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Athens, Greece

Destination guide

Athens

Greece

Athens (Greek: , Athína) is the capital city of Greece with a metropolitan population of 3.6 million inhabitants (2025) based on ELSTAT Census but with undocumented population it reaches 5.2 million.

AI insights

AI-written from the Wikivoyage listings, transport section and the video stats on this page

  • Prioritize walking Dionysiou Aeropagitou Street to navigate the area around the Acropolis; this pedestrian-only route offers scenic vantage points of the Parthenon and the Agora while keeping you distanced from the congestion of the main city center.

  • Seek refuge from the intense summer heat by heading to the National Gardens, where you can find shade, explore the ponds, and observe the resident tortoises in a quiet, lush environment that serves as a necessary break from the urban sprawl.

  • When dining at popular seafood spots like Atlantikos, plan to arrive early for your meal; these smaller, tucked-away establishments often have limited seating in narrow alleys and frequently require a wait to secure a table.

  • If you are interested in attending live performances, check the Athens Festival schedule between May and October, and consider traveling outside the city to the ancient theater of Epidaurus for a unique, historic venue experience.

  • When using the airport transport, note that both the metro and suburban railway share the same platform; if your destination involves smaller or less central stations, prioritize the metro trains, as they service a higher frequency of stops along the network.

How we vet these picks

Every pick is drawn from real sources — YouTube creators, Wikivoyage, and Wikipedia. We only surface sources that actually exist and that we've checked for authenticity — no filler, no dead-end searches.

Best time to go

Best window: February–December

Kind weather all year — there is no month to avoid.

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IdealGoodOkayOff-season

Rated from ten years of daily temperature and rainfall recorded at this destination, via Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Hover a month for its real numbers.

Getting around

By metro

Line : Piraeus – Kifissia, the oldest line, connects the port of Piraeus and the northern suburbs of Athens (Kifissia station) via the city centre.

By suburban railway

The Athens Suburban Railway (Proastiakos/) is operated by Hellenic Train. There are 3 Proastiakos lines: From Athens Central Station (Larissa station) to Chalkida.

By tram

The Athens Tram connects the city centre with the southern suburbs and has connections with the metro lines. There are three tram lines: Line : Peace and Friendship Stadium – Asklipeio Voulas Hospital connects Faliro with the southern suburbs and runs along…

By bus

The Athens Urban Transport Organisation runs a network of diesel buses, natural gas buses and electric trolleybuses. The price of express (X) bus lines like X93 (Airport - Kifissos Station) is ( for children, teenagers, over 65).

Metro and suburban train

At the airport both metro trains and suburban trains pass from the same platform. If you are travelling to some small stations, you should take the metro trains, because there are more stations for stop. The airport trains run every 36 minutes.

Transport notes from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.

What to see

Places are listed from Wikivoyage and our own sourced research. Worth it means a second, independent source names the place too; “3 sources agree” means three or more do — and each card names them, so you can check.

Acropolis of Athens

Worth it

Also recommended by Michelin Guide

It was the ancient fortified town of Athens, dating back to the Late Bronze Age. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic role and the many iconic buildings of the Greek Classical age, among them the Parthenon, the…

Parthenon

Worth it

Also recommended by Kara and Nate

This massive temple was built in the 5th century BC in thanksgiving for the Greek victory over Persian invaders. It was later converted into a Christian church, then an Ottoman mosque.

Theatre of Dionysus

Classical Athens' main theatre, the first theatre ever built. Many of the great Greek plays were performed here for the first time. According to Plato's Symposium, it could hold an audience of 19,000 spectators.

Skip the line — book tickets

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

This theatre, built in 161 CE, is still used for concerts and plays. The stone backdrop is still preserved to a remarkable height of 3 stories, because it was incorporated into a later fortification on the site.

Erectheion

This elegant temple was primarily dedicated to the goddess Athena. The uneven ground led to a complex plan, with an east-facing entrance lined with six Ionic columns.

Propylaea

The monumental gate at the western end of the Acropolis with Doric columns of Pentelic marble. In a prominent position on a steep bastion to the right of the entrance is the Temple of Athena Nike

What to do

Parnitha National Park

Well-marked paths, gorges, springs, torrents and caves do the protected area. Hiking and mountain-biking in all four mountains remain popular outdoor activities for many residents of the city.

Skip the line — book tickets

Athens Concert Hall

This venue attracts world-famous artists all year round.

Athens Festival

Runs from May to October each year. Offers a wide spectrum of events covering almost every taste. Outside Athens, try to attend a performance at the ancient theater of Epidaurus – a truly unforgettable experience.

National Gardens

Between the Parliament and Zappeion buildings

A Peaceful and beautiful park in the centre of Athens, easily the coolest place to hide from the summer sun. Wander around, check out the quirky art that seems to sprout up every now and again, look on in disbelief at the "zoo", sit on one…

Skip the line — book tickets

Dionysiou Aeropagitou Street

This landmark street starts from the Temple of Olympian Zeus at Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, continues under the southern slopes of the Acropolis near Plaka, and finishes just beyond the Temple of Hephaestus in Thiseio.

Pedion tou Areos

Covers 27.7 hectares, near the National Archaeological Museum.

What to eat

Delta

Worth it

Also recommended by Michelin Guide

Greece's only Two Michelin Star restaurant, also holding a Michelin Green Star for sustainability.

Vetted sources

Spondi

Worth it

Also recommended by Michelin Guide

Long-running One Michelin Star restaurant known for French-inflected fine dining in a Pangrati courtyard setting.

Vetted sources

Hytra

Worth it

Also recommended by Michelin Guide

One Michelin Star restaurant with rooftop Acropolis views and modern Greek tasting menus.

Vetted sources

Nolan

Worth it

Also recommended by Michelin Guide

Bib Gourmand pick blending Greek and Japanese influences from chef Sotiris Contizas.

Vetted sources

Atlantikos

Greece, Avliton 7

Nice little place with great seafood selection. The meals look simple and are delicious. The portions are quite large and the quality price ratio is very well balanced.

Vetted sources

Krasopoulio tou Kokkora

Esopou 4

Among the best traditional Greek restaurants in Athens downtown. The owner is smiling, polite and very keen to assist. A wonderful casual lunch or dinner spot. Fresh ingredients and substantial portions.

Vetted sources

Vegan Beat Athens

Perikleous 56

Vegan street food restaurant. Tasty food and nice people that work there. A good place for all vegans and even non-vegans. The true Parthenon of the vegan scene of Athens. Excellent vegan souvlaki.

Vetted sources

Aspro Alogo

Apollonos

An excellent little Greek restaurant well worth finding. Everything is fresh and delicious and the service is great. The owner is a helpful and generous guy. Attentive and familiar treatment.

Vetted sources

The Traditional

Kolokotroni 59

Traditional Greek food. If you want to eat in a quality village tavern in the center of Athens, you will come here. Great roasted food, salads and appetizers! The food is handmade.

Vetted sources

The 2 Brothers

around Alexandri Square (Gardenia)· Cheap

The best souvlaki in this part of Athens.

Vetted sources

Where to stay

Safestay Athens Monastiraki

2 mins from Monastiraki metro station· Moderate

Studios and hostel beds within walking distance of the metro. Each dorm has lockers. Artists have painted murals in the reception and some of the rooms, and there's a basement lounge with art exhibitions, pool table, home cimena and…

Athens Backpackers

12 Makri Street - Makryanni, Athens

Standard backpacking hostel offering clean and comfortable beds, 24 hr reception access, and discounted wifi access. Great spot to meet other travellers.

Dionissotis Camping

on the road that leads to Varibobi/Tatoi (Parnitha)· Cheap

It has a hall for breakfast, a minimarket, a swimming pool and a playground for the children. 115 places for tents.

Athens Psiri Hotel

next to Monastiraki metro and Plaka· Pricey

Fully renovated in 2020. All rooms include private bathrooms, free wifi, air conditioning and heating.

Hotel Dioskouros Athens

6 Pittakou Street, Plaka, Athens· Moderate

Offers simple clean accommodation in a central location.

Hostel Aprodite

12 Einardou and Michail Voda corner 65, Athena 10440, Greece· Cheap

Low-budget backpackers' hangout not too far from Larissa train station and Victoria Square, a bit north of the Omonia district.

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Travel content from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Encyclopedic context from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Videos via the YouTube Data API.