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Athens travel guide

Rippling out from the Plaka neighbourhood, the core of Athens’ historic centre, lies a living museum of temples, monuments and other sites of incredible archaeological significance. Rising above it all is the grand Acropolis, which helps you orient yourself, no matter where you are in the city. There is so much to discover here, and it’s not all out of the history books. Athens has earned its reputation as a creative, lively and welcoming city, with fabulous nightlife, great food and wine, and its very own Greek joie de vivre. If you’re planning a visit, explore our Athens travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time in the Greek capital. We’ve collected the best tips from our travel experts, and have top suggestions for things to do, the best time to travel, where to stay in Athens, getting around and more.

Where to stay

Considering where to stay in Athens is all about immediate proximity to the city’s cultural sites and activities. This makes the districts within easy access of the Acropolis and city centre some of the most popular destinations for travellers....
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Things to do

Widely regarded as one of the most culturally and historically significant cities in the world, there’s no shortage of things to do in Athens. The city is home to some of society's most important archaeological treasures. It houses collections of the world’s most significant art, yet seamlessly embraces modern holiday needs. Shopping, fine-dining, and adventure-packed pursuits – you’ll find them all in Athens.
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Travel tips

Greece is considered a safe country for tourists; however, there are a few Athens travel tips to bear in mind. Like most of Europe, Greece is alert to terrorist threat and visitors should be aware of their surrounds and any suspicious activity. ...
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Getting Around

Whether it’s on foot, by bike or via underground rail, Athens transport has a host of options to see you easily navigate this ancient city.  The Metro system is often the preferred transport for visitors as it provides access to all the major city sites without negotiating the city’s notorious traffic. Meanwhile, many streets in tourism areas have now been closed to cars, offering the perfect opportunity to explore much of Athens and its endless delights on foot. Best of all, the city’s transport is budget friendly, and day passes are readily available.
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Where to eat

Greek food is acclaimed the world over due to its exciting flavours and fresh ingredients, which makes working out where to eat in Athens a tough choice. Eating here is as much about the tradition as the ingredients too, so each meal of your holiday should be treated as a social occasion....
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Shopping

From flea markets to luxury boutiques, Athens shopping is vibrant, exciting, and often friendlier to the hip pocket than other European destinations. In fact, many pack light when travelling to Athens in anticipation of the bargains on offer....
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Best time to travel

The weather in Athens features distinct seasons that range from hot, dry summers to cold wet winters. In fact, the city has a huge variation in temperatures across the year. Summer days can be oppressive with heatwaves seeing the Athens temperature climb to 40°C. Meanwhile, winter sees the mercury drop to just 10°C with minimal sunlight in December. This means spring, early summer and autumn are generally considered the best times to travel to Athens, with the added bonus of avoiding the summer crowds and inflated peak season rates.
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Parks

Athens parks and squares don’t just beautify the city – they’re often sites of historical and societal importance. From the ancient significance of Areopagus Hill to the modern community function of Stavros Niarchos Park, the parks and public spaces of Athens mark the major turning points of an ancient culture....
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