Athens Hotels

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece is a place that is also the heart of history and culture. From the ancient ruins of the Acropolis to the colorful streets of the modern city, Athens is a destination that is sure to captivate and inspire all who visit. When you arrive in Athens, you'll be greeted by the wide streets and elegant architecture of the city center, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a living story of the past with its ancient ruins and historical landmarks at every turn. For this reason, Athens is a must-visit destination for art lovers especially. For foodies, Athens' culinary scene will shock you with its diverse menu, and you'll find yourself in another world with a bite. Thanks to its Aegean location, you will find one of the most light yet delightful dishes there. So, start packing already, because you will want to visit Athens as soon as possible after you read this guideline!

Things To Know Before Going To Athens

• Plan to spend at least 2-3 days in Athens to see the main sights and explore the city.
• Book accommodation in safe areas like Monastiraki, Plaka, Koukaki, Psirri, Kolonaki, and Syntagma. Avoid Omonia, Exarcheia, Kolokotroni Square, and Vathi.
• Use the metro which is cheap, easy to navigate, and has interesting artifacts in some stations.
• Learn some basic Greek phrases to be friendly with locals.
• Always wear sunscreen and bring it from home as it's expensive in Greece.
• Share meals with friends to try more dishes.
• Eat at local restaurants recommended by your hotel or locals, not tourist traps.
• Buy local products like olive oil, herbs, honey, and soaps as souvenirs.
• Leave a 10% tip at restaurants to show appreciation.
• Gyros are a cheap and delicious fast-food option.
• Always carry cash as many small businesses don't accept cards.
• ATMs are plentiful.
• Book accommodation well in advance as Athens gets very busy in summer.
• Bring an international driving permit if you plan to rent a car outside Athens.
• Allow extra time for potential transportation strikes.
• Parties start late, often after midnight.

Athens Tips From Locals

• Athens has much more to offer than just a quick stop before heading to the Greek islands. 3-4 days is recommended to get a good overview of the city.
• Key attractions along the pedestrianized Dionysiou Areopagitou street include the Theatre of Dionysus, New Acropolis Museum, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Acropolis.
• The Acropolis is the most famous landmark, containing iconic ancient buildings like the Parthenon. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially in summer.
• Taxis and ridesharing can be expensive, so it's best to use public transit when possible.
• Go to Philapappos Monument for amazing panoramic shots of the city.
• Go to Brettos in Plaka as it’s the oldest Greek bar.
• Visit Meteora if you have time.
• Athens is very walkable.
• There are parts of Syntagma and Monistiraki that are less crowded.
• People are friendly and the vibes are great.
• There are various places where you can get breathtaking views of the Acropolis while eating or drinking.
• You can utilize Google Maps as it is generally reliable.
• Beware of common scams near Agora Square: bracelet scam, "free" rose.
• Cash is preferred in most places, especially shops and restaurants.
• Photography is usually not permitted inside historical churches.
• Most people in tourist areas spoke English; and encountered other languages like Spanish, Italian, and Russian.

Where is Athens?

Athens is located in southeastern Greece, in the coastal prefecture of Attica. It is situated on the southeast side of the Greek mainland, crowned by the ancient Acropolis. The city is surrounded on three sides by the Parnitha, Egaleo, and Pendeli mountains, and on the fourth side by the Aegean Sea, specifically the Bay of Phaleron, where the port of Athens, Piraeus, is situated

Where To Stay In Athens?

Here’s a quick table of which areas in Athens are great for tourists:

Best Hotels in Athens  

Be one with history in one of Athens hotels here!

Places To Visit In Athens

Greece is one of the most culturally rich countries with lots of heritages, you will find many must-visit Athens places to see surely. Here are some of the top Athens attractions you shouldn’t miss:

• Acropolis: A 156-meter high hill at the heart of the city. It is the most visited attraction featuring iconic landmarks like the Parthenon, Temple of Erechtheion, and Nike Temple, offering breathtaking views and a must-visit experience for everyone.
• Acropolis Museum: Exhibiting artifacts and archaeological remains, including Parthenon sculptures, providing extensive historical insights to enhance understanding of the area.
• Ancient Agora: Served as the central hub of ancient Athens, featuring important buildings like the well-preserved Temple of Hephaistos and the Stoa of Attalus, now housing the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
• Pláka: A district known for its charming atmosphere and shining colors, offering a mix of terraces, souvenir shops, and various monuments.
• Anafiótika: Being near Plaka, Anafiótika offers tranquility with its white houses resembling Greek islands, fewer tourists, and a scenic viewpoint for beautiful pictures.
• Panathenaic Stadium: Originally hosting the Panathenaic Games, the Panathenaic Stadium was rebuilt in 1896 for the first modern Olympic games and now serves as a historic landmark highlighting Olympic history.
• National Archaeological Museum: Exhibits Greece's largest collection of Greek art and rare artifacts, including the Antikythera mechanism and Agamemnon's mask.

Is Athens Safe?

Athens is a safe city for tourists with low crime rates compared to other European capitals. However, Omonia, Exarchia, Monastiraki, Kolokotroni, and Victoria Square districts have higher crime rates compared to others, so it can be better if you avoid these places. On the other hand, Syntagma Square, the Greek Parliament, and the National Garden are considered some of the safest neighborhoods in Athens. Moreover, women traveling alone should use common sense and avoid walking alone at night, especially in the areas mentioned above.

Is Athens Expensive To Visit?

Athens can be a mid-range cost destination to visit, with prices similar to most European destinations. The average daily spend for tourists in Athens can go up to 140$ depending on the activities. However, Athens can be visited on a budget, and there are many affordable options for accommodation, food, and transportation. The best time to visit Athens is during the shoulder seasons, from April to May and September to October, when hotel and flight prices are lower, and crowds are fewer.

Athens Currency

The currency used in Athens is the Euro (€). Visitors can exchange their currency for Euros at most Athens banks or Foreign Exchange Bureaus. Travelers can also withdraw Euros from ATMs, which are widely available throughout the city. Additionally, major credit cards are widely accepted in Athens, though some establishments may not accept American Express and Diners.

Athens Language

The official language of Athens is Greek, but English is also widely spoken, especially in the most touristy parts of the city, so visitors should not experience any problems communicating with locals.

Athens Time Zone

Athens is in the Eastern European Time (EET) zone, which is UTC/GMT +2 hours. During daylight saving time, which starts at the end of March and ends at the end of October, Athens switches to Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), which is UTC/GMT +3 hours.

How Many Days To Visit Athens?

If you plan your schedule tightly, you can see all the main attractions in Athens just in 3 days. You can sightsee the wonders, taste the traditional foods, and of course, explore the city. If you are going to stay for a day or two, you should visit the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum within that time. If you’d like to explore the city without breaking a sweat and going to stay for a week, then you can plan your schedule according to that and enjoy your Athens visit at its fullest.

When Is The Best Time To Stay In Athens?

The best time to stay in Athens is the shoulder seasons of April & May and September & October with mild temperatures, reasonable prices, and fewer crowds. Summer is hot, packed with tourists, and high prices, but it is also the best time to join Athens’ bountiful festival season and booming beach club scene. Winter is colder, with some rainfall, but it has rock-bottom prices and amazing nightlife.

Here’s the seasonal breakdown showing when is the best time to stay in Athens:

• Summer: Hot, crowded, and high rates for both flight tickets and hotels. It's the prime time for Athens' festival season and beach club scene, though traffic eases up in August when locals head for the islands.
• Fall: Offers a reprieve with pleasant weather, moderate prices, and fewer crowds, striking a balance between the extremes of summer and winter. Greek Orthodox Easter in April is a notable event.
• Winter: Colder temperatures and some rainfall, but it also brings the lowest prices and a lively nightlife scene with fewer tourists.
• Spring: With its mild temperatures, continues the trend of reasonable prices and crowds, marking another good compromise between the peak seasons.
• Shoulder Seasons: April & May and September & October are particularly appealing with mild weather and not too dense crowds, along with the celebration of Greek Orthodox Easter in April.

What To Pack For Your Visit To Athens?

When preparing for a visit to Athens, should pack according to the season you are going to visit. Here’s the short list of what to pack for your visit to Athens depending on the season:

Summer: Prioritize items that protect you from the intense heat and sun. Sunglasses with UV protection, high SPF sunscreen lotion, and a hat or cap and a refillable water bottle. Go for light, breathable clothing like tank tops and shorts. Comfortable sandals or walking shoes are a must, along with a swimsuit, beach towel, and aqua slides for beach outings. Additionally, pack a thin sweater for indoor spaces with air conditioning.

Winter: Focus on staying warm and dry. Bring a jacket, scarf, and gloves. Add moderate coats, and raincoats along with sweaters, cardigans, and jeans for layering. Don't forget boots for colder days and an umbrella or light rain jacket for unexpected showers.

Spring: Athens may bring variable temperatures, so pack layers that can be easily added or removed. A light jacket, closed-toe shoes, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Include light sweaters, tank tops, cardigans, and jeans to adapt to changing weather conditions. Don't forget an umbrella or light rain jacket for spring showers.

Fall: Bring an umbrella and light rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and jeans for changing temperatures and occasional rain. Sweaters, light T-shirts or tanks, and a light jacket are suitable for layering. Be prepared for walking in the rain and consider bringing clothes that can be layered for added warmth when needed.

Athens Food

 Athens is a destination that is not to be missed for foodies. From stews and juicy meats to fresh salads and delicious pastries, Athens' cuisine is a true celebration for your palate. Of course thanks to its location, the Aegean cuisine is one of the best diets in the world and you’ll know the reason when you visit Athens. Here are some examples of the best Athens food for you to try:

• Saganaki: A traditional Greek appetizer made with cheese, such as kefalotyri or kasseri, pan-fried until golden brown and served with lemon.
• Moussaka: A hearty casserole made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce, topped with cheese and baked until golden brown.
• Dolmades: Stuffed grape leaves filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat, served as an appetizer or side dish.
• Souvlaki: A popular street food made with skewered and grilled meat, such as pork, chicken, or lamb, served with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
• Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey or sugar syrup, often served as a dessert.
• Kolokythokeftedes (Zucchini Fritters): A popular appetizer made with grated zucchini, feta cheese, and herbs, formed into balls and fried until golden brown.
• Choriatiki (Greek Salad): A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, feta cheese, and oregano, dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Bougatsa: A sweet or savory pastry made with filo dough, filled with either cheese or custard, and served with honey or powdered sugar.
• Garides Saganaki (Greek Shrimp Saganaki): A popular appetizer consisting of shrimp sautéed in wine, lemon, and feta cheese.
• Spanakopita: A savory pie made with spinach, feta cheese, and filo dough, often served as an appetizer or side dish.

Athens Nightlife

Athens is a city that comes alive at night. With its world-class collection of bars and nightclubs, Athens is a destination that is not to be missed for anyone looking for an unforgettable nightlife experience. From rooftop bars with stunning views of the city to hidden all-day bars with unique themes and lively atmospheres, Athens' nightlife has something for everyone. With its quality food, celebrity DJs, and amazing cocktails, the city's bars are sure to impress.

In addition, what makes Athens' nightlife scene truly unique is the fact that many of the city's bars open during the day for coffee, snacks, or desserts and remain open until the wee hours. Some of the best bars in Athens are:

• Brettos Bar: A traditional bar that has been around since 1909, known for its unique setting and collection of over 5,000 labels of bottled spirits.
• 7 Times Athens: A dance club popular for socializing that offers weekly parties, multiple events, coffee, and hookah.
• Ale Blues: A cozy bar known for its nice service and a variety of drinks, located near the Acropolis.
• The Clumsies: A creative bar in the center of Athens, known for its signature drinks at reasonable prices.
• Baba Au Rum: An award-winning rum bar located in the popular Romvis St district of Athens, known for its cocktail list.