Athens is where Western history starts: the Parthenon above the city, ancient agoras beside lively tavernas, and rooftop bars facing floodlit temples. It’s also a gritty, energetic modern capital and the gateway to the Greek islands. This guide covers the essentials and links to our detailed Athens guides.
Top things to do in Athens
- The Acropolis and the Parthenon: go at opening time or late in the day. See our Acropolis tickets guide.
- The Acropolis Museum holds the original sculptures, with views of the Parthenon. It’s open until 10pm on Fridays.
- The Ancient Agora is the heart of the ancient city, with the beautifully preserved Temple of Hephaestus.
- Plaka and Anafiotika are bougainvillea-draped lanes beneath the Acropolis.
- Monastiraki and Psyrri are flea markets, souvlaki and nightlife.
- The Changing of the Guard at Syntagma is free, every hour.
- Lycabettus Hill is the city’s highest viewpoint, best at sunset.
- Day trips include Cape Sounion, Delphi and the islands of Aegina and Hydra. See Athens day trips.
See all 20 best things to do in Athens, or compare Athens tours and Acropolis guided visits.
Where to stay in Athens
- Plaka is charming and walkable to everything, but touristy and pricier.
- Koukaki and Makrygianni are next to the Acropolis Museum, local and good value.
- Monastiraki and Psyrri are central and lively, with rooftop bars.
- Syntagma is the transport hub, and the airport metro and bus stop here.
- Kolonaki is upmarket, with boutiques and cafés.
Read our full Athens area guide, or check hotel prices in Athens.
Getting around Athens
The historic centre is walkable, since the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki and Syntagma are all within about 15–20 minutes of each other. The metro is clean and efficient. Line 1 runs to Piraeus port, and Line 3 runs to the airport. Taxis are cheap by European standards, and you can use the FreeNow or Uber apps.
Airport to the city
| Option (ATH → Syntagma) | Cost (2026) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Line 3 | €9 (€16 return) | ~40 min |
| X95 express bus (24/7) | €5.50 | 60–90 min |
| Taxi (flat rate) | €40 day / €55 night | 35–50 min |
Fares are from Greek Trip Planner (2026). Full details are in Athens Airport to the city.
Best time to visit Athens
April to June and September to October are warm and sunny, and good for walking. July and August regularly pass 35°C, and heatwaves can even close the Acropolis at midday. Winter is mild and quiet, with free entry to many sites on the first and third Sunday of each month from November to March. Read the best time to visit Athens.
Entry requirements
Greece is in the Schengen area. Many non-EU visitors (including US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens) can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and the new EU entry checks are being rolled out. See our Schengen visa guide and ETIAS and EES guide. Get a Greece eSIM and consider travel insurance.
Athens guides
- 20 best things to do in Athens
- Athens itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Athens
- Acropolis tickets and the Acropolis Museum
- Best day trips from Athens
- Athens Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Athens
FAQ: Athens travel
How many days do you need in Athens?
Two full days covers the Acropolis, the museum, the Agora and Plaka. Three or four days lets you add a day trip to Cape Sounion, Delphi or an island.
Is Athens worth visiting or should I go straight to the islands?
Give Athens at least two days. The Acropolis and its museum are world-class, and the food scene is excellent and cheap.
Is Athens safe?
Generally yes. Watch for pickpockets on the metro (especially Line 1 and the airport line) and around Monastiraki and Omonia.
Is Athens expensive?
It’s mid-range for Europe. Meals and transport are affordable, but major sites now charge more, such as €30 for the Acropolis and €20 for the Acropolis Museum.
Plan your trip to Athens
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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