Constantinos Kollias, Unsplash License, Source

Athens

Where ancient ruins meet urban energy

Athens stands as a living museum of ancient history and modern life. Its streets connect centuries-old ruins with bustling markets, where marble columns stand beside colorful cafes. The Acropolis overlooks the city, reminding visitors of Greece’s lasting influence on art and philosophy. Daily life here moves at a steady pace, with locals gathering in squares and along the waterfront. Museums display artifacts from classical times while contemporary galleries showcase modern creativity. Athens balances tradition and change without losing its unique character.

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City in Greece

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 6.9

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	7
Accessibility:	6
Tap water:	7

Read details

4/5

Most locals in tourist areas speak English well, especially in restaurants, hotels, and shops. In more residential areas, English proficiency may be lower, but people are generally helpful.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Athens Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

World-class for ancient history and archaeology. Visit the Acropolis, explore museums, walk historic neighborhoods and enjoy rooftop dining with city views.

Place score

8.7

Best at:

Local cuisine

Historic sites

Guided tours

Ruins

Architecture

Personal score

Suited for

👶 7

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

❤️ 8

Couples

Greece – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info:	Rating 3/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. However, many small shops and rural locations still prefer cash payments. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in Greece. In restaurants, 5-10% is typical, though rounding up is also common. Tipping taxi drivers is customary, and small tips for hotel staff are appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is generally allowed in Greece, especially in designated areas or during festivals. However, it’s prohibited in some areas like public transport or near schools.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places. There are designated outdoor smoking areas in most restaurants and public buildings.

Easter (March/April)	Easter is a significant religious holiday, and many businesses close. Popular for family gatherings and church services.
Assumption of Mary (August)	A national holiday with parades and festivities. Expect crowded tourist areas and higher accommodation prices.
Christmas (December)	Christmas celebrations take place in many towns and cities, with lively events, though many businesses close for the holiday.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Beat, TaxiBeat, Uber
Other:	Greece is a popular tourist destination, particularly in summer, so be prepared for high demand for accommodation and services during peak months.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Athens, Greece

🌤️

Jan

🌤️

Feb

☀️

Mar

☀️

Apr

☀️

May

🔥

Jun

🔥

Jul

🔥

Aug

☀️

Sep

☀️

Oct

☀️

Nov

☀️

Dec

High season:	April - Sep.
Shoulder season:	March, Oct.
Crowdedness:	9 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Heatwaves are common in July and August; the Acropolis can close at midday, so visit early morning or late afternoon

Around August 15: many local shops and restaurants close as Athenians leave for the islands

Orthodox Easter, early April to early May: major holiday, some businesses closed, ferries and islands very busy

Don't miss

🏛️ Climb the Acropolis and admire the Parthenon’s ancient grandeur
🚶🏻 Wander through the historic streets of Plaka district
🌇 Watch the sunset over Athens from Mount Lycabettus
🗿 Explore the Acropolis Museum’s fascinating archaeological treasures
🍽️ Sample moussaka and souvlaki at a local taverna
👮🏻 See the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square

You've been here?

Why travel to Athens?

Athens is a must-visit for history lovers, food enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys the blend of ancient and contemporary culture. Walking through the city, you'll pass by iconic ruins, charming cafes and vibrant neighborhoods. The nightlife is lively, the food is incredible and the people are warm and welcoming. However, traffic can be chaotic and the summer heat is intense – so plan accordingly!

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Parthenon
The Parthenon stands atop the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. This ancient temple features a Doric column design and offers panoramic views of the city below. It remains one of the most iconic landmarks of Western civilization.
2 Temple of Olympian Zeus
This ancient temple stands as one of Greece's most iconic ruins, dedicated to Zeus Olympian. Its massive columns and pediment remain impressive after centuries, showcasing classical architecture in Athens' historic center.
3 National Archaeological Museum
Housed in a neoclassical building, this museum displays ancient Greek art and artifacts from the Acropolis. Its collection spans thousands of years, featuring sculptures, pottery and inscriptions that illuminate civilization's history.
4 Acropolis
Ancient ruins and towering columns define this historic site, where mythology meets reality. Visitors explore marble pathways, sacred shrines and breathtaking views of the city below. A timeless monument to human achievement.
5 Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum showcases artifacts from ancient Athens, including sculptures and pottery recovered from the Parthenon. Its modern architecture frames panoramic views of the city and the historic hill for.
6 Ancient Agora of Athens
This historic square in Athens features the ancient Agora, where democracy was born. Visitors explore ruins of temples, stoas and the famous Stoa of Attalos, surrounded by bustling markets and archaeological treasures from antiquity.
7 Museum of the Ancient Agora
8 Roman Agora of Athens
9 Panathenaic Stadium
10 Syntagma Square
11 NLH Monastiraki - Neighborhood Lifestyle Hotel
12 Benaki Museum (Pireos St. Annexe)

🎡Places for activities

1 Odeon of Herodes Atticus
2 Ριβιέρα
3 Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Lycabettus Hill
Perched above the city, this hill offers panoramic views of ancient monuments and modern boulevards. A historic landmark where legends once walked, it provides a quiet escape from the bustling streets below while overlooking the Acropolis and sea.
2 Vouliagmeni's Lake
3 National Garden
4 Filopappou Hill
5 Areopagus Hill
6 Diomedes Botanical Garden
7 Imitos' Aesthetic Forest
8 Saronic Gulf

🛍️Shopping

1 The Mall Athens
2 Athens Heart
3 Athens Metro Mall
4 Monastiraki Flea Market
5 Varvakios Market
6 Κολωνάκι
7 Attica

🎈Events

Athens Epidaurus Festival
Athens Marathon
Athens Technopolis Jazz Festival
Athens International Film Festival
Athens Street Food Festival
Rockwave Festival
Athens Photo Festival
Athens Science Festival
Athens Biennale
Athens Pride Parade

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Visit the Acropolis early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat.
Stay near Plaka, Monastiraki or Syntagma for walkable access to ruins, metro connections, cafes and main squares.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring water; many key archaeological sites involve uphill walking, marble steps and limited shaded resting areas.
Book the Acropolis combined ticket in advance, then spread included sites over two days to dodge queues and midday sun.

How to travel to Athens

Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is the main entry point, with direct flights from major cities worldwide. The city is also a major ferry hub, connecting to Greek islands via the Port of Piraeus. International buses and trains connect Athens to nearby European destinations.

Access summary

From Athens Airport (ATH): Metro or suburban rail ~40 min; taxi ~30–40 min.
From Thessaloniki: Fast train to Athens about 4–5 hours, several daily departures.
From Greek islands: Ferries into Piraeus port, typically 1–9 hours depending route.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Athens

Athens has everything from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Stay in Plaka or Monastiraki for easy access to historic sites, Kolonaki for an upscale experience or Psiri for a more alternative, nightlife-focused stay.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Elia Ermou Athens Hotel

Electra Metropolis Hotel

9.1

Coco-mat Athens BC

9.4

The Athens Gate Hotel

9.1

Titania Hotel

8.1

Brown Acropol a member of Brown Hotels

8.4

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Athens

Athens has a solid public transport system, including metro, buses and trams. The metro is the fastest way to get around, while buses and trams cover wider areas. Walking is ideal for central locations, but the city’s traffic can make driving stressful.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-14 %

Daily expenses in Athens are around 14% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£54	£115	£295
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£23	£45	£90
🍝 Food per day	£27	£63	£185
🚕 Transportation per day	£5	£7	£20

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£24
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£12.50
🍟 Fast food combo	£7.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£9
☕ Cappuccino	£3.40
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£4.70

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.05
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£12
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1.60

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£8
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£42
🤧 Cold medication	£5.50
💇 Basic haircut	£9.50

Safety information overview

General safety

Athens is generally safe, but pickpocketing can be an issue in crowded areas and public transport. Be mindful of scams in tourist hotspots and avoid poorly lit areas at night.

Health & Medical

The city has good healthcare facilities, with many hospitals and pharmacies. Tap water is safe to drink and pharmacies are well-stocked with common medications.

Accessibility

Public transport has accessibility options, but many historic sites have uneven terrain and stairs. Some areas, like Plaka, can be challenging for wheelchair users due to cobbled streets.

Tap water

Tap water in Athens is safe to drink and you’ll find refill stations in some public areas. However, bottled water is cheap and widely available if you prefer.

Packing recommendations for Athens

📷

Camera

👟

Comfortable walking shoes

🌞

Sun cream

🚰

Reusable water bottle

👕

Light, breathable clothing

for summer

Universal travel adaptor

💳

Credit card with no foreign transaction fees

Nearby recommended places

Thessaloniki

Santorini

Crete

Rhodes

Mykonos

Corfu

Meteora

Nafplio

Delphi

Hydra

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Summary:	Coolest month; rain and occasional cold snaps
Temperature:	7 – 12 °C
Water temp.:	15 °C
Rain:	47 mm (Some rainy days)
Crowdedness:	Not touristy

Summary:	Cool and changeable; spring starting to show
Temperature:	8 – 14 °C
Water temp.:	15 °C
Rain:	40 mm (Some rainy days)
Crowdedness:	Not touristy

Summary:	Mild and fresh; wildflowers around the ruins
Temperature:	10 – 16 °C
Water temp.:	15 °C
Rain:	34 mm (On-and-off light rain)
Crowdedness:	Few tourists

Summary:	Warm and sunny; ideal for sightseeing
Temperature:	12 – 19 °C
Water temp.:	16 °C
Rain:	32 mm (On-and-off light rain)
Crowdedness:	Many tourists

Summary:	Warm and sunny; ideal for sightseeing
Temperature:	16 – 24 °C
Water temp.:	19 °C
Rain:	20 mm (Scattered light rain)
Crowdedness:	Many tourists