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The Best Tourist Maps of Athens

Greece › Athens › Tourist Maps
By Santorini Dave

Athens Maps – My Tips

    Me in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens.

  • 1. Download Offline Google Maps Before You Arrive
    This is the single most important thing you can do before your trip. It’s not just about saving on expensive international data; it’s about having a reliable, stress-free navigation tool in your pocket from the moment you land. An offline map works with your phone’s GPS even when you have no cell service, which is perfect for navigating deep within the Metro or in the narrow alleys of Plaka where the signal can be spotty.

    Here’s the simple process:
    • Search for “Athens” in the Google Maps app.
    • Tap the info panel for “Athens” at the bottom of the screen, then tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top right and select “Download offline map.”
    • Adjust the map frame to include everything you need. I recommend zooming out to include the city center, the airport (ATH), and the Piraeus ferry port.
    • Tap “Download.”

    But don’t just download the map; turn it into your personalized travel guide. Before you leave home, while you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, open the Google Maps app and “star” (save) all your key locations. This should include:
    • Your hotel or Airbnb.
    • All the major sights on your list (the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, museums, etc.).
    • Restaurants and cafes you want to try.
    • The nearest Metro stations to your accommodation.
    • Key transport hubs like Athens Airport and the Piraeus ferry port.

  • 2. Learn the “Big Three” Squares to Orient Yourself
    If you know the location of Athens’ three main squares, you can never get truly lost. Think of them as your primary anchors. Syntagma Square is the political and transport heart, home to the Greek Parliament. Monastiraki Square is the historic, bustling market hub next to Plaka. Omonia Square is a major (though less touristy) intersection to the north that connects the main avenues. Understanding the relationship between these three squares is the key to mastering the city’s layout.
  • 3. Understand the “Historic Triangle” for Walkability
    Most of the ancient sites and neighborhoods you’ll want to see as a first-time visitor lie within a large, walkable area known as the Historic Triangle. The three points of this triangle are Syntagma Square, Monastiraki Square, and the Acropolis. Inside this area, you’ll find Plaka, Psiri, the Ancient and Roman Agoras, Ermou Street, and countless other attractions. If your map shows you’re within this triangle, you’re not lost, you’re in the middle of it all.
  • 4. Master the 3 Key Metro Stations
    The heart of historic Athens (Plaka) is largely pedestrian-only, but it is surrounded by three key Metro stations. If you know these, you can get anywhere. Syntagma (Lines 2 & 3), Monastiraki (Lines 1 & 3), and Akropoli (Line 2) form a triangle around Plaka and the Acropolis. Syntagma and Monastiraki both have direct, easy lines to the Athens Airport, and Monastiraki has a direct line to the Piraeus ferry port.

Athens Neighborhoods

Map of Neighborhoods in Athens, Greece.

My Favorite Hotels in Athens

The best and affordable Hotels in Athens, Greece.
Best Hotels:
1. Ivis 4 • 2. iFeel • 3. Gem Society • 4. Academias • 5. Shila • 6. Monsieur Didot • 7. St George Lycabettus • 8. Coco-Mat • 9. Gatsby • 10. xenodocheio Milos • 11. King George • 12. Grande Bretagne • 13. The Dolli • 14. Ergon House • 15. Electra Metropolis • 16. A77 • 17. Electra Palace • 18. New Hotel • 19. Ava • 20. AthensWas

Affordable Hotels:
21. Acropolis Vision • 22. Athens Center Square • 23. A for Athens • 24. Belle Epoque • 25. Phaedra

Athens Attractions

Map of the best things to do in Central Athens, Greece.

Places to Know in Athens

Map showing the most important areas to know in central Athens.

The Best Greek Islands near Athens

Map of Greek Islands.

Where to Stay in Athens

Map of Athens favorite hotels, sites, and neighborhoods in Greece.
1. A for Athens • 2. Gatsby • 3. Grande Bretagne • 4. Electra Palace • 5. Phaedra • 6. Ava • 7. AthensWas • 8. Sofitel (Airport) • 9. Port Square (Ferry Port) • 10. Four Seasons (Athens Riviera)

Athens Transportation Maps

Direct Flights to Athens

Map of direct flights to Athens, Greece

Athens Airport Map

Map of how to get from Athens airport to Piraeus ferry port.
Hotel at Athens Airport: Sofitel Athens Airport

Athens, Ferry Ports, and Airport Location

Map of the Athens, Greece region, with locations of and distances between Piraeus port, Rafina port, and the Athens airport indicated.

Piraeus Ferry Port

Map of Piraeus Port showing port gates, port shuttle bus route, passenger terminals, taxi stands, bus and train stops, and parking in Athens Greece.

Airport-Ferry Port Transportation

Map of Piraeus Port and how to get there from the airport and central Athens showing train and bus routes.

Where is Athens, Greece?

Map showing the location of Athens within Greece

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave in Athens, Greece Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my site publishes regularly updated guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.