The Parthenon at the Acropolis in Athens, with tall columns against a clear blue sky.

I&B's Founder & Husband posing in front of the Olympic rings at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens

Ruins of a temple with stone columns and a marble inscription at Hadrian's Library in Athens

Travel Tips: Athens, Greece

Welcome to Athens, the heart of ancient Greece and a vibrant modern metropolis! This captivating city, where history whispers from every stone and contemporary life pulses with energy, offers a unique blend of past and present. Explore iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, wander through the charming Plaka district, and savour the flavours of authentic Greek cuisine. Athens is more than just a destination; it's a journey through time, a place where legends come to life and unforgettable experiences await. Let me guide you through the wonders of this extraordinary city.

Visiting Athens can be an incredible experience, but a little planning goes a long way. Here are my top travel tips for visiting Athens:

Planning & Preparation

Best Times to Visit

Experience the best of the city with milder temperatures and lighter crowds by planning your trip for spring (March-May) or autumn (September-October). Conversely, travellers should be aware that July and August can be intensely hot, making extended outdoor exploration, especially of historical sites, quite demanding. Additionally, summer sees a significant increase in cruise traffic, which can make popular attractions particularly busy and harder to access.

My personal experience in March was fabulous: the weather was still warm and pleasant, crowds were significantly smaller, and the overall vibe was wonderfully relaxed and chilled.

Accommodation & Tours

Given Athens' immense popularity as a historical and cultural hub, booking your accommodations and tours well in advance is not just recommended, it's absolutely essential. This is particularly true for its most iconic landmark, the Acropolis.

To avoid disappointment, secure your preferred dates and times, and bypass lengthy queues, we strongly recommend booking all your tours, especially for the Acropolis, online prior to your arrival. Tickets for specific time slots can sell out quickly, particularly during peak seasons and even during shoulder seasons. By pre-booking online, you guarantee your entry, save precious vacation time, and can plan your days around these key experiences with confidence.

Transportation

Athens' metro system is remarkably efficient and serves as the primary and most convenient mode of transport for visitors. To optimise your budget, we advise purchasing a multi-day travel pass. For direct routes or late-night travel, taxis and popular ride-sharing services are also widely available.

Safety & Security

While Athens is generally safe, it's always wise to stay aware of your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas. At night, stick to well-lit, populated streets and avoid deserted spots. From my own experience, we felt very safe walking around Athens at night, enjoying its vibrant atmosphere.

Two drinks on a wooden table: a pint of beer and a glass of rosé wine, with a view of greenery and the ancient city of Athens.

Tabby cat lying on a stone surface with Athens city view in the background.

View through an archway of ancient ruins with stone columns and blue sky, located at Hadrian's Library in Athens.

Exploring Athens

Acropolis & Ancient Sites

Maximise your visit to the Acropolis by heading there first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon to enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer people. Be prepared for a steep uphill walk to reach both the entrance and the summit. Crucially, pack and wear comfortable walking shoes to comfortably traverse the site's often uneven surfaces.

For visitors with accessibility needs, while significant efforts have been made, navigating the steep, sometimes uneven terrain can still be challenging. There is a special lift available on the north face of the Acropolis hill for wheelchair users and others with severe mobility issues, but it's important to check its operational status in advance as it can be subject to maintenance or specific operating hours.

Don't be surprised if you see many stray cats during your Athens visit – they're a normal part of the urban landscape. Some are friendly, others less so; please give them space and the respect they deserve. (An example of this, is the second photo above (middle).

Athens Neighbourhoods

Plaka: Nestled directly beneath the Acropolis, Plaka is Athens' oldest and most picturesque district. Its labyrinthine, cobbled streets, neoclassical houses, and vibrant bougainvillea invite endless wandering, filled with traditional tavernas, souvenir shops, and hidden gems. Don't miss Anafiotika, a tiny, Cycladic-island-like village tucked away on the Acropolis slope.
Monastiraki: A bustling, central hub famous for its lively square, a popular flea market, and a fascinating mix of ancient ruins (like the Ancient Agora and Hadrian's Library) alongside vibrant street life. It's a key transport node and perfect for soaking in the city's energy.
Syntagma: The official heart of modern Athens, dominated by Syntagma Square, the Hellenic Parliament (where you can watch the Evzones guard change), and the National Garden. This area is characterised by grand 19th-century buildings, upscale hotels, and major shopping avenues.
Kolonaki: An elegant, upscale neighbourhood situated at the foot of Mount Lycabettus. Known for its high-end boutiques, art galleries, sophisticated cafes, and fine dining restaurants, Kolonaki offers a more refined and chic Athenian experience.
Koukaki: Increasingly popular, Koukaki offers a more laid-back, local vibe while still being incredibly central and close to the Acropolis. It features leafy streets, charming cafes, traditional tavernas, and a growing artistic scene, blending residential tranquility with urban cool.
Psyrri (Psirri): Once an industrial area, Psyrri has transformed into a hip and lively district, particularly known for its vibrant nightlife, street art, independent shops, and traditional eateries. It's a fantastic place for bar-hopping and experiencing a more contemporary Athenian pulse.
Gazi: Named after its old gasworks (now a cultural complex called Technopolis), Gazi is a former industrial area that has become one of Athens' premier nightlife destinations. It's packed with bars, clubs, restaurants, and cultural venues, drawing a young and energetic crowd.

Food & Drink

Make sure to taste Athens' true flavors! Seek out authentic Greek dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, and freshly caught seafood. We highly recommend dining at local tavernas for an immersive culinary journey. Cap off your day at a rooftop bar, where you can sip cocktails while enjoying spectacular city vistas.

Local Lingo & Customs

A little Greek goes a long way! Picking up phrases like "yassas (hello)" and "efharisto (thank you)" is a thoughtful gesture locals appreciate.

Also, please be mindful to dress respectfully when exploring Athens' many beautiful religious sites.

Explore Athens' Depths & Beyond

Museums

Athens boasts an incredible array of museums. Don't miss the insights offered by the Acropolis Museum and the vast collections at the National Archaeological Museum. For a different perspective, consider smaller, specialised spots like the Museum of Cycladic Art.

Day Trips from Athens

Looking to venture further? Transform your trip with a day excursion to historic sites like Delphi or experience a magical sunset at the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion.

Walking Tours of Athens

To unlock the secrets of this ancient capital, a guided walking tour is invaluable. Let expert guides bring Athens' history to life as you explore its iconic streets and hidden corners.

Last Updated: 28 May '25

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