ATHENS TRAVEL GUIDE

THE DESTINATION

In this travel guide; you will find out the activities, accommodation recommendations and city highlights to have a better travel experience.
Athens is the capital of the Greece, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe. The city is well-known for its past,  the architecture of their iconic structures.
First of all, Athens offers way more than just cheap thrills! You can wander the sidewalks (by foot, or by bike) and explore the Plaka, Kerameikos, Kolonaki, Koukaki, Psirri areas and Acropolis for sure! Use our travel tips from this ultimate Athens travel guide to plan your trip to the Greece!

Travel Tip

To access all transportation network, we’d recommend you getting an ath.ena card. You can use the card for all kind of public transport in the city. Don’t forget, you’ll need a separate top-up for airport shuttle or trains.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN ATHENS

The city has a fascinating history and is part of the reason this city is on so many travelers’ bucket lists. It’s truly one-of-a-kind, and offers so many different kinds of experiences. Here are some things you should know before traveling to Athens:

Language: The official language is Greek, but English is well spoken by most of the people.

Currency: The Euro!

Credit Cards and Banks: Pretty much all restaurants and hotels will accept credit/debit cards.

Climate: You can visit Athens year-round and have a great experience. You’ll find the warmest months in Athens to be June through September, but they are also the highest months for tourism!

GETTING AROUND IN ATHENS

Athens’ good public transportation network offers metros, buses, ferries and trains to help you get around the city and beyond. Getting around Athens is also very cheap, just a Euro or two per ride, so you have lots of options!

Walking: Most places you’ll want to visit in Athens are relatively close together. Obviously a bus or metro will get you around much quicker though.

Public Transport: You’ll find that getting around quickest can take a combination of bus, metro and tram rides. Luckily, the OASA offers a 72-hour tourist pass including two way trip from/to airport for €20.00 Euros. The pass is valid for all public transportation network. This is definitely your best best if you’re in the city for a few days.

WHERE TO STAY IN ATHENS

HIGHLIGHTS IN ATHENS

Check our highlights in Athens Travel Guide.

Acropolis of Athens

Few sights in the world compare to Athens’ Acropolis, with its Parthenon temple perched high on a rocky crag keeping watch over centuries of civilization. A reminder of the glory of ancient Athens, the Acropolis was the center of the ancient city and functioned as a citadel in its protected hilltop location.

Acropolis Museum

Another of Athens’ top attractions, the Acropolis Museum contains one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world. The new facility was completed in 2007, below the Acropolis hilltop, and replaced the former museum on the hill.

The Plaka and Anafiotika Neighborhoods

Between the northern slopes of the Acropolis and Ermoú Street, the picturesque Pláka neighborhood is a tourist hot spot. The main attraction of this historic area is its charming village ambience. Narrow pedestrian streets and the cheerful little squares of the Pláka quarter are lined with lovely bougainvillea-trimmed pastel-painted houses, restaurants, and shops.

Tucked away in peaceful corners of the neighborhood are historic churches, such as the Metamórfosis Church in the southwest and the Church of Kapnikaréa in the north. A leisurely stroll through the picturesque setting is the perfect thing to do when you’ve had your fill of ruins and museums.

The Plaka quarter, along with neighboring Anafiotika nestled into the slopes north of the Acropolis, have an abundance of authentic Greek restaurants with inviting terrace seating. The winding medieval streets of Anafiotika are also a delight to explore in the evenings. This area is famous for its Restaurant Staircase on Mnisikleous Street. Nearby, quieter streets are hidden away on the hillside, which conceal cute little cafés and restaurants.

Panathenaic Stadium (Kalimarmaro)

Ancient Athens’ largest building, the Panathenaic Stadium, has a capacity for 60,000 spectators. Constructed around 335 BC during the era of Herodes Atticus, the venue hosted the Panathenaic Games where runners competed in races around the track. The 204-meter-long track was designed with four double herms, where runners would turn in the races.

Monastiraki and Flea Market

Narrow streets lined with shops selling everything from jewelry and trinkets to clothing and everyday goods is what you’ll find in the Athens Flea Market in Monastiraki. This is one of the neighborhood’s main draws, but this area has a very unique vibe and is a nice place to just relax at an outdoor patio or wander about.

Monastiraki has no shortage of restaurants, and this is a good place to come for lunch if you want to grab a gyros or any type of traditional Greek dish. Unlike the more upscale Plaka district, this area is a bit more casual.

Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square

For many tourists, watching the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square is an exciting and memorable experience. The Soldiers of the Presidential Guard stand in front of the Hellenic Parliament on Syntagma Square 24 hours a day, year-round. The guards wear traditional costumes complete with pleated skirts, leg tassels, and pompom shoes.

This takes place in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument at 11am daily. This monument honors anonymous soldiers who died fighting for the country.

National Gardens and Zappeion

Located next to the Greek parliament, the National Garden is a large green space behind the Temple of Olympian Zeus and home to the Zappeion. If you have had enough sun during your day of sightseeing, this is a quiet, shady place to relax and cool off. Inviting trails lead through tall trees and offer a reprieve from the busy streets. It’s also a free attraction in Athens.

On the edge of the garden is the Zappeion Hall, which you can enter for a peek inside if it is not in use. It was built in the 1870s and is used for events. Inside the main entrance is an impressive round, open-air hall, lined by columns.

HOW TO GET TO ATHENS

Athens has an international airport with direct flights from 142 airports in Europe and beyond. The city is well connected to Greek islands with Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio Ferry Ports.

Flights: Click here to search, compare and book your next flight to Athens.

Accommodation: Search, compare and book your next stay in Athens here.

Rental Cars: Find the best deals and hire your rental car in Athens here.

Airport Transfers: Book your private airport transfer here.

Activities: Click here to search and book touristic activities and experiences in Athens.

Ferries: Here you can search and book your ferry ticket to Greek Islands.