Athens Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

East meets West and classic meets contemporary in this iconic European capital. Athens is the crown jewel of Greece and a fascinating city for any visitor.

The history of Athens is world-renowned. Ancient attractions such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Agora and Dionysus Theatre, created during the Greek Golden Age, have influenced architecture throughout the Western world.

The Athenian Acropolis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is instantly recognisable. Sitting high above Athens on the Acropolis Rock, this 5th-century site and its majestic temples were created to pay tribute to the gods and demonstrate the supremacy of Ancient Greece. It continues to impress today, but make sure you visit early in the day to avoid the burn of the scorching summer sun.

Entering the Acropolis via the towering columns of the Poplyaia, you won’t fail to be impressed. On your way, you’ll see the unmissable Parthenon or ‘Temple of the Virgin,’ a famous national symbol, dominating the Athens skyline. This was once the most elaborate temple in Greece, framed by classic Doric style columns, with ornate friezes and sculptures. Inside, sat a precious statute of the city’s protector-goddess Athena made of ivory and gold.

Below the Parthenon sits the notable Dionysus Theatre. This grand mosaic-tiled, open-air theatre was the set of many Greek tragedies and plays and is one of the world’s first theatres. See the marbled seats of the elite and dignitaries, including Roman emperor Hadrian’s exclusive seat.

Another noteworthy site, the modern Acropolis Museum, houses many ancient sculptures and artefacts for even more insight into early Greek civilisation. The museum’s star attraction is the beautifully displayed Parthenon Marbles depicting scenes of ancient Athens. If you are lucky, you might even see live restorations and excavations at this impressive living museum.

If you love museums, Athens has all sorts. The National Archaeological Museum is one of the most prestigious in the world. Founded in the 19th-century, it contains the most comprehensive reference of Ancient Greek culture with more than 11,000 exhibits.

At the heart of civic life in Athens was the must-visit Roman Agora. Although difficult to imagine from its ruined remains, it contained the city’s busiest marketplace, libraries, courts and baths. It is purported as the birthplace of democracy, where public meetings took place and where Socrates once addressed his public. A guided tour of this popular site is recommended to fully appreciate its history.

Of course, there’s more to Athens than its monuments. The cosmopolitan capital has a real mix of traditional and modern. You can enjoy upmarket shopping, drinking and dining in luxurious surroundings, or traditional hospitality in Greek tavernas that have also stood the test of time. Athens is full of restaurants, and Greek cuisine is notoriously rich and moreish. Make sure you wind down after a day’s adventuring and enjoy some fresh fish, salty feta and juicy olives.

Where to stay in Athens

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

Athens City Centre

4.5/5(483 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 featuring street scenes, night scenes and dining out

Plaka

4.5/5(120 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(90 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 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

4.5/5(71 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
Default Image

Psirri

3.5/5(67 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 ฿4,964 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
฿4,964
฿6,031 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,939 reviews)
"I don’t know what the ‘vip benefits’ were for this hotel because I didn’t notice anything which stood out to me but overall (barring the amount of time taken to get my room ready) the cleaners were extremely nice, the breakfast was great, the staff were nice and ensured new towels were brought to ..."

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

The Stanley
Grand Hyatt Athens

Grand Hyatt Athens

5 out of 5
115, Syngrou Avenue, Athens, Attica
The price is ฿5,331 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
฿5,331
฿6,638 total
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (760 reviews)
"Not very walkable in the city, but they do supply a free shuttle bus that takes you directly to the area with lots of shops restaurants bars, perfect"

Reviewed on 21 Aug 2025

Grand Hyatt Athens
Sofitel Athens Airport

Sofitel Athens Airport

5 out of 5
Athens International Airport, Spata-Artemida, Attiki
The price is ฿11,957 per night from 9 Sept to 10 Sept
฿11,957
฿14,148 total
9 Sept - 10 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Spata-Artemida. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,621 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 22 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 Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,214 reviews)
Good Value Apartments, great location
"Room was clean and well equipped, air conditioning was great. The noise from outside was quite loud but unavoidable given the grest location. Fantastic value for money and helpful staff."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Athens Studios
The Omnia Collection Pagrati

The Omnia Collection Pagrati

30 Chremonidou, Athens, Attica, Athens
Stay at this apartment in Athens. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Syntagma Square and Parthenon are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (118 reviews)
Pleasant stay in the heart of Greece
"If you look for a place where you have everything like a house in a hotel quality. Much recommended."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (410 reviews)
"We were very lucky to get an upgrade which was beautiful They were very helpful in all we needed to do I would go back"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 2025

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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Athens