Athens Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Athens

Ancient monuments sit side by side with busy streets, rooftop terraces and neighbourhood tavernas, and most of the major sights are within walking distance of each other in the historic centre.

• Acropolis — The rocky citadel crowned by the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and other temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the symbol of classical Greece.
• Acropolis Museum — A light-filled modern museum at the foot of the hill displaying sculptures and treasures from the Acropolis, with glass floors revealing excavations below.
• Ancient Agora — The heart of ancient Athenian public life, with the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and a reconstructed colonnade.
• Plaka and Anafiotika — Charming old quarters of winding lanes, neoclassical mansions and whitewashed houses beneath the Acropolis.
• National Archaeological Museum — One of the world’s great museums of ancient Greek art, with sculptures, bronzes and gold treasures.
• Syntagma Square — The central square in front of the Parliament, where the ceremonial Evzones guards change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Lycabettus Hill — The highest point in central Athens, offering panoramic views over the city to the sea, especially beautiful at sunset.

Best time to visit Athens

Spring, from April to June, and autumn, from September to October, are the best times to visit. Temperatures are warm and pleasant for walking between ancient sites, the light is beautiful and the sea is ideal for swimming by late spring and early autumn. Greek Orthodox Easter, usually in April or May, is the country’s most important celebration, marked by candlelit processions and family feasts.

July and August are very hot and dry, with temperatures that can rise well above 35°C and occasional heatwaves. This is peak season, with the busiest ancient sites and ferry ports. If you visit in summer, sightsee early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Summer is also the season of the city’s renowned arts festival, with performances in ancient theatres.

Winter, from November to March, is mild compared with northern Europe but can be rainy and cool. It is the quietest time to visit, with fewer queues at the Acropolis and museums, although some island ferry services are reduced.

Getting from the airport

Athens International Airport is located near Spata, around 30 kilometres east of the city centre, and is linked to Athens by metro, suburban rail, express buses and taxis.

• Metro — Metro Line 3 runs directly from the airport station to Syntagma Square in the city centre in around 40 minutes, with trains roughly every half hour.
• Suburban railway — Suburban trains share the airport station and connect with the metro network and the port of Piraeus, useful for onward ferries.
• Express buses — Airport express buses run around the clock to Syntagma Square and to Piraeus. Journeys take about an hour or longer depending on traffic.
• Taxi — Taxis wait outside the arrivals level. The drive to the centre usually takes 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic, and fixed day and night fares apply to the city centre.

Tickets for the metro and buses can be bought from machines and ticket offices at the airport. Keep your ticket until the end of your journey, as it may be checked.

Where to stay

Most visitors stay in the historic centre, close to the Acropolis and within walking distance of the main sights, restaurants and metro stations. Each neighbourhood has a slightly different character.

• Plaka — The picturesque old town beneath the Acropolis, ideal for first-time visitors who want to walk to the ancient sites.
• Monastiraki — A lively area with a famous flea market, rooftop bars and excellent metro links, suited to travellers who enjoy energy and nightlife.
• Koukaki — A relaxed residential district near the Acropolis Museum with cafés and local tavernas, popular with couples and longer stays.
• Syntagma — Central and well connected, with direct metro access to the airport, a practical choice for short stays and business travellers.
• Kolonaki — An elegant, upmarket neighbourhood below Lycabettus Hill with boutiques, galleries and stylish cafés, suited to travellers seeking a sophisticated base.

Travel tips

• Getting around — The historic centre is best explored on foot, while the metro is clean, efficient and connects the airport, the centre and the port of Piraeus. Wear comfortable shoes, as ancient sites have uneven, slippery marble paths.
• Beat the heat — In summer, visit the Acropolis and other open-air sites early in the day, carry water and use sun protection, as there is little shade.
• Payment — Cards are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but carry some cash for small tavernas, kiosks and markets.
• Tipping — Tipping is appreciated rather than obligatory; leaving around 5 to 10 percent or rounding up the bill is common in restaurants and cafés.
• Safety — Athens is generally safe for visitors, but be alert to pickpockets on the metro and in crowded areas such as Monastiraki and Omonia.
• Entry requirements — Visa and entry rules depend on your nationality. Check the latest requirements with official sources before you travel.