Athens Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Monastiraki Flea Market which includes a square or plaza, street scenes and a city
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 sunstroke

Mornings 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 artifacts 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 heritage architecture, heritage elements and an administrative building

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 Acropolis and Syntagma Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Panepistimio Station or Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

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

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 which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture 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
Acropolis Museum which includes a city

Koukaki

3/5(3 area reviews)

Visitors to Koukaki love its fascinating museums, and you can check out Acropolis Museum and Museum of the Center for the Acropolis Studies. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Akropoli Station.

Koukaki
Syntagma Square which includes 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 which includes 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
Athens Gate Hotel
Athens Gate Hotel
4 out of 5
10 Syngrou Avenue, Athens, Attiki
The price is AU$184 per night from 26 Mar to 27 Mar
AU$184
per night
26 Mar - 27 Mar
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 coffee shops/cafes, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,309 reviews)
"Cannot beat the view from the dining room on the eighth floor"

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2024

Athens Gate Hotel
The Stanley
The Stanley
4 out of 5
1 Odisseos Str., Athens, Attiki
The price is AU$230 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
AU$230
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"The staff was attentive and accommodating. They were friendly and made sure we were enjoying our stay. On our last night, our dinner selection was not to our liking (nothing wrong with the preparation or presentation) just didn't fit our taste buds. They took it off our bill and offered an alternative. ..."

Reviewed on 11 Mar. 2024

The Stanley
Sofitel Athens Airport
Sofitel Athens Airport
5 out of 5
Athens International Airport, Spata-Artemida, Attiki
The price is AU$439 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
AU$439
per night
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Spata-Artemida. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,184 reviews)
Great night rest before flight
"Quick check in Very comfortable beds Great to walk to airport"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

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 Warehouse Boutique Hotel & Suites
Athens Warehouse Boutique Hotel & Suites
4 out of 5
3 Kamaterou, Athens
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (41 reviews)
"Very nice staff … very clean … highly recommended"

Reviewed on 11 Feb. 2024

Athens Warehouse Boutique Hotel & Suites
Comfort Stay Airport Studios - FREE shuttle from the Athens Airport
Comfort Stay Airport Studios - FREE shuttle from the Athens Airport
3 out of 5
Serron 2, Neapoli Spata, Spata-Artemida
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Spata-Artemida. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (561 reviews)
Great place and service!
"The communication for our airport shuttle pick up was excellent. Moreover, the room was impeccable and very cute ! Did not wake up on time for the breakfast but Im sure it would have been great too! On top of that she requested a taxi for us the next day to ensure we got to the port!!"

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Comfort Stay Airport Studios - FREE shuttle from the Athens Airport
GK Mediterranean Village -AirportShuttle
GK Mediterranean Village -AirportShuttle
3 out of 5
23 Evaggelou Dritsa, Markopoulo Mesogaias
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Markopoulo Mesogaias. Enjoy free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and a terrace. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (179 reviews)
"The property is brand new and clean, with everything you need. A short walk to the town centre with restaurants and shops to choose from, though I stayed in Sunday where most were closed. And the airport shuttle (car) turned up dead on time."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2024

GK Mediterranean Village -AirportShuttle
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Athens

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
174
" "5 - Excellent 43.06930693069307%
4 - Good
170
" "4 - Good 42.07920792079208%
3 - Okay
51
" "3 - Okay 12.623762376237623%
2 - Disappointing
7
" "2 - Disappointing 1.7326732673267327%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.49504950495049505%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
1 Mar 2020

There is so much to do in Athens, and I think Syntagma is the best place to stay from a variety and convenience point of view.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
10 Feb 2020

Most people in Athens are polite and friendly and speak English, which made it an easy city to visit.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
5 Feb 2020

A must see, for us this time of year was great as the weather isn't to hot

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Jan 2020

We loved our time here. Wished we Had longer.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
18 Jan 2020

The thing that lets athens down is the lack of good manners with service at 90% of businesses.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 Dec 2019

We went to everything nearby all within walking distance. An amazing walk down history lane. We caught the bus and the train with ease.

Cities near Athens