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Yasou! Γειά σου
Yasou! Γειά σου
Welcome to Athens
Welcome to Athens
Ancient wonders, vibrant streets, unforgettable sunsets.
Ancient wonders, vibrant streets, unforgettable sunsets.
Athens, Greece’s storied capital, is a vibrant sprawl where 3.8 million residents live beneath the shadow of the Acropolis, a city where antiquity and modernity dance in sun-bleached harmony. Known as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and theater, it’s a place where marble ruins whisper tales of Socrates, olive trees sway in Plaka’s breeze, and tavernas hum with ouzo-fueled chatter.
From the Parthenon’s timeless perch to the chaotic buzz of Monastiraki’s flea markets, Athens is a living history lesson wrapped in Mediterranean warmth. Whether you’re climbing Lycabettus Hill for sunset views, savoring souvlaki under plane trees, or tracing the footsteps of gods, this city promises an adventure as profound as it is exhilarating.
Finding All The Right Places
Finding All The Right Places
We've compiled a helpful map showing all of the attractions we've detailed throughout the guide.
Click on the icon at the top left of the map to open the Attractions menu.
Click on one of the numbered waypoints to open details about that attraction.
You can also expand the map using the icon at the top right of the map.
You can also click the icon at the top right of the details pane for directions when you're there.
Best Flights to Athens This Year
Best Flights to Athens This Year
Athens’ gateway is Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH), 27 km east of the city center, a modern hub connecting Europe and beyond.
Malaysian Airlines: Fly with Malaysian Airlines for a seamless, affordable experience. Their Athens-bound flights offer top-tier service and competitive pricing. Book your flights now!
Expedia: Are a great option for searching for the perfect flights from practically any location on earth. Search for your flights now!
See our Flights page for more options.
Popular Airlines and Routes
From Europe: London, Paris, or Berlin flights range €40–€200 ($43–$213 USD, 2.5–4 hours) with Aegean Airlines, Ryanair, or easyJet—direct options galore from hubs like Amsterdam or Rome too.
From the U.S.: New York or Chicago to Athens costs $500–$1,200 (10–14 hours) via Delta, United, or Emirates—direct from JFK or Newark, otherwise one stop in Dubai or Frankfurt.
From Asia: Tokyo or Singapore flights run $600–$1,300 (14–18 hours) with Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, or Qatar Airways—typically one stop via Istanbul or Doha.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne to Athens is $900–$1,600 (20–25 hours) via Qantas, Emirates, or Etihad—one or two stops, often through Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Summer (Jun–Aug) peaks with heat and tourists—book 3–4 months ahead to keep fares under $800 from the U.S. or €150 from Europe. Mid-week flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) can shave €50–$150 off. Shoulder seasons (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) bring mild weather, fewer crowds, and better prices—watch for spring sales from Aegean or autumn deals from budget carriers like Ryanair.
Athens Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: From ATH, Metro Line 3 to Syntagma Square is €9/$9.60 USD (40 minutes)—runs every 30 minutes. The X95 bus to Syntagma costs €5.50/$5.85 USD (50–60 minutes, traffic depending). Taxis run €38–€50 ($41–$53 USD) daytime—pre-book via Expedia (#affiliate-link) to lock in rates.
Visa Requirements: U.S., UK, and Aussie citizens get 90 days visa-free (Schengen Area); others need a Schengen Visa (€80/$85 USD, apply at vfsglobal.com)—check for e-visa updates to skip queues.
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Top Places to Stay in Athens
Top Places to Stay in Athens
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, Athens offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to Beachside apartments, here are our top recommendations:
Sometimes the easiest way to book a hotel or resort is to see all the options available on a handy map. Choose your dates, choose your preferred location and see a myriad of options. Book your place in Athens now!
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See our Accomodation page for more options.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Athens
Athens’ neighborhoods blend history with modern flair—pick your vibe.
Budget: Athens Backpackers in Makriyanni (€20–€50/$21–$53 USD/night) sits steps from the Acropolis with a rooftop bar, or City Circus Athens in Psirri (€25–€60/$27–$64 USD/night) offers quirky dorms near nightlife and markets. Both are social and central.
Mid-Range: Hera Hotel near Plaka (€80–€150/$85–$160 USD/night) mixes elegance with Acropolis views, or A for Athens in Monastiraki (€90–€170/$96–$181 USD/night) boasts a buzzing rooftop overlooking the Parthenon—perfect for history buffs with a taste for the contemporary.
Luxury: Hotel Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square (€300–€600/$320–$640 USD/night) oozes neoclassical grandeur with a spa and parliament views, while Electra Metropolis in Plaka (€250–€500/$267–$533 USD/night) dazzles with a rooftop pool and Parthenon vistas—urban sophistication meets ancient roots.
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Best Local Food in Athens
Best Local Food in Athens
Athens’ cuisine is a Mediterranean love letter—bold, fresh, and rooted in tradition, from street gyros to seaside meze.
Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers in pita with tzatziki—fast and divine. Kostas in Plaka (€3/$3.20 USD).
Moussaka: Layered eggplant, meat, and béchamel—comfort in every bite. Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani in Psirri (€12/$13 USD).
Loukoumades: Honey-drizzled dough balls—sweet Greek joy. Krinos in Omonia (€5/$5.30 USD).
Traditional Greek Dishes to Try
Traditional Greek Dishes to Try
Spanakopita: Spinach and feta in flaky phyllo—savory perfection. Ariston in Syntagma (€4/$4.30 USD)—a pie institution.
Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with rice or meat—zesty and tender. Strofi in Makriyanni (€8/$8.50 USD)—rooftop bonus.
Saganaki: Fried cheese with a lemon squeeze—golden indulgence. Oinomageireio Epirus in Filopappou (€6/$6.50 USD).
Baklava: Nutty, syrup-soaked phyllo layers—dessert decadence. Karakoy Gulluoglu in Kolonaki (€5/$5.30 USD).
Best Restaurants in Athens
Best Restaurants in Athens
Spondi (Pagrati): Michelin-starred Greek-French fusion—elegance in every dish (€80+/$85+ USD mains)—book ahead.
Mani Mani (Makriyanni): Modern Peloponnesian flavors—think pork with figs (€20/$21 USD mains)—cozy and creative.
To Kati Allo (Monastiraki): No-frills taverna—grilled meats and feta (€12/$13 USD mains)—local soul.
O Thanasis (Monastiraki): Legendary kebabs and gyros—since 1964 (€10/$11 USD mains)—queue-worthy.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Avocado (Syntagma): Plant-based Greek twists—vegan moussaka shines (€12/$13 USD)—fresh and filling.
Feyrouz (Psirri): Levant-inspired veggie street food—falafel and lahmacun (€8/$8.50 USD)—vibrant and affordable.
Staying Connected in Athens
Staying Connected in Athens
Best eSIM Providers for Athens
Vodafone, Cosmote, and Wind deliver strong 4G/5G across Athens’ urban core, though hills and islands weaken signals. Airalo’s “Greece” plan (5GB, $15, 10 days) suits short trips—activate pre-arrival. Ubigi’s packs (500MB for $2, 10GB for $25) flex for longer stays or data-heavy explorers. Public Wi-Fi’s spotty and often slow—stick to mobile data!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to Athens, Greece and the Mediterranean, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in Athens
Best Attractions in Athens
Must-Do in Athens: Unmissable Experiences
Athens is a treasure trove of antiquity and urban grit—here’s your must-see list, packed with details.
Climb the Acropolis
Why: Crown jewel of ancient Greece—the Parthenon looms over history itself.
Details: Entry €20/$21 USD (or €30/$32 USD combo with other sites), 8 AM–5 PM (summer till 8 PM). Allow 2–3 hours to explore the citadel and museum.
Tip: Morning visits dodge heat and crowds—wear grippy shoes for slippery marble!
Book Now: Secure your spot on the tour.
Explore the Ancient Agora
Why: Heart of Athens’ civic life—where democracy was born among ruins and Stoas.
Details: €10/$11 USD (or Acropolis combo), 8 AM–5 PM. Takes 1–2 hours with the Temple of Hephaestus.
Tip: Shady trees make it a midday haven—bring water for the dusty paths.
Book Now: Skip the lines, grab your tour here.
Wander Plaka
Why: Charming “Neighborhood of the Gods”—cobblestone streets below the Acropolis.
Details: Free, 24/7. Allow 2–3 hours to browse shops and tavernas.
Tip: Hunt for handmade sandals or sip ouzo at a rooftop cafe with Parthenon views.
Shop Monastiraki Flea Market
Why: Bustling bazaar of antiques, souvenirs, and street vibes—Athens’ quirky soul.
Details: Free, daily 8 AM–late (Sundays peak). Needs 1–2 hours to haggle and roam.
Tip: Cash is king—score vintage coins or evil-eye charms for €5–€15/$5–$16 USD.
Hike Lycabettus Hill
Why: Panoramic city views from Athens’ highest point—nature meets skyline.
Details: Free to hike, 24/7 (funicular €7.50/$8 USD round-trip, 9 AM–2:30 AM). Takes 1–2 hours on foot.
Tip: Sunset from the chapel is golden—pack a picnic or dine at the summit cafe.
Visit the National Archaeological Museum
Why: World-class trove of Greek treasures—Cycladic idols to Mycenaean gold.
Details: €12/$13 USD, 8 AM–8 PM (winter 8:30 AM–3 PM). Allow 2–3 hours for highlights.
Tip: Don’t miss the Antikythera Mechanism—ancient tech that’ll blow your mind.
Relax at Syntagma Square
Why: Athens’ beating heart—watch the Evzones’ changing of the guard.
Details: Free, 24/7 (guard change hourly, grand show Sundays 11 AM). Spend 1–2 hours people-watching.
Tip: Grab a coffee nearby—Parliament’s pomp is a free spectacle.
Check out our Athens collection on Viator for all the best Traveler rated experiences!
Travel Doctor
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
Air Doctor: Need immediate access to a qualified doctor you can not only trust, but also understand? Choose from over 20,000 doctors worldwide. Book a consultation.
See our Travel Doctor page for more options.
Protecting Your Trip to Athens
Protecting Your Trip to Athens
Pickpockets in Omonia or Monastiraki, or a stumble on uneven steps, can surprise—minor clinic visits start at €80/$85 USD. Insurance covering cancellations, health, and lost luggage costs 5–8% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 journey. World Nomads fits ruin-roamers; Allianz covers basics for market-strollers. Check out the great options below.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for Athens
Practical Tips for Athens
Best Time: Spring (Apr–May) for wildflowers and mild days—peak charm; summer (Jun–Aug) hits 35°C/95°F—busy and hot; autumn (Sep–Oct) cools off—perfect for ruins; winter (Nov–Mar) is quiet—bring a jacket!
Getting Around: Metro tickets €1.20/$1.30 USD (90 minutes)—€4.10/$4.40 USD for 24 hours covers buses and trams too. Taxis start at €3.50/$3.70 USD—yellow cabs roam, or use Beat app for rides (€5–€15/$5–$16 USD in-city). Walk Plaka and Monastiraki—history’s on foot!
Currency: Euro (€); $1 USD = ~€0.95. Cards work widely, but cash rules small vendors—ATMs are plentiful (watch for €2–€3 fees).
Pack: Sunscreen, hat, comfy shoes for rocky paths, a light scarf for churches—Athens blends sun and tradition.
Athens Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Athens Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Anafiotika’s Cycladic Lanes: Skip Plaka’s tourist strip for this Plaka hillside, where whitewashed alleys mimic island villages—locals sip Greek coffee (€2/$2.10 USD) on stoops. Free, best at dawn—1 hour; near Acropolis Station.
Day Trip to Cape Sounion: A 1.5-hour bus from Pedion Areos (€6/$6.30 USD each way) reaches Poseidon’s Temple—sunsets over Aegean waves beat Parthenon crowds. €10/$10.50 USD entry—half-day; pack snacks. Book buses via Expedia (#affiliate-link).
To Kati Allo in Psyrri: Ditch Monastiraki tavernas for this family-run spot—moussaka (€8/$8.40 USD) and retsina (€3/$3.15 USD) draw neighborhood chefs. Open till 11 PM—chat myths with owners. Near Thisio Station.
Why It’s Worth It: Anafiotika’s island vibe, Sounion’s seaside ruins, and Psyrri’s homestyle eats swap Athens’ icons for Greek intimacy.
Athens Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Athens Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Customs
Greetings: A warm handshake with “Yia sou” (Hello, informal) or “Kalimera” (Good morning) sets a friendly tone—Greeks are open but appreciate effort. Cheek kisses (two) come with familiarity.
Dress: Casual for Plaka cafés (jeans, tees), but modest for monasteries or churches like Agios Dimitrios—cover shoulders and knees (scarves work). Comfy shoes are key for Acropolis treks.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Greet shopkeepers with “Yia sou”—it sparks smiles. Sip ouzo slowly at tavernas; it’s a social ritual, not a shot.
Don’t: Tip heavily—round up (€10 to €12) or add 5%; service isn’t tip-dependent. Don’t expect shops open during siesta (2–5 PM)—plan around midday closures.
Respect: Avoid touching ruins at archaeological sites—fines sting (€100/$105 USD). Keep voices low in residential areas; Athenians value calm afternoons.
Festival Highlights
Easter (spring, date varies): Greece’s biggest celebration—candlelit processions and lamb roasts. Join locals cracking red eggs at tavernas to share joy.
Athens Festival (June–August): Open-air concerts at Odeon of Herodes Atticus—clap along to bouzouki tunes for cultural connection.
Blend In: Say “Efharisto” (thank you)—it warms vendors. Linger over coffee at Monastiraki; rushing screams tourist. Respect siesta naps to sync with Athens’ rhythm.
Let the Good Times Roll in Athens
Let the Good Times Roll in Athens
Athens dazzles with its ancient bones, hearty flavors, and sunlit spirit. From the Acropolis’ timeless gaze to tavernas alive with song, it’s a city that bridges millennia with every step. Book savvy flights, choose a stay steeped in its vibe, savor Greek delights, and lose yourself in its storied streets for a journey that resonates deep. With this guide—covering flights, hotels, eSIMs, and insurance—you’re primed to conquer the cradle of civilization. Get ready to embrace Athens’ magic this season!
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