Athens Holiday: 11 important things to know for your city break

Athens, the capital of Greece, offers an impressive potpourri of historical relics, modern influences, and stark contrasts. Here you will find chic boutique hotels next to simple hostels, flea markets next to jewelry stores, and street food takeaways next to fine restaurants in the same alley. An interesting mix that can be used on a spontaneous short trip or a longer Athens Holiday is waiting to be discovered.

We have been to Athens six times and find new interesting corners every time. Athína, as the city is called by the Greeks, is not a stylish capital. It has a flair that is somewhere between Orient and Occident. You have to get involved with that first.

Incidentally, the metropolis owes its name to the Greek goddess Pallas Athena, who was the patron saint of the city in ancient times. In addition, Athens has one of the most important landmarks in the world with the Acropolis in the heart of the city. Why a City trip to Athens belongs on your bucket list, we’ll tell you here:

#1 Where is the city of Athens?

Athens is located in the south of Greece on the Saronic Gulf. Greece itself is located on the southeastern tip of the Balkan Peninsula and is appreciated by holidaymakers from all over the world because of its Mediterranean climate. In addition, Athens with the port of Piraeus is considered the gateway to the Greek islands, from here you can take a Island hopping in Greece start.

#2 Does Athens have an airport?

The airport of Athens is called Athens-Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) and is located about 35 km (45 mins) outside the city. It is modern and the turnaround times have always been fast with us. From Germany, there are direct flights to Athens all year round, including from Berlin, Cologne and Munich with Aegean Airlines, Lufthansa and RyanAir. It is advisable to book a hotel transfer in advance (Book on GetYourGuide*).

→ With our partner Skyscanner* you can search for cheap flights to Athens and book them directly if necessary:

➲ To search for flights with Skyscanner*

How to get from the airport to Athens’ Old Town:

• by bus: Line X95 takes about 50 minutes to get to the city
• by metro: Blue line takes about 40 minutes to get to Monastiraki Square stop
• by taxiTaxiTransferAthens takes about 35 minutes to get to the city

How long does a flight to Athens take?:

• Berlin to Athens Flight time: approx. 2 hrs 45 mins
• Cologne to Athens Flight time: approx. 2 hrs 55 mins
• Munich to Athens Flight time: approx. 2 hrs 25 mins

#3 How big is the city of Athens?

Athens is the biggest city in Greece and with an area of 361.72 km², about the size of Cologne, but with around 3 million people, it has three times as many inhabitants. The high population density is reflected in the cityscape, which, with the exception of the historic old town of Athens, is characterized by modern high-rise architecture.

In the old town, on the other hand, visitors enjoy many historic buildings and a partly village idyll. In addition, the compact and traffic-calmed city centre can be easily explored on foot. By the way: Piraeus is no longer just the Port of Athens, but its own city with 160,000 inhabitants.

#4 Are there beautiful beaches near Athens?

In Athens, there are no beaches in the immediate vicinity. To jump into the water, you have to drive at least 20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by metro. The nearest beach, Kalamaki Beach or Akti Iliou, is located 10 km from the city center. It is well organized with beach bars (tip: Bolivar Beach Bar) and consists of fine grey gravel.

The beaches near Piraeus are not suitable for swimming due to the busy ferry and cargo ship traffic, at most for sunbathing. There are many beaches along the Athens Riviera southeast of the city of Athens, including the sandy beach of Glyfada. You shouldn’t expect idyll here, the entire coast of Athens is built up and the main road goes directly along the sea.

→ Our recommendations for beautiful beaches near Athens:

• Kalamaki Beach (10 km)
• Gylfada Beach (14 km)
• Voula Beach (16 km)
• Vouliagmeni Beach (20 km)

#5 Top 15 things to do in Athens

The many Sights in Athens are remarkable. One day is definitely not enough to see everything. Culture and history fans in particular will feel at home in the Greek capital right away. The biggest advantage is that many of Athens’ highlights are within walking distance or can be reached through the good Athens metro network.

Sight number one is the unmissable Athens Acropolis, which is enthroned on a 156-meter-high mountain in the middle of the city center. The landmark of Athens with its numerous temples should be seen by every Greece fan. Other highlights in the immediate vicinity are the Acropolis Museum, Monastiraki Square, the Agora and the old town district of Plaka.

→ 15 popular sights of Athens at a glance:

1. Acropolis of Athens
2. Acropolis Museum
3. Roman Agora with Tower of the Winds
4. Ancient Agora with Temple of Hephaestus
5. Monastiraki Square
6. Syntagma Square and Parliament
7. Old Town District Plaka
8. National Garden of Athens
9. Lycabettus Hill
10. National Museum of Athens
11. Philopappos Hill
12. Panathinaikos Stadium (Kallimarmaro)
13. Olympieion Temple of Zeus
14. Kerameikos Archaeological Site
15. Bar area Psyrri

#6 For whom is an Athens vacation suitable?

Athens is a great stopover on a holiday in the Greek Islands or on a tour of Greece. Recently, Athens has become a popular destination for city trips developed in Europe. Cheap flights to Athens, the mild climate (even in winter), the lively culture and the excellent nightlife make a short trip an experience.

In addition, Athens offers unlimited opportunities for extensive shopping. From original holiday souvenirs to unusual garments by Greek designers, there is everything a shopper’s heart desires. Even without a shopping frenzy, it is possible to get into the typical Greek alleys of the old town wonderful stroll, great photo motifs await you on every corner.

But if you are looking for peace and quiet, you won’t find it in Athens. Despite the traffic-calmed city centre and a true village idyll in the districts of Plaka and Thiseo – Athens never sleeps! The city’s bars and clubs are bustling with activity until the early hours of the morning. A paradise for night owls who will probably visit Athens again more than once.

#7 How many days do you need for Athens?

For a successful Athens city trip we recommend that you plan at least two nights. The journey from the airport, 35 km away, to the city centre of Athens alone takes at least an hour. The idea, as in the comedy My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (View on Amazon*) that the airport is located right outside Athens is an illusion.

On our first visit, we only had one overnight in downtown Athens scheduled. Arriving at noon, we could only explore the Athenian Acropolis and the surrounding area of the Temple Mount. The next morning we went on to Piraeus and the Greek islands. In retrospect, unfortunately, it was far too stressful.

For visiting the Cyclades Islands (including Milos, Mykonos and Naxos), a stay in Athens or the port city of Piraeus is usually necessary if you cannot cross over with a domestic flight from Athens. The port of Piraeus is about 50 km (1 hour by bus/metro) from Athens airport.

We recommend that you always buy your ferry tickets online before departure, e.g. via the search portal Ferryhopper*:

➲ To the ferry booking with Ferryhopper*

The more days you plan in Athens, the more you will see of the city and the surrounding area. In the many bars and pubs in the trendy district of Psyrri, not far from the old town, night owls can spend weeks alone. Athens is also a very good starting point for a Round trip through Greece.

From Athens Airport, you can either set off on your own with a rental car or spend the night in Athens and start organized day trips to the region from there. Very popular are tours to the famous Meteora Monasteries, to the ancient site of Delphi or to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.

→ Through our partner GetYourGuide* you can book sightseeing Tours from Athens:

➲ To the excursion to Meteora*

➲ To the excursion to Delphi*

➲ To the excursion to Sounion*

#8 Which Athens neighborhoods are the best?

The Plaka, Koukaki and Thiseio districts as well as Monastiraki and Psyrri are best suited for a successful Athens vacation. They are all located directly around the Acropolis of Athens, in the heart of the city and so almost all sights are within walking distance. In addition, these districts are best reached by metro.

The districts of Plaka and Thiseio in particular have a true village idyll paired with the flair of the Greek islands. In combination with the forested Acropolis hill, an almost surreal atmosphere is created in the city of 3 million. In the districts Monastiraki and Psyrri the life of Athens pulsates. These neighborhoods never sleep and offer the highest density of restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Monastiraki

Located at the foot of the Athens Acropolis, the Monastiraki district has been considered the business center of Athens for centuries. The linchpin is the Monastiraki Square, probably the busiest square in Athens. Nearby are historical archaeological sites (including Roman Agora, Tower of the Winds, Ancient Agora) as well as numerous restaurants and bars.

Psyrri

A few years ago it was still called the poorhouse of Athens, but today it offers alleys worth seeing and a special mixture of historical testimonies and modern influences. Psyrri is known for its colourful pub district and lively Athens Street Art and graffiti scene. Pittaki Street at the Little Kook Caféis the craziest place in Athens.

Plaka

The historic district of Plaka is often mentioned in the same breath as the old town of Athens. Pastel-coloured mansions, on whose facades colourful bougainvillea climb, as well as taverns and cafés, boutiques and shops as far as the eye can see, characterise the image of this Chic Athens Quarter.

Koukaki

It is a nice Athens district south of the Acropolis at the foot of the Filopappou hill, with an interesting mix of historic villas and modern high-rises. Koukaki is a good starting point for exploring the city. Further south, the new town begins with many interesting shops, restaurants and bars.

Thiseio

In the sympathetic district west of the Acropolis with its charming houses, we always feel at home quickly. In Thiseio (also Thissio), cafés and restaurants with a view of the Acropolis invite you to linger. One of the quietest neighborhoods in Athens, yet right in the center. The long Apostolou Pavlou Promenade is a meeting place for street artists and traders.

#9 Bus & Metro: How to get around Athens?

In fact, you can very easy walk through Athens. The inner district of Athens is relatively small, with an area of just under 40 km². For example, it only takes 10 minutes from Monastiraki Square in the heart of Athens to the Acropolis. From there to the Acropolis Museum below, it is also a 10-minute walk (700 m).

Metro in Athens

For longer distances (e.g. from the city center to the Athens Riviera), the metro is recommended. It has a good reputation and is a safe means of transport. The three lines (1 green, 2 red, 3 blue) reliably connect the centre with the outskirts. The prices for a metro ride are fair, a one-way trip in the city area costs about 1.50 €. In combination with the Athens tram, you can reach almost every point of the city.

→ An overview of the Athens Metro Network can be found at: Stasy

Buses in Athens

The bus network in Athens and the Attica region is very well developed. In the city centre, there is a bus stop almost every 200 metres along the main roads and the buses sometimes run every 10 minutes. If you are staying for several days, the so-called ATH.ENA ticket. ATH Airport and the major ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio are also reliably accessible by bus.

→ An overview of Bus routes in Athens can be found at: Athens Transportation

On a short trip, it is also a good idea to take a Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour in Athens, bookable on GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the Hop on Hop Off bus tour*

Taxis in Athens

There are numerous yellow taxis available throughout the city of Athens. Especially for the journey to and from the airport, it is advisable to take a taxi. In the city center, a taxi is hardly of any use, it is too cumbersome to avoid the mighty Acropolis and the traffic-calmed old town every time, plus the waiting times at the traffic lights.

→ for Taxi rides in Athens we recommend Manolis and his team: Taxi TransferAthens

Is it worth renting a car in Athens?

The city traffic in Athens is loud, fast, sometimes chaotic and confusing. The search for a parking space is a real challenge. A rental car is only worthwhile for people who regularly drive in Berlin, Frankfurt & Co. and enjoy it. In our separate article you will learn what you should consider when it comes to traffic and rental cars: Car rental in Greece

#10 Athens hotels: How do I find good accommodation?

In all price categories you will find in Athens beautiful hotels for your stay. Even though the accommodations outside the city center are sometimes inexpensive, the direct location in the city center saves unnecessary trips and waiting times for the bus and metro. In addition, according to our Athenian friend Georgios, some outskirts of Athens do not enjoy the best reputation.

→ About our partner Booking.com* you will find many hotels in Athens and you can check prices here:

From our own experience, we can tell you that classic hotels in the city center are very expensive by Greek standards. A 4-star hotel in Athens costs the same as in Barcelona or Milan. For bargain hunters, it is recommended to book an apartment or studio in Athens, where there are also great offers under 90 € per night in summer.

Cozy studios and modern apartments in Athens can be found e.g. on Booking.com*. Personally, we can recommend the following Athens apartments:

• Greece U Around Athens, Thissio*
• Great Living Koukaki, Koukaki*

Hotel recommendations for Athens

360 Degrees Hotel

Popular hotel on Monastiraki Square in the middle of the old town. Modern rooms, good value for money and wonderful 360° views from the hotel terrace. More information about the Athens Hotel on Booking.com*:

➲ Book 360 Degrees Hotel*

A77 Suites by Andronis

Aparthotel with very tasteful suites between Monastiraki and Plaka. Good breakfast and courteous service, as well as penthouse suite with jacuzzi and Acropolis view. More information about the hotel on Booking.com*:

➲ Book A77 Suites*

InnAthens

Elegant hotel in the historic Plaka district, close to Syntagma Square. Quiet location, friendly staff and good breakfast buffet. More information about accommodation on Booking.com*:

➲ Book InnAthens*

Moon & Stars Boutique Hotel

Aparthotel with a roof terrace located between Psyrri and Thiseio. Tastefully decorated rooms, friendly staff, delicious breakfast and proximity to the metro. Fair prices despite central location. More information about this hotel on Booking.com*:

➲ To book Moon & Stars Hotel*

#11 Our experiences & more travel tips for Athens

We have been to Athens several times and have taken this lively city to our hearts. We particularly like the contrast between the historic old town, modern street art and the park-like hills. The latter are the green lung of Athens and sometimes make you forget that you are in the middle of a metropolis of millions.

For nature lovers, walks on the Pnyx and Philopappos Hills are a real balance to the hectic hustle and bustle of the capital. Speaking of walks, this is also a big plus point of Athens: you can explore almost the entire city center around the Acropolis on foot.

Another big advantage: Compared to other European capitals, Athens is relatively cheap. Many small cafés, bars and taverns away from the tourist miles offer very good and cheap food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere. In contrast to the rather high entrance fee for the Acropolis, at least the wallet is spared.

Our personal must-do on your Athens holiday: Enjoy the sunset from one of the city hills. When the evening sun bathes the sea of houses of Athens and the magnificent Acropolis in a warm light and your gaze wanders over to the sea, you can feel the magic of this city with its unique history.

Athens Youtube Video

Travel reporter Tamina (known from the WDR program Wunderschön!) has taken a city trip to Athens and reports in this video about her great experiences:

→ Here you can get more information and Travel tips for your Athens holiday:

• Athens Highlights
• Athens Excursions

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