Athens is a city steeped in millennia of history, where every corner seems to echo the stories of gods, philosophers, and revolutionaries. As the birthplace of democracy and home to legendary thinkers like Socrates and Plato, it attracts history buffs from around the globe. Yet Athens isn’t just a collection of ancient ruins—it’s a living, breathing metropolis with an electrifying energy that blends the old with the new.
The Acropolis dominates the skyline, inviting visitors to climb its slopes and gaze out over the sprawling city. Nearby, the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum offer deep dives into Greek heritage. Strolling through the labyrinthine streets of Plaka, with its colorful neoclassical houses, or exploring the vibrant markets of Monastiraki, provides endless opportunities for discovery. Anafiotika, nestled beneath the Acropolis, enchants with its island-like charm, while the buzzing nightlife of Psirri and Gazi keeps the city awake long after sunset.
Athenians take immense pride in their traditions, yet embrace a contemporary lifestyle. You'll find locals chatting over coffee at outdoor cafés for hours, musicians performing in hidden courtyards, and a food scene that spans rustic tavernas to trendy eateries pushing Greek cuisine forward. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with long, hot summers and mild winters, making outdoor living a core part of Athenian culture.
Public transportation is extensive, with a metro, trams, and buses connecting key areas, but many of the city’s charms are best discovered on foot. Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels with rooftop Parthenon views to budget-friendly hostels and stylish Airbnbs. Dining is a highlight—don’t miss souvlaki stalls, bustling food markets, or an evening of meze and live bouzouki music.
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are generally the best times to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. While summer brings lively festivals and outdoor cinemas, it also means higher temperatures and bustling crowds around major sites. Packing comfortable shoes, staying hydrated, and making early morning or evening visits to popular attractions will help make your Athenian adventure even more enjoyable.
The Acropolis dominates the skyline, inviting visitors to climb its slopes and gaze out over the sprawling city. Nearby, the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum offer deep dives into Greek heritage. Strolling through the labyrinthine streets of Plaka, with its colorful neoclassical houses, or exploring the vibrant markets of Monastiraki, provides endless opportunities for discovery. Anafiotika, nestled beneath the Acropolis, enchants with its island-like charm, while the buzzing nightlife of Psirri and Gazi keeps the city awake long after sunset.
Athenians take immense pride in their traditions, yet embrace a contemporary lifestyle. You'll find locals chatting over coffee at outdoor cafés for hours, musicians performing in hidden courtyards, and a food scene that spans rustic tavernas to trendy eateries pushing Greek cuisine forward. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with long, hot summers and mild winters, making outdoor living a core part of Athenian culture.
Public transportation is extensive, with a metro, trams, and buses connecting key areas, but many of the city’s charms are best discovered on foot. Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels with rooftop Parthenon views to budget-friendly hostels and stylish Airbnbs. Dining is a highlight—don’t miss souvlaki stalls, bustling food markets, or an evening of meze and live bouzouki music.
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are generally the best times to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. While summer brings lively festivals and outdoor cinemas, it also means higher temperatures and bustling crowds around major sites. Packing comfortable shoes, staying hydrated, and making early morning or evening visits to popular attractions will help make your Athenian adventure even more enjoyable.
Expected Weekly Budget
$900-$1400 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Climb up to the Acropolis for iconic views and ancient ruins
- Wander the picturesque streets of Plaka and Anafiotika
- Explore the vast collection at the National Archaeological Museum
- Savor Greek cuisine at a local taverna or modern eatery
- Shop for antiques and handmade goods at the Monastiraki Flea Market
- Experience the dynamic nightlife in Psirri and Gazi
- Take a sunset stroll along Philopappos Hill
- Visit contemporary art galleries in the Exarchia district
Notable Sites
- Acropolis
- Parthenon
- Acropolis Museum
- National Archaeological Museum
- Ancient Agora
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Panathenaic Stadium
- Plaka neighborhood
General Advice
Athens is both a historical treasure and a thriving city, so pace yourself to enjoy both the ancient landmarks and contemporary neighborhoods. Plan to do some walking, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in shaded sidewalk cafés when the sun is high. English is commonly spoken, especially in tourist areas, but learning a few Greek phrases can go a long way in building rapport with locals. Booking tickets for popular sites online ahead of time will save you wait time, especially in peak months.
Security & Safety
Athens is generally safe, but as in any major city, stay mindful of pickpocketing in crowded places such as metros, markets, and tourist attractions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended, especially in busy areas like Monastiraki Square. At night, stick to well-lit streets in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Emergency numbers are 100 for police and 166 for an ambulance; know your hotel’s address and keep a local contact number handy for peace of mind.
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes; many streets are cobblestone or uneven.
- Buy an integrated ticket for unlimited metro, tram, and bus rides over 24, 72 hours, or 5 days.
- Arrive early or late in the day at major sites to avoid crowds and high temperatures.
- Tap water in Athens is safe to drink—bring a reusable bottle.
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill is common.
- Street food like souvlaki or koulouri is delicious, affordable, and widely available.
- Sunday mornings are quiet—plan visits to parks or museums that open early.
- Consider a day trip to nearby Sounion or a short ferry ride to a Saronic Gulf island.
Similar Destinations
Photo Gallery
Loading photos...
Traveler Comments
Visited in May 2023
Athens surprised me with its mix of ancient sites and buzzing modern culture. Climbing the Acropolis at sunrise was unforgettable, though the crowds got heavy after 10 am. The food in Plaka was incredible! The city can feel a bit noisy, but that’s part of the charm.
Traveled here in April 2024
I loved every minute of my stay in Athens. Wandering through Monastiraki’s flea market was so much fun, and the street artists add so much character. Be sure to try the loukoumades at a local bakery—they’re delicious!
Visited in June 2024
Great city for history lovers. The Acropolis Museum is seriously impressive. Some parts of the city are very busy, especially near Syntagma, but we found quiet spots in Anafiotika to just relax and take in the views.
Visited in September 2023
Traveling solo, I felt safe and welcomed. The metro made it easy to get around, and I spent hours at the National Archaeological Museum. The nightlife in Gazi was lively, but a bit too loud for me after midnight.
Stayed in October 2023
Athens has so much personality! My family appreciated the mix of ruins and parks, and our kids adored running around Panathenaic Stadium. Highly recommend staying in Koukaki—great cafés and walkable to all the sights.
Visited in August 2023
Plenty to do and eat, but it gets seriously hot in summer. Bring sunscreen and a hat! We took a day trip to Sounion for the Temple of Poseidon—that was a highlight.
Traveled here in March 2024
I’m a sucker for ancient history, so Athens was a dream. The Ancient Agora is fantastic for wandering. I wish there were a few more public toilets around tourist spots, but overall, an amazing experience.
Visited in January 2024
Visited during winter and was surprised by how mild the weather was. No crowds at the Acropolis! More shops were closed than expected, but we still found plenty of great places to eat.
Stayed in November 2023
The city feels alive at all hours. We joined a food tour in Psirri and discovered some excellent wines. You need good shoes for the hills, but the sunset from Lycabettus Hill was worth every step.
Visited in June 2024
As a native Greek living abroad, taking my kids to Athens was special. Museums are interactive and kid-friendly. Public transport is easy and clean. Would recommend midweek visits for fewer crowds.
Traveled here in July 2023
Lots of history and energy, but some attractions were overcrowded and pricey. Still, seeing the Parthenon lit up at night is something I won’t forget. The street food scene is excellent.
Stayed in May 2024
We did a guided mythology walk and it made the ruins come alive. Met some wonderful locals in Exarchia. Athens has a gritty side, but for me that added to the authenticity.
Visited in April 2024
Fantastic museums, friendly people, and the most delicious moussaka. I enjoyed the open-air cinemas and live music in little squares. Felt safe walking around in the evenings.
Visited in November 2023
Athens after rain smells amazing! We explored so many historic spots, but honestly, the traffic can be stressful at times. Still, public transport helped avoid most of that.
Traveled here in September 2023
The rooftop bars have the best views of the Parthenon. Shopping in Monastiraki was a treat and I found unique souvenirs. Would love to come back during a festival.
Visited in February 2024
Was on a layover but managed to see quite a bit! Metro from the airport was straightforward. Wish I’d booked more time to explore museums in depth.
Stayed in October 2023
We took a cooking class—so much fun. The local markets are packed with fresh produce and spices. If you have mobility issues, be aware there are lots of steps and some uneven surfaces.
Visited in December 2023
Cool city with a lot to learn. Enjoyed people-watching in Syntagma Square. Was chilly at night, so bring a jacket if you come in winter.
Visited in March 2024
Athens feels so genuine. We ate dinner every night outdoors—even in March, it was lovely. The metro staff were super helpful when we got lost.
Visited in May 2024
Athens is chaotic but never dull. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is massive! Lines for the Acropolis were long, but totally worth the wait. I recommend bringing a refillable water bottle and some patience.
Share Your Experience
Sign in to leave a review and share your travel photos.