ATHENS: THINGS TO KNOW AND DO IN THE GREEK CAPITAL

I grew up in one of the oldest cities in the world that you should visit at least once in your life as it has so much to offer!

Athens is for sure a city of contrasts. I have heard many people saying it is one of their favorite cities, with several websites ranking it in the top 10 of the most beautiful cities in the world; whilst others find it not pretty, chaotic and sketchy, full of graffiti.

What is true? Both! Athens is all of that! And it depends on which side of it you choose to see! Even the locals have different opinion about their own city. Athens has incredible monuments & museums with thousands of years of history, vibrant culture, vivid nightlife, delicious food and so many attractions for all the tastes!

General advice for first timers in Greece? 

Check my relevant article with tips when visiting GREECE. I think you will find it useful especially if you plan to visit for the first time. You can find it here.

How many days in Athens?

While you could easily enjoy and find things to do in Athens for 1 week, I think Athens is perfect for 3-4 days in order to take a taste of the variety of things the city has to offer! Angel’s tip: Don’t forget to have cash with you (euros) despite tha fact that lately almost all shops, bars and even taxis accept card payments. 

Best time to visit Athens?

I have been asked many times if Greece is warm all year long. I guess many people have this impression due to the pictures all over the internet with the sunny Greek islands and the amazing places. But it is not like that, Greece has 4 seasons and although winter is mild in general, you could even encounter snow or minus temperatures in the Greek capital.

I would recommend if you don’t want to face cold weather, you should better avoid visiting from December till April. And please note that Athens is really hot during July and August. But still Athens is great anytime for a city trip with good food and great nightlife. Angel’s tip: Keep in mind that Greeks mainly go on holidays from mid of July till end of August, so Athens is less crowded during these months and traffic barely noticeable. 

Closest airport?

Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” which is 30km away from Syntagma square where the heart of the city is located. It is super easy to take the metro, it will take less than 1 hour, trains run every 30 minutes, 7 days a week from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm and one way ticket cost Eur 9-10.

The other option you have is by taxi for 30 minutes that will cost around Eur 35-50 or the Bus X95 which costs Eur 6.

Angel’s tip: If you are planning to wander around the city during your visit, consider to buy a 3-day Tourist ticket, valid for metro, buses and tram. The 3-day ticket includes a return ticket to Athens Airport and costs 20€-23$.

Closest port?

Piraeus port is the main port of Athens and you can reach it easily by metro (via blue line). Taxi costs 25-35 euros one way.

There are two other ports as well that connect some islands with Athens called Rafina and Lavrion port.  Angel’s tip: Unfortunately metro doesn’t connect Athens with these ports so be careful when you book your tickets to the islands.  There is usually a bus (ktel attikis) from Athens Nomismatokopio Metro Station to Lavrio every 1 hour and 30 minutes. Tickets cost €5 and the journey takes less than 2 hrs but please have in mind that when you get to Lavrio you will need to take a short taxi or walk to the port. If you choose to take a taxi, it is around 65-75 euros from Athens to Lavrion.

What is the best way to get around Athens? 

The metro (underground) is the easiest & most-used option for moving around as it connects many neighborhoods of Athens and the suburbs. In combination with taxis, you have your answer! Please note that Uber in Greece only works with local taxis and you can find some other apps for taxis like “Freenow”.

Angel’s tip: If you want to easily discover many areas around the city center or head towards the beach, I would recommend you rent a car for 1 day. For example, towards Vouliagmeni-Glyfada area in Athenian Riviera or Sounio.

Angel’s tip: There is a combined ticket for many sites and monuments situated around Athens . It is valid for a single entrance per site and has a duration equal to the period of time indicated on the ticket (5 days), which starts from the selected date of the first visit. The ticket includes 7 Sites and Monuments of Athens: Acropolis, Ancient Agora + its museum, Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Roman Agora of Athens and Tower of the Winds, Hadrian’s Library, and the Aristotle’s Lyceum (Archaeological site of Lykeion).

Accommodation?

 There are so many cheap airbnbs you can choose from.  Ideally stay close to Syntagma, Plaka, Koukaki or Kolonaki area. One hotel with super central location that I love & recommend is “Athens Capital – M Gallery”.

Angel’s tip:  There are no areas in Athens that are truly dangerous but there are some parts of the city that you should avoid strolling around especially at night. Examples are some streets in Omonoia, Metaxourgeio, Vathis square, Pedion tou Areos, Kolonos, Larisis station, Attikis & Victorias square.

Places to visit in Athens 

• Acropolis, the jewel of the city where I recommend you to go early in the morning as it’s getting super crowded . Check here for my relevant article.
• Syntagma in the heart of Athens where the Greek Parliament and the most famous pedestrian shopping street (Ermou) of the city are located. The Christmas tree of Athens is placed here during the Christmas period.
• Ancient Agora, the place of political gatherings for the ancient Athenians.
• Roman Agora or Roman Forum of Athens, located at the north of the Acropolis and to the east of the Ancient Agora. It used to be an an open market. Entrance from April to October is 8€ and the rest of the months 4€.
• Panepistimiou Avenue and Stadiou street where “Akadimia” neighborhood is and linking Syntagma & Omonoia Square. Boutiques, luxury shops & great hotels characterize Stadiou while Panepistimiou hosts some amazing neoclassical buildings like the National Library, The University of Athens and the Greek academy.
• National Gardens in the heart of Athens, next to the parliament. A beautiful green area with plants, trees and birds. More than 500 different species of plants, birds, trees and animals. The National Garden, is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
• Zappeion Hall: Close to the garden in 1878 the neo-classical Zappeion Hall was built.  The Zappeion was the Olympic village for the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens and as a venue for the fencing events. Today it is used for public exhibitions and press conferences.
• Panathenaic stadium or Kalimarmaro in Mets area was originally constructed in the ancient times and is the only major stadium in the world entirely constructed from white marble. The first modern Olympic Games in 1896 were hosted here. General entrance 10 euros.
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus: A breathtaking open-air theatre that sits at the slopes of the Acropolis hill and hosts during summer all kinds of  performances from ancient Greek tragedies to majestic ballets & concerts. It’s one of the world’s oldest and finest open-air theatres. The 4,500-seat theatre was fully restored in 1950 and is the primary venue of the annual Athens Festival.
• Temple of Olympian Zeus & Handrian’s Arch: A triumphal arch which lies on walking distance from Syntagma square, right between the rock of the Acropolis and the temple of Olympian Zeus. On the northwest, this monument faces the Monument of Lycicrates in Plaka. The construction of this temple started in 131 BC to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and to thank him for his benefactions for the city. Symbolically the location of the arch was to mark the line between the ancient part of Athens and Hadrian’s new city.
• Temple of Poseidon in Sounion in the Athenian Riviera.
• The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Palaio Faliro which is a cultural centre and park. Built in 2016 it includes the National Library, the Greek National Opera and the Stavros Niarchos Park with great views of the city.

Things to do

1. Watch the change of the guards in Syntagma Square (known as ‘’Tsoliades” or “Evzones”) which is a Military unit that stands 24/7 in front of the Hellenic Parliament and guard the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, honouring the heroes who fought and sacrificed their lives. The  changing of the guard occurs every day at the top of the hour. The most spectacular Changing of the Guard is every Sunday at 11.00am.
2. Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill which is the highest point of Athens (277m). The view from Lycabettus Hill is best enjoyed at sunset whilst waiting for the Acropolis & the other monuments to light up.  Athens is surrounded by sea, where you can enjoy spectacular views across the Aegean sea. At the top of the hill, you will find the Greek whitewashed church of Ayios Georgios (St. George), and everyone is welcome to enter. You can take a funicular up the hill, if you’ve had enough of walking with 10euros ticket. Angel’s tip: Don’t miss to have a coffee/drink in “Prasini Tenta” with the most breathtaking view of all the city!
3. Watch the sunset from Philopappou Hill with incredible views of the Acropolis.
4. If you visit during summer months, enjoy a movie in an open air cinema. A great option is CINE Thission, one of the best open air cinemas in the world, mainly due to its privileged view of the Acropolis.
5. Walk along Flisvos Marina and Stavros Niarchos cultural center in Palaio Faliro.
6. Hike and enjoy the views in Lycabettus, Ymittos mountain, Pnyz, Ardittos Hill, Tourkovounia, Tatoi Royal Estate.
7. Drive on the Athenian Riviera.
   

   “Prasini Tenta” cafe in Lycabettus Hill

Neighborhoods to stroll around in Athens city center:

• Syntagma, as mentioned above, is considered the “heart” of the city and Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens and home to historic demonstrations and protests. Its name in Greek means “Constitution Square”. The Greek Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the main metro station are here. The most famous pedestrian shopping street of Athens is Ermou street that starts from Syntagma and ends in Monastiraki.
• Monastiraki where old and new Athens meet under the shadow of Acropolis. Many rooftop bars and Athens flea market are situated here. Dozens of small shops clustered in Ifestou Street (right next to the station) sell furniture, appliances, vintage items, tools, clothes, shoes and whatever you can imagine. Every Sunday morning at the flea market of Avyssinia Square, you will have the chance to find gems among hundreds of old objects.
• Plaka just under the Acropolis hill with its unique vibes & cute shops. One of the most famous neighborhoods in the city, with its colorful neoclassical buildings and ruins is waiting for the visitors to discover every corner. Angel’s tip: Don’t miss Anafiotika, the hidden gem of Plaka.

• Thiseio where many young locals go, with many edible & cultural treasures in one of the most well situated neighborhoods in Athens.
• Psirri with small shops, lively squares, nightlife & restaurants in the city.
• Koukaki has a special place in Athens inner city. Here you can find beautiful bars, wine bars, coffee shops & restaurants. Angel’s tip: Check Georgiou Olympiou pedestrian street.
• Makriyianni, an upscale neighborhood where Acropolis museum is.
• Kolonaki is the high class area of Athens with magnificent restaurants like Malconi’s or Zurbaran, bars, luxury boutiques and beautiful houses. Angel’s tip: I love Dexameni restaurant at the Dexameni square during summer.
• Kerameikos(Gazi) is a district of hip bars, clubs, bouzoukia and edgy galleries

Neighborhoods to visit apart from the city center:

 You can find several areas in the suburbs of Athens that locals live and choose to go for walk, food, drinks at night or shopping. Let me help you…  As you know, Athens is not only the city center, as described above, but it is mainly divided to 4 regional units (suburbs) plus Piraeus which is somehow independent.

• South Athens next to the sea where the Athenian Riviera stands and it is a famous option especially when the weather is nice. From Yacht Marinas in Palaio Faliro, Alimos or Elliniko to luxury seaside hotels and vivid areas in Glyfada or Vouliagmeni where you can find great beach bars, café – bars and restaurants , shopping and many places to party! Angel’s tip:  A summer club in this part of the city in Varkiza and famous venue for weddings or parties too is “Island Club & Restaurant”.
• The Northern suburbs of the city is usually colder due to the altitude and include areas like Kifisia, Nea Erythrea, Ekali, Pendeli, Agia Paraskevi, Chalandri and Maroussi. It is considered a high-end and aristocratic area with beautiful neoclassical buildings.
• Piraeus. The port city of the capital which combines literally everything and stands independent in the district. Don’t miss Mikrolimano, Pasalimani or Kastella areas for food or drinks.
• The West side has its own unique character, cultural identity and top-notch entertainment. You can visit, shop and have fun in areas like Peristeri, Chaidari, Egaleo, Ilion, Petroupoli etc.
• The Eastern suburbs which are quiet and less famous with towns like Pallini, Koropi, Rafina, Spata where the airport is, Nea Makri, Keratea etc. Many locals have their summer homes there. Mount Hymettus guards the eastern entrance to Athens and  provides amazing views over the city, its mountains and the sea.

Athenian Riviera

Athens has a treasure and it’s called, Athenian Riviera. Athens is an amazing destination for a city break, but the Greek capital also doubles as a beach destination. Why? On the South side of Athens you can find the Athenian Riviera. The coastal area from Piraeus to Sounio and Lavrio. A destination considered “high end” with a variety of cities next to the sea, great restaurants, beach bars, summer night clubs, parks, yacht marinas, luxury seaside hotels…Angel’s tip: Visit Vouliagmeni lake & Astir beach during summer and enjoy swimming or just a coffee.

Some great restaurants/bars I recommend in the Athenian Riviera next to the sea, especially during summer months: “Nalu”, “Bolivar” & “Peñarrubia Lounge” in Alimos, Ark & Caretta in Glyfada, “Κrabo beach” in Kavouri, “Moorings” and “En Plo” in Vouiagmeni, “Yabanaki” in Varkiza.

Angel’s tip: A 30 minutes drive from Athens city. At the very end of the peninsula, you will find Cape Sounio, an important historic site, home to the stunning Temple of Poseidon .

Greek food to try?

I don’t know if it is the combination of the ingredients, the fresh vegetables, the tasty cheeses or the fact that we have sea everywhere but believe me, Greek food is insanely delicious! The most impressive thing is that every region in Greece has its own local dishes & products. Each island is famous for something different & I would suggest you to try everything it is recommended to you. Below I will write to you a few general things about Greek delicacies:

Angel’s tip: Try to taste different plates to share with your friends.

Coffee to try: Greek coffee & frappe.

Sweets to try: Loukoumades(like donuts), Bougatsa, Orange pie, Kataifi, Pasteli, Galaktoboureko, Kourabiedes, Melomakarona, Halvas

Products to try: Feta cheese, local cheeses, Fava dip(beans), Tzatziki dip (yogurt+garlic), Taramosalata dip (fish roe)

Street food must try: Souvlaki.

Dishes to taste: 

• Greek Salad
• Saganaki cheese
• Dolmadakia
• Zucchini, tomato and meat balls
• Moussakas
• Gemista
• Pastitsio (pasta)
• Spinach-Feta pie

Restaurants to recommend?

I have another article that can help you with all my personal recommendations and restaurants I have tried. As a local, I don’t choose very touristic places but I think you will enjoy the food almost everywhere! Reservations are recommended especially during weekends. Link here

Angel’s tip: Tip is not included in your bill and it is optional. If you are satisfied with the service you give as much as you wish, but a 5-10% tip is a fair amount.

Nightlife?

Athens is notorious for having a great nightlife scene with countless music venues, bars, and drinking joints opening their doors till morning hours. You can find bars to have fun in every single small neighborhood but there are some of them that are more popular.

Let me give you some examples:

• Syntagma, Monastiraki and Psirri areas in the city center have plenty of options. Check around Kolokotroni street and Agia Eirini square. Examples: Bank Job, Drahmi, Ipitou the bar, Clumsies, The 7 Jokers, 6 dogs,  Drunk Sinatra, Bless me Father, The Bar in front of the bar. Juan Rodriguez in Psirri in nice too.
• There are great rooftop bars with amazing views of the city & Acropolis hill. Located mainly in Monastiraki & Syntagma. Examples: A for Athens, Thea Terrace, Ermou 18, Attic Urban,360 Cocktail bar, etc
• Koukaki full of cute meze restaurants and bars that locals choose. Examples: Tiki bar, Bel ray, Spirtokouto.
• Exarcheia: Very vivid area with many Greeks and great bars & restaurants. Examples: Warehouse, Kobra, Tziz, Falaina, Agios for late night drinks.
• Pangrati with many bars, locals and great vibes. Examples: Hippy3, Frater & Sonor, See you, Mpriki etc
• Petralona which is a more industrial area and you can find bars like Line, Opupa Epops, Klouvi etc
• Piraeus: Another huge area of the capital next to the sea as the main port of Greece is here. So many incredible options for all the tastes. Examples: Tony’s, Rockfellas, Charlotte.
• Kerameikos (Gazi) where you can find bouzoukia (with live music & Greek singers) and night clubs (like Lohan) apart from the usual bars. Examples: Beauty killed the beast, Kerameio, Momix. Angel’s tip: A great one for drinks and cabaret show with impressive artists is “Parfait”, I really enjoyed it!
  

  Vouliagmeni area

• Chalandri: In the north side of Athens is full of options as well. Examples: Darling, Mockingbird’s bar, White monkey, etc
• Glyfada city and Vouliagmeni close to the sea, vivid throughout the year and crowded during summer months. Examples of bars: Pere Ubu, Mosaiko, Opus, Thirty, Rumors, etc
• Nea Smirni area with many bars around the central square. Example: New Habits, Epitokio, Rusty Grail.

AWARDED bars: There are some lists with the internationally-awarded bars in the world and you can find now some of them in Athens city! “Baba au Rum”, “Barro Negro” and “The Clumsies” in Athens city center, along with “Line” in Petralona  stand out!

Museums in Athens:

Athens has plenty of interesting museums to visit. It depends if you love history, arts or ancient artifacts. Some amazing ones are: Acropolis museum, National Archaeological Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, National Gallery – Alexandros Soutzos museum, Byzantine museum.

If I had to choose among 3 museums, I would suggest these:

Acropolis museum: One of the top museums in the world where you can find stunning sculptures and priceless artifacts discovered on the jewel of Athens, Acropolis.

• General admission during summer season 15€ , during winter season 10€.
• Open every day from 9am.

Angel’s tip: Enjoy the amazing view from the rooftop.

National Archaelogical museum: Bigger than the Acropolis museum and very impressive with artifacts dating back to 5000BC. A museum that has collected major finds & ancient Greek art from all over Greece with an interesting library as well.

• General admission during summer season 12€ , during winter season 6€.
• Open every day from 08:30am apart from Tuesday (opens at 13:00pm)

National Art Gallery – Alexandros Soutzos museum: The most important museum for the history of art in Greece. It is located n a new building that opened up on  2021 with some permanent and temporary exhibitions, amazing collections of 20,000 artworks of painting, sculptures & other art forms.

• General admission: 10€
• Closed on Tuesday. Open every day from 09:00 am.

Day trips from Athens city? 

There are so many wonderful places you can go to from Athens city either by renting a car or with organized excursions.

• If you love ancient history, you can visit Mykines, Archaia Olympia, Epidavros, Delphoi and Ancient Nemea.
• To enjoy the beautiful nature in combination with good food and walks, you can go to Kalavryta, Parnitha mountain & Mpafi Mountain Refuge, Trikala in Conirth, Dimitsana in Arcadia, Arachova, Livadeia with Springs of Krya.
• City trips with a sea view in Chalkida, Nafplion, Loutraki, Pachi in Megara during summer.
• For sea lovers and beach destinations, visit beaches towards Sounio and Lagonisi, Keratea,Vouliagmeni lake, Alepochori & Psatha.
• Vist the greek islands close to Athens: Agistri, Aigina or even Hydra and Spetses. In the southern suburbs of Athens, you can find beautiful islets off the coast like Fleves or Patroklos that you can visit to enjoy swimming during summer months.

Ideal Itinerary for 3 days in Athens if you are a 1st time visitor

It is very easy to stroll around Athens city center and you can combine different neightborhoods and things to do as many of them are within walking distance. Check the map to see what you want to do each day and don’t miss the nightlife and the delicious food city has to offer.

1st day: Acropolis & the museum, Syntagma and Ermou/Panepistimiou  street, Plaka with Anafiotika and food/drinks in Syntagma at night (maybe in a rooftop as well)

2nd day: Monastiraki with the flea market, Thiseio, Ancient & Roman Agora, a museum like Benaki or sunset from Psilopappos hill and Psirri at night.

3rd day:  Temple of Olympian Zeus, National Garden, Zappeion, Panathenaic stadium, a museum like National Gallery and Pangrati close by at night. If you want to watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill, you can combine it with Exarcheia or Kolonaki for drinks.

The rest of the days, you can do many things from the lists above like Athenian riviera and areas next to the sea like Glyfada and Vouliagmeni. Sounion temple is impressive too but like 1 hour drive from the city center.

 

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