Why Visit Athens?
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a recorded history of more than 3,400 years, and it is where many of the ideas that shaped the Western world, democracy, philosophy, theatre and the Olympic Games, were born. The Acropolis, with the Parthenon at its summit, is one of the most famous monuments on Earth, and it dominates the skyline from almost every corner of the city. Around it, the ruins of the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Roman Forum sit among modern streets, and you can walk from a 2,500-year-old temple to a coffee shop in a few minutes.
Modern Athens can surprise first-time visitors. It is a big, busy, sometimes gritty city, but it has a warmth and energy that grows on you. Neighborhoods such as Plaka, Monastiraki, Psyrri and Kolonaki each have their own character, the street food is cheap and excellent, and the rooftop bars with views of the floodlit Acropolis are among the best in Europe. The city is also an easy base for day trips to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, the islands of Hydra and Aegina and the ancient sites of Delphi, making it one of the most rewarding places in Greece.
Getting Around Athens
Athens has a modern, inexpensive public transport system. The Metro has three main lines that connect the airport, the port of Piraeus and the main sights, and trams run along the coast. Buses and trolleybuses cover the rest of the city, and a single ticket is valid for 90 minutes on all modes. The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, and many sights are within a ten-minute walk of each other. Taxis are plentiful and cheap, but agree a fare or insist on the meter, and the Metro is the best way to reach the airport.
Most Athens sights are open all day in summer, but the heat from midday to late afternoon is intense. Start sightseeing at opening time, rest during the hottest hours and return to the Acropolis or the viewpoints in the early evening, when the light is gold and the crowds thin.
Top Attractions
The Acropolis
The ancient citadel and its Parthenon, the symbol of classical Greece, rising above the city on a rocky hill.
Acropolis Museum
A modern museum at the foot of the hill that houses the sculptures of the Parthenon and the Caryatids.
Ancient Agora
The marketplace and civic heart of ancient Athens, with the best-preserved Greek temple in the country.
Where to Stay in Athens
| Area | Best For | Avg. Price/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Plaka / Syntagma | Sightseeing on foot, first-time visitors, Acropolis views | $110–$350 |
| Monastiraki / Psyrri | Nightlife, rooftop bars, street food, flea markets | $90–$260 |
| Koukaki / Makrygianni | Acropolis Museum, quiet streets, good restaurants | $90–$240 |
| Kolonaki | Upscale shopping, museums, cafes, calm evenings | $120–$320 |
| Gazi / Thissio | Nightlife and ancient sites away from the crowds | $80–$200 |
What to Eat in Athens
Souvlaki
Grilled skewered meat, wrapped in pita with tomato, onion and tzatziki, the cheapest and most beloved Athens street food.
Moussaka
A baked casserole of eggplant, spiced meat and creamy béchamel, Greece's most famous comfort food.
Loukoumades
Golden fried dough balls drizzled with honey and cinnamon, a sweet snack with ancient roots.
Order a few mezedes, small plates for sharing, rather than a single main course, and eat late. Greeks usually have dinner after 9 p.m., so the best tavernas are quiet at 7 and lively by 10.
Travel Budget
| Travel Style | Daily Budget | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $60–$85 | Hostel dorm, souvlaki lunches, taverna dinners, Metro pass, a combined archaeological ticket |
| Mid-Range | $150–$250 | 3 to 4-star hotel, sit-down meals, museum tickets and a day trip |
| Luxury | $400+ | 5-star hotel with Acropolis view, fine dining, private tours and an island cruise |
Buy the combined archaeological ticket that covers the Acropolis and several other major ancient sites over several days, which is cheaper than buying single tickets. Many sites are also free on certain days, such as the first Sunday of the month in winter.