Athens travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

April to early June and September to October have mild days and good light. Summer from July to August is very hot, and the Acropolis can be crowded and exposed to sun. In heatwaves the authorities may close the site for part of the day.

Winter is mild but wet. Sights are quiet. Greek public holidays such as 25 March, Easter and 1 May can close or reduce opening hours at archaeological sites. Orthodox Easter can fall on a different date from other churches, so check the year.

How many days you need

Three days cover the Acropolis and its museum, the Ancient Agora, Plaka and Monastiraki, the National Archaeological Museum, and a food or neighbourhood evening. A fourth day allows Cape Sounion or a ferry to Aegina.

Delphi is a full-day trip by road. Most visitors treat Athens as a base before the islands.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Athens International Airport (ATH) is east of the city. Metro Line 3 goes to Syntagma and Monastiraki in about 40 minutes. The suburban railway goes to Larissis station in about 45 minutes, and you can change to the metro. Express buses run all day and night (X95 to Syntagma in about an hour, X96 to Piraeus, X93 to Kifissos station).

Taxis from the airport have a flat fare to the city centre, with a different flat fare at night. The trip takes about 40 to 60 minutes. Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals.

Getting around

The metro, tram and buses cover most visitor needs. Metro Line 1, 2 and 3 serve the main sights and Piraeus port. Contactless bank cards and phone wallets can be tapped on metro, tram and city buses. You can also use an ATH.ENA ticket or card. Tap or validate at the start of each trip.

The centre around Plaka, Monastiraki and the Acropolis is walkable, but pavements are uneven and hills are steep. In summer walk early or late. Taxis are inexpensive, and ride apps work.

Where to stay

Plaka and Monastiraki are close to the Acropolis and have many hotels, but are crowded. Koukaki is quiet, near the Acropolis Museum, and has local cafes. Psyrri and Gazi suit nightlife and food.

Syntagma and Kolonaki are central and upmarket. Choose a hotel near a metro station if you will go to Piraeus for ferries.

What to book in advance

The Acropolis uses timed entry slots. Buy tickets online through the official Greek archaeological ticket service for busy periods, and choose an early slot to avoid heat. Daily visitor numbers are limited.

The Acropolis Museum is normally not as constrained but has queues around midday. Ferry tickets to the islands can be bought online. Book in summer and for weekend ferries.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not go to the Acropolis at midday in summer. Do not wear smooth-soled shoes. The marble is slippery, and the site may require suitable shoes.

Do not leave valuables in a bag on the metro or in Monastiraki crowds. Do not accept friendship bracelets or helpful strangers who then ask for money. Outside the airport flat fare, ask the driver to use the meter.

Do not plan travel on strike days without checking. Greek transport strikes can close metro and ferries for a day.

Money, tipping and practical notes

The currency is the euro. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted. Carry some cash for small tavernas and kiosks. Tipping is customary but modest. Rounding up or leaving a few percent is normal.

Plug types C and F are used, at 230 volts. The climate resilience fee applies to hotel stays. It is charged per room for each day of the stay and is usually included in the hotel bill. Tap water is safe in Athens. Greece is in the Schengen area. Check official government sources for entry rules.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Athens