Top things to do in Athens
Attractions, tours, and activities in Athens
Recommended museums in Athens
Where to find art and culture in Athens
Athens: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Athens
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Plaka
0.3 miles from downtown
Plaka’s appeal lies in its village-like atmosphere. Its small lanes are lined with 19th-century houses, enticing cafés – and a fair few tourists. The Acropolis is the area’s showstopper, but spare some time for the smaller spots. The 4th-century Monument of Lysicrates is worth a stop, as is Hadrian's, and an amble through the National Gardens.
Places to stay from $14 a night
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Glyfada
7.4 miles from downtown
Welcome to glitzy Glyfada – home of the chic and distinctly international. The area’s shops and restaurants once catered for a now long-gone US military base, but the spoils are great – TGI Fridays and an array of swanky fashion outlets are in the vicinity, as are sizzling nightspots along the beach facing Posidonos Avenue. Get ready to splurge!
Places to stay from $38 a night
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Psiri
0.6 miles from downtown
Psiri is a quiet inner-city suburb with little to do during the day. However, the volume goes from mute to full blast at night. Locals roll in and out of low-lit bars onto the expansive terraces, and live music fills the air. For a bite to eat, try the typically Greek mezes at Mavros Gatos – think octopus, tzatziki, eggplant, cheeses and more.
Places to stay from $15 a night
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Koukaki
0.9 miles from downtown
Below the Acropolis, Koukaki's Dionysiou Areopagitou promenade is a welcome escape from the city's rumbling automobile traffic. The area underwent a facelift with the arrival of the ultra-modern Acropolis Museum, but Koukaki retained its unpretentious feel. To this end, try the fresh grilled fish from taverna To Kati Allo right behind the museum.
Places to stay from $8 a night
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Metaxourgeio
1.1 miles from downtown
Metaxourgeio is getting Athens hot under the collar. This powerhouse of trendy bars and galleries attracts a young crowd, and is a hipster hang-out par excellence. Wander past its gardens, warehouses and tavernas to get a taste for the area's mish-mash of styles. Bohemian and industrial, it's a tight bundle of all things alternative.
Places to stay from $26 a night
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Chalandri
4.8 miles from downtown
Chalandri has developed quite the reputation among the northern suburbs. This modern area is a burgeoning leisure hub, with the new Golden Hall Mall and hip hang-outs, like Theory Bar or Ancho Mexican Grill. Head here for the cluster of shopping streets around Dourou Square, and enjoy the open-air concerts at the Theatro Rematias.
Places to stay from $35 a night
About Athens
Including tips for the best time to visit Athens
Greece's ancient capital is an open-air history museum featuring breathtaking landmarks dating back over 2,500 years. Once home to Plato's Academy and Aristotle's Lyceum, it's no wonder why Athens is often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization.
While the towering Acropolis is a reminder of Athens’ ancient origins, the modern-day city offers a huge variety of contemporary comforts. You’ll find chic cocktail bars and exciting nightclubs throughout the center, plus the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the incredible Technopolis complex.
Other points of interest include Attica’s beaches and the scenic National Garden right behind the Greek Parliament Building. This incredible blend of ancient monuments, exciting cultural landmarks, and natural scenery makes Athens the perfect destination for all travelers.
Greeks take an immense amount of pride in their cuisine, and as soon as you try some of their delicious dishes, you’ll know exactly why. Grab a seat in a traditional "taverna" and order up some grilled souvlaki and a glass of Ouzo – an anise-flavored aperitif. You can get to the center easily from the airport by metro, train or express bus, and you'll also find plenty of taxis outside the terminal.
Tonight
From $17 per night
This weekend
From $55 per night
Next weekend
From $42 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.08 |
| Language | Greek |
| Average weekend price | $140 per night |
| Average weekday price | $142 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Athens
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Athens
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Acropolis
0.5 miles from downtown
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Syntagma Square
In downtown
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Ermou Street
0.2 miles from downtown
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Omonia Square
0.7 miles from downtown
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Parthenon
0.5 miles from downtown
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Monastiraki Flea Market
0.6 miles from downtown
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Monastiraki Square
0.5 miles from downtown
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Gazi - Technopoli
1.2 miles from downtown
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The Mall Athens
5.7 miles from downtown
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Panathenaic Stadium
0.6 miles from downtown
Latest articles featuring Athens
Inspiration and insider tips for things to do in Athens
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Athens’ contemporary arts scene: A photo journal
Glimpsing the venues that are bolstering Athens’ contemporary art renaissance.
Athens reviews
What other travelers say about Athens
Came to watch a football match, but that was a very small...
December 3, 2023
Came to watch a football match, but that was a very small part of an amazing stay. Ancient culture, vibrant bars and restaurants and a great city to explore on foot. Visited the Museum of Contemporary Art, the cafe on Lycabettus Hill, the Acropolis, National Museum of Archaeology and the National Gallery, all of which are incredible. And just getting a feel for the city by walking the streets is well worth it.
The reason for my ratings is because i live in a much better...
December 2, 2023
The reason for my ratings is because i live in a much better cleaner place in Greece. If you live like me in Kalamata it is so much better than Athens. Im not a graffiti fan at all, i believe it depends on the people not the government and all that half build buildings. Ive seen people using drugs just so in the open. What does this tell children it is ok, they see the same stuff. Yes they have ancient buildings but for me its also the place where i need to pass to get there.
Finding food is not a problem in Athens.
December 2, 2023
Finding food is not a problem in Athens. Night life is quite happening in Athens. The city is quite safe for the tourists unlike cities in other parts of Western Europe ie Spain, Italy and France where there are many pickpockets However, there is traffic congestion and not enough public parking. The city needs better municipal management such as parking, building maintenance, rubbish disposal and graffiti. Many buildings match the ruins of the ancient world.
Beginning days with morning coffee with local pastries were...
December 1, 2023
Beginning days with morning coffee with local pastries were amazing. Chatting with friendly locals on the way to sightseeing and tourist attractions definitely makes me to go there again. Amazing view from 24th floor building DEOS with swimming pool and bar on the rooftop I'd recommend to everyone.
Do your homework and read reviews.
November 30, 2023
Do your homework and read reviews. Even the luxury hotels in Athens are reasonable so don’t think cheap is best. My visit was more like a business trip simply to get a world class tattoo. I ended up walking out of my original apartment rental five minutes after I got there because the neighborhood was sketchy and the apartment wasn’t up to snuff. Went across town to a very nice hotel and I’m so glad I did because the people there were wonderful, the parliament square neighborhood was bustling, and there were many choices for restaurants and activities. The acropolis area is very walkable and quite beautiful but much of the city is just a big city so be careful where you stay. My initial view is to stay close to the Acropolis, or on the north downtown side of the Acropolis simply because that’s where everything is but most of all interact with the people of the city because Greeks are a lovely people. My interactions with them or what made the trip wonderful. And the tattoo. .
I mainly visited Athens to complete the Athens Marathon but...
November 27, 2023
I mainly visited Athens to complete the Athens Marathon but during my trip I also visited the Acropolis and Parthenon, Parnitha mountain, Marathon and Delphi. Athens was lovely and warm this time of the year and ever place I visited was stunning!
Popular places to stay in Athens
Stay in some of the best accommodations Athens has to offer
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Acro Urban Suites Koukaki, Athens
From $107 per night
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Hellenic Hospitality House Athens City Centre, Athens
From $68 per night
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A.P. Acropolis View Apartments Psiri, Athens
From $127 per night
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Gatsby Athens Syntagma, Athens
From $136 per night
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BED in Athens Psiri, Athens
From $112 per night
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Other accommodations in Athens
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Athens
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Apartments
From $8 per night
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Villas
From $70 per night
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Cottages
From $43 per night
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Serviced Apartments
From $13 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $57 per night
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Guest houses
From $16 per night
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Hostels
From $9 per night
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B&Bs
From $25 per night
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Homestays
From $13 per night
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Boats
From $74 per night
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Self-catering Accommodations
From $8 per night
