Athens Travel Guide - City Guide For Greece's Ancient Capital
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Travel Notes: Destinations: Greece - Athens Travel Guide.
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Travel Guide For Visitors to Athens
Yes, Athens has got the Acropolis and yes, it is ancient, but this sprawling Mediterranean metropolis is so much more than a history lesson wrapped in marble. Share on Facebook
Antiquity Meets Attitude
From rooftop bars serving cocktails with views of 2,500-year-old temples to street art that rivals Berlin's best, Athens is where antiquity meets attitude in the most compelling way possible.
Driving Distances in Europe
Planning a Visit to Athens
Whether you're planning your first visit to Greece's capital or you're a seasoned traveller looking to dig deeper, this comprehensive Athens travel guide will help you navigate the city like a local whilst avoiding the tourist traps that plague most visitors.
Athens - More Than Just Ancient Ruins
Athens isn't just resting on its historical laurels.
This city of nearly four million people pulses with contemporary energy that'll surprise you.
The economic challenges of recent years have sparked an incredible creative renaissance; abandoned buildings have become art galleries, innovative restaurants are redefining Greek cuisine, and a new generation of Athenians is reimagining what their city can be.
The best part?
Unlike many European capitals, Athens remains refreshingly affordable, making it perfect for travellers who want world-class culture without London or Paris prices.
Getting to Athens - Your Gateway to Greece
Flying to Athens
Athens International Airport (ATH) sits about 35km south-east of the city centre and handles flights from across Europe, the Middle East, and seasonal direct routes from North America and Australia.
Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet offer competitive fares from the UK, whilst legacy carriers provide more comfort if you're travelling long-haul.
Athens Airport to City Centre
Airport Express Bus X95: €6, runs 24/7 to Syntagma Square (45-60 minutes).
Metro Line 3 (Blue Line): €10 one-way, takes 40 minutes to Syntagma Square.
Private transfer: Pre-book for around €40-60.
Taxi: €35-50 depending on traffic and time of day.
The Suburban Railway connects the airport with Ano Liosia and Piraeus, and destinations outside Attica.
Top tip: Buy a combined airport-city transport and metro pass for €22.
It includes your airport journey plus unlimited public transport for three days.
Where to Stay in Athens - Best Neighbourhoods Guide
Kolonaki (Best for Luxury Travellers)
Think of Kolonaki as Athens' Mayfair; upmarket shopping, sophisticated restaurants, and elegant hotels.
It's where wealthy Athenians live and play.
Stay here if: Budget isn't a concern and you prefer refined experiences.
Koukaki (Best Value for Money)
This residential area near the Acropolis Museum offers authentic neighbourhood life without tourist crowds.
Excellent restaurants, local cafés, and significantly better value than central areas.
Stay here if: You want to live like a local whilst staying close to major attractions.
Monastiraki (Best for Culture Vultures)
This vibrant neighbourhood centres around the famous flea market and offers excellent value accommodation.
You'll find everything from budget hostels to boutique hotels, plus fantastic nightlife.
Stay here if: You want authentic Athens atmosphere with easy access to both ancient sites and modern attractions.
Plaka (Best for First-Time Visitors)
The tourist heart of Athens sits directly beneath the Acropolis, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with tavernas and souvenir shops.
Yes, it's touristy, but the location can't be beaten for major sights.
Stay here if: You want to walk everywhere and don't mind paying premium prices for convenience.
Psyrri (Best for Nightlife)
Once gritty, now gentrified (but not overly so), Psyrri is Athens' creative quarter.
Street art covers every surface, whilst rooftop bars and underground clubs keep the area buzzing until dawn.
Stay here if: You're more interested in contemporary Athens culture than ancient history.
Popular Hotels in Athens
Top Things to Do in Athens - Beyond the Obvious
Must-Visit Ancient Sites
The Acropolis and Parthenon
Obviously, you can't skip Athens' crown jewel.
Book online in advance (€20 in summer, €10 in winter) and arrive early, by 8am if possible, or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday sun.
Insider tip:
The combined ticket (€30) gives you access to seven
archaeological sites including the Ancient Agora and Roman Agora, valid for five
days.
Acropolis Museum
This stunning modern museum houses treasures from the Acropolis site.
The top floor, designed to mirror the Parthenon's dimensions, displays the original sculptures with direct views to the actual temple.
Ancient Agora
Where democracy was born deserves more than a quick visit. The reconstructed Stoa of Attalos houses an excellent museum, whilst the Temple of Hephaestus is the best-preserved ancient Greek temple anywhere.
Contemporary Athens Attractions
Benaki Museum
Three locations showcase Greek culture from prehistoric times to the 20th century.
The main museum on Koumbari Street offers the most comprehensive overview.
National Archaeological Museum
Home to the world's finest collection of ancient Greek artifacts, including the golden Mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera Mechanism; essentially the world's first computer.
Street Art Tour
Psyrri, Exarchia, and Metaxourghio neighbourhoods showcase incredible street art.
The constantly changing murals reflect modern Greek society and politics.
Join a guided tour or explore independently.
Athens Food Guide - Where and What to Eat
Street Food and Casual Eats
Bougatsa: Head to Ariston for this custard-filled pastry that's perfect for breakfast.
Koulouri: Athens' answer to bagels, sold by street vendors throughout the city.
Souvlaki: Try Kostas (near Monastiraki) for the city's most famous souvlaki, or Thanasis for a more substantial meal.
Traditional Tavernas Worth Finding
Dionysos (Traditional with a view) - Rovertou Galli 43.
Acropolis views and classic dishes done properly.
Touristy but genuinely good.
Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani (Deli-restaurant) - Evripidou 52.
Hidden gem combining gourmet deli with restaurant serving exceptional meze plates.
What to Drink in Athens
Greek wine has improved dramatically in recent years.
Try Assyrtiko from Santorini or Agiorgitiko from Nemea.
For something stronger, ouzo remains the national spirit, but tsipouro is what locals actually drink.
Athens Nightlife - From Rooftops to Underground
Best Rooftop Bars
A for Athens (Miaouli 2) - Stunning Acropolis views and creative cocktails.
Couleur Locale (Normanou 3) - Bohemian atmosphere with panoramic city vistas.
Tudor Hall (7th Floor of King George) - Sophisticated hotel bar with impeccable service.
Nightlife Districts
Exarchia
Student area with alternative culture and live music venues.
Gazi
Former gasworks turned nightlife hub with clubs and bars.
Psyrri
Eclectic mix from dive bars to trendy cocktail lounges.
Day Trips from Athens - Exploring Beyond the City
Aegina Island (1.5 hours by ferry)
Perfect day trip combining ancient temples, pistachio groves, and swimming. Ferries run regularly from Piraeus port.
Temple of Poseidon at Sounion (1 hour by bus)
Dramatic clifftop temple with sunset views over the Aegean. Public buses run from Mavromateon terminal.
Delphi (2.5 hours by bus)
Ancient Greece's most important oracle site, with spectacular mountain scenery. KTEL buses run daily from Terminal B.
Hydra Island (2 hours by ferry)
Car-free island with preserved 19th-century architecture and crystal-clear waters.
Getting Around Athens - Transport Guide
Athens Metro System
Three urban transport lines cover most tourist areas efficiently.
Single tickets cost €1.20, day passes €4.10.
Trains run 5:30am-midnight (2am on Fridays and Saturdays).
Buses and Trams
Athens boasts an extensive transport network but it can be crowded.
Useful tram line connects Athens city centre to coastal areas.
Same tickets as metro.
Regional Railway
Athens Suburban and Regional Railway connects Attica to the surrounding region, including main cities such as Kiato and Chalkida, connected directly to Athens’ centre, Athens International Airport «Elefterios Venizelos» and Piraeus port.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are reasonably priced but ensure the meter runs.
Beat (Greek Uber) offers app-based booking. Expect to pay €5-15 for most city centre journeys.
Walking in Athens
Many major sites are walkable, but be prepared for hills and uneven pavements.
Comfortable shoes are essential.
When to Visit Athens - Seasonal Guide
Spring (March-May)
Ideal weather, fewer crowds, perfect for walking. Temperatures 15-25°C.
Summer (June-August)
Hot and crowded but all attractions open with extended hours. Temperatures often exceed 35°C. Many locals leave the city in August.
Autumn (September-November)
Excellent weather continues through October. Sea still warm for swimming.
Winter (December-February)
Mild by European standards but some island ferries run reduced schedules. Perfect for museum visits and lower accommodation prices.
Athens Travel Tips - Insider Knowledge
Cultural Etiquette
Avoid photographing military installations.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries.
Greeks dine late; restaurants don't fill up until 9pm.
Learn basic Greek phrases; locals appreciate the effort.
Money Matters
Greece uses the Euro.
ATMs everywhere but some charge foreign card fees.
Credit cards widely accepted but carry cash for small tavernas and street vendors.
Tipping: 10% in restaurants, round up taxi fares.
Safety in Athens
Athens is generally safe for tourists.
Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas like Monastiraki flea market and on public transport.
Exarchia can be edgy at night but isn't dangerous if you use common sense.
Practical Information
Emergency number: 112
Most museums close on Mondays.
Pharmacies (farmakeio) are marked with green crosses.
Shops typically close 2-5pm for siesta, especially in summer.
Planning Your Athens Itinerary
2 Days in Athens
Day 1: Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Plaka neighbourhood.
Day 2: Ancient Agora, National Archaeological Museum, Psyrri district.
3-4 Days in Athens
Add: Benaki Museum, day trip to Aegina or Temple of Poseidon, explore Koukaki and Kolonaki neighbourhoods.
One Week in Athens
Include: Multiple day trips, visit to National Gallery, time in coastal areas, cooking class, more detailed exploration of different neighbourhoods.
Appreciating Time in Athens
Athens isn't just a stopover on your way to the Greek islands; it's a destination in itself, rewarding curious travellers with layers of history, culture, and contemporary creativity.
From sunrise at the Acropolis to midnight cocktails overlooking the city lights, Athens offers experiences that'll stay with you long after you've returned home.
Enjoying The Athens Experience
The key to enjoying Athens is balancing the must-see ancient sites with the city's vibrant modern culture.
Don't just tick off monuments.
Sit in neighbourhood cafés, strike up conversations with locals, and let this ancient city surprise you with its contemporary energy.
Ready to explore Athens?
Book your flights, pack comfortable walking shoes, and prepare for a city that's been captivating visitors for over two millennia; and shows no signs of stopping.
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