Athens
Visited in December 2008
At a glance
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- Achaea
- Population
- 643,452
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Athens International Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH)
- Coordinates
- 37.99°N, 23.73°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Athens is where much of Western civilisation began, and the Acropolis still rises over the city as it has for two and a half thousand years. Around it, ancient ruins turn up between apartment blocks, churches and busy squares.
The modern city is loud, sprawling and full of life, with rooftop bars, street art and some of the best-value food in Europe. Stay in the old neighbourhoods below the Acropolis and you can walk to almost everything.
Things to see
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Photo: Giles Laurent, CC BY-SA 4.0 Acropolis
The Parthenon and its temples crown the rocky hill; go at opening time or late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Bandelmug, CC BY 4.0 Acropolis Museum
A light-filled modern museum at the foot of the hill, with the Parthenon sculptures displayed in a glass gallery.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Chabe01, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ancient Agora
The heart of the ancient city, with a beautifully preserved temple and a rebuilt colonnade.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Thomas Wolf , www.foto-tw.de, CC BY-SA 3.0 de National Archaeological Museum
One of the world's great museums of ancient art, with gold masks, bronzes and the Antikythera mechanism.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Antonio Fajardo i López, CC BY-SA 3.0 Plaka and Anafiotika
The old town of narrow lanes, neoclassical houses and tiny whitewashed island-style homes under the Acropolis.
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Photo: Mister No, CC BY 3.0 Panathenaic Stadium
A gleaming horseshoe-shaped marble stadium, rebuilt on an ancient site for the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Apaleutos25, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sunset from Lycabettus
Climb the steep, pine-covered hill in the late afternoon for views across the city to the sea.
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Photo: User Adam Carr, CC BY-SA 3.0 Day trip to Cape Sounion
The Temple of Poseidon stands on a cliff above the Aegean, best at sunset.
Find tours -
Photo: athenswalk, CC0 Central Market
The covered meat and fish market and the surrounding spice shops are a lively slice of daily life.
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Photo: -- Xocolatl 20:16, 10 April 2008 (UTC), Public domain Island hop to Aegina
Ferries from Piraeus reach this pistachio-growing island, with its harbour town and hilltop temple, in about an hour.
Where to stay
Plaka
Pretty and central, right below the Acropolis, but touristy.
Hotels in PlakaKoukaki
Relaxed and residential, close to the Acropolis Museum.
Hotels in KoukakiMonastiraki and Psyrri
Lively, with markets, bars and rooftop views.
Hotels in Monastiraki and PsyrriKolonaki
Smart and upmarket, with boutiques and cafés.
Hotels in Kolonaki
Getting around
The metro is clean and efficient, and the historic centre is best on foot. Taxis are easy to find with apps.
Metro line 3 runs from the airport to Syntagma in around 40 minutes. Express buses and taxis take a similar time, depending on traffic.
When to go
Spring and autumn are warm and sunny, ideal for sightseeing. July and August are very hot and busy, while winter is mild and quiet.
Plan your trip to Athens
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.