About Athens
Athens has been inhabited for more than 3,000 years, and its most famous monument, the Parthenon, has crowned the Acropolis since the fifth century BC, when Pericles led the city's golden age of democracy, philosophy and theatre. From almost anywhere in central Athens you can glimpse the marble temple on its limestone rock, glowing gold at sunset. Yet modern Athens is a sprawling, energetic metropolis of nearly four million people in the wider area, rebuilt largely in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries after it became the capital of independent Greece in 1834.
The magic lies in the mix. Ancient agoras sit beside graffiti-covered streets, Byzantine chapels hide between apartment blocks with balconies full of plants, and rooftop bars face the Acropolis while tavernas in Plaka serve grilled octopus at midnight. Neighbourhoods such as Koukaki, Psyrri and Pangrati offer local life just a short walk from the archaeological sites, and the Athens Riviera, with beaches and seaside cafés, is a tram ride away.
Our three guides cover where to stay for views and convenience, how to plan the Acropolis and museums, and practical tips on heat, transport, island ferries and budget.
Athens city guides
- Where to stay in Athens
Most visitors want to be within walking distance of the Acropolis, and fortunately several attractive districts surround it. Others choose seaside suburbs or upmarket Kolonaki. Air conditioning is a must from June to September. Plaka, known as the "neighbourhood of the gods", sits on the north-eastern slope beneath the Acropolis. Its narrow lanes, neoclassical mansions, bougainvillea and tavernas make it the most picturesque area, and the tiny Anafiotika quarter above, built by workers from the Cycladic island of Anafi, feels like an island village. It is very central and safe, but souvenir shops and tourist restaurants dominate some streets, and prices are higher. South of the Acropolis, Koukaki is a residential neighbourhood that has become many travellers' favourite base. The Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis's southern entrance are a few minutes' walk, and the pedestrian Dionysiou Areopagitou promenade links it to Thissio. Koukaki has cafés, bakeries and neighbourhood tavernas, plus the Syngrou-Fix metro station on the red line. Many rooftop terraces offer direct Acropolis views.
- Things to do in Athens
Athens offers ancient wonders and a vibrant modern city. Plan the big archaeological sites for mornings, then use the afternoons for museums, food and seaside escapes. The rock holds the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena and completed in 432 BC, the elegant Erechtheion with its Caryatid porch, the Temple of Athena Nike and the monumental Propylaea gateway. Since 2023 visitor numbers are capped with hourly timed tickets, so book online in advance. Go at 8:00 opening or in the late afternoon; summer midday heat on the white marble is intense. The south slope entrance near the Acropolis Museum is usually less crowded, and passes the Theatre of Dionysus. Designed by Bernard Tschumi and opened in 2009, the museum displays the original Caryatids, sculptures from the Parthenon frieze arranged in their original orientation on the top floor, with gaps left for those held in the British Museum, and glass floors over an excavated ancient neighbourhood. Its terrace café has excellent views.
- Practical tips for visiting Athens
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is about 30 kilometres east of the centre. Metro line 3 (blue) runs to Syntagma and Monastiraki in about 40 minutes; an airport ticket costs €9. The X95 express bus runs 24 hours to Syntagma and is cheaper but can be slow in traffic. Taxis have a flat fare to the centre, about €40 by day and €55 at night. The metro has three lines and is clean and modern; excavations during construction produced finds now displayed in stations such as Syntagma. Trams run to the coast, and buses and trolleybuses cover the rest. Tickets are valid for 90 minutes across modes, and the 5-day tourist pass is useful. Contactless bank cards can be used at metro gates. Taxis are relatively cheap; use the FreeNow or Uber app for transparent fares. The historic centre is walkable, but pavements can be uneven. April to early June and September to October are ideal, with temperatures between 20 and 28°C. July and August are very hot, sometimes over 40°C during heatwaves, when the Acropolis may close at midday for safety. Winters are mild, around 13 to 15°C, with occasional rain; it's an excellent time for museums with fewer crowds. Greek Easter is a major celebration with candlelit processions.
Destination overview · Athens
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What to see in Athens
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