Things to do in Athens: the Acropolis, neighborhoods and islands
Athens is a noisy, sprawling city around a rock that has stood for more than two thousand years. The Acropolis is the reason to come, and the neighborhoods around it are the reason to stay. Go to the Acropolis at opening to avoid the heat, and spend the afternoons in the shade of the old streets.
The short answer
- First trip
- See the Acropolis early, walk through Plaka, and eat on a rooftop with a view of it.
- Where to stay
- Plaka or Koukaki for the sights, Monastiraki for the buzz, and Kolonaki for a calmer base.
- How many days
- Three days covers the main sights and the museums. Add a day for Delphi or the islands.
- Best time to go
- April to June and September to October. July and August are very hot.
- Book ahead
- Acropolis timed tickets in season, a week or more ahead. Hotels with an Acropolis view fill early.
- From the airport
- Athens Airport is about 40 minutes from the center by metro line 3, with a fixed fare taxi as an alternative.
Where to stay in Athens, in brief
Plaka
first visits and walking to the sights
The old neighborhood below the Acropolis, with narrow streets and tavernas. It is touristy, and busy in the evening.
Koukaki
a local feel close to the Acropolis
A residential area south of the Acropolis, with good cafés and restaurants. A 10 minute walk to the sights.
Monastiraki
nightlife and the flea market
Lively and central, with a metro stop and rooftop bars. Noisy at night, so ask for a quiet room.
Kolonaki
shops, museums and quiet streets
An upmarket hillside district with cafés and galleries. Calmer than Plaka and a 15 minute walk to the center.
Things to do in Athens
The Acropolis and the Parthenon
The ancient citadel above the city. Go at opening, bring water and wear shoes with grip, as the marble is slippery.
a week or more ahead in season
Acropolis Museum
A modern museum at the foot of the Acropolis, with the sculptures from the Parthenon. Allow two hours.
Ancient Agora
The old marketplace of Athens, with the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus. A shaded and quieter site.
Plaka and Anafiotika
A walk through the old neighborhood, with white island-style houses on the slope of the Acropolis.
National Archaeological Museum
The best collection of ancient Greek art in the world. Allow three hours and pick a few rooms.
Changing of the guard at Syntagma
The Evzones in traditional dress change guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The full ceremony takes place on Sundays at 11am.
Mount Lycabettus
A hill with a chapel and the best views over the city. Take the funicular, and go at sunset.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Athens can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Athens, and which to pick- Acropolis timed ticketa week or more ahead in season
Entry is limited per hour, and queues at midday are long and hot.
- A rooftop table with an Acropolis viewa few days ahead
The best terraces fill at sunset.
What to skip in Athens
- The Acropolis at midday in summer
The heat is intense and the crowds are largest. Go at opening, or in the late afternoon.
- Souvenir shops in Plaka
Prices are high and stock is generic. Look in the shops around Monastiraki and Psyri for local crafts.
Best time to visit Athens
April to June and September to October are the best months, with warm weather and fewer crowds. The light is soft in the evenings.
July and August are very hot, often above 38 degrees, and the Acropolis can close at midday. Winter is mild and wet, with fewer people and short queues.
- From Athens AirportMetro line 3 takes about 40 minutes to Syntagma. Buses run to Piraeus and the center, and taxis have a fixed fare to the center.
- Metro, tram and busesThe metro is fast and covers the main sights. Buy a 90 minute ticket or a day pass, and validate it.
- On footThe center is walkable, with pedestrian streets around the Acropolis. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water.
Athens in three days
- Day 1
The Acropolis at opening, the Acropolis Museum, and lunch in Koukaki. Plaka in the evening.
- Day 2
The Ancient Agora, Monastiraki and the flea market, then the National Archaeological Museum.
- Day 3
Syntagma, the National Garden, and Mount Lycabettus at sunset.
Day trips from Athens
- Cape SounionAbout 90 minutes by bus, with the Temple of Poseidon on a cliff above the sea. Go for sunset.
- DelphiAbout 2.5 hours by bus, with the ancient sanctuary on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. A long day, so start early.
Athens: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Athens?
Three days covers the Acropolis, the museums and the old neighborhoods. A fourth day lets you go to Delphi or Sounion.
Where is the best area to stay in Athens?
Plaka and Koukaki are the most convenient for the Acropolis. Monastiraki is lively, and Kolonaki is calmer.
Do I need to book the Acropolis in advance?
Yes, in season. Timed tickets are limited, and booking avoids a long queue in the heat.
When is the best time to visit Athens?
April to June and September to October. July and August are very hot.
Is Athens safe for tourists?
Yes, it is generally safe. Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas and on the metro.