Athens

Travel Guide

Acropolis showing night scenes, heritage elements and building ruins
Monastiraki Flea Market showing street scenes, a city and a square or plaza
Athens
Temple of Hephaestos featuring heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Athens showing signage, shopping and markets
This sparkling white, world-class city will take your breath away with dazzling hilltop views of the mountains and sea, and glimpses into the age of antiquity.

Athens is where the age of antiquity meets the best of the modern world. All this against the backdrop of mountain and the crystal blue Aegean Sea, dotted with islands. There’s plenty to do, whether you’re a history buff, an art aficionado, or simply enjoy Greek mythology and the fantastic views.

Be forewarned that the days here can get hot after noon, especially during the height of the tourism season in summer. So, plan on taking your walking tours during the morning. After a strong cup of Greek coffee, head out to explore the many archeological sites in and around the city center. Visit Pnyx Hill, where great orators such as Aristides and Pericles impassioned their countrymen to take part in the world’s first true democracy. Stroll through the Ancient Agora, where Socrates and Plato walked in flowing togas, debating philosophy. Marvel at the remains of ancient temples dedicated to the gods of Mt. Olympus, as well as stellar views, atop The Acropolis.

There are plenty of museums and galleries to cool off in during the afternoons. The affluent downtown neighborhood of Kolonaki is home to high-end shops and restaurants as well as The Benaki Museum. Housed in a beautifully restored family mansion, this is a great place to get an understanding of the history and culture of Greece. The New Acropolis Museum, located in the historic area of Makrygianni, explores the art, culture and customs of the inhabitants of the Acropolis from pre-historic times through late Antiquity.

While the city can easily keep you busy, don’t miss taking a car or bus trip out to the countryside. The Temple of Poseidon is set on a rocky hilltop overlooking the Aegean Sea, on the picturesque Saronic Gulf in Cape Sounion. Delphi and some of the other islands are also close enough for a day trip. If you’re not too tired upon your return, check out the nightlife in and around Omonia Square.  

Where to stay in Athens

Academy of Athens showing heritage architecture, an administrative building and heritage elements

Athens City Centre

4.5/5(410 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Athens City Centre. Top attractions like Syntagma Square and Acropolis are major draws. Catch the metro at Panepistimio Station or Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Athens City Centre
Plaka which includes street scenes, night scenes and dining out

Plaka

4.5/5(92 area reviews)

Discover the "Neighborhood of the Gods" with its close proximity to the Acropolis and numerous archaeological sites. Wander through Anafiotika's traditional Cycladic architecture and visit some of the numerous museums.

Plaka
Athens featuring heritage architecture, a ruin and heritage elements

Monastiraki

4.5/5(99 area reviews)

Flea market vibes abound in this bustling shopping district, where you can find clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores. Easily accessible via Monastiraki Metro Station, it's perfect for bargain hunting and exploring Athens' old town.

Monastiraki
Syntagma Square which includes a city

Syntagma

While you're in Syntagma, take in top sights like Syntagma Square and jump on the metro at Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Syntagma
Mount Lycabettus which includes a city and mountains

Kolonaki

4.5/5(52 area reviews)

Upscale central Athens area on Mount Lycabettus' southern slopes, featuring boutiques, haute couture shopping, and museums like Benaki and Goulandris. Enjoy nightlife at bars, ouzeries, and ride the Lycabettus Funicular to the summit.

Kolonaki
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Psirri

3.5/5(44 area reviews)

Travelers come to Psirri for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Athens Central Market and Omonoia Square while you're in town.

Psirri
The Stanley

The Stanley

4 out of 5
1 Odisseos Str., Athens, Attiki
The price is CA $208 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
CA $208
CA $253 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,928 reviews)
"Great hotel centrally located with amazing view of Acropolis. Breakfast buffet was wonderful and our suite was fantastic. Staff were very nice and this was a great value!"

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

The Stanley
Grand Hyatt Athens

Grand Hyatt Athens

5 out of 5
115, Syngrou Avenue, Athens, Attica
The price is CA $196 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
CA $196
CA $247 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (697 reviews)
"Superb bed. Nice rooftop pool area"

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Grand Hyatt Athens
Sofitel Athens Airport

Sofitel Athens Airport

5 out of 5
Athens International Airport, Spata-Artemida, Attiki
The price is CA $431 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
CA $431
CA $513 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Spata-Artemida. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,656 reviews)
"Easy check in the staff was great. The room was extremely comfortable and the downstairs lobby restaurant service and food was very good. So convenient to walk across the street to the airport."

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Sofitel Athens Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Athens Studios

Athens Studios

3A Veikou St, Makrigyianni, Athens, Attiki
Stay at this aparthotel in Athens. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,183 reviews)
"This property was clean and convenient for the money. We stayed here before and after our island hopping. They arranged transportation for us but it was also only a two minute walk to the metro. Breakfast was included starting at 8am. Coffee was available before that. Good location and felt very ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Athens Studios
Athens Manor Houses Suites Apartments

Athens Manor Houses Suites Apartments

Athinaidos 2 & Evaggelistrias, Athens
Stay at this aparthotel in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (401 reviews)
"Nice place in city center and walking distance to city tours and shopping."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

Athens Manor Houses Suites Apartments
The Omnia Collection Pagrati

The Omnia Collection Pagrati

30 Chremonidou, Athens, Attica, Athens
Stay at this apartment in Athens. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Syntagma Square and Parthenon are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (112 reviews)
"Clean property and easy to get to the center of Athens"

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

The Omnia Collection Pagrati
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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