Dinogo Planet's Athens guide

Established in 508 BCE, Athens ranks among the oldest cities globally and is frequently hailed as one of the Mediterranean’s must-visit capitals. From the legendary Parthenon and vibrant street art that rivals Berlin to the stunning coastline, this ancient city offers an abundance of sights and activities.

There's no doubt: whether your interests lie in architecture, mythology, historical sites, contemporary art, or simply unwinding on the beach, Athens caters to all tastes.

When is the best time to visit Athens?

Greece typically draws visitors during the summer months (June to August), and Athens is no exception. However, we suggest visiting in spring and autumn to escape the heat. These shoulder seasons – March to May and September to October – provide milder temperatures and a more pleasant travel experience. Additionally, keep in mind that Athens experiences humidity due to its coastal location, which can intensify summer heat and add a chill to winter cold. Pack accordingly with layers for every season.

Greek Orthodox Easter typically occurs in April or May, and the lead-up to this event, as well as the celebration itself, is a major highlight in the Greek calendar—often even more significant than Christmas. Expect lively street carnivals to signal the end of Lent and vibrant processions to local churches over Easter weekend, culminating in a festive Mass and a grand meal featuring lamb roasted on a spit on Easter Sunday.

While restaurant prices remain relatively stable year-round, accommodation rates can fluctuate. For example, a four-star hotel near the Acropolis might cost €140 per night in March but soar to €320 in June for a weekend stay, with similar increases around Easter. It's often more economical to book directly, as hotels typically release their prices only two to three months in advance.

How long should I stay in Athens?

Athens is a popular weekend getaway for many Europeans, while long-haul travelers often stop here on their way to the Greek islands.

You can catch a glimpse of the city in just two days, but to fully appreciate the charm of this ancient capital, we suggest extending your visit. With four days, you can dedicate a day and a half to the city's renowned landmarks, spend an afternoon exploring its neighborhoods, and still have time to enjoy the beaches and historical sites along the Athenian coastline.

Is navigating Athens straightforward?

Situated at the intersection of Europe and the Middle East, Greece—especially Athens—welcomes many tourists, ensuring that the travel infrastructure is robust and user-friendly. Athens International Airport is located 33km (21 miles) from the city center, reachable in 30 to 45 minutes by car or a 45-minute metro ride. Additionally, there are reliable ferry connections from Italy to Greece, with bus and train services to and from Athens.

Island travelers will depart from the port of Piraeus, which is 45km (28 miles) from the airport and 10km (6 miles) from the city center. Piraeus is conveniently connected to the city center by a 20-minute metro ride and has a 24-hour bus service to the airport that takes about 90 minutes.

Getting around Athens is straightforward, convenient, and budget-friendly, with a single ticket valid for a 90-minute journey costing just €1.20. There are also various ticket options available, including tourist passes for three and five days.

Athens offers four main modes of transportation:

• a very clean metro system. Please note: food is not permitted.

• an overground train that links the city center to Piraeus port and other destinations.

• a comprehensive network of buses and electric trolleys primarily serving urban neighborhoods beyond the tourist areas.

• a tram service that connects the city center to the Athens coastline and its beaches in approximately one hour.

Once you arrive from the airport to the city center, you'll find that most of Athens's popular attractions are located within a compact, walkable zone. Just be cautious of the traffic—cars may not always stop at red lights, and motorbikes sometimes use the sidewalks for parking.

Must-see attractions in Athens

Unsurprisingly, many tourists flock to the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Acropolis has a daily limit on visitors to prevent overcrowding and protect the ancient site, so it’s wise to reserve your tickets ahead of time. A guide isn’t essential for the Acropolis—available on-site—unless you're particularly keen on delving into historical details.

At the base of the Acropolis is the remarkable Acropolis Museum, featuring artifacts from the Archaic to Roman eras and a stunning glass floor that reveals the archaeological remains below. The top floor houses a terrace restaurant with breathtaking views of the monument.

Ancient relics are scattered throughout the city, with metro stations like Monastiraki, Akropoli, and Syntagma serving as mini museums. Notably, a Roman tomb can be seen in a glass-enclosed area of the Zara store on Ermou shopping street.

If shopping is your passion, Ermou Street is the destination for you. Stretching nearly a mile from the Acropolis to Parliament in Syntagma Square, it boasts numerous fashion brands like Mac, Desigual, and Zara, along with a massive H&M. You’ll also find Greece’s primary department store, Attica, perfect for picking up your holiday necessities.

Searching for free or budget-friendly activities in Athens? Take a leisurely stroll through the Monastiraki flea market on Sundays to browse an eclectic mix of items (from vintage drachma coins to mannequins), or enjoy the serene National Garden adjacent to the Parliament, filled with various plant species and free-flying parrots. Catch the changing of the evzones (presidential guards) hourly at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, or head to Filopappou Hill/Hill of the Muses, where its shaded pine forest offers relief on hot days. Don’t miss the sunset views over the Saronic Gulf from this vantage point.

My favorite activity in Athens

As a street art enthusiast, I enjoy exploring the vibrant street art scene and discovering the various neighborhoods where it thrives. One notable piece is the Praying Hands Mural near Omonia Square, which illustrates Jesus praying for humanity—a nod to Albrecht Dürer’s Praying Hands (1508). I also love wandering through the quaint village of Anafiotika, nestled beneath the northeast slope of the Acropolis. This sub-district of Plaka was established in the mid-1800s when King Otto brought workers from Anafi to build his palace. Yearning for home, they crafted their neighborhood to mimic their island, creating white, cube-shaped homes with flat stone roofs and colorful wooden doors and shutters reminiscent of the Cyclades. The buildings are adorned with pink and white bougainvilleas, some featuring lovely rooftop gardens.

While Anafiotika can be a bit tricky to locate, it's certainly worth the hunt. Start at the main entrance of the Acropolis, turn left along the path, keeping the monument on your right until you reach the Church of Metamorphosis. Proceed straight past the church and continue along the wider path up a steep incline. The path will veer right and lead into stairs—this marks the beginning of the charming island village.

What is the estimated budget for a trip to Athens?

Compared to other European cities, Athens is quite affordable, especially during the off-peak seasons when prices tend to soar.

• Hostel dormitory: around €26 per night

• Basic double room: €36–128, varying by hotel style and location

• Self-catering apartment: €65 per day

• Public transport ticket: €1.20 for a 90-minute ride, €10 from the airport, €4.10 for a day pass, €20 for a three-day pass including one airport trip, €8.10 for a five-day pass (airport not included)

• Coffee: €2–2.50

• Traditional Greek gyros with salad and fries: €2–3

• Dinner for two: around €30 (add €2.50 for beer or wine)

• Beer at a pub: starting at €2.50

What should I be aware of before visiting Athens?

Pack layers for any season

Given Athens' coastal location, summers can be quite humid, while spring, autumn, and winter evenings tend to be chilly. Layering is a smart choice: consider T-shirts, light sweaters, and a jacket for cooler months. During the peak summer heat, a cooling sports towel can help you stay comfortable as you explore.

Stay vigilant with your belongings on the metro

Like in any major city, pickpockets may take advantage of tourist crowds, particularly on busy public transport. Avoid wearing large cameras around your neck and keep your backpack in front of you. Consider using a lanyard for your cell phone, securing it across your body to prevent it from being snatched away.

Avoid flushing toilet paper!

Athens has outdated plumbing, with narrow pipes that can easily become clogged. To prevent this, you’ll find a bin with a bag in every bathroom for disposing of toilet paper. Housekeeping collects it daily.