Popular Pages
• The most desirable locations to reside in Athens, Greece.
• Premium hotels in the city of Athens
• Premium Accommodations in Athens for Families
• The top activities and sights to experience while in Athens, Greece.
• Tickets and Tours for the Acropolis Site
• Piraeus Ferry Port
• The Transportation from Athens to the Island of Mykonos
• Transportation from Athens to Santorini
The capital city of Athens, Greece is often briefly visited by travelers on their way to experience the magnificent Greek Islands and explore the country`s top beaches. However, the sprawling urban center is packed with fascinating historical landmarks, enjoyable excursions, luxurious accommodations and quality eateries. When the time comes to continue one`s journey, the city`s main ferry terminal is conveniently accessible via the Greek ferry network to Santorini,Mykonos,Naxos,Paros,Crete, and all the islands in the Aegean Sea.
Table of Contents
The 2024 Athens Travel Guide
- Scroll to our Athens FAQs
Athens Basics
Athens Hotels
- The finest places to lodge in Athens, Greece.
- Top Hotels along the Athens Riviera
- Prime lodging that caters toward families
- Inexpensive Lodging in Athens’ Downtown
- Athens Airport Hotels
- Newly opened accommodation options in Athens
- Athens Hotel Map
Athens Activities and Attractions
- Top tours and activities to enjoy in Athens
- Entry and Guided Experiences at the Acropolis
- Notable museums in Athens
- Prime Archaeological Sites
- Best Shopping
- Highly-rated Eateries
- Top Bars and Nightclubs
- Athens Changing of the Guard
Athens Trip Planning
- Locomotion in Athens
- Guide to the Athens Ferry Port in Piraeus
- Vehicle Rental at the Airport
- Trip from Athens to Delphi and Meteora
- Ferry Transportation between Athens and Mykonos
- Ferry Travel from Mykonos to Athens
- Maritime Connection Between Athens and Santorini Islands.
- Travel between Santorini and Athens via ferry
- Transport from Athens to Crete Island
- Travel between Crete and Athens
- Route from Athens to Naxos Island
- Journey from Naxos Island to Athens
- Travel from Athens to Paros Island
- Voyage from Paros Island to Athens
- Transportation from Athens to Milos Island
- Transportation from Milos Island to Athens
- Ferry route connecting Rafina to Mykonos
- Return ferry journey from Mykonos to Rafina
Latest Articles & My Travel Newsletter
- A Day at the Marketplace • Sara Anderson
Frequently Asked Questions about Athens
Additionally, please see:
See Also: Greece: Tips & Information for First-Timers
Where is Athens?
Athens, the capital of Greece, sits approximately 500 kilometers south of Thessaloniki, the country`s second largest city. Its southern location makes Athens an excellent starting point for trips to Crete and the Cycladic Islands. Around 660,000 people reside within Athens itself, while the overall metropolitan region is home to nearly 3.2 million individuals.
What is Athens famous for?
Athens is considered the origin of Ancient Greek civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Visitors know Athens best for its archeological ruins, especially those on the Acropolis complex including the Parthenon, the Ancient and Roman Agoras, Hadrian`s Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium. Athens is also renowned for its excellent museums,restaurants,nightlife, and cultural offerings. However, one of the most rewarding activities in Athens is simply wandering through the streets and squares, taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
What are the best things to do in Athens?
What cities have direct flights to Athens?
There are direct flights to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos, with the airport code ATH) from most major cities in Western Europe, taking between 2 to 4 hours. Nonstop flights from North America take 9-10 hours departing from cities such as Boston, Chicago, Montreal, New York, Philadelphia, and Toronto. Travel time for direct flights to Athens from the Middle East is around 5 hours departing from Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A direct flight to Athens from Singapore takes approximately 11 hours.
What is the best month to go to Athens?
Generally, Athens offers agreeable weather conditions throughout most of the year though temperatures can drop and rain may fall more regularly from November through March. The optimum time to visit Athens involves the later portion of March through early June or late September through early November, when conditions are warm but not excessively hot and the excessive tourist crowds experienced in July and August decrease in size. The popular beaches of Athens showcase their best features from June through October.
How long should I spend in Athens?
The main highlights of Athens (Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and the historical sights scattered around the Plaka) can be seen in a single long day, if planned skillfully. For tourists using Athens primarily as a jumping off point for a trip to the Greek Islands, that may suffice. For travelers who want to experience more than just the “must-see” attractions, however, we recommend dedicating no less than two full days in central Athens and up to four. Regardless of the time spent, taking a guided tour can be a wonderful way to learn much of the city’s history, culture, and culinary scene in a brief period.
Is Athens safe?
While some areas of Athens show signs of wear, it remains a generally safe destination with very little crime. Much of the city is pedestrian-focused and well-lit, and there tend to be many people around. The primary concern for travelers to Athens is pickpocketing on crowded subway trains, similar to major cities elsewhere. Solo female travelers as well as others visiting Athens can feel safe exercising normal precautions.
What is the best area to stay in Athens?
The two most suitable neighborhoods to reside in Athens are Plaka and Monastiraki. Both are largely pedestrianized areas that lie at the base of the Acropolis, replete with wonderful restaurants and shops, and within walking distance of most significant sites. In addition to Plaka and Monastiraki, the areas of Syntagma, Koukaki, Kolonaki, and Psirri also offer an excellent blend of access, sightseeing places, excellent restaurants, and simple transportation.
What are the best Greek Islands near Athens?
Visiting the numerous islands of Greece from Athens is straightforward. There are direct flights and ferries from Athens to most Greek islands, especially during summer’s peak travel months. Among the best islands to explore from Athens are Crete,Santorini,Mykonos,Naxos, and Paros.
Which Athens Port should I use?
There are two commercial ports situated near Athens where ships can dock and unload passengers and cargo: Piraeus and Rafina. For most purposes, Piraeus Port is usually the better pick, as it is substantially closer to Athens city center, easily accessible by metro, and offers more daily ferries to the Greek Islands. Rafina Port is located nearer to the airport, so taking a ferry from Rafina makes sense only if you don’t plan to spend any time in Athens. There are daily direct ferries from Athens to Santorini,Athens to Mykonos,Athens to Crete,Athens to Naxos,Athens to Paros, and Athens to Milos. For info on other ferry routes check Ferryhopper.com.
What currency is used in Athens?
Greece is part of the European Union, so the money utilized in Athens is the Euro (€). Most shops, eateries, museums, and historic sites in Athens acknowledge charge cards, but it is a smart idea to likewise have some cash on hand for little buys like bottled water, snacks, and taxi fare. ATMs are simple to find all through central Athens.
What are the best beaches near Athens?
The Athens Riviera encompasses a stretch of beach resort areas and suburban towns (Vouliagmeni, Glyfada) 15 kms south of Athens. Good eateries, shopping outlets, and nightlife options are conveniently situated. The Four Seasons Astir Palace and Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso are two outstanding resorts along the riviera’s shoreline.
