Athens city break

An Athens city break is perfect because it mixes history, culture, and modern life in a way few places can. You’ll have the chance to step back in time with iconic ancient landmarks like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, but there’s also a contemporary side to the city, from trendy neighborhoods like Psiri and Koukaki to cafes and rooftop bars with stunning views. 

Things to know before booking your Athens trip

Athens, the capital of Greece, is set on a peninsula surrounded by mountains, with the Acropolis right at the center. The currency is the Euro (€), and you’ll find ATMs in most tourist areas. While Greek is the official language, you’ll hear plenty of English spoken in hotels, restaurants, and at major attractions, so getting around shouldn’t be too difficult.

If you’re visiting for the first time, be prepared for hot summer temperatures, crowded public transport, and the fact that many sites close earlier than you might expect.

The best times to visit Greece are during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October). These seasons bring milder weather, fewer crowds at the main sights like the Parthenon, and lower accommodation rates compared to the summer months. The pleasant temperatures also make outdoor dining in areas like Plaka much more enjoyable.
 

Getting to Athens

Getting to Athens is straightforward, whether you're flying in or arriving by sea. It's a convenient base for first-time visitors and a good starting point if you're planning to explore the Greek islands.

Flights

Athens International Airport (ATH), or Eleftherios Venizelos, is located about 40 miles east of the city center and is the main airport for Greece. It has direct flights from most major European cities year-round, and there are more options during the summer months. If you're coming from North America, you'll likely connect through larger European cities like London, Paris, or Frankfurt. To get the best prices, try booking 3-5 months in advance, particularly for summer travel. Once you land, you can get to the city center easily. The metro (Line 3) is probably your best bet for a balance of speed and cost—about 40 minutes to Syntagma Square. There are also buses, a suburban railway, and taxis, but the metro is the most straightforward. For more details, see our guide to getting to Greece.

Ferries

Piraeus, located 5 miles southwest of Athens, is the city's main port and Greece's largest passenger port. It’s where most ferries to the islands depart from. Ferries go to popular spots like Santorini (5-8 hours), Mykonos (3-5 hours), and Crete (6-9 hours), with schedules changing depending on the season. If you're in a hurry, high-speed ferries get you there faster, but they’re more expensive. In the summer (June-August), it’s wise to book your tickets ahead of time, especially on weekends when ferries fill up fast. To reach the port from Athens, you can take metro Line 1 (green line) to Piraeus and then walk or take a bus to your departure gate, making it easy to add a day trip or island extension to your plans.
 

Where to stay: best areas for an Athens city break

Here are some of the best areas to stay for a memorable city break in Athens. There are more neighborhoods than what we can list here, so if you’d like to know more be sure to check out our guide to where to stay in Athens.

Plaka

Located at the foot of the Acropolis, Plaka is Athens' oldest neighborhood. It feels like a village within the city, with its narrow, winding streets, neoclassical architecture, and balconies covered in flowers. By day, you can explore Byzantine churches, Roman ruins, and museums tucked between local tavernas serving traditional Greek dishes. 

Monastiraki

Monastiraki is an energetic district. The famous Monastiraki Square is surrounded by sights like the Acropolis and the Tzisdarakis Mosque. The flea market is a must-see, stretching through the streets with everything from antiques and vinyl records to handmade jewelry. For food lovers, this area offers a wide range of dining options—from classic souvlaki to inventive fusion dishes. When the sun sets, Monastiraki turns into a nightlife hub

Syntagma

If you're visiting Athens for the first time, Syntagma is a great place to stay. This modern district centers around Syntagma Square, home to the Greek Parliament and the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony. It's well connected by public transport, with metro stations and an airport bus terminal nearby, making it easy to explore the city. You'll find wide, tree-lined streets, international retail stores, and traditional Greek shops. There are plenty of luxury hotels in the area.

Kolonaki

Kolonaki is the spot if you're looking for a taste of Athens' upscale side. Located on the slopes of Lycabettus Hill, this neighborhood is home to designer boutiques, art galleries, and stylish cafés. If shopping is your thing, you'll find high-end Greek designers and international luxury brands. Dining here is top-notch, with everything from reimagined traditional Greek dishes to international cuisine. You can also check out cultural highlights like the Benaki and Cycladic Art museums. 

Koukaki

Koukaki is where you can experience an authentic slice of Athenian life while still being close to the Acropolis. Once a residential area, Koukaki has become one of the city's most popular neighborhoods without losing its local charm. The streets are lined with a mix of neoclassical homes, modern apartments, and repurposed industrial spaces housing art studios and craft breweries.
 

Best things to do in Athens

Athens is a place where the past is always present. The Acropolis is the highlight of Athens, sitting high above the city. The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, is a true architectural marvel, and it’s still impressive even after thousands of years. Nearby, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is a massive site that took 700 years to complete. It was once the largest temple in Greece. The Ancient Agora, once the center of Athens' daily life, gives you a glimpse into what life was like back in the day. This is where Socrates would have taught and debated. The Panathenaic Stadium is another interesting stop. Made entirely of marble, it's the only stadium of its kind in the world, and it hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896. If it's your first time in the country, be sure to see our guide to how to plan a trip to Greece.

Museums & galleries

If you’re into history, the Acropolis Museum is a must-see. It opened in 2009 and shows off artifacts from the Acropolis, with parts of the museum built over the archaeological site. The National Archaeological Museum is another important stop. It’s home to a huge collection of Greek antiquities, including the famous Mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient device used for tracking the stars. The Benaki Museum is great for anyone curious about Greek culture through the ages, with everything from ancient art to modern pieces. 

Hidden gems

For something quieter, head to the Anafiotika neighborhood. It feels like a little island in the middle of Athens, with its whitewashed houses and blue doors. It’s a peaceful escape right under the Acropolis. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a modern spot with the National Library and Opera House, as well as a large park with Mediterranean gardens and a canal. For amazing views of the city, make your way to Mount Lycabettus. At 277 meters high, it’s the highest point in Athens. The views from the top are fantastic, especially at sunset when the ancient monuments light up against the surrounding landscape. We also have some great hidden gems in our sample Greece itinerary.
 

Where to eat & drink

Athens is a food lover's dream. Greek food is all about fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and time-honored recipes. From the tangy bite of feta cheese to the rich taste of slow-cooked lamb, Greek cuisine blends simple ingredients in creative ways that make every meal feel special. 

Classic cafés

Athens' classic cafés are full of character and history. Café Avissinia, located in the heart of the Monastiraki flea market, is a laid-back spot with vintage décor and a great view of the Acropolis. Their Greek coffee, served with a glass of water and sweet loukoumi, gives you a real sense of the local café culture. Zonar's, an iconic place since the 1930s, has been a gathering spot for Athens' intellectuals. It’s a charming art deco venue where you can try pastries or their famous hot chocolate, which is so thick it can hold a spoon. 

Iconic restaurants

The restaurants that have shaped Athens' food scene for years are worth checking out. Strofi, perched near the Acropolis, is a great place to relax with a meal while soaking in the view of the Parthenon, especially around sunset. Their slow-roasted lamb with lemon potatoes and traditional moussaka are popular with both locals and visitors. Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani, housed in a renovated neo-classical building, highlights Greece’s culinary heritage with cured meats and cheeses sourced from smaller Greek producers. You can try their pastourma (spiced cured beef) or sample a variety of mezedes with tsipouro. 
 

Markets and street food

Athens has a thriving street food scene that stretches beyond restaurants. The Central Market (Varvakios Agora) is buzzing with energy, where you’ll find everything from fresh fish to olives and spices. If you want to try some of the best souvlaki in the city, head to Kostas for tender pork skewers wrapped in pita with tzatziki and a dusting of paprika. Falafellas is another spot locals swear by, serving up crispy falafel with a flavorful herb mix, all topped off with house-made tahini. 

Trendy bars and nightlife spots

The streets of Psiri come alive after dark, packed with bars where locals spill out onto the sidewalks, making for a lively atmosphere well into the early hours. The Clumsies, one of the city's top bars, stands out for its inventive cocktails, like the "Aegean Negroni," which features Greek herbs and local spirits. For a different kind of experience, head to one of Athens' rooftop bars, such as A for Athens or Couleur Locale. You can sip cocktails while enjoying a stunning view of the Acropolis lit up at night.
 

How to get around in Athens

Athens has a range of transportation options that make getting around easy. Here's a rundown of what you can use to get from point A to point B. If your going beyond Athens, see our guide to getting around Greece.

Metro

The metro is the fastest way to get around Athens, and it's pretty easy to use. Many stations, like Syntagma and Monastiraki, even have ancient artifacts on display that were uncovered during the construction. The three-line metro network connects most major attractions, with signs in both Greek and English, so it's straightforward to navigate.
If you're staying for a few days, the 5-day tourist ticket gives you unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and trams, plus a round-trip to the airport. There's also a 3-day option if you're in town for just the weekend. Try to avoid rush hours (8-9 AM and 5-6 PM) when it gets crowded with commuters.
Line 3 (blue) connects the airport to the city center, and Line 1 (green) runs from Piraeus port to the northern suburbs. The metro runs from 5:30 AM until midnight, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

Walking routes

Athens is compact, so walking is a great way to explore. It’s also the best way to take in the city’s mix of history and everyday life.
A good walking route starts at the Acropolis and takes you along the pedestrianized archaeological promenade. This 3 km path connects several major sites, like the Ancient Agora, Roman Forum, and Hadrian's Library, without too much traffic. If you’re after a nice view, take the path around Filopappou Hill for great views of the Acropolis and the city.
If you want to get a feel for local life, stroll through Plaka's narrow streets, then head to Psiri, which has a cool mix of street art and cafes. The National Garden is a peaceful place to relax, and it leads to Syntagma Square and the Zappeion Hall.

Taxis

You’ll find plenty of yellow taxis in Athens, which are handy when you're feeling worn out from sightseeing or need to travel at odd hours. Most drivers speak some English, but it’s always helpful to have your destination written down in Greek just in case.
If you don’t feel like hailing a taxi on the street, the Beat app (similar to Uber) is popular in Athens and lets you book taxis with fixed fares and routes. Taxis from the airport have a flat rate to the city center, and other rides are metered.
Taxis can be harder to find during shift changes (around 2-3 PM), so it’s a good idea to book ahead through your hotel if you need an early ride or airport transfer.

Athens itinerary: 3-4 days

How many days do you need in Athens? This city deserves at least 3 full days to get a feel for. If you’ve got a fourth day (or more), it’s worth exploring nearby archaeological sites or islands. 

If you're going beyond Athens, you'll want to add more time to your trip. See our 7 days in Greece itinerary and our 10 days in Greece itinerary. 

Day 1

Start your first day by heading to the Acropolis early—try to get there before 8:30am when it opens to beat the crowds and heat. As you walk up the marble steps, you’ll be following the same path as ancient Athenians. The Parthenon, even though it’s under partial restoration, still stands as a solid example of ancient engineering, built without modern tools or cement.

After exploring the hilltop, head to the Acropolis Museum, where you can see the original Caryatid statues and the frieze panels in context. For lunch, the museum's terrace restaurant serves dishes inspired by ancient Greek recipes. In the afternoon, wander around Plaka, with its winding streets, Byzantine churches, and neoclassical houses. When the sun starts to set, make your way to Anafiotika, a quiet area with whitewashed houses built by islanders from Anafi. For dinner, try Scholarhio, where food is still cooked in clay pots, just like it was centuries ago.

Day 2

On day two, start with the Ancient Agora, once the heart of Athens’ commercial and political life. It’s where Socrates spent his days debating with locals. The Temple of Hephaestus is in great condition and is a great example of why it inspired so many buildings around the world.

Inside the Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed building, you’ll find everyday items from ancient Athens, like children’s toys and voting tokens, that paint a picture of daily life. By midday, check out Monastiraki Square and the surrounding flea market, where you can find everything from antique icons to handmade sandals. 

For lunch, grab a souvlaki at O Thanasis, which has been serving this classic since 1965. In the afternoon, make your way to the National Archaeological Museum to see the gold mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient calculator that predates similar devices by a thousand years.

As evening approaches, head to the Psiri neighborhood, where old leather workshops have turned into galleries and tavernas. The area really comes to life at night, especially at Mavros Gatos, a local spot with mezze and live rebetiko music.
 

Day 3

On your third day, dive into Athens’ food scene at the Central Market (Varvakios Agora), where family-run stalls have been selling fresh produce since 1886. Fishmongers shout out their latest catches, and cheesemakers hand out samples of graviera and manouri.

By mid-morning, hike up Mount Lycabettus or take the funicular to enjoy panoramic views of Athens. From the top, you can spot the ancient city walls and get a sense of how Athens grew from a citadel into a metropolis.

Afterward, take a stroll through the National Garden, originally designed as the royal garden, with plants from across the Mediterranean. From there, head to the Panathenaic Stadium, made of marble for the first modern Olympics in 1896.

For dinner, go to Exarchia, a bohemian district, and try Ama Lachei, a place that serves dishes made with ingredients sourced directly from islands. Finish the day at Cine Paris, an open-air cinema where you can watch films with the illuminated Acropolis in the background..
 

Optional day 4

If you’ve got a fourth day, you might want to head out of Athens and explore the surrounding area. Cape Sounion, about a 90-minute drive along the coast, is home to the Temple of Poseidon, which sits high above the sea. The columns still have graffiti from Lord Byron’s visit in 1810.

Another option is Delphi, where you can stand at what ancient Greeks considered the center of the world. The setting and acoustics of the theater there show how advanced the Greeks were in understanding sound.

If you prefer a more relaxed day, catch a ferry to Hydra, a car-free island known for its 18th-century architecture and beautiful walking paths. Or, hop on a ferry to Aegina, just 40 minutes away, and visit the Temple of Aphaia before stopping at a pistachio farm where the nuts are harvested by hand each September.
 

Practical information & insider tips

For a more authentic dining experience, head to the Exarchia or Pangrati neighborhoods. Look for tavernas with menus that don’t have English translations—this usually means you’re getting a more traditional meal. The summer heat can be intense, often climbing past 95°F (35°C), so plan to visit outdoor ruins in the morning and take advantage of air-conditioned museums in the afternoon. 

Public drinking fountains are scattered around, so make sure you bring a reusable water bottle. If you want to escape the crowds, hike up Lycabettus Hill at sunset for great views, or wander through the shaded paths of the National Garden. And, if you're headed to Athens with the whole family, don't miss our guide to going to Greece with kids.

Money-saving tips and how to avoid tourist traps

Steer clear of restaurants near Plaka and Monastiraki that have people outside trying to sell you their menus—prices are usually inflated for tourists. 
For a quieter, cheaper visit to the Acropolis, go after 5 PM when prices drop and the crowds thin out. Many museums let you in for free on the first Sunday of the month from November to March, so time it right. For souvenirs, skip the overpriced tourist shops and check out the Sunday flea market at Avissynias Square for something more local. If you’re craving a quick breakfast, local bakeries have tasty spanakopita and tiropita for under €3. Tap water is safe to drink, even if bottled water vendors try to convince you otherwise
 

Essential greek phrases

Most people in Athens speak English, but learning a few basic Greek phrases can still make a big difference. Start with “Kaliméra” (Good morning), “Kaliníkhta” (Good evening), “Efcharistó” (Thank you), “Signomi” (Excuse me), and “Yamas!” (Cheers). A smile goes a long way with these phrases.

Safety tips and practical considerations

Athens is generally safe, but like any big city, pickpocketing can happen, especially in busy tourist spots and on public transportation. A good anti-theft bag and keeping your valuables secure is a smart move. After dark, try to avoid the area around Omonia Square and the side streets nearby. The summer heat can be intense, so drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks from the midday sun (2-5 PM). The metro stops running at midnight, so if you’re out late, use a taxi app like Beat (similar to Uber) to get around. Occasionally, you might come across a demonstration near Syntagma Square. If you do, it’s best to take a detour.