Holidays to Athens
Athens highlights
A living museum
A holiday in Athens is the closest thing to time travel. The Parthenon, Ancient Agora and Hadrian’s Library stand as beacons of Greek glories, but Athens is no dusty museum. Athenians continue to breathe life, relevance and wonder into their ancient marvels. Where else can you jog around a 4th-century stadium by morning and catch a show in a Roman theater by night?
Food fit for gods
If your knowledge of Greek food is limited to moussaka and souvlaki, you’re in for a treat. Greek tavernas are the mainstay of the dining scene. You’ll find them in every neighbourhood serving up some of the tastiest and healthiest food on the planet, including vegetarian dishes that could convert the most committed carnivore.
Legendary hospitality
Athenians are the proud keepers of a culture that gave the world democracy, philosophy and the Olympics. But their best invention might be ‘philoxenia,’ the Greek notion of welcoming strangers. You’ll experience it at tavernas, markets and cafes throughout the city. So prepare yourself for spontaneous language lessons and dance classes, and remember that it’s the people and shared moments that make holidays to Athens truly memorable.
Athens: Know before you go
| Language | Greek |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST) |
| High season | July – September |
| Low season | January – February |
Find the best time to go to Athens
Weather in Athens
March – May: Temperatures rise from 14°C in March to 27°C in May. Get out and enjoy blossoming green spaces like Tatoi Estate and Filopappou Hill.
June – August: The hot, dry summer welcomes outdoor festivals celebrating everything from jazz to street food. August can hit temps over 40°C — do your sightseeing early or after sundown.
September – November: The lingering summer heat and thinning crowds make this a wonderful time to explore the Athens Riviera. Even October sees temperatures in the mid-20s°C.
December – February: December can be wet and windy. But the long nights are great for clubbing with the locals in Psiri.
Events in Athens
Carnival (February or March): The three-week festive season before Lent is a fun time to be in Athens — entire days are given over to eating grilled meat or cheese pies. The climax is a weekend of parades and masquerades.
Greek Orthodox Easter (April or May): People of all religions come to witness the colourful rituals of Greek Orthodox Easter. Follow the Good Friday candlelit procession down Lycabettus Hill, or join in the traditional dancing on Easter Sunday.
Athens Epidaurus Festival (June to August): This epic three-month festival is one of Greece’s greatest celebrations of the arts. The city’s ancient theatres stage everything from Sophocles and Aristophanes to modern opera and world-famous pop acts.
The best neighbourhoods in Athens
Monastiraki
With its central location and historical significance, Monastiraki is an ideal base if you’re wondering where to stay in Athens. Nestled beneath the Acropolis, this neighbourhood offers easy access to classical landmarks like the Parthenon and Hadrian’s Library. When you’re not marvelling at the epic antiquities, enjoy the fabulous street art, endless tavernas and bars, and the famous Sunday flea market.
Good for: Sightseeing, street markets, dining
Kolonaki
If you’re looking for the best neighbourhood to stay in Athens and have an eye for style, we recommend upscale Kolonaki. From cosmopolitan cafes to chic boutiques, the tree-lined streets here exude elegance and sophistication. Explore the area’s museums, galleries and designer stores, then ride the cable car up Lycabettus Hill to the city’s highest peak for fabulous views.
Good for: Upscale dining, designer stores, views
Plaka
An ancient wonder on the slopes of the Acropolis, Plaka is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Athens. Get lost in its maze of cobblestone streets lined with family-run tavernas and colourful boutiques. And feel transported to a Greek island while exploring the Anafiotika district. With historical landmarks and world-class museums, Plaka is as fascinating as it is picturesque.
Good for: Historical monuments, outdoor dining, laid-back bars
Things to do in Athens
Beaches
Pack your swimsuit, the Athens Riviera is calling. Stretching from the Port of Piraeus to Cape Sounion, this ribbon of Aegean coastline serves up some of the best beaches in Athens. Palaio Faliro Beach is a handy 15-minute drive from the Acropolis, while the sun loungers of Paralia Souniou await just below the Temple of Poseidon at the Riviera’s far end.
Shopping
For high-end shopping in Athens, head to Kolonaki for streets lined with designer boutiques and jewellers. Plaka is the area for souvenirs and gifts, both ornamental and edible. This area is famous for locally made sandals. You’ll find several proud sandal makers keeping their craft alive on Pandrossou Street in Monastiraki.
Take in the culture
Catch a Greek drama in the same open-air theatre where it was performed in ancient times. Unleash your inner Zorba by signing up for traditional dance lessons. Or join a cooking class and impress the folks back home. From family-run tavernas, to local fabric and textiles which have remained in vogue for millennia, you’ll never have to search far for culture in Athens.
Places to eat
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Athens, follow the sounds of laughter and conversation to the city’s tavernas. You’ll find great value tavernas in every neighbourhood and many, like Platanos and Klimataria, have been serving Greek classics for generations. For fine dining with epic views across the Acropolis and Aegean Sea, book a table at Orizontes on Lycabettus Hill.
Nightlife
There’s nightlife in Athens to match every vibe. Head to a Bouzoukia where the hottest Greek performers belt out popular songs. For vintage vibes with sounds to match, pull up a stool at Au Revoir, Galaxy and the Half Note. Keen on dancing till dawn? Grab your entourage and hit the dance floor at Island, a favourite with visiting A-listers.
Free things to do
You’ll find plenty of free things to do in Athens. Catch the Changing of the Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, or hike up Filopappou Hill for the a scenic picnic beneath the pines. Most neighbourhoods host weekly markets, which are a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s local rhythms while keeping your holiday to Athens cheap.
Get ready for Athens
Budget
The low cost of eating and drinking can make for a cheap holiday in Athens, one of the best-value capital cities in Europe. You’ll find a good sit-down meal for around 15 euros (€) and street food like souvlaki for far less. A refreshing Athenian lager is around €5, while a coffee is under €4.
Day Trips from Athens
Just 40 minutes into the Saronic Gulf by ferry, the island of Aegina is famed for its Temple of Aphaia and delicious pistachios. Get your boots on and hike Mount Parnitha National Park, a 90-minute drive north. Or take a bus trip to Corinth, whose ancient ruins are a short hop from the modern seaside town.
Getting Around Athens
Navigating the capital is easy thanks to an excellent public transport system that includes trolleys, trams and a metro. Hop-on, hop-off double-decker buses offer several great sightseeing routes with audio commentary, including along the Aegean Coast. But Athens is a city that rewards those who explore on foot, so be sure to pack comfy shoes.
