Athens Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Acropolis featuring heritage elements, a ruin and heritage architecture
Monastiraki Flea Market featuring street scenes, a square or plaza and a city
Athens
Temple of Hephaestos showing heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Athens which includes street scenes, shopping and markets

This sparkling white, world-class city will take your breath away with dazzling hilltop views of the mountains and sea, and glimpses into the age of antiquity.

Athens is where the age of antiquity meets the best of the modern world. All this against the backdrop of mountain and the crystal blue Aegean Sea, dotted with islands. There’s plenty to do, whether you’re a history buff, an art aficionado, or simply enjoy Greek mythology and the fantastic views.

Be forewarned that the days here can get hot after noon, especially during the height of the tourism season in summer. So, plan on taking your walking tours during the morning. After a strong cup of Greek coffee, head out to explore the many archeological sites in and around the city centre. Visit Pnyx Hill, where great orators such as Aristides and Pericles impassioned their countrymen to take part in the world’s first true democracy. Stroll through the Ancient Agora, where Socrates and Plato walked in flowing togas, debating philosophy. Marvel at the remains of ancient temples dedicated to the gods of Mt. Olympus, as well as stellar views, atop The Acropolis.

There are plenty of museums and galleries to cool off in during the afternoons. The affluent downtown neighbourhood of Kolonaki is home to high-end shops and restaurants as well as The Benaki Museum. Housed in a beautifully restored family mansion, this is a great place to get an understanding of the history and culture of Greece. The New Acropolis Museum, located in the historic area of Makrygianni, explores the art, culture and customs of the inhabitants of the Acropolis from pre-historic times through late Antiquity.

While the city can easily keep you busy, don’t miss taking a car or bus trip out to the countryside. The Temple of Poseidon is set on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Aegean Sea, on the picturesque Saronic Gulf in Cape Sounion. Delphi and some of the other islands are also close enough for a day trip. If you’re not too tired upon your return, check out the nightlife in and around Omonia Square.

Where to stay in Athens

Academy of Athens showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and an administrative building

Athens City Centre

4.5/5(483 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Athens City Centre. Top attractions like Syntagma Square and Acropolis are major draws. Catch the metro at Panepistimio Station or Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Athens City Centre
Plaka featuring street scenes, night scenes and dining out

Plaka

4.5/5(120 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Plaka. Check out Adrianou Street or Roman Agora while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Akropoli Station to get around town.

Plaka
Athens which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and building ruins

Monastiraki

4.5/5(90 area reviews)

Monastiraki is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Ermou Street and Monastiraki Flea Market, and you can get around town on the metro at Monastiraki Station.

Monastiraki
Syntagma Square which includes a city

Syntagma

While you're in Syntagma, take in top sights like Syntagma Square and jump on the metro at Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Syntagma
Mount Lycabettus which includes mountains and a city

Kolonaki

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Benaki Museum while getting to know Kolonaki, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Aristippou Station or Evangelismos Station to see more of the area.

Kolonaki
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Psirri

3.5/5(67 area reviews)

Psirri is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Athens Central Market or Omonoia Square.

Psirri

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