around Plaka and Monastiraki.

Ottoman Athens
Athens was under Ottoman rule for nearly four centuries. The Tzisdarakis Mosque in Monastiraki Square is one of the most visible surviving buildings from this period. The Parthenon was used as a mosque and was badly damaged in 1687 when a Venetian bombardment ignited gunpowder stored inside it.

Modern Athens
Athens became the capital of independent Greece in 1834, when it was still a small town. The new capital expanded rapidly around today’s Syntagma, Plaka, and Monastiraki. Neoclassical buildings from the 19th century still survive throughout the center.

Tiny Anafiotika, directly below the Acropolis, was built by craftsmen from the Cycladic island of Anafi who came to Athens during this period. Its narrow lanes and whitewashed houses still look distinctly Cycladic.

20th-Century Athens
Athens was occupied by Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1944 and suffered severe hunger and repression. In May 1941, Manolis Glezos and Apostolos Santas climbed the Acropolis and removed the Nazi flag, becoming important symbols of Greek resistance.

After World War II and the Greek Civil War, Athens grew enormously as people moved from rural Greece to the capital. Much of the city’s housing was built through a system called antiparochi: landowners gave developers the right to replace older houses with multi-story apartment buildings and received apartments in the new building in return.

The result was the dense Athens you see today, with polykatoikies lining block after block. A lot of handsome neoclassical architecture was lost, and nobody would call every concrete apartment building beautiful. But Athens also built a huge amount of housing quickly. That density helped keep more people close to the center, supported shops, cafes, and restaurants at street level, and made many neighborhoods more walkable and less expensive than they would have been if housing construction had been tightly restricted.

Modern Athens isn’t conventionally beautiful everywhere, but that’s part of what makes it interesting. Ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, neoclassical houses, apartment blocks, markets, cafes, and busy residential neighborhoods all sit on top of one another. You see the city’s history simply by walking through it.