Athens Travel Guide

Athens gets written off as a quick stop on the way to the islands, but it’s one of the best places in Greece to slow down and soak it all in.

This Athens travel guide covers what to do, where to eat, where to stay, how to get around, and the local tips that actually make a difference.

Athens is more than a stopover.

She’s messy and magnificent, ancient and raw, and so full of stories you’ll wish you stayed longer. While many travellers treat the Greek capital as a quick layover before island hopping, those who linger get to experience the soul of modern Greece.

From hilltop views and rooftop bars to neighbourhoods buzzing with street art, wine bars, history and heat—this is your go-to guide to planning a trip to Athens that will have you remembering more than just the islands.

What’s happening in ATHENS

Athens Neighbourhoods You’ll Want to Call Home

Athens is a mosaic of neighbourhoods, each with its own pace, people and personality. Here’s a taste of what to expect:

Plaka
The old town charm. Winding streets, blooming bougainvillea, souvenir shops and ouzo at sunset. Perfect for first-timers.

Koukaki
Creative and calm. Think brunch cafés, small galleries and design stores. Near the Acropolis but refreshingly local.

Monastiraki
Bustling and bold. Great for flea markets, rooftop views and street eats any time of day.

Historic Centre
Landmarks on every corner. Your launch pad to the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and more.

Pangrati
Cool without trying too hard. Home to indie bookstores, stylish wine bars and some of the best pies in town.

Exarchia
Rebellious and artistic. Packed with bookshops, smoky bars, student cafés and striking street art.

Neos Kosmos
Quiet, local, and close to everything. A relaxed base with great metro access and hidden tavernas.

Sepolia / Kolonos
A raw slice of real Athens. Gritty, authentic, and full of local life. Stay here to go off the beaten path.

Top Things to Do in Athens (That Aren’t Just the Acropolis)

You’ll want to see the Acropolis, sure—but there’s so much more.

  • Visit the Acropolis Museum before climbing the hill

  • Catch a sunset from Lycabettus Hill

  • Sip cocktails on a rooftop in Psyrri

  • Watch a film under the stars at Cine Thisio

  • Explore street art in Exarchia

  • Wander the Central Market on Athinas Street

  • Stroll the gardens behind Zappeion

  • Take in the contemporary scene at EMST (National Museum of Contemporary Art)

Where to Eat in Athens

There’s no single way to eat your way through Athens. Start here:

  • Tavernas with paper tablecloths and grilled sardines

  • Street food like koulouri, souvlaki and bougatsa

  • Modern Greek cuisine at places like Nolan or Ergon

  • Vegan and vego spots like Avocado and Peas

  • Neighbourhood favourites in Pangrati, Koukaki and Gazi

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Where to Stay in Athens

Match your base to your vibe:

  • First visit? Try Plaka or Monastiraki

  • Love design and coffee? Koukaki or Pangrati

  • Travelling solo or on a budget? Neos Kosmos or Exarchia

  • Nightlife your thing? Psyrri or Gazi

  • Need beach vibes? Glyfada or Vouliagmeni 

Wherever you stay, Athens is compact enough to explore on foot or by metro.

Getting Around

  • Metro: Fast, clean, reliable

  • Walking: Ideal for the centre

  • Taxis: Use the BEAT app or hail in the street

  • Trams: Great for reaching the coast

  • Tip: Avoid driving—Athens traffic is no joke

Best Time to Visit Athens

Spring (Mar–May): Green hills, blooming trees and café culture in full swing
Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot, busy, buzzing with festivals and nightlife
Autumn (Sep–Oct): Still warm, fewer crowds, golden light
Winter (Nov–Feb): Cool and quiet, great for museums and moody walks

Tips For First-Timers

  • Carry cash—some places still don’t take cards

  • Tap water is safe to drink

  • Tipping is optional but appreciated

  • Most big museums are free on the first Sunday of the month (Nov–Mar)

  • Wear comfy shoes (seriously, marble is slippery!)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • For most travellers, 2 to 4 days is the sweet spot. Two days covers the big icons (Acropolis, Plaka, museums). Three or four lets you explore neighbourhoods, eat properly, and add a beach day or a day trip.

  • If it’s your first time, aim for Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, or Koukaki. They’re walkable, central, and make sightseeing easy without feeling like you’re stuck in the tourist bubble.

  • Yes, Athens is generally safe, and it’s a city that rewards confidence. Like anywhere, keep an eye on your bag in busy areas (metro, Monastiraki markets) and stick to well-lit streets late at night.

  • You’ve got three easy options: metro, bus, or taxi. The metro is reliable and simple, the bus is cheapest, and taxis are the most convenient when you’ve got luggage or you’re arriving late.

  • In warmer months and peak season, yes, it’s worth it. Booking ahead can save you time in queues and helps you plan your day properly, especially if you want to visit early or around sunset.

  • Absolutely. Athens is food, nightlife, neighbourhood energy, rooftop bars, little bakeries, fashion, coffee culture, and the best people-watching in Greece. The ancient stuff is just the bonus.

Athens Experiences to Live Like a Local

  • Morning freddo espresso in a tiny Kafeneio with a tiropita

  • Browse the laiki (weekly street markets) for fresh produce

  • Catch a live band at a basement bar

  • Explore Byzantine churches tucked into alleys

  • Grab a street souvlaki for lunch

  • Shop small with Greek designers in Kolonaki

  • Watch the sunset in Glyfada or Vouliagmeni