Athens trips and vacations

With 3,400 years of antiquity under its belt, Greece’s capital could easily coast on its past glories. But vacation in Athens and you’ll find a city that moves with the times. From grand museums and contemporary street art to centuries-old stadiums and all-night dance parties, see why the cradle of civilization has never stopped rocking.

Athens vacation highlights

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

A living museum

A vacation 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 theatre 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 neighborhood 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 vacations 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 mid-50s°F in March to low 80s°F in May. Get out and enjoy blooming 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 100°F — 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-70s°F.

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 colorful 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 theatersstage everything from Sophocles and Aristophanes to modern opera and world-famous pop acts.

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The best neighborhoods in Athens

Monastiraki

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 neighborhood offers easy access to classical landmarks like the Parthenon and Hadrian’s Library. When you’re not marveling 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

Kolonaki

If you’re looking for the best neighborhood 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 neighborhoods to stay in Athens. Get lost in its maze of cobblestone streets lined with family-run tavernas and colorful 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

Plaka

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 jewelers. 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 theater 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 neighborhood 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 favorite 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 neighborhoods host weekly markets, which are a great way to immerse yourself in the city’s local rhythms while keeping your trip to Athens cheap.

Plan your trip to Athens

Budget

The low cost of eating and drinking can make for a cheap trip to 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 transportation 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.

FAQs about Athens vacations

January brings the coolest weather for an Athens vacation. Go then and you can expect lows of 39ºF.
July is the hottest month in Athens, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 99ºF.
You could spend weeks ticking off all the things to do in Athens. From Museum of the Center for the Acropolis Studies to Acropolis of Athens and more, there's no shortage of reasons to book a trip.
Greek is used in most day-to-day situations. From simple greetings to distinct local expressions, you'll probably add a few new words to your vocabulary during your city break in Athens.
The cost of your city break in Athens will vary based on things like where you're leaving from, when you want to go, and the type of hotel you choose. Athens flights and hotels are usually more expensive during busier periods, but you can save money by booking in the off-peak season.
Some people just pass through Athens on their way to the islands. However, we recommend setting aside four days at least to visit the city’s archaeological wonders, top museums and neighborhoods, with a little time left over to explore the coastline and beaches.
With around 2.6 inches of rainfall, December is the rainiest month. If you're taking your Athens vacation then, you might want to have a few indoor activities lined up. Dine at one of the best spots in town, check out an art gallery, or treat yourself to a shopping spree.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and excursions during your trip to Athens.
Athens is a very safe vacation destination, including for women traveling solo. As with all cities though, petty crime does occur. Pickpockets and scam artists are active on the metro, at crowded markets and wherever tourists gather. Take precautions to deter bag snatchers.
Athens is a year-round destination that attracts millions of visitors annually. Visiting during the shoulder periods of March to May and September to October is an ideal time to beat the summer heat and find great deals on cheap vacations to Athens. Greek Orthodox Easter falls in either April or May and is a great time to visit for candle-lit processions, fireworks and feasts.

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