Athens, Greece Destination Guide
Section 1: Intro to Athens
With its 3,400-year history, Athens is a place where history looms large, both metaphorically and literally. Standing proud and looking out over the rest of the city, the Parthenon perches atop a huge rock in the city center, known as the Acropolis, making sure that no-one ever forgets the enduring legacy of the ancient Greek city state. But Athens is much more than its ancient past – today this city is a space for disruptive art and ideas, giving it a unique character and a very modern feel.
Which of the Following Phrases Best Describes this Destination?
Ancient, Disruptive, Warm-Hearted
What’s the Destination Known For?
The Ancient World – Athens was once the center of Greek democracy and a major regional superpower. It produced a civilization of art, culture, philosophy, learning and religion that shaped Mediterranean societies. Today the many classical monuments that remain throughout the city (not least, the Parthenon) stand as a testimony to the city’s illustrious past.
Street Life – Athens is a city of the street, and gets much of its vibrancy from the café and restaurant culture that dominates in areas such as Plaka and Monastiraki. Street performers, open-air theatre and concerts, and markets all combine to make Athens come alive on those sultry summer nights.
Sub-Culture – Since the financial crisis of 2008, the activist scene in Athens has exploded. This has produced an underground art scene that is reaching maturity and that is one of the most exciting in Europe.
Concrete – Athens is not known as the most beautiful city in the world, and the concrete urban sprawl that accompanied the city’s expansion in the 20th century has often dissuaded tourists. However, recent investment, and the pedestrianization of many city-center areas has reduced pollution and regenerated its urban culture.
Hospitality – kindness to strangers is a core value in Greece, dating back to its ancient culture, and Athens is no exception. Be prepared for a warm welcome – the Greeks don’t stand on ceremony and will welcome you into their home and their culture with a refreshing glass of ouzo!
Getting There
ATH - Athens International Airport:
Location: Attiki Odos, Spata Artemida 190 04
Located near the towns of Markopulo, Koropi and Loutsa, 20km east of central Athens.
Visa: US citizens will receive a 90 day tourist visa upon arrival.
Metro: Metro Line 3 serves the airport with trains every 30 minutes between 6:30 to 23:30. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
Train: The suburban rail connects the airport to Athens Central railway station (Larissis Station) for onward connections.
Bus: There are 4 different bus services connecting the airport with the city, all of which depart from the Arrivals level, exits 4-5. Buses depart every 30 minutes.
Taxi: Taxis may be found between exits 2 and 3 of the main terminal. A one-way journey to the city costs €38 during the day, and €50 after midnight.
Athens’ main bus station is in Kifisos, Athens (accessed from the center by bus X93)
Larissis Train Station is located at Theodore Diligiannis, Athens.
Local Etiquette
Tipping: This is relatively uncommon in restaurants and for other services, but service staff are often paid poorly, so if you wish to tip, simply round up the bill.
Bargaining: Don’t try to haggle in shops where there are fixed prices – this is considered bad form. However, it may be worth negotiating for accommodation or car hire.
Gestures: It’s considered rude to hold your palm up to someone. Avoid the ‘ok’ sign by making a circle with your thumb and forefinger – this is also very rude. Nodding and shaking the head to indicate ‘yes’ and ‘no’ are not commonly used. Tip your head forward for ‘yes’, and slightly back for ‘no’.
Dress: Most Athenians adopt a smart-casual style when out in the city, so it’s best to remain neat and presentable, especially when out in the evenings. Cover arms and legs when visiting churches.
Words/Phrases to know:
Hello – Yahsoo
Hi (to a group) – Yiasas
Good morning – Kalimera
Good evening – Kalispera
Yes – Ne
No – Ohi
Thank you – Efharistoh
Sorry/Excuse me – Signomii
I don’t understand – Then Katalavenoh
Please – Parakaloh
Cheers! – Yamas!
Weather
Temperatures:
Spring:
High: 69F / 21C
Low: 54F / 12C
Summer:
High: 89F / 32C
Low: 73F / 23C
Fall:
High: 75F / 24C
Low: 61F / 16C
Winter:
High: 57F / 14C
Low: 46F / 8C
Elevation: 230ft to 1109ft / 70m to 338m
The best month for swimming is August, the average sea temperature is 77F. The wettest month of the year is December.
The weather is best between April and early June, with the sunshine lasting between 9 and 12 hours per day. During the summer months the weather becomes very hot, making sightseeing uncomfortable. Between September and November the weather is fine and sunny, not too hot, and the city has fewer tourists.
How to dress: Bring layers for winter, in case the temperature drops. In the summer months, wear loose, light colored clothing to allow you to cope with the heat.
Getting Around
In-city transportation:
Metro: The Athens Metro has 3 lines, serving most areas of the city.
Tickets are covered by the Athena Card ticket (€1.40 for a 90 minute ticket; €4.50 for a 24 hour ticket; €9 for a 5 day ticket).
Bus: Air-conditioned buses serve the whole city and tickets may be bought using the new Athena card system (linked with the Metro).
Uber/Lyft: Uber operates a restricted service in some parts of Athens
Bikes: Cycling has recently taken off in Athens, and it’s now a popular way to get around the city, despite the traffic. Recent traffic calming measures have improved conditions for cyclists, and many companies now offer bike rental and tours.
City Card: The Athens Pass offers discounted entry and queue passes to a number of attractions (including the Acropolis), and reduced fees on many other sites. There is no time limit on the Athens Pass, so visitors are free to visit the sites at their leisure.
Cards may be ordered online and is managed digitally, meaning you don’t need to collect it. Price: 1 Day: Adult €55.50; Child €44.50
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Price: Tickets start at €18
Walking: Despite the hills, Athens is increasingly becoming a very walkable city. The pedestrianization of key city center areas makes walking a pleasure, and the main city center is compact and accessible.
Section 2: What to see, do and eat
Breakfast
Mediterranean; Arabic; Mexican
$$
Location: Aiolou 48, Athina 105 60
Times: Monday 9:30 to 18:30, Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30-24:30, Sunday: 11:20-17:30
Dress code: Casual
This stylish breakfast spot serves a range of international cuisines, bringing new flavors to the Athenian breakfast scene. It’s the only place in the city where you’ll find Middle Eastern mezze next to tortillas and tacos.
Best dish: The chipotle chicken tacos are excellent.
Greek; Mediterranean; Healthy
$$
Location: Omirou 60, Athina 106 72
Times: Daily 9:00 - 1:30 am
Dress code: Casual
This classy breakfast join prides itself on high quality farm-to-table ingredients and sustainable agriculture. The menu is slight and the interior is simple and stylish
Best dish: The classic eggs benedict – perfectly executed.
Café; European; French
$
Location: Falirou 88, Athina 117 41
Times: Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00-24:00; Thursday & Friday, 10:00-3:00 am.
Dress code: Casual
If you’re craving a French snack during your time in Athens, then look no further – Bel Ray serves French classics that are guaranteed to start your day off well.
Best dish: The classic croque monsieur!
Brunch
Café; European
$$
Location: Sapfous 95, Kallithea 176 76
Times: Daily 9:00-2:00 am
Dress code: Casual
Momo’s beautiful garden is the perfect place for a hearty brunch, and the varied menu here doesn’t disappoint either.
Best dish: Try the paella – enough to burn off any hangover!
Café; British; European
$
Location: Melanthiou 8, Athina 105 54
Times: Daily 10:00-24:00
Dress code: Casual
This cool little café-bar is Athens’ first cycling café! Inspired by the British model, the Handlebar offers hearty English brunches, sandwiches, a fine selection of beers, and even puts on gigs and DJ sets in the evenings. Head there in the afternoon for chilled out vibes and great food
Best dish: The French toast (even the vegan version!) is excellent.
Greek
$$
Location: 17 Plateia Agiou Dimitriou
Dress code: Casual
This small, friendly restaurant run by chef George Gerardos is a great place for a Greek lunch. The menu is small but inventive, cooking up Greek specialties using fresh and tasty ingredients.
Best dish: Kagianas – scrambled eggs with sausage!
Lunch
Mediterranean; Seafood
$$
Location: Leof. Chatzikiriakou 126, Pireas 185 38
Times: Monday to Saturday: 12:00-23:30, Sunday 12:00-17:30
Dress code: Casual
Margaro’s seafood restaurant is a favorite with Athenian locals, and it served up legendary shrimps and mullet to expectant crowds. Service is simple and the atmosphere is rustic, and the fish is the star of the show.
Best dish: Legendary shrimp, and don’t forget the mullet.
Greek
$
Location: Theatrou 7, Athens 105 52
Times: Monday to Saturday 10:00-20:00, Sunday: closed
Dress code: Casual
Hidden away in the central market is probably the best-value lunch in Athens – this simple café serves small sharing plates of Greek classics that are understated and delicious. Wash down with a cold beer or the local wine.
Best dish: Try the octopus – tender and tasty.
Mediterranean; Steakhouse; Barbeque
$
Location: 59 Kolokotroni, Athens 105 60
Times: daily
Dress code: Casual
If you’re a meat-lover, Paradosiako is the place for you! This grillhouse serves up succulent cuts of meat in hefty portions. A great lunch spot, but be warned – you may need a siesta afterwards!
Best dish: The spit-roasted chicken.
Dinner
Seafood; Greek; Mediterranean
$$$
Location: Vrasida 13, Athens 115 28
Times: Monday to Saturday 17:00-24:30, Sunday: closed
Dress code: Smart casual
Vassilenas is one of Athen’s more sophisticated restaurants, offering classic Greek dishes with a contemporary twist. The décor is stylish yet welcoming, and the care and attention that goes into selecting the best produce is evident. Definitely a highlight of the Athenian gastronomic scene.
Best dish: Try the lamb, and don’t forget to ask for recommendations for the excellent wine list.
Greek
$$
Location: Erotokritou 12, Athina 105 56
Times: Daily 12:00-24:00
Dress code: Casual
If you’re looking for an authentic Greek tavern in the center of town, this well-loved restaurant close to the Acropolis never disappoints. The romantic courtyard is filled with sparkling lights and wooden tables, and there is often live music in the evenings.
Best dish: Try a selection of appetizers – the octopus croquettes, the Greek sausage, and the steamed mussels with feta.
Mediterranean; European; Greek
$$$
Location: 13 Paramithias st. & Salaminos, Keramikos, 10435
Times: Tuesday to Saturday 19:00-24:00
Dress code: Casual Elegant
For top-quality gourmet food, this Michelin-starred Athenian landmark is the place to be. The experimental gastronomy practiced by its talented chefs will give you a culinary experience to remember.
Best dish: The sea urchin ‘pocket’ pasta is like nothing you’ve ever tasted.
Other
Thai
$
Location: Keramikou 51, Athens 104 36
Times: Daily 19:00-24:00
Dress code: Casual
This is the place for a late night Thai dinner in Athens. The décor is exotic and atmospheric, and is paired wonderfully with the excellent menu. Eat outside in the square under the tamarind tree.
Best dish: Thai green curry – authentic, hot and deliciously warming
American
$
Location: several locations
Times: Daily 13:00-3:00 am
Dress code: Casual
The best place in Athens to feed those late-night hunger pangs. Hot Hot Burger has several outposts in the city, and serves up tasty burgers and snacks to crowds of drinkers every night.
Best dish: The signature volcano burgers.
Ice Cream
Price: $
Location: Nikis 50Α, Athens 105 58
Times: Daily: 11:30-18:30
Dress code: Casual
Arguably the best gelato in the city, Cremino offers unique flavors and classic ice cream using organic ingredients. Great for a pit-stop on a busy day of sightseeing!
Best dish: Try the flavor of the day – always inventive and rarely a disappointment!
Top things to See and Do
The Parthenon, one of the most famous monuments of ancient Greece, looms over the city, a testimony to the lost power of Athenian democracy. The temple complex at the top of the Acropolis is a must-see for all visitors to Athens.
Main attractions: The exquisite columns and elegance of this temple will transport you back to ancient Greece.
Location: The Acropolis, Athens
Opening hours: Winter 8:00-17:00; Summer 8:00-19:00
Price: Winter €10; Summer €20 (Concessions half price)
Take plenty of water – the Acropolis is quite exposed and it gets very hot in summer!
Recently renovated, the new Acropolis Museum is a stunning home for many of Greece’s natural treasures. Built as a rival to London’s British Museum, it is brand new, beautifully presented, and tells the story of Greece’s ancient past in an interesting and accessible way. The perfect way to put the treasures of the Acropolis in perspective.
Main Attraction: The Parthenon Gallery (third floor) is particularly stunning, as is the impressive collection of Archaic statues
Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42
Opening hours: Summer: Tuesday to Sunday 8:00-20:00, Monday 8:00-16:00. Winter: Monday to Thursday 9:00-17:00, Friday 9:00-20:00, Saturday & Sunday 9:00-20:00
Price: Adult: €5; Concessions: €3
This is the best place from which to get a view of the city, including that iconic image of the Acropolis. Walk up here to escape the crowds of the city, and enjoy the magnificent views across the city and beyond.
Main Attraction: The walk up the hill is very pleasant, and offers excellent views. Don’t forget to check out St George’s Church, built on the site of the ancient temple to Zeus.
Location: Ploutarchou Street (for the cable car).
Price: Free
Enjoy a refreshing drink at the well-loved Horizon Café at the top.
National Archaeological Museum
This landmark museum holds the biggest collection of Greek antiquities in the world and is a must-see attraction in Greece’s capital. You will see sculptures, painting, jewelry and all kinds of ancient artifacts.
Main Attraction: The Mycenaean section is particularly impressive, as is the collection of Greek koroi and the mask of Agamemnon.
Location: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82
Opening hours: Monday 13:00-20:00, Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00-20:00
Price: €10
You can buy a joint ticket for €15 that allows access to the Epigraphical Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, and the Numismatic Museum.
Athens’ oldest quarter, Plaka is atmospheric and transports most visitors back in time. Filled with beautiful architecture, well-tended gardens and pedestrian-only streets, this is the nicest part of Athens to let yourself wander and soak up the atmosphere.
Main Attraction: Go to Filomousos Square, grab a coffee and watch the world go by.
Location: One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park
Opening hours: All day, every day
Price: Free
This is also the main tourist district, so beware pickpockets!
The Panathenaic Stadium is the ancient stadium of the classical city. It was an important public site where the games would take place, and it was a source of great pride for the ancient Athenians, and this stadium was unrivalled across the classical world. The current stadium was built for the first modern Olympics and is constructed in white marble.
Main attraction: There is an excellent audio guide that provides interesting context for the site.
Location: Vassileos Konstantinou Avenue
Opening hours: Open daily, Winter: 8:00-17:00; Summer: 8:00-19:00
Price: €5
It’s possible to join others for a morning run in the stadium – see the website for further details.
For antiques, bric-a-brac, and a great atmosphere, head for Monastiraki on Sunday mornings, when the sellers bring out their wares to tempt visiting tourists and locals alike. If you’re patient, you may just find a bargain.
Main Attraction: It can be hard to sort the junk from the jewels, but a shopping trip around this district is a really fun way to while away the morning. Look out for the icons from Mount Athos.
Location: Ifestou 2, Athens 105 55
Opening hours: Open every day, but Sunday mornings are the best for antiques
Price: Free
Take a break in one of the many cafes and restaurants and engage in a spot of people-watching!
Byzantine and Christian Museum
Although most visitors concentrate on Athens’ classical heritage, the later Byzantine period was a particularly interesting one in Greek history. This museum showcases the finest Byzantine artifacts the country has to offer and is filled with rare gems.
Main Attraction: Make sure you see the gorgeous 13th century mosaic icon of the Virgin Mary.
Location: Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias 22, Athens 106 75
Opening hours: Monday 12:00-20:00, Tuesday to Sunday, 8:00-20:00
Price: €8; under 18s go free.
Don’t forget the combined ticket €15 that provides entry to this museum and 3 others, including the National Archaeological Museum.
Festivals/Parades
In the summer months, between June and August, Athens is taken over by the Epidaurus Greek Festival, a celebration of arts and theater. You’ll find outdoor plays, classical concert, ballet, jazz and opera in multiple locations around the city.
Main Attraction: Take the opportunity to watch a staging of ancient Greek plays in the archetypical classical city! The Epidaurus ancient theater is known for its acoustics and seeing an ancient play there is a fantastic experience.
Location: Various locations across the city
Price: Ticket prices range from €5-€60.
Every year, at the end of May, Athens hosts Greece’s most significant jazz festival, attracting performers from all over the world. The festival has a particularly international feel and is a highlight in the Athenian musical calendar.
Main attraction: This is an international gathering that also showcases the best of Greek homegrown talent. A must for music lovers.
Location: 100 Pireos Street
Price: Free
The smaller attractions and concerts (including dance, drama and difference forms of performance art) are well worth seeing and often provide the biggest surprises of the festival.
Nightlife
Escape the city and head for the sea, and a night out in one of Athens’ landmark clubs. This unique venue on the Athens Riviera attracts an international crowd and is a stylish way to party until dawn.
Main Attraction: The frozen cocktails are to die for, and the DJs are top-notch.
Location: Sounio Av., 16672, Varkiza, Athens Riviera
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 21:00-4:00 am, Friday & Saturday 21:00-6:00 am
Price: $$$
The restaurant serves an international menu and provides exceptional food – a great way to start the night.
If you’re looking for a blast from the past, then this retro club is the place to head for. The vibrant decorations and the 70s and 80s sound attracts an eclectic crowd and keeps people coming back for more.
Main Attraction: The disco theme and the glowing floor helps channel your inner John Travolta
Location: 3 Leventi, Kolonaki
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday 23:00-6:00 am
Price: $$
The club gets busy, so come early, or reserve a table in advance.
Recently named as one of the World’s Best Bars, this is the place for an evening of fancy cocktails. With a wide-ranging menu covering all the classics and some more experimental cocktails, there is something for everyone.
Main Attraction: Classy cocktails served in a laid-back venue with great music. Make sure to sample one of the excellent selection of rum cocktails.
Location: Klitiou 6, Athens 105 60
Opening hours: Sunday to Friday 19:00-3:00 am, Saturday, 13:00-4:00 am
Price: $$
Get there early on weekends – the place fills up very quickly as it’s a popular local haunt!
Hidden Gems
The oldest distillery in Athens, this stunning bar has a legendary multicolored wall of vodka. Worth a visit simply for the photo, but you’ll stay for the atmosphere and a glass of ouzo.
Main attraction: The cocktail menu has 250 items – you’re sure to find something you enjoy!
Location: Kidathineon 41, Athens 105 58
Opening hours: Daily 10:00-3:00 am
Price: $$
You can’t miss it, but check out the multicolored wall of bottles and traditional barrels!
If the big city is overwhelming you, escape to this little quarter of Athens, just under the Acropolis. You will feel as though you’ve been transported to a Greek island, with picturesque streets and houses, and beautiful flowers. Take your camera and just wander through the tiny streets.
Main attraction: The beautiful houses and gardens lining the cobbled streets.
Location: Anafiotika (north of the Acropolis)
Opening hours: Daily
Price: Free
See the two Byzantine churches, particularly the 11th century Church of the Transfiguration with its domed ceiling.
Often overlooked by tourists, this beautiful botanical garden is the largest in southern Europe, covering 460 acres. Locals love to wander through this tranquil oasis, enjoying the 2,500 species of plants.
Main attraction: The historical garden is particularly interesting, covering a wide variety of species important in Greek mythology and Old Testament sources.
Location: 403 Iera Odos, Chaidari
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00-14:00; Saturday & Sunday: 10:00-15:00
Price: Free
