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 $37 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
4.9 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 $32 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 $43 per night
This weekend
From $86 per night
Next weekend
From $86 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | € 1 = $1.07 |
| Language | Greek |
| Average weekend price | $100 per night |
| Average weekday price | $108 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
0.1 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
Athens reviews
What other travelers say about Athens
We stayed in Athens totally 3 days.
April 26, 2024
We stayed in Athens totally 3 days. 1 day on the way to Crete and 2 days on the way back from Crete. On the way back, the tourist season was started, and very busy every where. The famous spots were too crowded for us. 'No wait line' pre purchase tickets don't mean anything any more, and just had to wait to get in Acropolis. Athens airport staff shortage as well. Just check in, it took almost an hour. Prechecked in customers also had to wait on the same line for whatever the reason. That being said, the food was great. Most local people speak English and very helpful. So visiting low tourist season would be very nice place to visit. We visited in April.
The city contains what must be the most famous of...
April 24, 2024
The city contains what must be the most famous of archaeological sites in the world. The city is busy and crowded, but the people are welcoming and the food is incredible. We took a 3-hour walking food tour of the Plaka and had the best time, and the best food. Choose your location carefully, and it's walking distance to shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Bring your walking shoes!
Don't be fooled into thinking that Athens is just...
April 24, 2024
Don't be fooled into thinking that Athens is just touristy. There is so much to do there, so much to see, and so spread out. But you can walk it all. Go during April or September on a shoulder season. We were fortunate enough to be there on April 18th, which is international monuments day. Free admission to the sites. Everybody there is kind and Athens is one of the cleanest and sweetest smelling cities in europe. Our stay was indeed too short.
The Acropolis and surrounds, the big museums, the vibe...
April 22, 2024
The Acropolis and surrounds, the big museums, the vibe around Monastiraki. Mostly ate in Monastiraki. Once you've conquered the metro (there's a shortage of direction signs), places on the metro are fine. By road, just don't go there!
The best place to be either for holidays or work!
April 22, 2024
The best place to be either for holidays or work! Absolutely safe, value for money in most of the cases. So many places to visit, like Acropolis, Monastiraki, museums, Agora, Plaka, beaches etc. I stayed in Glyfada which is one of my favorite suburbs. Food is always great! Best traditional koulouri ever from Koulourades! Best coffee for the coffee lovers. I am vegan and i am happy to see that Athens has many options now!
The birth place of democracy and a place that everyone...
April 22, 2024
The birth place of democracy and a place that everyone should visit. Athens was a lot smaller than I anticipated and I was able to see all of it within the time there and without rushing, Multiple 'Hop On, Hop Off' bus services to get you around the main parts. Piraeus is also well worth heading out to on the bus,
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 $173 per night
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BED in Athens Psiri, Athens
From $227 per night
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Ederlezi Boutique Hotel Psiri, Athens
From $122 per night
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A.P. Acropolis View Apartments Psiri, Athens
From $220 per night
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The Athenians Art Apartments Syntagma, Athens
From $144 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 $69 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 $56 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 $24 per night
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Homestays
From $13 per night
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Boats
From $73 per night
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Self-Catering Accommodations
From $8 per night
