The birthplace of democracy, this city showcases structures that are thousands of years old. Find great food, modern attractions and friendly local residents too.
For a lovely holiday, visit Athens, a very welcoming multicultural city. One of the most important centres of ancient civilizations, Athens has retained symbolic artifacts and impressive archaeological structures from the past. In addition, you’ll find modern influences, from food and fun to culture and transportation. While history buffs will want to spend many days walking in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks, all types of travellers will enjoy a bit of the old with the new.
Things to do in Athens
An Athens visit generally includes several must-see historical landmarks, most notably the Acropolis and Parthenon, both built more than 2,500 years ago. Explore on your own or take a guided tour to see the ruins at the top of a hill overlooking the city. Walk through the National Garden, with more than 500 species of plants. At the foot of the hill, see archaeological treasures in the Acropolis Museum. See the Acropolis from a different perspective by climbing to the top of Mount Lycabettus, a few kilometres northeast.
Besides seeing these historical landmarks, find other highlights when you visit Athens. Look for markets selling fresh food or semi-antique souvenirs. Enjoy the delicious and nutritious Mediterranean diet and get immersed in the culture and nightlife that’s a blend of old and new Greece. Check the schedule for the not-to-be-missed Athens Epidaurus Festival, which occurs from June through August at several ancient and modern facilities across the city. Check for plays by Euripides and Sophocles as well as music, dance and visual arts.
If you want even more historical adventure, take a day trip from Athens to Delphi, just over a 2-hour drive northwest. The Delphi Archaeological Site has sanctuaries dedicated to Apollo and Athena and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shopping, dining and nightlife in Athens
If you already like Greek food, you’ll love every meal when you visit Athens. Flavourful and nutritious food is made from fresh local ingredients. Typically, Athenians start the day with pastries, thick Greek yoghurt and strong dark Greek coffee. For lunch, order a Greek salad. Remember, in Athens you’ll get tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta and olives, never any rocket or other lettuce.
Expanding from that simple salad distinction, the foods in Athens become even more unique. Try souvlaki (marinated pork and vegetables), moussaka (a casserole of aubergine, courgette, potatoes and lamb), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), spanakopita (spinach pie) and traditional Greek desserts. Baklava starts with a simple phyllo dough, honey and nuts and takes on all kinds of spices and flavours for different tastes.
The Varvakios Central Market is the place to go if you want takeaway picnic items, from olives and figs to preserved meats and cheeses. Many visitors come to the market to photograph the colourful veggies and unusual seafood selections. The Monastiraki Flea Market is an extensive collection of covered stores and open-air stalls selling varied souvenirs from jewellery to T-shirts to art, plus models and postcards of the Athens ruins. On Sundays it’s an actual flea market, with stalls of one-of-a-kind trinkets and treasures. Between the two markets, you can find olive oils and vacuum-packed olives, ceramics, leather items and icons to take home from your Athens visit.
You’ll find great restaurants everywhere when you visit Athens. Often rows of cafés are just next to each other, with outdoor seating and a festive atmosphere. Pick dining spots during a stroll through the Plaka and Psiri neighbourhoods near the Acropolis, especially along Adrianou and Ermou Streets. Look for tavernas offering rooftop dining so you can see the beautiful illuminated views of the Acropolis at night. Many rooftop bars in the Psiri and Gazi districts have live music, either modern or with traditional Greek influence.
Be sure to take in authentic Greek cultural performances during your Athens visit. The National Theatre of Greece offers exceptional productions from modern Greek playwrights as well as famed international playwrights, such as Shakespeare and Ibsen. Imagine yourself as an ancient Athenian while attending a performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a 2nd-century outdoor amphitheatre restored for modern use. It’s one of several stages used for the Athens Epidaurus Festival.
Getting to and around Athens
Fly to Athens International Airport, which is just a 30-minute drive from downtown Athens. A metro ride to the city takes about 40 minutes.
When you visit Athens, plan to do a lot of walking. The city is filled with archaeological and cultural sites, so you’re likely to find something you want to stop and inspect every few minutes, making walking the best option. The city metro, bus and tram forms of public transport are also convenient and yellow taxis are abundant. Be prepared for hot summers by carrying water and sunscreen. Most areas are safe as always in public spaces, be vigilant against pickpockets. In addition, be respectful of archaeological sites so that they last for many thousands more years.
Be sure to walk around the Piraeus Port during your Athens visit. First, you’ll want to stroll along the docks and marvel at the very large private yachts and cruise ships. You can also ride a ferry to other popular Greek islands. Aegina is less than 2 hours away and Hydra about 5. Extend your Greece visit with time on the Cyclades islands of Santorini, Mykonos or Naxos or even Crete.
