Answering all of your questions in this blog post about traveling to Athens, Greece whether for one day or a whole week!
My great-grandparents immigrated from Greece to Charleston, South Carolina, in the 1800s, and I’ve always dreamed of visiting the homeland to connect with my Greek heritage. That dream became a reality not once, but several times over as I frequently visit Greece.
Fittingly, my first trip to Europe took me to Greece, where I had the chance to explore the enchanting Greek Isles. But before we dive into the islands, let’s start your journey in the city where it all began: Athens.
Athens, the city of gods—and goddesses, most importantly. Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom and courage, Athens is the heart of ancient Greece, home to iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon, which date back to the 5th century BC.
Beyond its historic sites, Athens is a vibrant modern metropolis, offering world-class dining with Michelin-starred restaurants, incredible museums, shopping, and more. Whether you’re exploring as a couple, with family, or as part of a group, this city is a must-see. And it’s the perfect gateway to the Greek Isles!
In this Athens travel guide, I’ll share my expert tips from multiple visits—whether you’re wondering where to eat, how to get around, where to stay, or what to do, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your Athens adventure.
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How to Get to Athens Greece
The best way to get to Athens, Greece is by flying! You will fly into Athens International Airport (ATH) which is only about a 30 minute drive into downtown Athens (depending on traffic).
It is a major city so you should find ample flight options. There are many direct flights from the United States or you can connect from another European city.
TIP: It can be very expensive to fly directly to Athens from the US so I do recommend seeing if you can fly somewhere else first, then take a short connecting flight on Aegean Airlines. This is usually what we do when visiting Greece.
Weather in Athens Greece
The weather in Athens is quite similar to South Carolina, where I live—hot summers and mild winters.
The coldest month is January, with average highs around 55°F.
Summer months—June, July, and August—are the warmest, with average temperatures often reaching the 90s°F. This is also the busiest time to visit Athens, much like the peak summer travel season in the U.S.
For a more comfortable and budget-friendly experience, consider visiting during the spring or fall. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures and lower rates, making them ideal for exploring Athens without the crowds.
When is the Best Time to Visit Athens
Many people visit Athens as a stopover on their way to the Greek Isles during the summer months. While this may be convenient, it’s not necessarily the best time to explore Athens. The heat can be intense, and the city is often crowded with tourists. That said, it’s still a great option for a one-day stop in Athens before heading to the islands.
In my opinion, the best time to visit Athens is either at the start or end of the high season—during spring or fall. I personally always visit in September, when the crowds have started to ease and the islands are still lively and open for the season. This allows for a more relaxed experience in the city, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
Best Hotels in Athens Greece
I’ve stayed in Athens several times, and depending on what you’re looking for, you can choose between staying downtown for easy access to the Acropolis or on the Athenian Riviera if you’re after relaxation and beaches. The Athenian Riviera is also closer to the airport, making it an ideal pick for quick stays. Here are some of the best hotels to consider:
InnAthens Hotel
I stayed at Inn Athens Hotel on my first trip to Greece and loved it! Inn Athens is a quaint, boutique style hotel located in Plaka within walking distance to the Acropolis, Ermou Street, and all the best restaurants in Athens.
I loved the courtyard where you will enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet with greek yogurt, fruit, eggs, pastries, etc.
The entryway to the hotel is right past a great wine bar, By The Glass! It is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine and cheese plate before or after dinner.
We had one night in Athens before visiting the Greek Cycladic Islands for 10 days so the goal was to be close to the Acropolis and affordable. The hotel exceeded expectations with the kindest staff, ambience, and fresh breakfast.
Hotel Grande Bretagne
On my second trip to Athens, we chose to stay at Hotel Grande Bretagne situated right next to Syntagma Square in the heart of the city. We had visited their great rooftop bar before and knew we wanted to go back there for the incredible views over the city.
The hotel dates back to the 1870’s and has played a role throughout Athens’ history. With a major renovation in 2002, the hotel emerged as a state of the art, 5 star luxury hotel ready to welcome visitors.
The rooms are decorated pretty ornately with comfortable beds and plenty of space. We loved the windows that opened out into the city.
There is a full service spa and the GB Rooftop Garden Restaurant has the best view in the city in my opinion!
It is a part of the Marriott luxury hotel collection so you can earn/use points if you are a rewards member! Personally, we were able to book our hotel stay here with points via our Capital One Venture card!
Dusit Suites
On my most recent trip to Greece, we spent one night in Athens after visiting both Sifnos and Mykonos. We really only had a short afternoon in town with an early flight the next day.
We chose the Dusit Suites along the Athenian Riviera and it was a great option for an Athens hotel near the airport and the beach. Plus, it has a rooftop pool overlooking the nearby beach.
We dined at the rooftop restaurant and it was easy to grab a quick dinner without leaving the hotel.
Since we had spent time in the city before, this was a convenient choice for a quick stop where we didn’t plan on sightseeing.
It was nice, reasonably priced and family friendly offering a good crib for our baby. I would stay here again if I don’t plan on spending a lot of time in Athens.
One&Only Aesthesis
A new gem along the Athenian Riviera, One&Only Aesthesis offers a private beach, incredible villas, and a top-notch dining experience. It’s the perfect balance of seclusion and luxury, all while being just a short drive from Athens.
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
For a beachside luxury experience, Four Seasons Astir Palace is a classic choice. With a private beach, fine dining, and sweeping views of the sea, it’s ideal for those looking to mix relaxation with a touch of glamour. We wanted to stay here last time, but we only had a quick overnight in Athens so it was not enough time to enjoy it!
AthensWas Hotel
AthensWas is a chic, modern hotel that blends design with comfort. Located just steps from the Acropolis, it’s perfect for those who want to stay in a stylish, centrally located spot without sacrificing relaxation. The rooftop bar offers great views of the Parthenon, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring the city. We had drinks on the rooftop once and loved it!
Elia Ermou
Elia Ermou Hotel is a sleek, contemporary choice right in the heart of Athens. Situated on Ermou Street, one of the city’s main shopping streets, it’s perfect for those who want easy access to both luxury shopping and historic sites like the Acropolis. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the rooftop bar offers fantastic views of the city.
My friends stayed here before their Greek wedding and loved it—it was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy Athens before the big day!
What to Do in Athens Greece
There are so many historical sites to see in Athens, Greece. As the capital city, Athens was the center for the powerful empire leaving behind ruins of ancient Greek culture.
Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most important ancient archaeological sites in the world. It is a citadel located at the top of a hill overlooking the city, holding several important structures with the most famous being the Parthenon. Over time, it served as home to the kings, religious buildings, a mythical home to the gods, and now a tourist attraction as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This is the main attraction in Greece and likely the number one thing you will plan to see on your Athens Itinerary. The history of ancient Greece is so fascinating and seeing this incredible place in real life is so worth it.
Leisurely Tips: It is a steep walk to the entrance at the top where you will purchase tickets and can also buy water. Be sure to bring cash – they did not take cards when I visited.
I also recommend that you go when it opens if you want to have the place to yourself. I went early in the morning and it was still not quite early enough to beat the crowds! There will be tons of selfie sticks and honestly, that kind of took away from the experience of this ancient monument.
Wondering how to pack for Greece? I have you covered on what to wear to the Acropolis, in Athens, and on the islands.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon will be seen while visiting the Acropolis, but gets a section of its own to share its importance. Construction of the Parthenon began in 447 BC as a temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess and namesake of Athens. Inside was an outstanding statue of her standing at 40 feet tall made of ivory and gold. More opulent than any temple constructed in Greece, the Parthenon was the physical embodiment of the Athenians beliefs and values.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a Roman theater located on the southwest side of the Acropolis that was completed in 161 AD. It is considered one of the best open air theaters in the world and was used as a venue for music concerts with seating for up to 5,000! The amphitheater was reconstructed in 1950 and is still used for festivals – the only way to enter is with tickets.
Walk Around Plaka Neighborhood
Plaka is the oldest neighborhood in Athens and where you will walk to reach the Acropolis. The main pedestrian streets are called Adrianou Street and Kydatheneon Street. There are lots of shops and cafes to enjoy in the old town as you admire the neoclassical architecture.
Stroll Down Ermou Street
Ermou Street is a pedestrian only avenue that runs 1.5km through the heart of Athens. You will find tons of retail including major stores like H&M and Zara. It is a great place to people watch and window shop!
Hadrian’s Arch
Hadrian’s Arch was built (around 131 or 132 AD) to welcome the Roman Emperor Hadrian to the city of Athens and to celebrate his contributions in making Athens one of the greatest cities at the time.
Museums of Athens Greece
I’m not a huge museum girl, however, there are many museums like the Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum, or Museum of Cycladic Art depending on your interests.
Where to Eat in Athens Greece
Does Greece have a Michelin star restaurant? You bet! They have numerous Michelin starred restaurants and even more listed on the Michelin guide. Here is my list of all the best restaurants in Athens, Greece from fine dining to street side gyros!
Nolan
I was FINALLY able to try Nolan on my second trip to Athens. The first time I visited we walked past this lively, trendy restaurant that was already fully committed for the night. I made reservations months in advance to ensure we had a spot this time and it exceeded expectations. The food was delicious and the staff was so kind – a little too kind to bring us ouzo shots!
Nolan describes themselves as comfort food without geographical restrictions. You will have anything from fried chicken to asian street food. We had the zucchini dish with feta, miso and eggplant, soba noodles with salmon, Nolan Cod Burger (crispy fish sandwich), and mackerel.
Spondi
Spondi combines Greek and French ingredients to bring you a 2 Michelin Star worthy culinary experience. You will LOVE the intimate outdoor terrace and the elegant main dining room featuring exposed brick throughout.
Hytra
Dine under the stars overlooking the Acropolis at Hytra. Expect modern cuisine with locally sourced food in this warm atmosphere. Hytra has been awarded one Michelin star, one of many restaurants in Athens with this prestigious distinction.
By the Glass Athens
By the Glass is the best wine bar in Athens! Located at the entryway of the Inn Athens hotel, this spot is always bustling with locals and visitors alike. We loved having wine and cheese boards here to end the night!
GB Rooftop
I visited GB Rooftop on my first trip to Athens in search of a high rooftop bar with views of the Acropolis! This spot is located at the top of Hotel Grande Bretagne and certainly met my standards. So much so that we stayed at the hotel on our next trip to Athens. Plenty of great food and drink options!
Gyros Stands
Pop into any place serving gyros and grab one to eat on the sidewalk! There are tons of hole in the wall places! My favorite part of the gyros in Greece is that they put french fries inside 🙂
Happy Blender
Happy Blender is the perfect spot when you need something healthy or a break from the summer sun. They offer smoothies, acai bowls, salads, buddha bowls, avocado toast, energy balls, and more!
Thea Terrace Rooftop Bar and Restaurant
Thea Terrace Bar and Restaurant is located in the Central Athens Hotel. We stopped here for a late dinner and drinks under the glow of the Acropolis. The views from this rooftop at night are truly magnificent.
What to Pack for Athens Greece
Assuming you are traveling in the high season (summer), I recommend packing for Athens with loose, flowy clothing to be comfortable in the heat. Sundresses, skirts, and swimsuits are great to pack for the islands and in the city.
I also suggest wearing something comfortable like athletic wear to the Acropolis in the summer months. It can be quite warm and the walk up is very uphill. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Check out my full guide to help you pack for Greece:
For men in Athens, shorts and shirts will suit you well. I would also pack a pair of jeans for the evenings or a nicer dinner.
Read all my tips for the best travel essentials for you next trip!
Athens Q&A
Yes, I felt totally safe walking around Athens, whether sightseeing or heading to dinner. It’s a big city, so just stay aware of your surroundings like you would anywhere else, and avoid wandering alone at night.
Definitely! Athens is super walkable. Ermou Street runs through the city, connecting to Syntagma Square, the heart of Athens. From there, you’re surrounded by restaurants, shops, and historic sites. The Acropolis is just a 15-20 minute walk from pretty much anywhere downtown, and many spots are even closer!
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