Our Athens Travel Guide will introduce you to this iconic city with magnificent history and unbelievably warm people. Furthermore, we will show you when to go, where to stay, what to visit, and many more helpful tips. So, if you’d like to learn more, please stay with us.
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Why Go To Athens
Athens, Greece, is a city of great historical and cultural significance. Unlike other major European cities, ancient Athens feels more authentic and lived-in, providing a unique glimpse into a rich cultural heritage. It has an edgy and traditional vibe that is both intimate and welcoming. That’s why Our Athens Travel guide strongly recommends visiting it.
The cobblestone streets come alive at sunrise as the people of Athens start their day. Life moves slower, as if the entire city is enjoying a blissful retirement from its glory days as a cultural powerhouse.
Moreover, Athens is a treasure trove of unique experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to indulging in delicious Greek cuisine. It’s a destination that will leave you yearning for more, promising a journey of discovery and delight.
Getting to Athens
Embarking on a journey to Athens is a breeze. The most popular and convenient way to reach this historic city is by plane, with Athens International Airport as a global hub. If you’re traveling from Europe, you can arrive by boat from Italy or train, coach, or car, ensuring a seamless journey. Athens, situated at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, is remarkably accessible. The awa d-winning Athens International Airport connects to 130 countries. It serves as the gateway to numerous Greek islands and mainland destinations. Aegean Airlines, Greece’s leading carrier, operates a network of 153 destinations in 44 countries. That’s why we in Our Athens Travel guide believe that getting to this city is super easy.
Note: If you are flying to Athens, we suggest using Sky Scanner for the best deals. However, if you are arriving by car or train, we recommend using Omio. We recommend using the Ferry Scanner or Omio if you are coming by ferry.
Moving Around
Athens has an extensive and diverse public transportation system, including the efficient Athens Metro, buses, trams, and taxis. For those who prefer private transportation, services like Athens Airport Taxi offer a range of convenient options. The fastest way to get around Athens is through the Metro system. It has three lines and connects to the tram, bus routes, and suburban railway.
The Metro operates daily from 5 am to midnight, with lines 2 and 3 operating until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. During peak hours, trains run every 5-6 minutes.
Note: Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines located in all metro and streetcar stations. In some cases, ticket offices at the stops also sell tickets. Furthermore, you can buy tickets at kiosks located near the stops. The ticket machines are also in English. We recommend purchasing 1-day, 3-day, or 5-day tickets because they are affordable.
Where to Stay
Athens offers various accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, including Electra Palace Athens and The Athens Gate Hotel. Plaka, located at the base of the Acropolis, is the best spot for first-time visitors to Athens. Athens’ sketchier neighborhoods include Omonia, Exarchia, Monastiraki, Kolokotroni, and Victoria Square. The vibrant neighborhood of Psiri is the best option for nightlife lovers. Psiri has lively bars and tavernas, independent shops, street art, and the Museum of Greek Gastronomy.
Note: Our Athens travel Guide recommends using Booking.com to find valuable and trustful deals.
How long should you stay?
A stay of 3-4 days is ideal to explore significant landmarks and enjoy some local experiences.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Athens are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant weather, guaranteed sunshine, thin crowds, and better deals on hotels and airfare than summer. Even in winter (December to February), Athens is relatively mild. The hottest months (June to August) bring stifling heat and a lot of tourists, making sightseeing unpleasant.
Recommended Athens Passes
Athens Pass
The Athens City Pass is the ultimate tourist card for exploring Athens. With one purchase, you can get skip-the-line access to all the essential attractions and museums in the city. Additionally, you can purchase all the tickets online. Buying individual tickets is quite expensive (e.g., Acropolis €20, Ancient Agora €10, Temple of Zeus €8, and Kerameikos €8). This city pass is highly recommended even if you plan to explore some of Athens’s culture. You can book your Athens Pass easily via this link, reserve your desired date, and receive your tickets via email or smartphone. The Athens City Pass includes free entry to museums and monuments, a two-day hop-on-hop-off bus ticket, and skip-the-line access to the Acropolis.
Athens Unlimited Attraction Pass
Access over 30 popular sites and attractions with this comprehensive pass for Athens. Enjoy skip-the-line privileges at some attractions and use the complimentary hop-on, hop-off buses to explore the city. 3- and 5-day pass holders can choose a free full-day tour to Delphi, Epidaurus & Mycenae, or a Poros-Hydra-Aegina Cruise. With 1, 2, 3, or 5-day passes, you can discover the best of Athens on your schedule. You can book it here.
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Top Attractions
The Acropolis of Athens is a citadel with ancient buildings like the Parthenon. The Ancient Agora of Athens served as Athenian life’s historical marketplace and center. If you’re in Athens, visit the Plaka district, which retains an authentic atmosphere and colorful appearance despite being a popular tourist spot. Monastiraki Square is one of its most recognizable landmarks in the heart of Athens.
Note: You can read more about it in our article about What to do in Athens.
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Hot Tip: Make an Instagrammable photo
Take a cable car or taxi to Lycabettus Hill for a panoramic view of Athens. At 909 feet (277 meters), it’s the city’s highest point and offers stunning views of the sprawling city, the Acropolis, Piraeus port, and the Argosaronic Sea. Visit in the morning to avoid crowds or at sunset for breathtaking views. Summer concerts are held at the Lycabettus Theater.
©Creator: Georgios Tsichlis/ Credit: gatsi – stock.adobe.com
Copyright: Georgios Tsichlis
Best One Day Trips
Athens is a world-class city with countless attractions, but there are also many great one-day trips you can take from Athens. Popular options include Thessaloniki and Spetses. Other great destinations easily accessible from Athens include the picturesque former capital of Nafplio, the island of Aegina, and Cape Sounion, where you can watch the sunset.
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What to Eat
Central Athens is home to everything from traditional mom-and-pop restaurants—generally located in the older districts at the base of the Acropolis—to high-end establishments in Kolonaki. If you’re looking for a great meal away from the tourist crowd, head to quieter neighborhoods like Koukaki, Mets, or Pangrati. Remember that Athenians don’t sit for dinner until 9 or 10 pm.
When visiting Athens, you’re in for a culinary treat! Here are some local dishes you should try:
- Stuffed Vegetables: A summer favorite, these are typically tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, zucchini, and potatoes filled with rice, baked with olive oil, tomato juice, and local herbs. You can enjoy them hot or cold.
- Spinach Pie: This savory pie is made with crispy phyllo pastry, fresh spinach, herbs, and often feta cheese. It’s best enjoyed at a local bakery, especially in the early morning.
- Dakos: Originating from Crete, dakos is a refreshing dish made with barley rusk topped with tomato, feta or myzithra cheese, olives, and capers and drizzled with olive oil.
- Kolokithokeftedes are delicious fried zucchini fritters, often served with tzatziki sauce.
- Vlita: A simple yet tasty dish of boiled greens with lemon and olive oil.
- Fasolakia: A comforting green bean and potato stew, perfect for a light lunch.
- Fakes: A traditional lentil soup that’s rich in iron and full of flavor.
These dishes offer an authentic taste of Greek cuisine and are a must-try for any food lover exploring Athens. Enjoy your culinary journey!
Local Tip: Greek food is usually delicious and inexpensive. So, if you want to try the best food, ask the locals and remember to look for restaurants with menus written in no more than two languages. Less is more!
Safety for Solo and Gay Travelers
Athens, a city steeped in history, is a safe and welcoming destination for all travelers. With its low crime rate, solo travelers, including solo females, can feel secure. LGBTQ+ travelers are warmly embraced, with a vibrant gay scene, particularly in the Gazi district, ensuring everyone feels at home in this diverse city.
Note: For more information about gay travelers, we suggest reading our related article.
Tips for Traveling to Athens
Pickpocketing is a common occurrence, especially in crowded areas. Therefore, it is essential to keep your valuables secure at all times. It is also important to stay hydrated during the hot summer months. You can learn a few Greek phrases to make a positive impression on locals. Remember to respect the cultural sites by following the rules when visiting historical landmarks. Before your trip to Greece, ensure you have travel insurance and check for any travel advisories specific to your country. Finally, enjoy your trip to this enchanting city where the past meets the present!
How to Save Money in Athens
- Avoid June through August. You’ll end up paying more for flights and rooms, plus you’ll have to deal with the city’s notorious summer heat and crowds of tourists.
- I was walking, walking, walking. Navigating around most of central Athens on foot is very doable and can be part of the fun, so there’s no need to spend money on a car rental. Put on a pair of quality walking shoes and start exploring.
- Book early. Finding cheap accommodations with little lead time is difficult at any time of the year. Aim to book at least several weeks or even months in advance.
The Conclusion of our Athens Travel Guide
To sum up, Athens is not love at first sight for many. It doesn’t have the glamour of Paris or the royalty of Vienna or London. However, it is the cradle of Western civilization, so it is worth visiting in the first place. However, its true hidden treasure is its people. You can go everywhere, and Athenians will always be warm and helpful. So, even if you travel solo, you must make getting to know the city’s atmosphere challenging.
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