Greece › Athens › Athens Tours
Updated: August 6, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
Questions? dave@santorinidave.com
See Also
• Where to Stay in Athens
• Best Hotels in Athens
• Best Family Hotels in Athens
• Best Museums in Athens
• Best Archaeological Sites in Athens
• Best Athens Food Tours
• Best Acropolis Tours
At the Acropolis Museum in Athens, with the Parthenon just visible behind me.
The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum are the two essential sights in Athens. For a first visit, I would also explore Plaka and Monastiraki, walk through the Ancient Agora, see the Changing of the Guard, and take either a food tour or a guided Acropolis tour. With three or more days, add the National Archaeological Museum, Mount Lycabettus, the Panathenaic Stadium, and a sunset trip to Cape Sounion.
Best Athens Tours: Quick Guide
- Best tour for experiencing modern Athens: Ultimate Greek Food Tour of Athens
- Best first-time sightseeing tour: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
- Best private tour: Private Athens, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Tour
- Best alternative tour: Athens Original Street Art Tour
- Best tour with kids: Traditional Greek Cooking Lesson
- Best half-day trip: Cape Sounion Sunset Tour
The Best Tours in Athens
- Ultimate Greek Food Tour of Athens
The single best tour for exploring the urban core of modern Athens. This is a fun walking tour through central markets, specialty food shops, traditional restaurants, and neighborhoods that many visitors would otherwise rush past. There is a stop at the wonderfully chaotic Central Market, with its fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, and spice stalls. You get a good overview of the city’s culture and a bit of history while eating some excellent food with a friendly guide. There is a 10am morning tour and a private-tour option. I know I sound like a broken record on this, but food tours are an awesome way to explore Athens.The entrance to the marvelous Acropolis Museum.
- Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
A small-group tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon, with options that also include the nearby Acropolis Museum. Tours run approximately two to four hours depending on the option selected. It is the best choice for first-time visitors who want to understand what they are seeing rather than simply walk through the ruins. Check the booking page carefully to confirm whether admission tickets are included in the option you select. Even with advance tickets, all visitors must pass through the entrance and security checks.- Private Athens, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Tour
A 5½-hour private walking tour covering Syntagma Square, the Changing of the Guard, National Garden, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, Acropolis, Parthenon, and Acropolis Museum. This is the best choice for families or small groups who want a private guide and a more complete introduction to central Athens. Entrance tickets must be purchased separately through the tour operator after booking.- Athens Original Street Art Tour
Awesome tour of the graffiti and street art of central Athens. Many tours describe themselves as “off the beaten path” but visit the same expected sights. This one really does explore a side of Athens tourists rarely see or think about. Very cool and especially good for families with teens.- Traditional Greek Cooking Lesson
A great introduction to Greek food and how to make it. Recipes are sent to participants afterward, so you can prepare the dishes at home. Very family-friendly. There is also an excellent Night Food & Wine Tasting Tour for adults who prefer an evening experience.- Athens City Electric Bike Tour
A fun and easy-going electric-bike tour through central Athens, passing many of the city’s major landmarks, neighborhoods, and green spaces. Several options are offered, including a longer version with a guided Acropolis visit. Best for travelers who are comfortable riding through a busy city.- Cape Sounion Small-Group Sunset Tour
The best half-day escape from central Athens. The drive follows the Athens Riviera to the Temple of Poseidon, which stands dramatically above the sea at the southern end of Attica. The sunset is beautiful, though I would only use half a day on Sounion if you have at least three days in Athens.
The Best Things To Do in Athens
1. The Acropolis and Parthenon
The Acropolis is the one essential sight in Athens and still my favorite thing to do in the city. The main attraction is the Parthenon, but the Erechtheion and its Caryatids, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaia, the Theater of Dionysus, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus are all part of the visit. Allow at least 90 minutes, wear shoes with good grip, and expect exposed slopes, uneven marble, limited shade, and plenty of uphill walking.How to Visit the Acropolis:
- Buy Tickets in Advance: Acropolis admission uses timed entry. Choose a time when booking and arrive about 30 minutes early for the entrance and security lines. Advance booking is strongly recommended from spring through fall, especially for the first morning slots.
- Best Time: Book the 8am entry in summer and arrive before the site opens. Early morning has cooler temperatures and is the best chance to stay ahead of the large groups. Late afternoon is the next-best choice, but check the seasonal closing time before booking.
- Best Entrance: The southeast entrance near the Acropolis Museum is convenient and takes you past the Theater of Dionysus. The main western entrance is more direct but can be busier.
- Summer Heat: During severe heat, authorities can close the Acropolis during the hottest part of the day, sometimes with little notice. An early-morning visit is the safest choice in July and August.
- Guided Tours: Signage at the site is limited, so a good guide makes the visit much more rewarding. Some tours include admission and others require you to buy a separate timed-entry ticket. Check the inclusions before booking.
Tickets & Tours for the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
- Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
- Acropolis Timed-Entry Ticket
- Acropolis Museum Ticket with Optional Audio Guide
2. Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is the essential companion to the Acropolis itself. If you have only one day in Athens, the two non-negotiable stops are the Acropolis site and this museum. Glass floors reveal excavated ruins below the building, while the galleries display sculptures and artifacts found on and around the Acropolis. The highlight is the top-floor Parthenon Gallery, which is aligned with the Parthenon and displays the surviving sections of its sculpted frieze.Tips for Visiting:
- Best Order: Visit the Acropolis site early in the morning, then come to the museum around 11:30am or noon. You will understand the exhibits better after seeing the monuments, and the museum is an excellent air-conditioned escape during the hottest part of the day.
- Tickets: Museum admission is separate from the Acropolis ticket. General admission is €20. Tickets are sold online and at the museum.
- Friday Evenings: The museum stays open until 10pm on Fridays. This is a wonderful time to visit, with fewer large groups and nighttime views of the illuminated Parthenon from the upper floor.
- The Restaurant: The second-floor restaurant has an outdoor terrace with an excellent Acropolis view. It is a good place for lunch, coffee, or a break between sights.
3. Plaka, Anafiotika, and Monastiraki
These adjacent neighborhoods at the base of the Acropolis are the best area for wandering, eating, shopping, and combining several major sights on foot. Plaka has the prettiest lanes and neoclassical buildings, while Monastiraki is busier, grittier, and better for markets, street life, and transportation. Both are among my favorite areas to stay in Athens and are home to many excellent restaurants and hotels.Hidden on the northern slope of the Acropolis, Anafiotika is a tiny cluster of whitewashed houses and narrow lanes that looks more like a Cycladic island village than central Athens. It is easy to miss and well worth finding, but walk quietly and respectfully because these are residential homes.
4. Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora lies between Monastiraki and the base of the Acropolis and was the political, commercial, and social heart of ancient Athens. It is easy to make out the ancient streets and gathering places that were once the haunt of Socrates and Plato. The sprawling site includes the beautifully preserved Temple of Hephaestus, the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos and its small museum, and the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles.Allow at least an hour. There is more shade and space than at the Acropolis, and the site rarely feels quite as congested. The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples anywhere and is worth the admission on its own.
5. National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is, in my opinion, the single most important museum in Greece. While the Acropolis Museum focuses on one hill, this museum covers the wider history of ancient Greek civilization. If you have two or more days in Athens, make the effort to visit.Must-See Exhibits:
- The Jockey of Artemision: A life-size bronze statue of a young boy riding a galloping horse.
- The Mask of Agamemnon: The iconic gold funeral mask excavated at Mycenae.
- The Antikythera Mechanism: An extraordinarily complex ancient device used to calculate astronomical positions and cycles.
- The Artemision Bronze: A magnificent 2-meter bronze statue of Zeus or Poseidon preparing to throw a thunderbolt or trident.
- The Santorini Frescoes: Beautifully preserved wall paintings from the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri.
Tickets, Hours, and Location:
- Admission: General admission is €20.
- Summer Hours: From May 4 through November 15, 2026, the museum is open from 8am to 8pm Wednesday through Monday and from 1pm to 8pm Tuesday. Last admission is at 7:30pm.
- By Taxi: A taxi from Syntagma or Plaka takes about 10 minutes without heavy traffic and is the easiest way to reach the museum.
- By Metro: Take Metro Line 1 to Victoria Station, then walk about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Walking: It is roughly a 30 to 35-minute walk from Syntagma. I would not walk it during the hottest part of a summer day.
Visit the charming and chaotic Central Market on the Ultimate Greek Food Tour of Athens.
6. Athens Central Market and a Food Tour
The Athens Central Market is a wonderful and lively slice of modern Athens. Meat, fish, olives, feta, spices, olive oil, fruit, vegetables, and specialty products fill the main halls and surrounding streets. The market is most active in the morning, and the meat and fish sections are intense, noisy, and fascinating. Small children or sensitive visitors might prefer the produce and spice shops in the surrounding streets.The excellent Ultimate Greek Food Tour of Athens stops here and explains the market’s origins and history while also visiting restaurants and specialty shops. The market is about 500 meters north of Monastiraki Square.
7. Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square
Every hour on the hour, the Changing of the Guard takes place in front of the Hellenic Parliament at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guards, known as Evzones, remain perfectly still until the ceremony begins, then complete a slow and carefully synchronized series of movements.The hourly ceremony normally involves two guards wearing the simpler service uniform. The larger ceremonial changing takes place at 11am on Sunday, with more Evzones, traditional dress, and a military band. It is free to watch. Arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes early on Sunday for a good view.
See the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on the excellent Private Athens, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Tour.
8. Panathenaic Stadium
Also known as Kallimarmaro, this 50,000-seat stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and was built on the site of the ancient stadium used for the Panathenaic Games. It is the only stadium in the world constructed entirely of marble.Climb to the upper rows for impressive views toward Mount Lycabettus and the Acropolis, then walk through the tunnel to the small Olympic exhibition. The stadium is near the National Garden and Temple of Olympian Zeus, about a 15-minute walk from Syntagma Square.
9. Mount Lycabettus
Mount Lycabettus is the highest point in central Athens, with panoramic views across the city to the Acropolis, Piraeus, and the Saronic Gulf. Walk up if temperatures are comfortable or take the funicular from Kolonaki. The funicular travels through a tunnel, so there are no views during the ride itself.At the summit are the small whitewashed Chapel of Saint George, a cafe, and a restaurant. Sunset is the most popular time, but the viewing area becomes crowded. Arrive early or visit in the morning for clearer views and fewer people.
10. The National Garden
A short walk from Syntagma Square and Parliament, the National Garden provides a relaxing break from the traffic and heat of central Athens. Take a picnic, let the kids run around, look for ducks and turtles, or simply rest in the shade. There is a good children’s playground in the garden’s southeast section, along with scattered ruins, columns, mosaics, and a small botanical museum. Entrance is free.11. Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch
The Temple of Olympian Zeus dates back to the 6th century BC and once had more than 100 enormous columns. Only 15 remain standing, but their scale is still impressive. The wider Olympieion archaeological site also includes the remains of Roman baths, ancient residences, a basilica, and part of the old city wall.Hadrian’s Arch stands directly outside the site and is free to see. Both are about a 5-minute walk from the Acropolis Museum. The temple is worth entering if you enjoy archaeological sites, but travelers with limited time can get a good view from outside the fence.
12. Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
The Benaki Museum presents Greek history and culture from antiquity through the Byzantine period, Ottoman rule, Greek independence, and the modern era. The well-curated collection is housed in the beautiful neoclassical mansion of Antonis Benaki, who donated thousands of objects from his own collection.Along with paintings and sculpture, the museum has excellent displays of historic textiles, jewelry, costumes, religious art, and household objects. It is in central Athens near Syntagma Square, directly across from the National Garden. Closed Tuesdays.
13. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is the best place to see the modern side of Athens. The striking Renzo Piano-designed complex is home to the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece, surrounded by landscaped gardens, walking paths, playgrounds, fountains, and broad views toward the sea.
The grounds are free to enter and regularly host concerts, outdoor films, exhibitions, and family activities. It is south of the historic center, so allow about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi depending on traffic. I would prioritize the ancient sites on a short first visit, but this is an excellent addition with three or more days, especially for families or architecture lovers.
14. Outdoor Cinema
Watching a film outdoors is one of the best summer experiences in Athens. Cine Paris is a rooftop cinema in Plaka with views toward the illuminated Acropolis. Films are commonly shown in their original language with Greek subtitles, and beer, wine, and snacks are available. Popular screenings sell out, so check the current schedule and ticketing arrangements in advance. Outdoor cinemas operate mainly from late spring through early fall and can close for bad weather.More excellent outdoor cinemas in central Athens:
- Cine Thisio – A classic outdoor cinema with beautiful Parthenon views on the western side of the Acropolis.
- Cine Aegli – A historic cinema in the Zappeion and National Garden area with good food and drinks.
- Cine Dexameni – A neighborhood favorite in Kolonaki at the foot of Lycabettus Hill.
15. Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora
Hadrian’s Library was built by the Roman emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. The complex contained books, reading rooms, lecture halls, gardens, and spaces for study and reflection. Its monumental western facade stands directly beside Monastiraki Square, making this one of the easiest archaeological sites to add to a walk through the center.The nearby Roman Agora was built during the reigns of Julius Caesar and Caesar Augustus. Its most famous monument is the octagonal Tower of the Winds, an ancient combination of weather vane, water clock, and sundial. The Ancient Agora is the more important and rewarding site, but these two are convenient additions when exploring Plaka and Monastiraki.
16. Athens Churches
Athens has many beautiful churches that are easy to visit while walking through the historic center. Highlights include the Byzantine-era Panagia Kapnikarea in the middle of busy Ermou Street, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and its much smaller neighbor, the Little Metropolis.These are active places of worship rather than conventional tourist attractions. Enter quietly, avoid interrupting services, and dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered inside Greek Orthodox churches and monasteries.
17. Monastiraki Flea Market
From Monday through Saturday, the “Flea Market” beside Monastiraki Square is mostly a collection of pedestrian lanes lined with souvenir, clothing, and sandal shops. Sunday is the real flea-market day, when sellers arrive with books, vintage clothing, furniture, records, textiles, household goods, collectibles, and all manner of strange finds.It is crowded, cramped, fun, and free. Arrive before 11am on Sunday to avoid the worst congestion. The most interesting stalls cluster around Avissinias Square and the surrounding lanes.
18. Benizelos Mansion
Located in Plaka, Benizelos Mansion is the oldest surviving house in Athens, dating from the 16th or 17th century. The restored residence offers a fascinating look at domestic life among wealthy Athenians during the Ottoman period.The house is also associated with Saint Philothei, an Athenian noblewoman remembered for her charity and efforts to protect vulnerable women. Opening hours are limited, so check before making a special trip. Admission is by donation.
19. National Historical Museum
The National Historical Museum occupies the Old Parliament building one block northwest of Syntagma Square. Its collection focuses heavily on the Greek War of Independence and the formation of the modern Greek state, with weapons, paintings, manuscripts, traditional clothing, jewelry, and personal objects associated with major historical figures.This is not an essential stop for most first-time visitors, but it is worthwhile for travelers interested in modern Greek history rather than another collection of ancient artifacts. Closed Mondays.
Best Day Trips from Athens
20. Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
The Temple of Poseidon stands on a dramatic headland at Cape Sounion, roughly an 80-minute drive southeast of central Athens without heavy traffic. The archaeological site is interesting, but the real appeal is its setting high above the Aegean Sea.It is only worth using half a day on Sounion if you have three days or more in Athens. With less time, stay in the historic center. The excellent Cape Sounion Small-Group Sunset Tour includes transportation from central Athens.
21. Delphi
Delphi is the best day trip from Athens for ancient history and mountain scenery. The Sanctuary of Apollo was one of the most important religious centers in the ancient Greek world, and the ruins sit spectacularly on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.
A guided day tour is the simplest option if you do not have a rental car. Expect a long day, with about 2½ hours of driving in each direction. Delphi is more important historically than Cape Sounion, but Sounion is easier and works better as a relaxed half-day outing.
22. Nafplio
Nafplio is one of Greece’s prettiest towns and a rewarding day trip for travelers who want something beyond archaeological sites. The old town has neoclassical lanes, waterfront cafes, excellent restaurants, and the impressive Palamidi Fortress above town.
The drive takes roughly two hours each way, so Nafplio is better as an overnight stay, but it can be done as a long day trip. A combined tour with Ancient Corinth or Epidaurus makes better use of the journey.
Best Things To Do in Athens by Trip Length
One Day in Athens
- Visit the Acropolis at 8am.
- Tour the Acropolis Museum before or after lunch.
- Walk through Plaka and Anafiotika.
- Explore the Ancient Agora and Monastiraki.
Two Days in Athens
- Do everything listed above.
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum.
- Take a food tour or explore the Central Market.
- See the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma.
- Visit Mount Lycabettus for sunset.
Three or More Days in Athens
- Add the Panathenaic Stadium, National Garden, and Benaki Museum.
- Visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center or explore a neighborhood such as Pangrati.
- Take a sunset trip to Cape Sounion or a full-day trip to Delphi.
Best Things To Do in Athens with Kids
- Acropolis Museum: Easier and more engaging for children than most archaeological museums, with glass floors, large sculptures, family activities, and air conditioning.
- National Garden: Free, shady, central, and ideal for a break between historical sights.
- Panathenaic Stadium: Children can climb the marble seating, walk through the athletes’ tunnel, and stand on an Olympic podium.
- Food Tour or Cooking Class: A good way to experience Greek culture without spending another two hours looking at ruins.
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Gardens, playgrounds, open space, fountains, and regular family activities.
- Street Art Tour: One of the best Athens tours for teenagers.
Where To Eat & Drink Near the Main Sights
Highly recommended: The Ultimate Greek Food Tour of Athens is a great introduction to the city’s food and culture, with markets, restaurants, specialty shops, and local neighborhoods.
Best Gyros and Souvlaki in Athens
Athens is loaded with great restaurants, but for good cheap food, nothing beats an authentic gyro or souvlaki from a busy local shop. There is a strip of popular places beside Monastiraki Square, opposite the metro station. My favorites in central Athens include Kostas and O Thanasis. With more time, Kavouras in Exarcheia and O Elvis in Kerameikos are worth seeking out.Favorite Traditional Restaurant in Plaka
My favorite traditional taverna in Plaka is Psarras Taverna. Also known as the Old Tavern of Psarras, it has been open since 1898 and combines a beautiful setting with reliable traditional Greek food. It is romantic without feeling formal, with good house wine and live music on some weekend evenings. Reservations are recommended for dinner. (+30 21 0321 8734)Favorite Cocktail Bar in Central Athens
Warm and lively Baba Au Rum is my favorite place for a drink in the tourist center. It is internationally known for its rum selection and excellent cocktails. The bar is regularly crowded, but the staff remain friendly and helpful even when it is busy.Best Rooftop Bar for an Acropolis View
360° Cocktail Bar, above 360 Degrees Hotel in Monastiraki, has excellent rooftop views directly toward the Acropolis. Go around sunset, but reserve in advance if you want a well-positioned table. (+30 21 0321 0006)Favorite Gelato in Central Athens
Coco’s is my favorite gelato stop while wandering through Plaka. Le Greche near Syntagma is also excellent.
I know I’ve recommended a lot. If you are still undecided, remember that the Parthenon and Acropolis are the essential attractions for first-time visitors. An Acropolis Private Guided Tour is an awesome way to explore the site and understand what you are seeing.
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 
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the great content! My wife and I are planning a trip to Greece this June and your material has been a great help.
Quick question: I have read that previously there was an official combo ticket for attractions in Athens, but that it has been discontinued. However, I have still found some versions of combo tickets in non-official websites. Do you have any information about this topic?
The official Combination Ticket (which included the Acropolis and several other top historic sites) is no longer available. Some 3rd-party sites do offer a “combination” of several tickets but this will vary and depend on the individual “combo” ticket.
Dave
Love your site
If I am interested in the private Acropolis tour with skip the line, are entry tickets included?
If not how do we get those?
Thanks
Yes, they are usually included in a private tour. And even when they’re not tours have access to a faster ticket line when queueing for tickets.
Dear Dave
I have read so much about Delphi and Meteora and would like to join a tour so it is easy for us. Which is the best tour you would recommend and should I just do Meteora or both and should I do day or overnight trips? I looked and saw many tours are either large group or private tours only. Are there any that has a small group-small bus kind?
If I could only do one it would be the Meteora. Absolutely stunning! For both Delphi and the Meteora it’s much better to do an overnight trip and get to the sights early in the morning before the tour buses arrive. (And late afternoon after they’ve departed.) The Meteora tour I listed above is a private tour and very well done. Private tours are just about always worth the extra cost if it’s within your budget.
Hi Dave,
Your blog is very helpful. Thank you. I have a question. I have a spare day in Athens (after covering the Parthenon, Plaka, and area) and I really want to visit Meteora. I know it seems like overkill for one day. The other two options are the tour to Delphi or the 3 islands tour (Hydra, Poros, Aegina). Let me know what you would think about the one day trip to Meteora. Thanks again!
The Meteora is awesome. If you have the interest then definitely bite the bullet and make it happen. Yes, it’s a long day but unforgettable.
Hello Dave,
I will be in Athen from Frankfurt in end of June, my flight landing in Athens @ 9:40PM. Do you think I will have enough time to catch a metro going to Monastiraki? Not sure how long the custom, and how far walking to buy a ticket and find metro. I believe the last metro train from the airport is at 11:30PM. Any tip and information is appreciated.
Yes, you should have plenty of time. It’s a short walk from the arrival terminal to the metro station (2 minutes). Just follow the signs and buy ticket from the electronic kiosk. Then down the stairs to the train. If your plane is late and you do miss the last train then buses run 24 hours a day.
Hi Dave, love your site! Interested in your recommendation to hire a tour guide at the gates of the Acropolis. Do you negotiate a price for the tour or is it a set price?
Generally, the price is set but there is a little room for negotiation (sometimes).
Love your website! My brother used it to plan his honeymoon, now I’m planning a girls’ trip for October.
Our initial itinerary:
Day 1: Leave US
Day 2: Arrive in Athens
Day 3: Athens
Day 4: Ferry to Milos
Day 5: Milos
Day 6: Milos
Day 7: Ferry to Santorini
Day 8: Santorini
Day 9: Santorini
Day 10: Santorini/ Fly back to Athens
Day 11: Fly home
Any concerns with that itinerary? Also, since I haven’t booked flights yet, does it matters if the weekend we’re in Greece is in Athens or Santorini. I don’t love crowds, and hopefully going in early October will help that. But is there any concern that things will be closed or extra busy at either location?
Sarah
Looks like a great itinerary. Milos will be quiet (but still mostly open). Athens and Santorini will be busy, but not crazy busy.
Hi Santorini Dave, this is the best website on Greece by a wide margin. You’re a legend.
Would you recommend doing a tour of the Acropolis or is that something we can do on our own? Is it easy to get around and see?
I would recommend doing it with a small tour. It’s a totally different experience doing it on your own or doing it with a tour guide. It’s certainly easy to walk around the grounds on your own and look at the buildings (the Acropolis does not cover a large area). But unless you’re a Greek history major (with some art history) 90% of the sights and significance will be lost on you. Even with a detailed book it’s hard to match the insight and intimacy of a good tour guide. As I say, they seem like the same experience, but with a guide and on your own – you might as well be visiting a different attraction.
Hi Dave,
I am travelling to Athens, Santorini and Crete this September. I just found out that I am pregnant and I want to make sure I can eat the food (for example: pregnant women can only eat cooked meat and milk products that are pasteurized). Do you know if most cheese over there is made of pasteurized milk? It would be a shame to not be able to eat cheese since it is one of the main ingredients in sallads etc. Do you think “gyros” will be fine ? I think the meat is well cooked (not red), but not sure about hygiene.
Any information you have would be much appreciated. Thanks!
Lynn
All feta in Greece is pasteurized. The soft goat cheese that you might get at a farm-style restaurant is more likely to be unpasteurized.
Hi Dave,
The blog is awesome. Thank you for all the suggestions. We are a group of 6 travelling to athens for 3 days in August. We were planning to take the hop-on hop-off bus with a 24 hour validity. Is it worth it or should be instead pick our locations and go there by Metro?
Thanks in Advance.
Cheers
Vaibhav
Personally, I would not do the hop on hop off bus tours. Most of the top sights in Athens are in the Plaka area and easy to get between on foot (actually the bus will not go near many of them). Most of the hop on/hop off tours do go by the Archaeological Museum which is great and not close to the other sights (but it’s also easy to get to by metro, taxi, or a 30 minute walk). Some tours go by the beaches and Piraeus but I wouldn’t waste time driving out to either in a bus. With only 3 days stick to the central area.
Hi Dave!
My return flight from Santorini stops at Athens for 4 1/2 hours. We get to Athens for 7:30am and my flight leaves at noon. Do you think it’s enough time to go to see the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens?
Thanks,
Julie
It’s possible but there’s some risk too. Assuming you have some luggage you’d have to store that at the airport (arrivals level, turn left out of baggage claim) which will take a few minutes. Let’s say you’re in a taxi by 8pm you could be to the Acropolis by 8:40 if traffic isn’t bad (Saturday and Sunday have lighter traffic). If you hurried you could do a super-quick tour of the sight in 30 minutes. Back in a taxi by 9:30 and back to the airport by 10:15 and you’re ok. But anything goes wrong and you don’t have much buffer room. And also the question of whether you have to check in for your onward flight, check baggage, or can you check in remotely on your phone and only have carry-on. I’m tempted to say, if your flight arrives on time then go for it, but just know you are taking some risk of missing your flight. But heh, the Acropolis – it’s awesome.
Hi Dave,
I land in Athens at 4pm on Thursday, 8/31. I’m meeting friends in Mykonos Saturday 9/2 at 2pm, where I will stay until 9/8.
My questions is, how would you maximize the time in between? My 2 options are either stay in Athens Thursday night, and all day Friday. Or to fly to Santorini on Aegean as soon as I land, and then ferry over to Mykonos on Saturday. Which do you think would be the better option in this case?
Thanks so much for your help. Your site is so incredibly informative.
TL
It depends on two things: First, do you have a preference for Athens or Santorini (I’m guessing not or you wouldn’t be asking). I think most people would prefer spending time in Santorini but Athens has plenty of great historical sights. And second, is there an Athens to Santorini flight you can get on Thursday afternoon. If not then I’d just stick with Athens and catch a morning ferry on the Saturday.
Hi Dave – thanks for putting together all of your knowledge here, it’s been super useful. I am going to have a 5 hour layover at the Athens airport and I was wondering how best to use that time. I will have a few days in Athens later, so I was thinking of taking a taxi to one of the smaller coastal towns for a meal. Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks!
Heather
Glyfada is a trendy (and very Greek) beach town with lots of cafes and restaurants. It’s 30 minutes by taxi from the airport. That’s probably your best bet.
Hi Dave,
My sister and I will be travelling to Santorini, Mykonos and Athens this September. We fly in to Santorini quite late (9:00pm) for four nights (three full days). We have booked our accommodation in Santorini, but nowhere else at this stage. Our plan was to then catch a ferry to Mykonos and stay there for three nights (two full days), followed by a 9:00am flight to Athens for one night. We fly to London at 7:00pm the following night, so this would give us nearly two full days in Athens.
After researching flight options, I’ve realised that we could also catch a flight from Mykonos to Athens at 9:00am on the day we fly back to London. This would allow us to spend an extra night on Santorini or Mykonos and leave us with enough time in Athens (arriving 10:00am, departing 7:00pm) to see the Acropolis and Parthenon. I saw in one of your previous comments that it’s possible to store your luggage at Athens Airport.
My question is whether or not you would recommend spending the additional night on either Santorini or Mykonos? If so, which one – 5 nights (4 days) on Santorini and 3 nights (2 days) on Mykonos, or 4 nights on each? Or do you think it would be better to stick with our original plan and stay overnight in Athens? We’d really just be happy to visit the Acropolis and Parthenon, but I’d be interested to know if you would suggest spending the extra time in Athens to do the 5-hour Athens/Acropolis/Museum tour you’ve recommended above.
Thanks in advance for your help and for providing this extremely helpful guide!
Best wishes,
Nick
I love Athens so having almost two full days there sounds just right (and Athens is great in the evening when the Plaka restaurants are bursting out onto the sidewalk and there’s a great atmosphere). That said, for most tourists, I think they would enjoy the extra day more on the islands than in the city. If you don’t mind a bit of grit and grime (and lots of graffiti) then spend the time in Athens. If you’re fine with a quick trip through the top sights of Athens then spend that extra day in Santorini.
Hey Dave,
My wife and I will be in Athens in mid June, and we were wondering if its possible to tour the Acropolis and museum with an audio guide (we did something similar in Rome and Pompeii in Italy). Or would you definitely recommend having a person guide us?
Thanks!
Marc
Personally, I like a real-person guide so would definitely recommend going that way.
Hi Dave,
I and my partner are planning for a honeymoon in November this year.
Our dates are from November 6 to November 15. Is it a good time to travel in November?
Jinal Shah
Athens is great in early November. Still warmish weather with little rain. Tourist spots are quieter than summer but everything is open year-round. Local culture feels much more vibrant outside of the tourist high season from May to October.
Hi Dave – our family of 4 are travelling to Santorini (from Australia) in July to attend my brothers wedding. Our return flights have been booked such that we will have approx. 6 hours in Athens, as our flight arrives from Santorini at 10.30am Thurs 6/7 and departs Athens at 6pm (to Dubai).
Rather than spending this time hanging out at the airport, is there anything in particular that you suggest that we do? Our 2 daughters are aged 11 and 8, and I was thinking that we hop on a train / bus and travel to downtown Athens for some exploring. However, very happy to be guided by you. Thanks for such a great travel site.
Lydia
The highlight of Athens is the Acropolis and Parthenon. I would hop in a taxi and go straight to the Acropolis (ask the driver to drop you as close as possible). A tour guide of the Acropolis is very much worth getting. You can book these in advance or chance finding one at the entrance gate. Afterwards either head down the north side of the Acropolis to the Plaka to wander the narrow streets and get lunch. Or go down to the south side and go to the excellent Acropolis Museum. You’ll probably want to be in a taxi heading back to the airport by 3:15pm. There’s luggage storage at the Athens Airport – when you exit arrivals/customs turn left and go all the way to the end.
Hi Dave, hoping for your valuable input. My friend and I are planning to visit Greece and Italy on August 31st til September 10th. I have been hearing that not much could be done in Athens, thus was thinking of the following itinerary below (I know you might not be able to comment on Italy, but the Greece part would definitely help me).
Thurs – arrive early morning in Athens and spend the day around Athens
Friday – Take a flight/ferry to Mykonos
Saturday – Mykonos
Sunday – Mykonos to Santorini
Monday – Santorini
Tuesday – take a flight from Santorini to Florence/Rome
Is it even worth it to have both Mykonos and Santorini on our itinerary, or we can just choose one?
Reason why we packed everything together is it’s our first time to visit Greece and may possibly be a long time before we come back.
Jason
That sounds like a fine itinerary. But if you’re really not interested in Athens you could save time by flying Italy to Mykonos, ferry to Santorini, fly Santorini to Italy. Mykonos and Santorini are very different so it’s not unreasonable to include both.
Dave: My family and I will be in Athens for 2 and half days, we land on saturday early evening and depart for Crete Tuesday afternoon. I have looked through your suggestions for Athens and plan to see the acropolis, acropolis museum, archeological museum, and the central market or maybe the Sunday market? Can you hire a guide at the acropolis for an informational tour or do you need to book in advance? If you can book there is that advisable and do you pay the guide’s entrance fee too? Which day would you go? Is the acropolis museum open every day? We will be there in two weeks so it will be mid march. We’d like to do more than wander at the acropolis, and feel a guide would be helpful. What do you suggest, we’d also like to avoid the most crowded days, is there a way to predict when it’s the busiest? Thanks Carla
Yes, there should be tour guides at the main gates of the Acropolis. They’re very good and definitely worth getting. You can arrange in advance if having a guide is a must.
Hi Dave, we are arriving to Athens at 2 am, our hotel is located in the Syntagma square, two blocks away from the bus station, is it safe to take the bus from the airport at 3 am? or should we take a taxi for sure?
Thanks!
Can´t stop reading your blog!
Mariela
The bus itself is certainly safe. You might feel a little anxious as you walk to your hotel from the bus stop. I consider this a safe area but if you take a wrong turn or two you might be thinking, I wish we just took a taxi. So, I’d personally feel fine busing and walking but if you want easy and no-worries then the taxi is the way to go.
Dave,
Do you know anything about the Red Bicycle in Santorini?
Lee K Richman
Great little place in Oia. Nice patio and views. Good food but expensive – as most places with a view are. Make reservations.
Are there any bad areas that I need to be aware of in Athens? My hotel is located in the Syntagma Square and the markets and Acropolis are like 20 minutes walking distance.
Ashley
Syntagma is a safe busy area and walking between it and the Plaka, Acropolis, or Monastiraki areas is generally fine, day or night. The main artery between Syntagma and Monastiraki is Ermou. Anything south of here feels safe. As you move north of Ermou you’ll encounter areas that feel sketchy. It’s not that they’re that dangerous but, especially as night falls, they’re not an area you want to wander about. If you want to go to the Athens central market (which is to the north) then walk Ermou to Athinas and turn right.
Hi Dave,
We are getting ready for our trip to Greece and will be starting in Athens, later Mykonos, Santorini and coming back to Athens for one night and fly home the following morning. We are flying from Santorini to Athens – we decided it’s a better option that taking a ferry back – but it seems the transportation from the airport to the hotel (in Piraeus) that night and morning after would add up to 120 Euros. We are thinking renting a car at the airport that night and returning it the following morning might be a cheaper option. What are you thoughts? Is it safe and easy to drive in Athens? The car rental seems to cost 40 euros and the parking would be 14. What should we be aware if we decided to go with a car rental instead of the private shuttle offered by the hotel.
Thanks in advance!!
PS: Love your blog!!
Natalia Rios
If cost is a concern then take the X96 bus from the airport to Piraeus for about 6€. Metro train requires a change at Monastiraki station and costs a little bit more – but is more pleasant.