Athens

Things to do in Athens

Compare tickets, tours, transfers, hotels and flights for Athens in one place, and see who provides each one before you book.

Photo: Steve Swayne, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

AirportsAthens International Airport (ATH)
Getting aroundMetro, trams, buses and on foot
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Best monthsApril to June, September and October

Athens in brief

The ancient sites of Athens gather around the rock of the Acropolis, joined by a long pedestrian walkway. Below it, the old quarter of Plaka is the natural place to eat and wander.

The Acropolis uses timed entry, booked online. Go at opening or late in the afternoon: in summer the midday heat on the rock is fierce.

Athens is also the gateway to the islands. Ferries leave from the port of Piraeus, a short metro ride from the centre.

Top attractions in Athens

Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.

Photo: Acropolis and Parthenon — A.Savin (CC BY-SA 3.0); Acropolis Museum — philip.mallis (CC BY-SA 2.0); Ancient Agora — George E. Koronaios (CC BY-SA 4.0); Plaka and Monastiraki — Julian Lupyan (CC0); National Archaeological Museum — George E. Koronaios (CC BY-SA 4.0); Temple of Olympian Zeus — Carole Raddato from FRANKFURT, Germany (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Tours and day trips

Guided tours, day trips and experiences, with photos, reviews and prices.

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Getting there and around

Airport transfer from Athens Airport (ATH)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel. Alternatives are metro line 3 or the express airport bus.
Ferries and trains from AthensFerries from Piraeus reach Aegina in under an hour and the Cyclades in a few hours. Trains run north to Thessaloniki.
Car rentalNot needed in the city, where traffic is heavy. Useful for Delphi and the Peloponnese.

Flights

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Where to stay

Pick a neighbourhood first, then compare hotels.

1

Plaka

The old quarter under the Acropolis. Pretty, central and busy with visitors.
2

Syntagma

The main square, with the metro to the airport and the big hotels.
3

Monastiraki and Psyrri

Markets, rooftop bars and nightlife. Lively until late.
4

Koukaki

A local district beside the Acropolis Museum, with cafés and good value.
Hotels in Athens with live prices

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Athens day by day

  1. Day 1: The Acropolis and PlakaThe Acropolis at opening, the Acropolis Museum, then lunch and an evening in Plaka.
  2. Day 2: The Agora and the museumThe Ancient Agora and Monastiraki in the morning, the National Archaeological Museum in the afternoon, then sunset from a hilltop.
  3. Day 3: Syntagma and the coastThe changing of the guard at Syntagma, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, then Cape Sounion for sunset.
  4. With a fourth dayTake a day trip to Delphi, or a cruise to the nearby islands.

Local tips

  • In summer, visit the outdoor sites early, and carry water and a hat. There is little shade.
  • Wear shoes with good grip. The old marble on the Acropolis is worn and slippery.
  • The guards in front of Parliament change every hour, with a larger ceremony on Sunday mornings.
  • In most buildings, toilet paper goes in the bin beside the toilet, not into it.
  • Watch for pickpockets on the metro, above all on the airport line and at Monastiraki.

Before you go

eSIMMobile data for Greece. Buy and install it before you travel.
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Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Radical Storage
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
AirHelpCompensair

Everything for Athens

Ten services for the trip, all in one place.

Attraction ticketsMuseums and landmarks, with timed entry explained
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Tours & day tripsGuided and self-guided
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Airport transfersA driver waiting at arrivals
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HotelsLive prices, book in a few steps
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FlightsFind the cheapest route
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Car rentalLocal and international companies
LocalrentGetRentacarEconomybookingsQEEQAutoEurope
eSIMMobile data, bought before you travel
AiraloYesimSailyDrimsim
Travel insuranceCover for the whole tripHow it works
Trains & busesCity to city tickets
Klook (Europe trains)
Cruises & boatsSightseeing and dinner cruises
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Travel guide

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for Athens, and 3 days covers the main sights. The metro links the airport to central Syntagma in about 40 minutes.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Athens?

April to June and September to October are warm and pleasant. July and August are very hot.

How many days do I need in Athens?

Two to three full days cover the main sights. Add a day for Delphi or the islands.

Should I book the Acropolis ahead?

Yes. Entry is by timed slot booked online, and the early slots are the most comfortable.

How do I get from the airport to the centre?

From the airport, metro line 3 runs to Syntagma in about forty minutes, and express buses run day and night. Taxis and pre-booked transfers are also available. Choose by luggage, arrival time and budget.

Can I visit a Greek island on a day trip from Athens?

Yes. Aegina, Hydra and Poros are a ferry ride from Piraeus, and day cruises visit all three.