Athens
What you need to know before you go
Athens is known as the birthplace of civilization – its rich history dates from the Neolithic age. There is so much to see and do, both historic and modern, that a planned itinerary is essential if you’re going to get the most out of the must-see neighborhoods like Plaka, Thissio and Monastiraki. As you roam this vast metropolis, you will encounter a multitude of monuments, museums, tavernas, and ouzerias giving off the scent of garlic and oregano. Chic boutiques stand alongside market stalls where loud locals try to sell their tchotchkes. Bring money, comfortable shoes, and your sense of wonder.
What to see & do in Athens
Featured stories & fun stuff10 Best Things to Do in Athens
The best things to do in Athens include exploring ancient architecture, historical sites and vibrant neighbourhoods. A historical city steeped in culture and charm, it has all the ingredients you need for an unforgettable European city break. Whether you want...10 Best Museums in Athens
Museums in Athens offer a unique opportunity to witness civilisation's birth with firsthand access to artefacts and artwork from this...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Athens
Couples in Athens can find a world of exciting, thrilling and romantic adventures to get their pulse pounding and create...10 Best Beaches in Athens
Beaches in Athens offer endless stretches of golden and white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters, and a true Mediterranean paradise...10 Things to Do in Athens on a Small Budget
Athens on a budget is so easy to do that you might wonder why you have never taken a holiday...10 Best Family Things to Do in Athens
Family things to do in Athens let you walk into the past while at the same time experiencing ultramodern adventure...10 Best Ancient Ruins to Visit in Athens
The ancient ruins in Athens are great places for stepping back into the city’s storied past. You can see the...
Where & what to eat in Athens
10 Best Local Dishes from Athens
Many of the best local dishes from Athens contain healthy doses of olive oil with creamy feta cheese and a variety of herbs and spices. You’ll see these ingredients served with salads, meat dishes and vegetarian staples. It doesn’t stop...10 Great Restaurants in Athens
This guide to great restaurants in Athens includes fabulous choices where you can enjoy both traditional and contemporary Greek and...10 Best Local Restaurants in Athens
The best local restaurants in Athens include some of the Greek capital’s hidden gems. Beyond the ubiquitous tourist traps, these...
Where to shop & what to buy in Athens
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Athens
The best places to go shopping in Athens cover a broad range of shopping experiences. From flea markets to artsy squares and from upscale districts to modern malls, there’s a shopping scene for different tastes in this lively city. You’ll...10 Best Markets in Athens
At the best markets in Athens, you can shop for Greek delicacies, artisan jewellery and high-quality clothing. Depending on where you go, you can also shop for antiques, second-hand vehicles and even farm animals. In the Greek capital...
Where to go & what to do at night in Athens
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Athens
There are plenty of things to do after dinner in Athens, and whether you’re after a taste of modern or traditional culture, we’ve lined up some of the best activities. After a day of exploring the city, the temperatures drop...10 Best Rooftop Bars in Athens
Rooftop bars in Athens offer fantastic vibes and drinks and astounding views of iconic ancient landmarks and the city's sprawling skyline. You'll find just about every kind of nightlife experience you could want here, from vibrant dance clubs that let...
Useful information
Athens Travel Essentials
Our Athens Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to the capital city of Greece. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? We have all...
More information about Athens
Expect Ancient Greek relics, creative Mediterranean cuisine and vibrant nightlife on an Athens city break. Book an Athens hotel to discover the roots of European civilisation.
Ancient wonders
Touring the ruins of one of the ancient world’s most important civilisations is top of every Athens itinerary. Rising in the city centre, the Acropolis is a rocky mound crowned by the 5th-century BC marble Parthenon. Nearby, the New Acropolis Museum is a hi-tech, all-glass building displaying ancient sculptures. Visit the National Archaeological Museum to marvel at the world’s finest collection of Ancient Greek treasures, including Mycenaean golden jewellery and Minoan frescoes.
Eating out
After exploring the Acropolis, relax over lunch at a rustic taverna in the Plaka district or grab a souvlaki to eat on the go in the nearby Monastiraki bazaar. Come sunset, head for Psirri or Gazi, both packed with trendy restaurants and late-night bars. The smart set prefers up-market Kolonaki, home to excellent Greek, French, Italian and Japanese restaurants. For seafood, try Mikrolimano, a pretty fishing harbour rimmed with seafood restaurants. The covered Central Market is the place to pick up local picnic ingredients.
After dark
For an unforgettable view of the floodlit Acropolis, enjoy a nightcap at an open-air bar in Thissio. In Psirri and Gazi, countless bars and small clubs play music ranging from traditional Greek to rock and electro. In summer, the big clubs move from the centre to open-air coastal locations in Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, while the Athens Festival has evening cultural performances in the ancient Herodes Atticus Theatre below the Acropolis.