Things To Do
in Athens
Athens blends millennia of history with a lively modern energy. Perched among hills and the Aegean coast, it houses the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and world-class museums. Neighborhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psirri spill with tavernas, street art, and bustling markets.
Modern cafés and rooftop bars sit alongside timeless ruins, inviting slow exploration and urban discovery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel near Syntagma Square. Freshen up and sample a classic Greek coffee with a view of the modern city unfolding around you. Feel the first breeze of the Mediterranean as you prepare for your urban adventure.
Head up to the Acropolis to bask in the grandeur of the Parthenon and capture panoramic city vistas. Wander through the Ancient Agora and imagine the philosophers debating in the sunlit colonnades. Pause for a light spanakopita snack at a nearby café shaded by tall pines.
Descend into the labyrinthine streets of Plaka and pick a tavern lit with fairy lights for your first Greek dinner. Savor fresh mezes like tzatziki and dolmades accompanied by a chilled glass of retsina. Conclude the night with a leisurely stroll past neoclassical mansions resonating with live bouzouki tunes.
Start your morning at the Acropolis Museum, where glass floors reveal archaeological finds nestled beneath your feet. Study the intricately carved friezes of the Parthenon and marvel at the life-size statues that once adorned sacred temples. Grab a light snack of Greek yogurt with fresh honey in the museum café overlooking the Acropolis hill.
Explore Kerameikos, the ancient burial grounds of Athens, wandering among stoic stone markers and olive trees. Let the ghostly atmosphere of the Sacred Gate spark your imagination as you walk the original city walls. Pause for a shaded bench break and watch the play of shadows across age-old stele.
Return to the old town enclave of Anafiotika, where Cycladic whitewashed houses perch like eagles’ nests on the northern slope of the Acropolis. Dine at a rooftop taverna serving grilled octopus and horta while the sun sinks behind the Parthenon. End the evening with an aromatic stroll back through lantern-lit cobbled alleys.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕️Coffee (sit-down) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer or drink in a bar | $5-7 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (1-2 miles) | $6-12 |
| 🎟️Museum or archaeological site ticket | $8-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Ancient ruins and world-class museums at your doorstep
- Vibrant neighborhoods, rooftop bars, and diverse dining
- Walkable historic core with scenic viewpoints and markets
- Accessible day-trips to islands and mountains
- Hills and summer heat can be strenuous for some visitors
- Crowds at major sites during peak season and weekends
- "Yia sou" - Hello (informal)
- "Kalimera" - Good morning
- "Kalispera" - Good evening
- "Efharisto" - Thank you
- "Parakaló" - Please / You're welcome
- "Poso kostizei?" - How much does this cost?
- "Pou einai toi WC?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Sygnomi, den milao kala" - Sorry, I don't speak Greek well
- "Midenetai? (me see)" - Do you accept card?
- "Stin ygeia sas" - Cheers / To your health
Places to Visit in Athens
Visit one of these nice places.
The iconic ancient citadel dominates the skyline; best sunrise or sunset shots with the city sprawled below.
Romantic city views from a historic rocky outcrop above the Acropolis; especially striking at golden hour.
Panoramic vantage point over Athens and the Aegean Sea; accessible by hike or funicular.
Winding streets and pastel island-inspired houses clinging to the slopes above Plaka—colorful, intimate alleyways perfect for portraits and detail shots.
Vivid urban scenes with street life, colorful storefronts, and the Acropolis rising in the distance.
Well-preserved columns and ancient stones set within a quiet archaeological site—great for architectural photography.
Food in Athens
Athens Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Skewered grilled meat (often pork or chicken) served with warm pita, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki; best found at classic souvlaki shops like Kostas in Monastiraki.
Must-Try!
Layered eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel baked to bubbling perfection; a staple at traditional tavernas such as in Plaka or Psirri.
Grape leaves stuffed with herby rice, often served with lemon; widely available in tavernas and in meze platters.
Flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta; a popular snack or appetizer at bakeries and tavernas around Monastiraki and the Market.
Honey-soaked pastry layered with nuts; widely available in pastry shops and cafes throughout the city.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market hall where you can taste and buy local cheeses, olives, meats, and produce; a great place to sample Greek staples and pick up picnic items.
Sesame-covered ring-shaped bread sold by street vendors near major squares; perfect quick snack while touring the city.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A light hand shake or verbal greeting; friends may kiss lightly on both cheeks in social settings; greet elders with respect.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries; remove hats and speak softly near sacred spaces.
Tables are shared; say 'Kali orexi' before eating and show appreciation with 'Efharisto' when served.
Casual but neat; modest attire is appreciated in religious sites and upscale venues.
Safety
Tipping in Athens
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not obligatory. If service is not included, leave about 5-10% in nicer restaurants; in casual cafes, rounding up is common.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most venues, though smaller tavernas and markets may prefer cash; ATMs are common throughout the city.
Prices may be shown excluding tax; ask for a receipt if needed; service charges may be added in some establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Very hot and dry; expect crowded sites and long days. Hydrate, start early, and seek shade in the Archaeological and National Gardens; seaside days are ideal for cooling off.
Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds; ideal for walking tours and outdoor dining from September to November.
Mild to cool with occasional rain; museums and indoor attractions are more comfortable; Christmas markets and holiday events appear in December.
Green hills, blooming trees, and comfortable temps; perfect for hikes around Hymettus or Parnitha and outdoor café culture.
Athens at Night
Hiking in Athens
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails with city views, shaded paths, and easy to moderate hikes just outside central Athens.
Expansive terrain to hike, with pine forests, wildlife, and longer day trips north of Athens.
Rugged trails west of Athens offering scenic canyons and panoramic overlooks.
Airports
How to reach Athens by plane.
Main international airport serving the Athens region, located about 20 miles east of the city center; connected by metro line 3, suburban rail, and airport buses; taxis are available 24/7.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are Greek nationals; a mix of urban professionals, students, and families.
A large share of the population is enrolled in or employed by universities and startups, contributing to a dynamic urban culture.
Significant populations from Albania, Georgia, the Philippines, India, and other regions, contributing to a diverse food scene and cultural events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most followed sport; local teams and national league games draw substantial crowds.
Popular league games and a strong youth scene; arenas host domestic and international matches.
Sailing, windsurfing, and swimming are common along the Athens coast and nearby islands.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Athens.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Greek cuisine includes many vegetarian options like gigantes plaki, spanakopita, dolmades, Greek salads, and roasted vegetables; ask for olive oil-based dishes and avoid meat-heavy meze if needed.
Rely on olive oil–based salads, grilled vegetables, hummus, fava, and gigantes; communicate dietary needs clearly and seek tavernas with vegetarian meze options.