Athens

The historic capital of Europe, where the wonders of antiquity, such as the Acropolis, meet a vibrant modern urban culture.

GreeceAttica
4 days

About Athens

About Athens - Culture, History & Character

City Description

Athens, the historic capital of Europe, is a city where 3,000 years of history coexist with a modern, vibrant and sometimes chaotic metropolis. Crowned by the Acropolis, a timeless testament to humanity's achievements, Athens' cityscape is a mix of ancient ruins, majestic temples and neoclassical neighborhoods. Cradle of democracy, philosophy and theater, walking through Athens is walking through the same streets as Socrates and Plato, in a city that pulsates with the energy of its cafes, its markets and its inexhaustible Mediterranean spirit.
Country
Greece
Region
Attica
Highlights
9+ Attractions

Highlights

Acropolis of Athens

Acropolis and Parthenon

Acropolis of Athens

Acropolis Museum

Population

Approximately 665,000 (city), 3.75 million (metropolitan area)

Languages

Greek

Greek is the official language. English is very common and spoken fluently in all tourist areas.

History of Athens

Explore the fascinating past of Athens and discover how it has developed over the centuries.

Historical Journey

Ancient Period

In the 5th century BC, during its Golden Age under the leadership of Pericles, Athens laid the foundations of Western civilization. Democracy, Western philosophy (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle), theater and historiography were born here. The Parthenon, built at this time, remains the supreme symbol of this legacy.

Development Period

After its heyday, Athens fell under Roman, Byzantine, and finally Ottoman rule. For centuries, it was a provincial city of little importance. Its renaissance began in 1834, when it was declared the capital of the newly independent kingdom of Greece, which prompted the construction of magnificent neoclassical buildings.

Modern Period

The 20th century brought with it massive population growth and often chaotic urban development. The hosting of the 2004 Olympic Games was a catalyst for major infrastructure modernization, including a new airport and a modern metro system. Today, Athens is a bustling capital that faces modern challenges while living surrounded by its incomparable past.

Historical Timeline

The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Athens through the centuries.

City Scores

City Scores

Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system

Safety

Good
72100

A safe city, where the main concern is petty theft in the subway and busy areas.

Click to view analysis
About:

A safe city, where the main concern is petty theft in the subway and busy areas.

Advantages:
  • Low rates of violent crime.
  • The resort is busy and feels safe.
Challenges:
  • Pickpockets are a problem on the metro (especially on the line to the airport) and in Monastiraki.

Walkability

Excellent
95100

The 'great archaeological promenade' linking the main sites makes the center a pedestrian paradise.

Click to view analysis
About:

The 'great archaeological promenade' linking the main sites makes the center a pedestrian paradise.

Advantages:
  • Much of the historic center is pedestrian.
  • You can easily walk from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Agora.
  • Getting lost in Plaka is a delight.
Challenges:
  • The heat in summer can make walking exhausting.

Public Transport

Excellent
90100

A modern and efficient metro system is the backbone of the city's transportation.

Click to view analysis
About:

A modern and efficient metro system is the backbone of the city's transportation.

Advantages:
  • The metro is clean, fast and connects all important points, including the airport.
  • Many metro stations are small museums with archaeological finds found during their construction.
Challenges:
  • The bus and trolleybus network can be more chaotic and difficult to understand.

Affordability

Good
68100

Mid-range prices: plan lodging and meals carefully in tourist areas.

Click to view analysis
About:

Mid-range prices: plan lodging and meals carefully in tourist areas.

Advantages:
  • The food, especially the souvlaki and gyros, is delicious and very cheap.
  • The combined ticket for the archaeological sites is a good deal.
Challenges:
  • Accommodation in central areas like Plaka can be expensive.
  • Drinks in bars with views of the Acropolis are overpriced.

Nightlife

Excellent
95100

A fantastic and diverse nightlife that lasts until dawn.

Click to view analysis
About:

A fantastic and diverse nightlife that lasts until dawn.

Advantages:
  • From rooftop bars with views of the Acropolis to clubs in Gazi.
  • The Psiri neighborhood is full of bars with live music and 'ouzeries'.
  • The culture of having something outdoors is very strong.

Art & Culture

Excellent
95100

The birthplace of Western theater and sculpture. Its museums house treasures of incalculable value.

Click to view analysis
About:

The birthplace of Western theater and sculpture. Its museums house treasures of incalculable value.

Advantages:
  • The Acropolis Museum, one of the best museums in the world.
  • The National Archaeological Museum has the richest collection of Greek antiquities.
  • Birthplace of the theatre, with the Odeon of Herodes Atticus still in use.
Challenges:
  • Contemporary art has a smaller presence than in other capitals.

Food Scene

Excellent
95100

Fresh, simple and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, from traditional taverns to iconic street food.

Click to view analysis
About:

Fresh, simple and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, from traditional taverns to iconic street food.

Advantages:
  • Souvlaki and gyros are some of the best street foods in the world.
  • The 'tavernas' in Plaka and Psiri offer an authentic experience.
  • The Central Market (Varvakios) is a spectacle of fresh products.
  • Olive oil, feta cheese and yogurt of exceptional quality.
Challenges:
  • You have to be careful with tourist traps in the most obvious areas.

Shopping

Excellent
80100

Good mix of shopping streets, a famous flea market and unique souvenir shops.

Click to view analysis
About:

Good mix of shopping streets, a famous flea market and unique souvenir shops.

Advantages:
  • Ermou Street is the main commercial artery.
  • The Monastiraki flea market is ideal for finding antiques and curiosities.
  • The Kolonaki neighborhood for luxury brands.
  • Excellent craftsmanship: leather sandals, olive oil, etc.
Challenges:
  • It can be difficult to distinguish quality in souvenir shops.

Weather

Excellent
90100

An enviable Mediterranean climate with very hot and sunny summers and mild winters.

Click to view analysis
About:

An enviable Mediterranean climate with very hot and sunny summers and mild winters.

Advantages:
  • Guarantee of sun throughout the summer.
  • Mild winters that rarely see temperatures below freezing.
  • Perfect springs and autumns.
Challenges:
  • The heat of July and August can be extreme and dangerous if precautions are not taken.

Tourist Friendly

Excellent
95100

Fully prepared for tourism, with legendary hospitality and ease of communication.

Click to view analysis
About:

Fully prepared for tourism, with legendary hospitality and ease of communication.

Advantages:
  • English is spoken by almost everyone.
  • Greek hospitality ('filoxenia') is genuine.
  • The signage of the archaeological sites is excellent.
Challenges:
  • The crowds in summer can be overwhelming.

Family Friendly

Excellent
80100

Greek mythology and ancient sites may captivate children, but heat and crowds are a factor.

Click to view analysis
About:

Greek mythology and ancient sites may captivate children, but heat and crowds are a factor.

Advantages:
  • The history of gods and myths fascinates children.
  • The National Garden offers a great green respite.
  • The changing of the guard (Evzones) in Syntagma is a spectacle.
Challenges:
  • The summer heat is very intense for children.
  • The archaeological sites have uneven terrain, not suitable for strollers.

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Excellent
80100

A safe and generally tolerant city, with a visible and concentrated LGTBQ+ scene.

Click to view analysis
About:

A safe and generally tolerant city, with a visible and concentrated LGTBQ+ scene.

Advantages:
  • The Gazi neighborhood is the center of LGTBQ+ nightlife, with many bars and clubs.
  • Atenas Pride is a well-established annual event.
Challenges:
  • Greek society in general, influenced by the Orthodox Church, is more conservative than that of northern Europe.

Local Friendly

Excellent
90100

The Greeks are famous for their 'filoxenia' (hospitality). They are generally outgoing, friendly and welcoming.

Click to view analysis
About:

The Greeks are famous for their 'filoxenia' (hospitality). They are generally outgoing, friendly and welcoming.

Advantages:
  • Very warm people willing to talk and help.
  • Strong coffee culture, which invites socialization.
  • Proud to share their history and their city.
Challenges:
  • The language barrier can be greater than in other capitals if you go too far from the center.

Natural Beauty

Excellent
85100

A dramatic urban beauty, defined by the rocky hills that rise in the middle of the city and its proximity to the sea.

Click to view analysis
About:

A dramatic urban beauty, defined by the rocky hills that rise in the middle of the city and its proximity to the sea.

Advantages:
  • The view of the Acropolis illuminated at night is magical.
  • The panoramic views from Lycabettus Hill are spectacular.
  • The Athens Riviera offers beautiful beaches within walking distance.
Challenges:
  • Concrete urban sprawl can be visually shocking.

Architecture

Excellent
90100

A unique mix of the world's most important classical monuments, neoclassical buildings and an often chaotic urban fabric.

Click to view analysis
About:

A unique mix of the world's most important classical monuments, neoclassical buildings and an often chaotic urban fabric.

Advantages:
  • The Parthenon on the Acropolis is the pinnacle of classical architecture.
  • The Panathenaic Stadium, built entirely of marble.
  • Charming neoclassical neighborhoods like Plaka.
Challenges:
  • Much of the 20th century growth was made with concrete blocks ('polykatoikia') of little aesthetic value.

Historical Significance

Excellent
100100

Insurmountable. It is the starting point of the concepts of democracy, philosophy, science and art that define the Western world.

Click to view analysis
About:

Insurmountable. It is the starting point of the concepts of democracy, philosophy, science and art that define the Western world.

Advantages:
  • You literally walk on history.
  • Every corner of the center has a connection to a myth, a philosopher or a key historical event.
  • His legacy is the foundation of modern culture.

Green Spaces

Good
70100

It is not a particularly green city, but the hills that surround it act as large natural lungs.

Click to view analysis
About:

It is not a particularly green city, but the hills that surround it act as large natural lungs.

Advantages:
  • The National Garden, next to Parliament.
  • The hills of Philopapus, Pnyx and Lycabettus offer incredible trails and views.
  • The coast (the Athens Riviera) is nearby.
Challenges:
  • The dense urban center lacks parks and squares with vegetation.

Cleanliness

Good
65100

The archaeological and tourist areas are clean, but the rest of the city can seem neglected and is covered in graffiti.

Click to view analysis
About:

The archaeological and tourist areas are clean, but the rest of the city can seem neglected and is covered in graffiti.

Advantages:
  • The main historical sites and museums are very well maintained.
  • The metro is clean and modern.
Challenges:
  • Graffiti is ubiquitous and often of low quality.
  • The general feeling can be one of disorder in many streets.

Startup Scene

Good
70100

An emerging ecosystem that has grown despite the economic crises.

Click to view analysis
About:

An emerging ecosystem that has grown despite the economic crises.

Advantages:
  • Low cost of living and a large talent pool.
  • Very united and resilient community.
Challenges:
  • Bureaucracy and historical economic instability have been a brake.

Digital Nomad Friendly

Excellent
80100

An attractive destination for its cost, climate and lifestyle, although bureaucracy can be a deterrent.

Click to view analysis
About:

An attractive destination for its cost, climate and lifestyle, although bureaucracy can be a deterrent.

Advantages:
  • Affordable cost of living.
  • Deep-rooted coffee culture, ideal for working.
  • Great social and nightlife.
Challenges:
  • The Greek bureaucracy is famous for its slowness.
  • Internet speed can be inconsistent outside of downtown.

Overall City Score

Comprehensive assessment of this destination

91/ 100

Weather & Climate

Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Athens y qué esperar durante todo el año.

Monthly Temperatures

January

Max13°
Min7°

February

Max14°
Min7°

March

Max16°
Min9°

April

Max20°
Min12°

May

Max25°
Min16°

June

Max30°
Min21°

July

Max33°
Min24°

August

Max33°
Min24°

September

Max29°
Min20°

October

Max23°
Min16°

November

Max18°
Min12°

December

Max14°
Min8°

Legend

Best Months
Hot Months
Cold Months
Rainy Periods

Weather Summary

An enviable Mediterranean climate with very hot and sunny summers and mild winters.

Weather Tips

Guarantee of sun throughout the summer.

Mild winters that rarely see temperatures below freezing.

Perfect springs and autumns.

The heat of July and August can be extreme and dangerous if precautions are not taken.

Summers are extremely hot and sunny. It is essential to protect yourself from the sun.

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are the best times to visit.

Overview

Spring

The weather is perfect, ideal for exploring the archaeological sites without the stifling heat.

More Information

Summer

Very hot and dry. Visits should be planned for early morning or afternoon.

More Information

Autumn

Very pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds than in summer.

More Information

Winter

Mild, with some rainy and cold days, but ideal to enjoy the museums without crowds.

More Information

Presupuesto y Compras

Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas

Budget Planning

Daily spending per person

More affordable than most Western European capitals. You can eat very well for little money, but entrance fees to archaeological sites can add up.

Budget Travel

45-65€

per day

Mid-Range Travel

80-150€

per day

Luxury Travel

€220+

per day

Guía de Compras

Best Areas

High-street fashion

1 area

Ermou Street

Clic para ver detalles

Luxury brands

1 area

Kolonaki (Vukourestiou, Anagnostopoulou streets)

Clic para ver detalles

Flea Market & Antiques

1 area

Monastiraki Market (especially on Sundays)

Clic para ver detalles

Souvenirs & Crafts

1 area

Plaka (leather sandals, olive oil, etc.)

Clic para ver detalles

Food Market

1 area

Varvakios Central Market

Clic para ver detalles

Points of Interest

Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer

Acropolis of Athens
UNESCO

Acropolis and Parthenon

The most important monument of Western civilization. A complex of temples and buildings on the 'sacred rock', dominated by the Parthenon.

History
Acropolis of Athens

Acropolis Museum

A world-class modern museum located at the foot of the Acropolis, housing its archaeological treasures. The Parthenon gallery on the top floor is spectacular.

Museum

Plaka neighborhood

The historic neighborhood in the shadow of the Acropolis, known as the 'Neighborhood of the Gods'. A labyrinth of neoclassical streets, shops and taverns.

Neighborhood

Ancient Agora of Athens

The heart of ancient Athens, the center of political, commercial and social life. It houses the Temple of Hephaestus, the best preserved Greek temple.

History

National Archaeological Museum

One of the most important archaeological museums in the world, with the richest collection of artifacts from Greek antiquity.

Museum

Monastiraki Market

A bustling market area around a square, famous for its Sunday market where you can find everything from antiques to clothing.

Market

Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimámaro)

A stadium built entirely of marble. It was the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

History

Temple of Olympian Zeus

The colossal ruins of what was once the largest temple in ancient Greece, with the Acropolis as a backdrop.

History

Syntagma Square

The central square of modern Athens, where the Hellenic Parliament is located. Famous for the changing of the guard of the Evzones.

Landmark

Discover every corner of Athens!

Sponsored links by GetYourGuide for your convenience

Day Trips

Discover fascinating destinations near Athens perfect for day getaways

Approx. 1.5-2 hours by bus.

Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon

Sunsets, landscapes, history, sea.

A trip along the coast to the southern tip of the Attica peninsula to see the Temple of Poseidon, especially magical during the sunset over the Aegean Sea.

Approx. 3 hours by bus (a long day but doable).

Delphi (Delphi)

History, archeology, landscapes.

Considered the 'navel of the world' by the ancient Greeks. A spectacular archaeological site on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, home of the famous Oracle.

Variable, full day tour.

Saronic Islands (Hydra, Poros, Aegina)

Islands, sea, relaxation.

A day trip by ferry or cruise to visit three islands near Athens, each with its own charm: the car-free glamor of Hydra, the greenery of Poros and the pistachios of Aegina.

Approx. 2 hours. They are often combined into one tour.

Mycenae and Epidaurus

History, archaeology, mythology.

A journey to the heart of the Mycenaean civilization to see the legendary city of Agamemnon (Mycenae) and the ancient theater of Epidaurus, with its perfect acoustics.

Explore Neighborhoods

Discover the unique character and charm of each city district.

Plaka

The charming and touristy historic neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis.

Monastiraki

Eclectic and bustling, famous for its market and views.

Psiri (Psyri)

Bohemian and lively, full of bars, taverns and urban art.

Kolonaki

The most elegant and luxurious neighborhood, with designer boutiques and sophisticated cafes.

Gazi

The industrial neighborhood converted into the epicenter of nightlife and LGTBQ+.

Koukaki

A relaxed and trendy neighborhood next to the Acropolis Museum, with many local cafes and bars.

Seasonal Experiences

Discover the best experiences and activities for each time of year

Orthodox Easter

Spring (variable date)

The most important religious festival in Greece. On the night of Holy Saturday, the churches are filled with people with candles for the ceremony of the Resurrection, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle, especially on Lycabettus Hill.

Festival of Athens and Epidaurus

Summer (June - August)

A prestigious annual performing arts festival featuring theatre, opera and dance performances at historic venues such as the Odeon of Herod Atticus, at the foot of the Acropolis.

Outdoor Summer Cinemas ('Theriná Sinemá')

Summer

An Athenian tradition par excellence. Watching a movie at an open-air cinema, often on a rooftop overlooking the illuminated Acropolis, is a magical experience.

Festivals & Local Celebrations

Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of this city through its unique festivals

June-August

Festival of Athens and Epidaurus

Greece's main cultural festival, with world-class events.

August Full Moon Night

August Moon Festival

Many of the city's archaeological sites and museums are open free of charge in the evenings with concerts and special events.

Traveler Tips

Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe

Safety Tips

  1. Beware of pickpockets on the subway

    They are the main security risk. They operate in the metro, especially on the line to/from the airport and at busy stations such as Syntagma and Monastiraki.

Before you go

Quick answers to plan your trip with confidence

About 4 days covers the essentials. Add 1–2 days for neighborhoods or day trips.
Mid-range is around 80-150€ per person per day (stay, food, local transport). See the budget section for ranges.
A solid starting area is Plaka. Compare neighborhoods and hotels on this page.
Offers unlimited rides on all public transportation, including round-trip travel to and from the airport. It is very profitable.
Family-friendliness rated 80/100. It usually works well for family trips.
Safety rated 72/100. They are the main security risk. They operate in the metro, especially on the line to/from the airport and at busy stations such as Syntagma and Monastiraki.

Ready to visit Athens?

Plan your perfect trip with our personalized recommendations and local insights.

Plan my trip