Athens Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Acropolis which includes night scenes, a ruin and heritage elements
Monastiraki Flea Market which includes a square or plaza, street scenes and a city
Athens
Temple of Hephaestos showing a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture
Athens showing street scenes, shopping and signage

Athens is a city steeped in history, yet it's also a vibrant modern capital with world-class facilities and a seductively laid-back vibe.

Many people arrive in Athens simply to spend a convenient night on their way to the popular holiday spots of the Greek islands. Yet stay a little longer and you’ll discover an astonishingly beautiful city packed with ancient monuments, fascinating culture and friendly people. Don’t be put off by its reputation for uncomfortably hot weather – plan your days sensibly and you can still take in all the sights without suffering sunstrokeMornings are the coolest and least crowded time to visit the major archaeological sights. Take a walk up Pnyx Hill, the setting for the world’s first democratic gatherings addressed by famous orators such as Demosthenes and Pericles, then follow in the philosophical footsteps of Socrates and Plato through the passages of the Ancient Agora, one of the city’s most important markets and meeting places.The Acropolis is one of Athens’ most recognisable landmarks, and the steep climb is rewarded by some of the best views across the city to the sparkling Aegean sea in the distance. Take time to explore the remains of ancient temples dedicated to the gods and deities of Greece’s Golden Age, most notably the world-famous Parthenon and the painstakingly restored Temple of Athena Nike.When the temperatures start to soar, head for the air-conditioned galleries of the New Acropolis Museum, an award-winning modern building housing around 4,000 priceless artefacts dating from the Bronze Age to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Back in the centre of Athens, sip a cool drink and watch the world go by in vibrant Syntagma Square before checking out the Stoa of Attalos, an ancient covered walkway of former shops which offers a refreshing respite from the heat of the sun and includes a small but fascinating heritage museum.As evening falls, head for Avissynias Square, home to the quirky Monastiraki Flea Market, where street artists and musicians entertain the crowds of bargain-hunters and the restaurants keep the supply of delicious Greek specialities and local wines flowing. The Greeks know how to have fun, and if you’ve still got the energy, the clubs and bars of Omonia Square will keep you going until the early hours.

Where to stay in Athens

Academy of Athens showing an administrative building, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Athens City Centre

4.5/5(261 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Athens City Centre. Top attractions like Syntagma Square and Acropolis are major draws. Catch the metro at Panepistimio Station or Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Athens City Centre
Plaka showing dining out, street scenes and night scenes

Plaka

4.5/5(82 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Plaka. Check out Adrianou Street or Roman Agora while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Akropoli Station to get around town.

Plaka
Athens showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and building ruins

Monastiraki

4.5/5(86 area reviews)

Monastiraki is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Ermou Street and Monastiraki Flea Market, and you can get around town on the metro at Monastiraki Station.

Monastiraki
Syntagma Square featuring a city

Syntagma

While you're in Syntagma, take in top sights like Syntagma Square and jump on the metro at Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Syntagma
Mount Lycabettus featuring mountains and a city

Kolonaki

5/5(27 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Benaki Museum while getting to know Kolonaki, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Aristippou Station or Evangelismos Station to see more of the area.

Kolonaki
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Psirri

3.5/5(35 area reviews)

Psirri is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Athens Central Market or Omonoia Square.

Psirri
The Stanley

The Stanley

4 out of 5
1 Odisseos Str., Athens, Attiki
The price is AU$320 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
AU$320
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
The Stanley
Grand Hyatt Athens

Grand Hyatt Athens

5 out of 5
115, Syngrou Avenue, Athens, Attica
The price is AU$306 per night from 24 Sept to 25 Sept
AU$306
24 Sept - 25 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
Grand Hyatt Athens
Sofitel Athens Airport

Sofitel Athens Airport

5 out of 5
Athens International Airport, Spata-Artemida, Attiki
The price is AU$674 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
AU$674
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Spata-Artemida. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,632 reviews)
"The perfect place to stay before your flight"

Reviewed on 25 Aug. 2025

Sofitel Athens Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Athens Studios

Athens Studios

3A Veikou St, Makrigyianni, Athens, Attiki
Stay at this aparthotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
Athens Studios
The Omnia Collection Pagrati

The Omnia Collection Pagrati

30 Chremonidou, Athens, Attica, Athens
Stay at this apartment in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Syntagma Square and Parthenon are located ...
The Omnia Collection Pagrati
Athens Manor Houses Suites Apartments

Athens Manor Houses Suites Apartments

Athinaidos 2 & Evaggelistrias, Athens
Stay at this aparthotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
Athens Manor Houses Suites Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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