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Athens, Greece

Destination Guide

Athens

Greece

Best things to do in Athens

43 curated attractions in Athens, Greece. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

19°C/66°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Take care

About Athens

Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, is a city where ancient ruins and modern life exist side by side, often in a state of lively disagreement. The Acropolis dominates the skyline, a monumental reminder of Greece's classical past, while the surrounding neighborhoods buzz with cafés, shops, and the occasional stray cat. The juxtaposition is striking: you can wander through the historic Plaka, shop at the Monastiraki Flea Market, and then find yourself stuck in traffic thanks to an unexpected street festival. Beyond the ruins, the city has its share of beaches along the Athens Riviera, where locals go to unwind and perhaps argue over the best place to get souvlaki. People come for the ancient sites, but they also leave with memories of modern Athens' chaotic charm.

Who it's for

Those fascinated by history and culture will thrive here, as will anyone who enjoys a street life. Not ideal for those seeking pristine beaches or tranquil escapes; the city has a lively pulse that might overwhelm someone looking for peace and quiet.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The Acropolis is about a twenty-minute walk from Monastiraki Square, a central hub
  • The Metro connects to the airport in about 40 minutes, typically more reliable than taxis in peak hours
  • The bus system is extensive, though not the most straightforward for newcomers
  • Popular tourist sights are often close together, so expect to walk a bit more than you planned
Anafiotika neighborhood

Anafiotika neighborhood

Streets & neighbourhoods
Athens Central Food Market (Varvakios Agora)

Athens Central Food Market (Varvakios Agora)

Food markets & food halls
Plaka neighborhood

Plaka neighborhood

Streets & neighbourhoods
Kapnikarea Church

Kapnikarea Church

Churches & cathedrals
Benaki Museum

Benaki Museum

History museums
Panathenaic Stadium

Panathenaic Stadium

Stadiums & sports venues
Athens Riviera

Athens Riviera

Beaches
Ermou Street

Ermou Street

Shopping and Markets
Monastiraki

Monastiraki

Shopping and Markets
Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square

Squares & plazas
Hellenic Parliament

Hellenic Parliament

Historical
Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Erechtheion

Erechtheion

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Acropolis

Acropolis

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
National Observatory of Athens

National Observatory of Athens

Cultural
Philopappos Hill

Philopappos Hill

Scenic viewpoints
Athens Climbing Center

Athens Climbing Center

Climbing spots
Parthenon

Parthenon

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Holy Church of Kapnikarea

Holy Church of Kapnikarea

Religious
Temple of Hephaestus

Temple of Hephaestus

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Areopagus Hill

Areopagus Hill

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus

Mountains & volcanoes
Ancient Agora of Athens

Ancient Agora of Athens

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Temple of Poseidon

Temple of Poseidon

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Museum of Greek Folk Art

Museum of Greek Folk Art

Specialty & quirky museums
Museum of Cycladic Art

Museum of Cycladic Art

History museums
Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum

History museums
War Museum

War Museum

Historical
Church of Panagia Pantanassa

Church of Panagia Pantanassa

Religious Sites
Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus

Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Mikrolimano

Mikrolimano

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Byzantine & Christian Museum

Byzantine & Christian Museum

History museums
National Garden of Athens

National Garden of Athens

City parks
Arch of Hadrian

Arch of Hadrian

Historical Attractions
Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square

Shopping and Markets
Anafiotika

Anafiotika

Streets & neighbourhoods
Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora)

Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora)

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Monastiraki Flea Market

Monastiraki Flea Market

Flea & antique markets
Temple of Olympian Zeus

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Vouliagmeni Lake Beach

Vouliagmeni Lake Beach

Lakes
Piraeus Harbor

Piraeus Harbor

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Glyfada Beach

Glyfada Beach

Beaches

Where to eat in Athens

The places worth planning a meal around.

360 Cocktail Bar

360 Cocktail Bar

★ 4.3 · 11,118 reviews

Tzitzikas kai Mermigas

Tzitzikas kai Mermigas

Greek · $$

★ 4.4 · 7,609 reviews

The Underdog (Thissio)

The Underdog (Thissio)

Cafe · $

★ 4.2 · 4,072 reviews

Kuzina

Kuzina

Greek · $$

★ 4.5 · 4,051 reviews

Orizontes

Orizontes

Greek

★ 4.1 · 3,685 reviews

Strofi

Strofi

Greek · $$$

★ 4.4 · 2,567 reviews

Things to do in Athens

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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