Athens is often underestimated as a travel destination. Many people know the Greek capital only as a stopover on the way to the islands, yet a stay in Europe’s oldest capital is definitely worth it. We’ve visited Athens first as a couple and most recently as a family with our daughter, and we’ve had many personal experiences there. The Greek capital never ceases to amaze us.
In Athens, you’ll find chic boutique hotels next to simple hostels, flea markets next to jewelry stores, and street food bars next to gourmet restaurants all in the same alley. If you’re open to it, you’ll discover a city that has so much more to offer than just the Acropolis.
Tom & Ella
Athína, as the city is called by the Greeks, is not a polished capital. It possesses a flair that lies somewhere between the Orient and the Occident. You have to let yourself get into it first. On our first visit, we had only planned one day for Athens and ended up rushing through the city far too stressed. The metropolis may tick like a major European city, but the clock runs to a Greek rhythm—and that means: no rushing. Athens takes its time.
In this post, we’ve summarized all the essential Athens travel tips for your city break so you can stay on top of your arrival, getting around, and choosing the best time to visit.
- #1 Getting to Athens
- #2 Getting Around in Athens
- #3 Best time to visit Athens
- #4 Hotels & Accommodations in Athens
- #5 Restaurant Recommendations for Athens
- #6 Things to See in Athens
- #7 Activities & Excursions from Athens
- #8 Beaches near Athens
- #9 From Athens to the Islands
- #10 Our Personal Experiences in Athens
- FAQ on Athens Travel Tips
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
#1 Getting to Athens
Athens is located in southern Greece on the Saronic Gulf. With an area of 361 km², the city is about the same size as Cologne. However, with around 3 million residents in the inner city area, it has three times as many people. The high population density is reflected in the cityscape, which, with the exception of the historic old town, is characterized by modern high-rise architecture and a lot of concrete.
Athens Airport
Athens Airport is called Athens-Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) and is located about 35 km east of downtown. It is modern, well-organized, and our check-in times were always quick. There are direct flights to Athens year-round from Germany and other European cities, including from Berlin, London, Amsterdam, Vienna, and Zurich with Aegean Airlines, Lufthansa, Ryanair, and Eurowings. During the summer season, numerous additional connections are added.
The flight time to Athens is between 2.5 and 3 hours, depending on the departure airport. Here is an overview of flight times to Athens from the major airports:
- Berlin → Athens: approx. 2 hrs 45 mins
- London → Athens: approx. 3 hrs 40 min.
- Amsterdam → Athens: approx. 3 hrs 10 min.
- Vienna → Athens: approx. 2 hrs 30 min.
- Zurich → Athens: approx. 2 hrs 40 mins
You can find cheap flights to Athens with our partner Skyscanner*:
➲ Search for flights to Athens*
From the airport to downtown
From ATH Airport, you have several options for getting to the city center. Metro Line 3 (blue) runs directly from the airport to Syntagma and Monastiraki, taking about 40 minutes. A single ticket costs 9 euros; for tourists, there’s a three-day ticket for 20 euros. The X95 express bus runs 24/7 to Syntagma Square; the trip takes about 40 minutes and costs 5.50 euros. A taxi from the airport to downtown costs about 47 euros during the day and 62 euros at night.
Here’s how to get from Athens Airport to the city center:
- Metro Line 3 (blue): approx. 40 min. to Monastiraki | €9
- Express bus X95: approx. 40 min. to Syntagma | €5.50 | runs 24/7
- Taxi: approx. 35 min. | Flat rate €47 (during the day) / €62 (at night)
- Private transfer: bookable in advance, driver waits with a name sign
💡 Transfer tip for Athens: For the transfer from the airport to your hotel, you can book a private shuttle transfer in advance. The driver will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a name sign, saving you from having to wait in line at the taxi stand: Book a private airport transfer*
Driving to Athens
We often drive to Greece in our own car. Our route takes us through Hungary and Serbia to Thessaloniki and then on to Athens; the distance from the German-Austrian border is approximately 2,000 km. The drive from Thessaloniki to Athens takes at least five hours (500 km). Those who prefer the ferry from Italy can take the crossing from Ancona, Bari, or Brindisi to Patras and continue on to Athens from there in just under 2 hours.
In downtown Athens, a car is more of a hindrance than a help, and finding a parking spot is next to impossible. If you want to combine a road trip through Greece with a city break in Athens, you have two options: Either start with the road trip and return the rental car at the airport before your stay in Athens, then cover the rest on foot and by metro.
Or you can explore Athens without a car first and then pick up the rental car directly at the airport before hitting the road. In both cases, the rule is: Plan the rental car and the city stay as two separate stages; this will save you stress, parking fees, and frustration. Through our partner Discover Cars*, you can easily compare offers and check prices:
➲ Find affordable car rental deals*
→ All details on traveling by car, ferry, and plane: Traveling to Greece
#2 Getting Around in Athens
Exploring Athens on foot
Walking is the best way to explore Athens. The inner city, covering an area of just under 40 km², is surprisingly compact. It takes just 10 minutes to walk from Monastiraki Square to the Acropolis, about 15 minutes to the National Garden, and even Lycabettus Hill is barely more than half an hour away. Most sights, restaurants, and hotels are located within a radius of about 2 km. Comfortable shoes are a must, however, as some of the alleys in Plaka and Anafiotika are steep and the pavement uneven.
Metro in Athens
Unlike in other major cities, the Athens metro network is still quite manageable. The public transportation company Stasy currently operates three lines, with a fourth under construction. Each line has its own color, which makes it easy to navigate. The Athens metro has a good reputation and is a safe mode of transportation:
- Line 1 (green): Piraeus (Πειραιάς) ↔ Kifissia (Κηφισιά) – via Monastiraki
- Line 2 (red): Anthoupoli (Ανθούπολη) ↔ Elliniko (Ελληνικό) – via Acropolis
- Line 3 (blue): Dimotiko Theatro ↔ Airport (Αεροδρόμιο) – via Syntagma & Monastiraki
In the city center, the metro runs every 3 to 5 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. A one-way ticket (valid for 90 minutes) costs approximately 1.20 euros within the city limits. A day pass for the Athens Metro (24 hours) costs approx. 4.10 euros. The 5-day pass for 8.20 euros is ideal for a short trip to Athens. Tickets for the metro and buses are sold by OASA S.A. and are valid on all public transportation.
→ More info on the Athens Metro: STASY Metro
Buses & Trams in Athens
Nearly all districts of Athens that are not connected to the metro network can be reached by regular buses operated by the transport company OASA S.A. The ATH.ENA ticket allows for flexible travel and combines bus, tram, and metro lines. In the city center, there is a stop almost every 200 meters along the main thoroughfares, and buses run as frequently as every 10 minutes.
The tram runs between Syntagma Square and the coast near Glyfada and Voula, which is convenient if you want to spend a day at the beach. Locations in the wider metropolitan area, such as the Port of Piraeus, Glyfada, or Cape Sounion, are reliably connected by KTEL Attikis intercity buses.
- Bus connections in Athens: OASA Bus
- Intercity buses: KTEL Attikis
- Public transport info: Athens Transport
Taking a taxi in Athens
Numerous yellow taxis are available throughout the Athens metropolitan area. For a ride within the city center, you’ll rarely pay more than 8 to 10 euros. Make sure the meter is turned on (Rate 1 during the day, Rate 2 at night). However, taking a taxi in the city center is hardly worth it, as it’s too much of a hassle to drive around the massive Acropolis and the traffic-calmed Old Town every time. Alternatively, you can order a car via the Free Now app (the Greek Uber), where you can see the price in advance.
For airport transfers, we recommend Manolis and his team at TaxiTransferAthens. Bookings are made online, and the friendly drivers often arrive a few minutes before the agreed time. The ride from downtown Athens to the airport costs about 47 euros and takes between 25 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
→ You can book your Athens taxi directly here: TaxiTransferAthens
Rental Cars and Athens
Traffic in Athens is loud, fast, sometimes chaotic, and confusing. Finding a parking spot is a real challenge. You don’t need a rental car for downtown Athens; on the contrary, it’s more of a burden. A rental car only makes sense if you’re planning trips to the surrounding area, such as Cape Sounion or Delphi. In that case, we recommend picking up the car on the day of the trip rather than booking it for the entire duration of your stay.
✓ Comprehensive insurance & unlimited mileage – no extra costs
✓ Stay flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
✓ Secure booking & price comparison via Discover Cars
Explore Athens with the hop-on/hop-off bus
The red double-decker bus in Athens stops at all the major sights and offers a good overview for first-time visitors. There are various routes, including one to Piraeus and one along the Athenian Riviera. The 24-hour ticket costs about 24 euros and is especially handy on your first day to get a feel for distances. You can book your ticket for the sightseeing bus via GetYourGuide*:
➲ Book a hop-on hop-off ticket*
#3 Best time to visit Athens
Like the rest of the Greek mainland, Athens has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild with occasional rainfall. With over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, Athens is one of the sunniest capital cities in Europe and is generally a great destination for an Athens city break all year round.
Here’s what the weather is like in Athens
April and May in Athens: Late spring is our favorite time to visit Athens. The city is ablaze with spring greenery, temperatures range from a pleasant 18 to 25 degrees, and the large tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet. The weather in Athens is perfect for spending hours walking among the archaeological sites without breaking a sweat with every step. Orthodox Easter usually falls in April, when the atmosphere in the churches and alleys of Plaka is particularly festive.
June through early July in Athens: Early summer in Athens is wonderfully warm with temperatures around 30 degrees, hardly any rain, and ideal for long evenings on rooftop terraces. In June, the Athens Epidaurus Festival kicks off with concerts and theater performances in the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Starting in mid-June, the city noticeably fills up with international tourists; tickets for the morning slots at the Acropolis become scarce, and the site itself is bursting at the seams.
Mid-July to late August in Athens: Midsummer in Athens means relentless heat. With temperatures exceeding 35 degrees, sometimes even over 40, it becomes unbearable amid the concrete and sun-baked archaeological sites. We put ourselves through that once—two days were enough. Still, we were surprised at how empty some of the alleys seemed, as the Athenians themselves flee to the islands and the countryside. If you can handle the heat and want to save money, you can find real bargains in August.
September and October in Athens: For us, the second-best time to visit Athens after spring. Temperatures range from a pleasant 22 to 28 degrees, the sea along the Athenian Riviera is still warm enough for swimming, and the tourist crowds have left. Of course, anyone traveling to Greece now is mainly drawn to the Greek islands. In October, the evenings get shorter and there may be occasional rain, but the atmosphere in the city is wonderfully relaxed. Starting in late October, hotel prices drop noticeably.
Athens in Winter: An Insider’s Tip for City Travelers
Our personal insider tip is winter. We’ve been to Athens in December and January and were honestly surprised by how warm and sunny it is here: mild temperatures around 12 to 15 degrees, hardly any tourists, short lines at the Acropolis, and a very special atmosphere in the city. Athenians sit in the kafeneia, tavern owners suddenly have time for a chat, and you experience Athens in its most authentic form.
Rain and wind are part of winter, but most days are sunny and far milder than in Central Europe. All of Athens’ sights and museums are open year-round, though they have shorter winter hours, closing at 4 or 5 p.m. Anyone who thinks restaurants and bars have shut down for the cold season is mistaken. Many establishments are open, usually even the ones popular with locals. Hotels in Athens often cost only half the price in winter compared to summer.
💡 Is it always warm in Athens? Athens is one of the mildest capitals in Europe. In addition to summer visits, we’ve already been to Athens twice in December, as well as in January and April. And indeed, during our winter and spring visits, it was surprisingly mild with air temperatures of around 15 to 20 degrees. Athens is worth visiting any time of year! More information: Best time to visit Greece
Christmas in Athens
Those who travel to Athens over the Christmas holidays will experience the city from a very special perspective. Syntagma Square transforms into a sparkling sea of lights with a giant Christmas tree, an ice rink, and stalls offering Greek treats like melomakarona (honey cookies) and kourabiedes (almond cookies). String lights hang in the alleys, and taverns serve warming winter dishes as well as rakomelo (raki with honey) and, in some cases, mulled wine (in Greek: zesto krasi).
Greeks celebrate Christmas a bit more low-key than in Germany; the big holiday is traditionally New Year’s, and gift-giving takes place on January 1. New Year’s Eve, on the other hand, is celebrated in style, with live music on Syntagma Square and fireworks over the Acropolis. The days between Christmas and New Year’s are ideal for a city trip to Athens: fewer tourists, mild weather (10 to 15 degrees), and an Acropolis that you’ll have almost all to yourself in the early morning hours.
Climate table for Athens
You can use the climate table for Athens as a representative of Greece’s southern coastal region. The entire Attica region is blessed with a mild climate. In the Peloponnese, temperatures are sometimes even milder during the winter months. In summer, the thermometer regularly climbs above 35 degrees, and there is virtually no rain between June and September.
#4 Hotels & Accommodations in Athens
You’ll find lovely hotels in Athens for your stay across all price ranges. From our own experience, we can tell you that classic hotels in the city center are quite expensive by Greek standards. A 4-star hotel in Athens costs just as much as in Barcelona or Milan. For budget-conscious travelers, we recommend booking an apartment or studio in Athens; even in summer, there are great deals available for under 90 euros per night.
→ Find out which neighborhood suits you best and get the best Athens hotel tips for every budget here: Athens Hotel Tips
According to our friend Georgios in Athens, some outlying neighborhoods don’t have the best reputation, so we recommend staying in the center near the Acropolis. In a nutshell: For families and couples seeking peace and quiet, we recommend Plaka, Thiseio, or Koukaki. For night owls and shoppers, Psyrri and the area around Ermou are the best choices. If you want to be right in the thick of the action, Monastiraki is the perfect place for you. We advise against staying in neighborhoods like Exarchia or Omonia.
→ You can find a wide selection of hotels in Athens through our partner Booking.com*.
Our hotel recommendations for downtown Athens
Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel
This aparthotel with a rooftop terrace is located between the Psyrri and Thiseio neighborhoods. It offers tastefully decorated rooms, friendly staff, a delicious breakfast, and is close to the metro station. Despite its central location, the prices are fair.
➲ Book the Moon & Stars Hotel (Booking.com)*
360 Degrees Hotel
This popular hotel is located on Monastiraki Square, right in the heart of the Old Town. The rooms feature modern decor. It offers good value for money, and the hotel terrace provides a magnificent 360-degree panoramic view.
➲ Book the 360 Degrees Hotel (Booking.com)*
InnAthens
This chic hotel is located in the historic Plaka district, not far from Syntagma Square. It offers modern rooms, a quiet courtyard, helpful staff, and a great breakfast buffet!
➲ Book InnAthens (Booking.com)*
A77 Suites by Andronis
Located between Monastiraki and Plaka, this aparthotel features very tasteful suites. It offers a good breakfast and attentive service. We highly recommend the stunning penthouse suite above the city rooftops, complete with a whirlpool and views of the Acropolis.
➲ Book A77 Suites (Booking.com)*
⚠️ Is Athens dangerous? We never felt unsafe in downtown Athens, whether during the day or at night, nor on the metro, and have not encountered any unpleasant situations so far. We avoided certain neighborhoods on the outskirts of downtown (Omonia, Metaxourgio, Exarchia) that we had been warned about. As in any big city, the rule is: the fewer valuables you display, the lower the chance of running into potential criminals.
#5 Restaurant Recommendations for Athens
Athens’s dining scene is diverse, ranging from traditional taverns serving home-style cooking to creative meze corners and elegant Athens rooftop bars with panoramic views of the Acropolis. Compared to other European capitals, Athens is surprisingly affordable: many small cafés, bars, and taverns off the beaten path offer excellent food in a relaxed atmosphere. The two of us have had dinner for as little as 35 euros, including wine.
→ You can find our personal restaurant recommendations for Athens here: Athens Restaurants
The best restaurants are tucked away from the main tourist streets; you should be wary of the establishments on the large squares like Monastiraki Square. Tourist traps lurk here. Here is a small selection of our favorite cafes and restaurants in Athens:
- A for Athens
- Bandiera
- Drunky Goat
- Noel Bar
- To Kafeneio
#6 Things to See in Athens
The many sights in Athens are remarkable. One day is definitely not enough to see everything. Culture and history buffs in particular will feel right at home in the Greek capital. The biggest advantage is that Athens’ highlights are within walking distance or accessible via the excellent metro network.
Acropolis & Parthenon
The number one attraction is the unmissable Acropolis of Athens, which sits atop a 156-meter-high hill right in the city center. This landmark of Athens, with its numerous temples—including the famous Parthenon—is a must-see for any fan of Greece. Since 2024, tickets for the Acropolis (View on GetYourGuide*) have been available only with a time slot, which you should ideally purchase online in advance.
→ Our separate post with all the info and tips for the Acropolis, you will find here: Acropolis of Athens
Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus
The political heart of ancient Athens, home to Greece’s best-preserved temple. For us personally, it’s even more impressive than the Acropolis because you can get much closer to the structures here and there are significantly fewer tourists.
Monastiraki, Plaka & Anafiotika
The old town neighborhoods around the Acropolis are an experience in themselves: the bustling Monastiraki Square, the romantic alleys of Plaka, and the hidden Cycladic village of Anafiotika right below the Temple Hill.
National Garden & Panathenaic Stadium
Athens’ green oasis of calm, featuring the beautiful Zappeion and the Kallimarmaro Stadium made of white marble, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
Lycabettus & Philopappos
The city’s two best vantage points. Lykavittos offers the most expansive panorama, while Philopappos offers our personal favorite sunset view, stretching all the way to Piraeus and the Saronic Islands.
→ You can find the 22 top sights in Athens as well as our personal highlights here: Athens Sights
#7 Activities & Excursions from Athens
Athens offers far more than just sightseeing. From guided tours and culinary experiences to day trips to the surrounding area, there’s a huge selection of activities. Here we’ve compiled the most popular tours and excursions from Athens for you, which you can book in advance through our partner GetYourGuide*:
Guided Tours in Athens
🏛️ Acropolis Tour with an Archaeologist – German-language tour of the Temple Hill with a real archaeologist. Without a guide, much of the Acropolis remains a mystery; with a guide, it becomes an experience. Our top recommendation for first-time visitors!
🍽️ Street Food Tour through Monastiraki – A culinary stroll through Athens’ Old Town with tastings of Greek specialties like loukoumades, bougatsa, and souvlaki. Perfect for getting to know authentic Greek cuisine while discovering the most beautiful alleys.
🚌 Hop-on/Hop-off Sightseeing Bus – Various routes through downtown, to Piraeus, and along the Athenian Riviera. The 24-hour ticket is especially handy on your first day to gauge distances and get an overview.
➲ Book a hop-on/hop-off ticket*
Day Trips from Athens
The area around Athens also has a lot to offer. A classic is the day trip to Cape Sounion with the Temple of Poseidon high above the sea, especially spectacular at sunset. From Piraeus, the Saronic Islands can be easily explored as a day trip. And those willing to travel a bit further can reach ancient Delphi or the floating monasteries of Meteora with organized tours from Athens.
→ You can find all excursion tips for Athens with personal recommendations here: Athens Excursions
⛵ Saronic Islands (Aegina, Hydra, Poros) – Full-day boat tour from Piraeus to three of the most beautiful islands right on Athens’ doorstep. Aegina with the Temple of Aphaia, car-free Hydra, and picturesque Poros in one trip. Lunch and transfer included.
➲ Book the Saronic Islands tour*
🏛️ Trip to Cape Sounion – The Temple of Poseidon on the cliff 60 meters above the sea is a magical place, especially at sunset. The drive along the Athenian Riviera is an experience in itself. Half-day trip, ideal for the afternoon.
➲ Book a trip to Cape Sounion*
⛰️ Trip to Delphi – The ancient oracle at the foot of Mount Parnassus was the spiritual center of Greece in antiquity. The drive from Athens takes about 2.5 hours and winds through an impressive mountain landscape. A full-day trip that is absolutely worth it.
⛪ Trip to Meteora – The floating monasteries on the sandstone cliffs of Meteora are among the most impressive sites in all of Greece and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The organized tour from Athens takes a full day, with the drive taking about 4 hours each way, but the experience is worth every kilometer.
#8 Beaches near Athens
There are no beaches in the immediate vicinity of Athens. To take a dip in the sea on hot days, you’ll need to drive at least 20 minutes or take the tram for 40 minutes. The beaches near Piraeus aren’t suitable for swimming due to heavy ferry traffic. However, there are several nice beaches lined up along the Athenian Riviera southeast of the city.
Our recommendations for beaches near Athens:
- Kalamaki Beach (10 km) – the nearest beach, well-organized with beach bars (Tip: Bolivar Beach Bar)
- Glyfada Beach (14 km) – beautiful sandy beach with bars and restaurants
- Voula Beach (16 km) – organized beach, admission approx. 5 euros
- Vouliagmeni Beach (20 km) – upscale atmosphere, crystal-clear water
- Kavouri Beach (18 km) – public sandy beach with pine trees, no admission fee
Don’t expect an idyllic setting on Athens’ beaches: the entire coastline is lined with high-rises, and the busy main road runs right along the sea. If that doesn’t bother you, we recommend taking the tram from Syntagma for a day at the beach. It takes you directly to the sea in about 40 minutes, and many beaches have a stop right at their doorstep. Finding a parking spot with a rental car during peak season is next to impossible.
#9 From Athens to the Islands
For many travelers to Greece, Athens isn’t just a city break but also the starting point for island hopping in Greece, as Piraeus is considered the gateway to the Greek islands. The two ports of Piraeus and Rafina connect the mainland to dozens of Greek islands. The idea from the comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 that the airport is right on Athens’ doorstep is, unfortunately, an illusion. It takes at least an hour to get from the airport to the port of Piraeus by bus or metro.
We recommend booking your ferry tickets in advance through our partner Ferryhopper*:
➲ Search and book ferry connections*
Port of Piraeus
Piraeus is Greece’s largest port and one of the busiest in the entire Mediterranean. Ferries depart daily from here to the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Saronic Islands, Crete, and the Eastern Aegean. The port is huge and consists of several gates (E1 to E12); be sure to check your ticket for the correct gate number. You can easily reach Piraeus via Metro Line 1 (green) from Monastiraki in about 25 minutes. The main ferry companies operating from Piraeus are Blue Star Ferries, ANEK Lines, Minoan Lines, Seajets, and Hellenic Seaways.
→ Want to explore the Cyclades islands from Athens? Then take a look at this overview: Cyclades Islands
Port of Rafina
The smaller port of Rafina is located on the east coast of Attica, about 30 km from downtown Athens and just 20 minutes from ATH Airport. From here, ferries run regularly to the northern Cyclades, particularly to Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos, operated by Golden Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, and Seajets. Ferries from Rafina are often cheaper than those from Piraeus, and the crossing times are sometimes shorter. You can reach Rafina from the airport by KTEL bus in about 30 minutes.
#10 Our Personal Experiences in Athens
We’ve been to Athens several times and have taken this vibrant city to our hearts. We especially love the contrast between the historic old town, modern street art, and the park-like hills. The latter serve as Athens’ green lungs and sometimes make you forget that you’re in the middle of a metropolis of millions.
For nature lovers, walks on the Pnyx and Philopappos hills offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Another major advantage: compared to other European capitals, Athens is relatively affordable to visit. Many small cafés, bars, and taverns off the beaten path offer excellent and affordable food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Our personal must-do: Enjoy the sunset from one of the city’s hills. When the evening sun bathes the sea of houses and the magnificent Acropolis in a warm glow and your gaze wanders all the way to the sea, you’ll feel the magic of Athens. Order a Freddo Cappuccino (or an Aperol, depending on the time of day) and simply savor the moment. Athens deserves to be seen as more than just a stopover.
How many days should you plan for Athens?
For a successful city break in Athens, we recommend at least two nights. The drive from the airport, 35 km away, to the city center alone takes at least an hour. On our first visit, we had only planned one night: arriving at noon, we could only explore the Acropolis and the immediate surroundings. The next morning, we were already on our way to Piraeus and the islands. In hindsight, unfortunately, much too stressful.
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The second time, we had three days and could finally enjoy the city at a leisurely pace: Day 1 for the Old Town and the Acropolis, Day 2 for the museums and more secluded neighborhoods, and Day 3 for a trip to the coast or to Piraeus. If you’re using Athens as a base for island hopping, you can easily add a fourth or fifth day. You’re guaranteed not to get bored. Athens is also a great starting point for a roadtrip in Greece.
💡 Help with planning your Greece vacation: Not sure where to start? Take advantage of our years of experience with trips to Greece and let us help you plan your Athens trip, even via video chat: Greece Trip Planning
Who is Athens best suited for?
Athens is ideal as a stopover during a vacation on the Greek islands or a tour of Greece. Affordable flights, the mild climate even in winter, the vibrant culture, and the excellent nightlife make a short trip to Athens an unforgettable experience. Couples love the rooftop bars and romantic alleys in Plaka, families with children will enjoy the National Garden and the Athenian Riviera, and backpackers appreciate the affordable prices in Psyrri.
→ Want to combine Athens with a trip to the Greek islands? Then take a look at our island guide: Which Greek island is right for me?
During the day, the city beckons with endless shopping opportunities, from unique souvenirs in the alleys of Monastiraki to designer pieces on Ermou Street. You’re guaranteed never to get bored in Athens. But if you’re looking for peace and quiet, you won’t find it here. Despite the traffic-calmed city center and the true village idyll in Plaka and Thiseio: Athens never sleeps! The city’s bars and clubs are bustling until the early hours of the morning—a paradise for night owls. Everyone else is likely to head quickly to the quiet countryside or the islands. 🙂
→ Here’s an overview of all our Athens posts: Athens Blog
FAQ on Athens Travel Tips
What’s the best way to get from Athens Airport to downtown?
The cheapest option is the X95 express bus to Syntagma Square (5.50 euros, approx. 40 min.), the most comfortable is Metro Line 3 (9 euros, approx. 40 min.), and the fastest is a taxi (47 euros during the day). For travelers staying in Athens for several days, the 3-Day Tourist Ticket for 20 euros is the best choice.
Do I need a rental car in Athens?
Not for the city center—everything is within walking distance or accessible by metro, and parking is a nightmare. We only recommend a rental car for day trips to the surrounding area, such as Cape Sounion or Delphi.
Which port is better for my island hopping, Piraeus or Rafina?
That depends on your destination. Piraeus serves most of the islands, including all of the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, and Crete. Rafina is better for the northern Cyclades (Andros, Tinos, Mykonos) and is closer to the airport. Ferries from Rafina are often cheaper.
Is Athens expensive?
Compared to other European capitals, Athens is still quite affordable. A meal at a taverna costs 10 to 15 euros per person, a single metro ticket costs 1.20 euros, and a good hotel in the city center costs between 80 and 150 euros. Prices only get high at the upscale rooftop restaurants and luxury hotels on Syntagma Square.
When is the best time to visit Athens?
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather. Summer is hot but affordable. Our insider tip is winter, especially December: mild temperatures, no crowds of tourists, and a great atmosphere.
How many days should you plan for Athens?
At least 2 full days, ideally 3. In one day, you can see the Acropolis and the Old Town, but you’ll miss the museums, Lycabettus Hill, and the quieter neighborhoods. If you’re using Athens as a base for island hopping, you can easily plan for 4 to 5 days.
Is Athens safe for tourists?
We always felt safe in downtown Athens, both day and night. You can move about without worry in the tourist districts around the Acropolis. Watch out for pickpockets on the metro and in crowded areas, and avoid staying in outlying neighborhoods like Omonia or Exarchia.
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