Athens
Save36 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Ancient citadel crowned by the Parthenon
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Wear shoes with grip
- Combined ticket covers other ancient sites
📷 Photos
- 2
Modern museum with Acropolis sculptures
3 tips
- Glass floors show excavations
- Rooftop restaurant has Acropolis views
- Closed some Mondays
📷 Photos
- 3
Heart of ancient Athenian public life with the Temple of Hephaestus
3 tips
- Bring water, little shade
- Stoa of Attalos has a museum
- Combined ticket included
📷 Photos
- 4
Colossal ruined temple near Hadrians Arch
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Cheap entry or covered by combo ticket
- Good views of the Acropolis
📷 Photos
- 5
Old neighbourhood of neoclassical houses and tavernas
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Avoid tourist traps on main squares
- Wander side lanes
- Evening is atmospheric
📷 Photos
- 6
Lively square with flea market and views
- Tip: Watch your bag
2 tips
- Rooftop bars with Acropolis views
- Sunday flea market
📷 Photos
- 7
All-marble stadium that hosted the 1896 Olympics
3 tips
- Audio guide included
- Run the track
- Cheap entry
📷 Photos
- 8
Parliament square with the Evzone guards
3 tips
- Changing of the guard hourly
- Big ceremony Sundays at 11am
- Metro hub
📷 Photos
- 9
Highest hill in central Athens with sunset views
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Take the funicular
- Chapel at the top
- Sunset is best
📷 Photos
- 10
Greeces finest ancient art, including the Mask of Agamemnon
3 tips
- Allow 3 hours
- Closed some Mondays
- Cafe in the garden
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Athens tips
Transportation
- Use the Athens Metro: The metro is clean, fast and links the airport, Syntagma and Piraeus; get an ATH.ENA card or ticket.
- Walk the historic centre: Plaka, Monastiraki and the Acropolis area are close together and best explored on foot.
- Take the metro to Piraeus: For ferries to the islands, Line 1 runs straight to the port of Piraeus.
Security
- Watch for pickpockets: Crowded metro lines and Monastiraki are known for pickpockets, so keep bags zipped and in front.
- Avoid the bar scam: Be wary of friendly strangers who invite you to a bar; it can end with an inflated bill.
- Stay hydrated in summer: Heat waves are common, so carry water and avoid the Acropolis at midday.
Saving
- Use free museum days: Many state museums and sites offer free entry on certain days, especially in the low season.
- Eat souvlaki and gyros: Street food like souvlaki and gyros is filling, tasty and much cheaper than sit-down meals.
- Buy a combined ticket: The combined archaeological ticket covers the Acropolis and several other sites.
Weather/Clothing
- Plan for hot summers: Summers are very hot and dry; wear light, breathable clothing and a sun hat.
- Bring a light jacket in winter: Winters are mild but can be cool and rainy, so pack layers.
- Wear grippy shoes: The marble paths up the Acropolis can be slippery, so avoid smooth-soled shoes.
Cultural
- Dine late: Greeks often eat dinner late in the evening, and tavernas get lively well after dark.
- Dress modestly in churches: Cover shoulders and knees when entering Orthodox churches.
- Share mezedes: Ordering several small plates to share is the Greek way to enjoy a meal.
Local Hacks
- Visit the Acropolis early: Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and cruise ship crowds.
- Watch sunset from Lycabettus: Climb Lycabettus Hill for a sweeping view of the city and the Acropolis.
- Explore Psyrri and Koukaki: These neighbourhoods offer great cafes and tavernas with a more local feel.
1-day itineraries in Athens
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Acropolis and Parthenon and around
🕘 9:30–17:15📍 5 stops
- 1Acropolis and Parthenon
- 2Acropolis Museum
- 3Plaka
- 4Monastiraki Square
- 5Ancient Agora
Day 2 of 2
Syntagma Square and around
🕘 9:30–18:00📍 5 stops
- 1Syntagma Square
- 2Panathenaic Stadium
- 3Byzantine and Christian Museum
- 4Mount Lycabettus
- 5National Archaeological Museum