Athens Travel Blog

When you talk to those who are planning to travel to Athens, you find them excited. After visiting, opinions vary─some love the ancient city, while others find it dull due to its focus on ruins.

During our 10 Days trip to Greece, we landed in Athens first. Despite being an architect, I wondered Athens is cup of our tea or not! Within few hours, I knew I had fallen in love and even my non-architect husband loved Athens – It is beyond ruins.

Our Athens travel blog is s all about keeping it real. I spill the beans on my experience without any fancy edits. This guide’s your go-to for cruising through the Greek capital without feeling lost. Whether history’s your jam or not, it’s a must-read to ace your Athens trip planning.

Index

1. Why visit Athens
2. Who may like and who may not?
3. When to visit Athens
4. How Many days to spend
5. Reaching Athens
6. Getting around Athens
7. Things to do in Athens
8. Where to Stay

1. Why People Travel to Athens

The main reason for tourists to visit Athens is that it is a gateway to Greece. The enchanting Greek islands’ ferries kick off from here. Hence, Athens becomes the starting point for nearly every traveller’s Greek vacation. A typical attitude is, “I’ve got to touch down Greece capital. So I will do those usual things people do in the Athens, and then move on.”

But, is Athens actually worth a visit?

While many tourists end up in Athens just because, the place is genuinely worth a visit. Athens is the birthplace of mythical marvels, a historical cradle with stories hugging the coastline. Every ancient street here holds a fascinating tale; you just need to be a bit sensitive and curious to truly explore Athens, not just use it as a backdrop for your social media pictures.

What makes Athens Unique?

The way old merges with new makes Athens super unique. It feels strange to see a Metro train run between the 2500-year-old ruins! Watching these marble structures change their colour to glowing honey at sunset gives you goosebumps and takes you to aged Greek heaven. The Acropolis, surrounded by skyscrapers at the foothill, shows what is new and ancient.

The Agoras (ancient marketplaces) were where Athenians gathered to discuss and gossip, serving as evidence of the birthplace of democracy. The trendy bars and cafes near the Agora shows how the “meeting place of people” has evolved over time. Athens has changed, just like time. There is a hipster vibe, a laid-back atmosphere and pretty lanes – There are too many reasons why you must visit Athens, even if you aren’t a history buff.

Visiting Athens, took me back to my first history class as an architecture student. A lousy lonely column standing in the middle of rubbles reminded me of my sketch plates done during my history class. For Ashrith, it was the stories of Zeus, Spartans, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Pandoras and Hercules in the actual locations.

2. Who will like Athens?

Greek Mythology fans (like me) and curious tourists ( like my husband) more into understanding a place’s cultural significance than just snapping photos, will adore Athens. Knowing Greece’s history is not a prerequisite; it’s fascinating to witness it where it all began. You don’t need to be an archaeologist or architect to appreciate Athens’ ruins.

Imagine strolling the streets of Agora where Plato and Aristotle once walked. Athens holds the secrets of perfect architecture, general physics, Greek mythology, ancient ruins, and global rulers’ tales. If any of this intrigues you, Athens is a must on your travel bucket list.

Who may not like to visit Athens?

The word associated with Athens is “ruins”. So if you are looking for one beautiful structure in full shapes like Schonbrunn in Vienna or Mysore palace, you will be disappointed.

These ruins are not the best backdrop for pretty pictures. While Athens was glorious centuries ago, it’s now just another Mediterranean city.

Despite having a sea, the beaches lack fame─neither turquoise nor alluringly wavy. Many package tours include Athens for convenience, often overlooking its history. Not everyone fancies strolling by broken Doric columns.

Athens’ theatre acoustics may seem trivial to those craving the grandeur of Burj Khalifa. Though the nightlife is good, if you’ve partied in places like Amsterdam, Berlin, Las Vegas, Tel Aviv, or Bangkok, Athens may feel a bit subdued.

3. What is the best month to visit Athens, Greece?

March to May or September to November is the best time to visit Athens. The sunshine is guaranteed, the crowd is lesser, airfares and hotels are cheaper, and the weather is better.

We could see Athens much better because we were there in May. My friends who went to Athens had to wait in line to get the glimpse of first columns of Parthenon!

The uphill walks around the archaeological site may worsen even in May. So keep the hiking for mornings from 6 to 10 and evenings 4 pm to 7 pm. And wear comfortable clothing and footwear to suit the weather.

4. How many days to spend in Athens

By now, you already must have got an idea if you are in the category “I love Athens” or “I don't love Athens.” So how many days you need depends on the category you fall into. But I suggest at least two full days to see the highlights of Athens.

A friend said a day is enough for Athens, another suggested skipping it totally. A historian blogger advised seven days, travel nomads recommended three. Confused on how long to spend, we stayed in Athens for one whole day with an overnight stay – We could visit and do only few things in Athens. So you don’t make the mistake we did.

5. How to travel to Athens?

• By Air : Athens International Airport (ATH) connects with flights from nearby European countries and Middle Eastern cities. Check for the best connections and deals on Skyscanner before deciding.
• By Sea : Cruises from Italy and Greece are popular, but we don’t recommend it. Traveling is more enjoyable when walking the streets with locals than sipping champagne with tourists on a luxury boat.

Athens Airport to City Centre

To reach city centre from airport, Catch those City Express buses during day time – they’re the speedy ride from the Airport to Athens city center, Piraeus Harbour, and other hotspots. We hopped on bus x95 straight from the airport, landing us directly at Syntagma square.

A quick 2 Euro taxi then whisked us from the square to our hotel in Plaka. Athens airport have help desks and friendly officers who can assist you to get to the right platform. It is best to buy your bus tickets at kiosk before you board the bus.

During odd hours like late nights and early morning, it is super wise to prebook a taxi.

Getting to Athens from other Greek cities

To get to Athens from other cities, you either use bus, train or Ferries.

You can travel to Athens by train from Northern cities like Kalambaka (near Meteora), Thessaloniki, Corinth, and many more. Expect a delay of 30 minutes on Greek trains – our to and fro journey to Kalambaka was delayed by 20 minutes. When checked with the railway station officer, smilingly he said, “It is okay – it happens in Greece.”

Heads up : Athens railway station has a payable luggage locker. So, if you want to dump your trolley suitcase and carry only a backpack like we did, it is easily doable in Athens main train station.

Book your trains and buses to/from Athens on 12Go Asia using your credit/debit cards easily – They show both, train and bus option to get to a place from Athens and you can choose what suits you best.

Santorini to Athens

Using a ferry is the best option to get to Athens from Santorini. We took a comfy fast ferry to Santorini from port Piraeus. Arrive at port an hour before departure. Although flying is an option, it is an expensive option. Ferries to and from Athens can be booked here

Port Piraeus to Athens City Centre

To reach the city center from the port, take the x80 Piraeus-Acropolis-Syntagma Express bus. During odd hours, a taxi or private transfer is the most comfortable choice.

To catch our ferry to Santorini at 6:30, we wisely booked a private taxi from Korydallos to Port Piraeus three days in advance. The 10-minute journey cost approximately €10. From Syntagma square to Piraeus harbor, it would cost about €25-30, depending on the time of day.

6. How to travel in and around Athens?

You can get around in Athens by Metro and tram easily. Use the efficient metro for major spots, or grab a bus or tram for city-wide travel. Mind that metro Runs between 6.30 am to 11 pm. Taxis are handy for short trips, especially at night. Walking is perfect, especially in the city center and around historic sites.

7. Things to do in Athens in one day

No matter how many days you spend, a must-do in Athens is to go on a walking tour or by self guided audio tour. It’s the best way to understand the glory of Athens ruins.

If you are on a budget, you can opt for free walking tours in Athens. Ensure your walking tours end before sunset – you have to be at the Acropolis to observe something magical.

We bought Audio tour for two so that we can explore Athens at our own pace.

Another thing to keep in mind while planning your Athens travel itinerary is that there are more than 30 historical sites! Some of them are just rubble with historical tales and facts connected to it, while others are decently preserved. And combine a bit of street wandering and chilling in cafes, to your list of best things to do in Athens.So, you really need to do a little research before you start visiting every historical site in Athens.

This one-day travel itinerary for Athens is doable by walking. It involves about 7 km of walking, including a slightly sloped hill hike to Lycabettus. If walking 7+ km is too much for you, you can hop on trams or book an Uber taxi.

i. Visit Zeus temple

The Temple of Zeus in Athens is a massive ancient beauty. Of course, it has to be because he is the king of the Greek Gods. (I am wondering if Zeus would look like Thor, and the temple reminded me of the movie Real Steel).

It’s like stepping into history with those colossal columns. Much of the temple is gone – there is neither wall nor roof. What is even more shocking is a giant gold and ivory statue of Zeus that once existed here is also missing.

ii. Visit The Panathenaic Stadium of Athens

The second stop of your hike will likely be the stadium. Hosting the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, it stands as a proof of Greece’s rich sporting heritage. Also known as Kallimarmaro, it is a historic marvel in Athens.

This stadium is entirely made of marble (you will soon see how Greeks overused marble in every possible way).

You can feel the echoes of ancient cheers as you walk through the well-preserved stadium. The horseshoe-shaped arena, with white marble seats, exudes a timeless charm.

The real story of a Greek soldier who ran 42 km from the village of Marathon to Athens to deliver a message about Athenians' victory over Persians and how this became a standard distance of modern-day Marathon excites you when you hear it from a historian guide here.

If you want to walk inside the stadium, you need to buy a ticket, otherwise it is free to see it from outside.

iii. Hiking to Mount Lycabettus

Understanding Athens’ history is crucial, but appreciating the city’s best view matters for us tourists. The 2.5 km hike to Mount Lycabettus reveals a different side of Athens─passing fallen columns and affluent residential areas. Regardless of your trail position, the Acropolis is a constant presence on the horizon.

You’ll notice Athens extending to the coastline, offering a distant view of the Acropolis. The challenging climb is rewarded with this impressive sight.

At the top of Mount Lycabettus

The St. George Church on the hilltop receives Christian devotees and selfie clickers fairly but is not as crowded as the Acropolis. Lunch with a view here sounds like a plan until you realise the meal cost at the hilltop cafe.

So we dropped settled with a scoop of ice cream and juice from a small shop here. It gives you some cool off time and sun calms down a bit better.

iv. Explore Streets of Athens

Athens is like this huge open-air gallery with street art and murals all around. When you’re coming down from Lycabettus, you can go with the usual path or mix it up and check out the quieter side lanes. Those lanes have cool cafes and budget-friendly juice bars, great for us budget travelers. Sarri street, Heroes Square, and Lucas Nika have some amazing street arts. It is like the cool place where young Athenians hangout.

Some buildings here looked like artists got bored of making Graffiti and left it halfway through – But definitely interesting.

v. Visit Monastiraki Flea Market in Athens

Monastiraki Flea Market in Athens is a vibe! The bustling market offers an eclectic mix of goods, from traditional Greek crafts to vintage treasures – especially those wooden penis! Stroll through narrow alleys lined with stalls selling souvenirs, handmade jewelry, antiques – And observe how every tourist bargains with the seller and how cleverly these shop owners lure their way!

The aroma of street food spreads through the air, tempting you with delicious Greek delicacies. The market’s lively atmosphere, coupled with the backdrop of historical landmarks is unbelievable. You must embrace the chaos, to uncover unique finds, and soak in the lively spirit of Monastiraki.

Just don’t forget to observe the Hadrian’s library in Monastiraki – Except for those last corinthian columns standing, the Hadrian Library is indeed in bad shape.

vi. Walk Through Ancient Agora

The Agora of Athens is like this cool archaeological spot under the northwest slope of the Acropolis. The word “agora” means a gathering place or assembly.

In every old and new Greek city, there’s some agora action. Athens Agora, in the city’s heart, spans 5000 years. It had an assembly hall, shops, and residences. Constant demolition and rebuilding make it tricky for folks to grasp its history without a guide. Excavations unveil its story across eras, showcasing roles from ancient times. Besides traditional Greek temples, charming Byzantine temples with red clay tile-clad domes enhance the place.

vii. Chill in Local cafes before you go to Acropolis

As you walk by the sides of Roman Agora, a beautiful lane of pretty beige-coloured houses and streetside cafes appear. Some of the streets have excellent graffiti bringing a colourful contrast to the begie-ness of the city

The trees for sunshades, Roman/Greek ruins popping here and there, and Victorian balcony houses, this is one of the finest streets for walking and chilling in Athens

viii. Finally, visit the magnificent of all places in Athens – The Acropolis .

The charm of Acropolis starts at its foothill. Local artists play instrumental music, and small stalls sell handmade metal jewels. Be cautious of women with infants begging from tourists─watch out for scams. Those corbelled winding pathways with the shade of trees took us to the ticket office via a theatre.

Theatre of Herodes Atticus

Whatever may be the genre, music heals everyone. Ancient Greeks & Romans understood the power of music better than anyone. Greeks held terrific performances with no electronics to support and no wires to connect – that is because they knew how to build acoustically perfect theatres. A Second-Century Theater of Herodes Atticus is one of the greatest of its time, and Greeks still hold live performances here in Summertime during Epidaurus Festival – How cool is that!

The Greek Entrance – Propylaea

Walking ahead, you come across the Roman entrance to the Acropolis. But, of course, after dethroning the Greeks, Romans had to add their share of buildings to the Greek place. It was a magnificent entrance back then, but only part of its wall remains still now.

One thing you will realise as soon as you see the first ruin of Acropolis is, who is responsible for Marble being expensive! Ancient Greeks and Romans used marble for anything and everything. Starting from the entrance steps to the columns that hold its roof – Everything is built by marble ( not clad, built with marble). What we consider a luxury material now was Greek bricks!

Temple of Athena Nike

When you step on the marble steps and pass through the vestibules, imagine yourself as an ancient Greek citizen wearing Chiton and an Olive leaves headband, with some offerings for the Goddess Athena. Don't forget to look on your right side – An old, small yet cute temple of Athena Nike.

Parthenon

Walking through the vestibule between giant marble Doric and Ionic columns, the view reveals the most important and talked-about building – Parthenon. Thousands of years ago, this building was the home of a 38′ tall gold cladded Athena statue, now a building with less than 50% of its original structure left! At first glance, it isn't going to make tourists folks happy. Most of the visitors may not be aware of the reason why the UNESCO symbol resembles this ruin.

As an architect and a history teacher, I knew the extensive mathematical calculations Greeks adapted and the extremes of details they did to this building with Optical corrections. These terminologies may seem too technical, but watch the below videos; you will know why Parthenon is celebrated and appears on every coverage of Greece travel websites. You should watch this video by Khan’s Academy before you head to Acropolis to appreciate it better.

Condition of Parthenon at Acropolis now

Then, Partenon was the symbol of Athens’s grandeur built to glorify the victory of Athenians over Persians. But now, mere background for tourists selfies who want to submit a piece of evidence on social media to show the world they went to Greece. I say this rudely because people consider this a “Pile of old Stone” without understanding it.

The inner part of this Athena temple is almost non-existing now. The pediment of the roof was painted green and red colour and studded with precious gemstones. It is almost impossible to get Parthenon to its ancient glory, but the work is in progress and will remain under restoration for a lot more time.

Why is Parthenon in such a ruined state?

From Persians to Barbarians, Turks to British in the 1800s, almost the entire world has contributed to its destruction! I am surprised to see this many remains here! Each broken stone, each fallen sculpture, has a sad story behind them. For us, the tourists, it is a wrecked background for photos.

Suppose you still wonder why the building is in such pathetic condition even after several restoration attempts; watch this video

Erechtheion

Though Parthenon is an architectural wonder, my favourite remains Erechtheion – Women carrying the load since 5th Century BC. The temple is unusual from typical Symmetrical Greek temples. This was named after a demi-god to house an old wooden Athena statue. The most impressive parts of the temples are the Porch of Caryatids – Women figurines used as columns. You can't get very close to the porch, but you can make out the different hairstyles of the women here. The folds in their draping are so detailed that you can't stop admiring it through the hands that held wine pots once are missing now.

Many curious tourists get disappointed because we aren't allowed to touch anything here! Thank god we aren't allowed to touch. Else, that little remains you see now would have turned into dust. Have you heard of our Hampi Musical Pillars tapped and worn out?

A similar thing would have happened here too. A few of the lady figures from here are already taken away by Turks and British. We tourists would have broken either an arm or the headdress while hugging the ladies for a photo.

Sunset at Acropolis

If it is too much history and architecture for you at the hilltop , the gold flake and honey colour sunset never fail to impress you.

The marble buildings here glow at dusk because of the iron content in their Pentelic marble. The hilltop may be crowded, but not many like staying back for this sunset! There is no cafe at the hilltop to sip coffee, no glam structure to pose pretty/handsome. The regular crowd leaves immediately after clicking the selfies. So the best thing to do in Athens Acropolis is to wait for the crowd to disperse after the sunset, there remains a small crowd of tourist who appreciates the real beauty of Acropolis until the watch guard chases them out.

So at the end of the day, come back to Monasthraki like we did to just chill and eat some food. ( We ate bread and had juice from a grocery store – everything was expensive). Or head to Psyri if you want to enjoy nightlife.

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, check out our post “Greece Travel Guide for 10 Days.” It covers everything, from obtaining a visa to currency and power socket adapter recommendations, an overview of Greek food, tips on common scams to avoid, and everything else a first-timer should know.

8. Where should I stay in Athens

When deciding where to stay in Athens, consider Plaka and Syntagma as ideal neighborhoods due to their proximity to the Acropolis. If you plan to catch an early morning ferry, choose an area near the port. However, steer clear of immediate neighborhoods around ports and railway stations due to higher rates of petty crimes. Remember, while Athens isn’t the most expensive city for tourists, prices are relatively higher. On average, expect to pay around €80 per night for a room for two with air conditioning located 2 km from tourist attractions.

Best Places to stay in Athens

The closest neighborhood to Acropolis is Plaka. We stayed at Hotel Phaedra and was super comfortable. You can also try Hotel Adam’s for budget options.

One of the closest neighborhoods to the port Piraeus is Korydallos. Although it’s considered one of the most boring neighborhoods, it’s very ideal for those who have to catch a ferry the next day from Piraeus harbor to Santorini or other islands, like we did after coming back from Meteora. We stayed in Bnb hosted by Argiris which no longer exists. Check Alfa hotel if it is just a night stay.

To stay closer to city centre, pick Syntagma Square. It is closer to the Greece Parliament building, just 2 km from Plaka. All buses from the airport stop at this square. The area is filled with global food chains like McDonald’s and Pizza Hut. Additionally, it’s a hub of expensive hotels. If you want to stay here but need a mid-range budget place to stay, try Sweet Home Hotel

Psyri neighborhood in Athens is known for its vibrant nightlife and central location. Gazi is a more affordable neighborhood located within a 15-20 minute stroll or a short public transit ride from the city’s main attractions. It is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Try Athena Studio in Gazi (An apartment)

Would you travel to Athens after reading or post or Skip it? Also what are the other fun things you want to do in Athens. Let us know in the comment section below.