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Athens, Greece • Europe

Athens

The cradle of Western civilisation - the Acropolis crowning a buzzing modern city of ancient ruins, neighbourhoods and tavernas.

#Ancient History#Ruins#Museums#Food#ArchitectureCouplesFamilySolo TravelCultureHistory
7 Attractions
5 Restaurants
5 Hotels
1 Itineraries

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Quick facts

Best time to visit

April to early June and September to October bring warm, comfortable weather - perfect for exploring the ancient sites without the summer heat or crowds. July and August are hot (often above 35C) and busy, though the city is quieter as locals head to the islands. Winter is mild, quiet and good value, with the occasional rainy day.

Daily budget
$140
Time zone
GMT+2 (EET)
Language
Greek (English widely spoken)
Currency
EUR (Euro (EUR))
Emergency
112
Power
Type C & F · 230V

About Athens

Athens is where so much of Western civilisation began, and 2,500 years of history are stacked across the city. The Parthenon still presides over the skyline from the rock of the Acropolis, ancient agoras and temples surface between the buildings, and the world-class Acropolis Museum tells the story of it all. Yet this is no museum-piece city: Athens is loud, warm and thoroughly alive, with a young, creative energy in its bars, street art and food scene. The classic sights cluster conveniently together - the Acropolis and its museum, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the neoclassical centre - all linked by the pedestrianised promenade that loops the historic core. Around them, neighbourhoods invite wandering: the old lanes of Plaka beneath the rock, the antiques and street art of Monastiraki and Psyrri, and the cafes of cool Koukaki and Exarchia. Climb Lycabettus or an Acropolis-view rooftop at sunset for the perfect end to the day. Spring and autumn bring warm, comfortable weather ideal for sightseeing, summer is hot and a springboard to the islands, and mild winters are quiet and cheap. Wear comfortable shoes, eat well and late, and let the birthplace of democracy surprise you.

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Things to Do in Athens

7
Acropolis & ParthenonHistorical

Acropolis & Parthenon

The sacred rock crowned by the Parthenon, the supreme monument of ancient Greece and the enduring symbol of Western civilisation. Go at opening or late.

2-3 hours From EUR 204.8(300,000)
Acropolis MuseumCulture

Acropolis Museum

A stunning modern museum at the foot of the rock, displaying the Acropolis sculptures and friezes with a glass floor over ongoing excavations.

1.5-2 hours From EUR 154.8(150,000)
Ancient AgoraHistorical

Ancient Agora

The civic heart of ancient Athens, where Socrates once taught, with the beautifully preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos.

1.5 hours From EUR 104.6(90,000)
PlakaCulture

Plaka

The oldest neighbourhood of Athens, a charming maze of pedestrian lanes, neoclassical houses, tavernas and shops nestled beneath the Acropolis.

2 hours Free4.6(110,000)
National Archaeological MuseumCulture

National Archaeological Museum

Greece's greatest museum, an unrivalled treasury of ancient art from the gold of Mycenae to classical bronzes and Cycladic figurines.

2-3 hours From EUR 124.7(70,000)
Mount LycabettusNature

Mount Lycabettus

The highest hill in Athens, reached by a funicular or a short hike, with a tiny chapel and the most spectacular panorama over the city to the sea.

1-2 hours Funicular small fee4.7(60,000)
Temple of Olympian ZeusHistorical

Temple of Olympian Zeus

The colossal remaining columns of what was once the largest temple in Greece, beside Hadrians Arch in the heart of the city.

45 min From EUR 84.4(55,000)

Where to Eat in Athens

5
Kostas

Kostas

Greek / Souvlaki $4.6(18,000)

A tiny, much-loved hole-in-the-wall serving exceptional pork souvlaki in pita with its secret spicy tomato sauce since 1950. Cash only.

Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani

Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani

Greek / Meze $$4.6(14,000)

A wonderful deli-restaurant serving superb cured meats, cheeses and meze with great wine, in a warm, convivial setting.

Nolan

Nolan

Modern Greek / Fusion $$$4.6(9,000)

A stylish bistro blending Greek ingredients with Asian and global influences, a favourite of Athens' modern dining scene.

Klimataria

Klimataria

Greek / Taverna $$4.5(11,000)

A traditional taverna with live rebetiko music some nights, serving hearty home-style Greek dishes and barrel wine in a lively atmosphere.

Lukumades

Lukumades

Greek / Dessert $4.5(13,000)

A bright, modern spot serving loukoumades - warm Greek honey-and-cinnamon doughnut balls - in classic and inventive flavours.

Where to Stay in Athens

5
Hotel Grande Bretagne

Hotel Grande Bretagne

Luxury $$$$4.8(4,000)

A legendary 1874 grand hotel on Syntagma Square, with opulent rooms, a spa and a famous rooftop with views to the Acropolis.

Electra Metropolis

Electra Metropolis

Luxury $$$4.7(5,000)

A polished modern hotel near Plaka, beloved for its rooftop pool and bar with knockout Acropolis views and excellent service.

AthensWas Hotel

AthensWas Hotel

Boutique $$$4.7(2,500)

A chic design hotel right on the Acropolis pedestrian promenade, with a rooftop restaurant facing the Parthenon and stylish rooms.

Coco-Mat Athens BC

Coco-Mat Athens BC

Boutique $$4.6(3,000)

A relaxed, natural-design boutique hotel in trendy Koukaki, with a rooftop bar and Acropolis views, a short walk from the museum.

City Circus Athens

City Circus Athens

Hostel $4.5(4,000)

A bright, design-led hostel in lively Psyrri with a rooftop, cafe and a sociable vibe, offering private and dorm rooms.

Athens Itineraries

1
3-day trip

Classic 3 Days in Athens

easy EUR 300 - 550

A journey through ancient Athens at the Acropolis and Agora, the great museums, the lanes of Plaka and a taste of the modern city, with an island or coast option.

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Athens Budget Guide

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Flights$450 - $1,000$450 - $1,000$450 - $1,000
Accommodation$30/night$100/night$320/night
Food$18/day$38/day-
Activities$25/day$25/day$25/day
Local Transport$6/day$6/day$6/day
Daily Average$60$140$380

Local currency: Euro (EUR)

Athens Travel FAQ

Everything you need to know before you go: best time to visit, visas, getting around, safety and more.

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