With a recorded history of several thousands of years, Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Athens offers great nightlife, history, culture and beaches – a real treat!
Route Map & Itinerary
Best time to visit Athens
Any time is a good time to visit Athens, but each season offers unique advantages. In spring (April to June) and autumn (September & October), the weather is pleasantly mild. You can enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities while avoiding the scorching summer heat.
Summer (July to August) is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Athens. The city embraces a lively atmosphere, offering numerous festivals, outdoor events, and a vibrant nightlife. When temperatures soar, the city’s proximity to the coast allows for refreshing swims in the Aegean Sea.
Although winter, (November to March) is the least busy season, it still holds its own charm for those seeking a quieter experience. With milder temperatures of 9-14°C, Athens offers a pleasant winter climate for exploring and sightseeing.
This itinerary took place in July 2022, in peak summer with temperatures reaching as high as a scorching 40°C.
Leaving the airport
Getting from Athens International Airport to the city center is a breeze, thanks to the efficient transportation options available.
- Metro: The Athens Metro offers a direct and affordable connection from the airport to the city center. The metro station is located just a short walk from the arrivals area, and Line 3 (Blue Line) will take you to downtown Athens. Trains run frequently, and the journey to Syntagma Square, the heart of the city, takes approximately 40 minutes.
- Suburban Railway: The Suburban Railway is another excellent option for reaching the city center. Trains operate every 15-25 minutes and provide a direct link to Athens’ central railway stations, such as Larissis and Athens Central Railway Station.
- Bus: The airport offers several bus routes that connect to different areas of Athens. The X95 bus, for example, is a popular choice for travelers heading to Syntagma Square.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminals, offering a convenient and comfortable option for reaching the city center. Use official taxis with a meter and confirm the estimated fare before starting the journey.
For our trip, we decided to use Welcome Pickups , taking advantage of their fixed price offer (€45). Despite a 30-minute delay in our flights, there were no additional charges. Moreover, our driver greeted us with a warm smile and friendly conversation, making it the most delightful and welcoming experience we could have asked for.
For getting around the city, we used a blend of public transport (which we found cheap and easy to use) and Uber taxis.
Where to stay
Athens offers a range of accommodations to suit every taste. In this blog post, we present three fantastic choices:
- For travelers on a budget who still crave comfort and convenience, Athens Sweet Home is an excellent choice. Situated in Koukaki district, it offers an authentic neighborhood atmosphere and great public transportation links. The pedestrian-friendly streets nearby make it perfect for leisurely exploration, with local culture and culinary delights – all in one vibrant and convenient location.
- Situated at the foot of the Acropolis, Herodion Hotel is a fantastic mid-range option. This boutique hotel offers elegantly designed rooms with modern amenities and stunning views of the Parthenon. The hotel boasts a rooftop garden and restaurant, where you can savor delicious Greek cuisine while soaking in the breathtaking panorama. With its proximity to major landmarks like the Acropolis Museum and Plaka neighborhood, Herodion Hotel ensures you’re at the center of Athens’ cultural and historical tapestry.
- For those seeking an opulent and indulgent experience, Hotel Grande Bretagne is the epitome of luxury in Athens. Nestled in Syntagma Square, this iconic hotel offers lavish rooms and suites adorned with exquisite decor. Enjoy world-class service, a rooftop terrace with a renowned restaurant, and a state-of-the-art spa where you can unwind and rejuvenate.
The Itinerary: Things To Do
To follow this itinerary, you will need to purchase the Acropolis & 6 Archaeological Sites: Combo tickets (Skip the Line included).
Day 1: Monastiraki Square, Hadrian’s Library, The Agoras & Temple of Hephaestus
We begin our adventure in the bustling Monastiraki Square, a vibrant hub that perfectly blends the old with the new. Start your day with a hearty Greek breakfast at one of the local tavernas, savoring traditional delights such as spanakopita (feta and cheese pie), tiropita (pastry filled with cheese and egg), and freshly brewed Greek coffee. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you explore the vibrant flea market, where you can find unique souvenirs, antiques, and local handicrafts.
Next, a short walk will lead us to Hadrian’s Library, an architectural masterpiece built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. Stroll through the remnants of this grand library, once a center of intellectual pursuits, and admire the columns and courtyard that have stood the test of time.
Our journey through ancient Athens continues as we make our way to the Roman Agora, a marketplace that dates back to the 1st century BC. Explore the ruins of this once-bustling commercial center, where traders and merchants gathered to exchange goods. Look out for the Tower of the Winds, an impressive ancient clocktower that has survived for centuries.
From the Roman Agora, we venture into the Ancient Agora, the heart of the city’s political, commercial, and social life in ancient times. Wander through the ruins of temples, stoas, and the impressive Stoa of Attalos. Within the complex, you’ll find the Agora Museum, which houses artifacts excavated from the site and provides valuable insights into ancient Greek civilization.
As the sun begins to set, we make our way to the Temple of Hephaestus, also known as Hephaestion. Perched atop the Agoraios Kolonos Hill, this exceptionally preserved temple offers a glimpse into the splendor of ancient Greek architecture. Marvel at the Doric columns and soak in the serene atmosphere as you take in panoramic views of Athens below. This is the perfect spot to witness a breathtaking sunset, casting a golden glow over the temple and its surroundings.
Drakou Street & Briki Bar
To conclude our day, we take a leisurely stroll along Drakou Street, a charming pedestrian street lined with picturesque houses, quaint cafes, and boutique shops. Take your time to explore the unique stores, sip on a refreshing beverage, and perhaps indulge in a delicious traditional Greek dinner at one of the local taverna.
Athens has a reputation for a vibrant nightlife, but we were still mildly surprised to find Briki Bar full and upbeat at 3 am. Open till the sun-up, expect to hear a mix of old school R&B, rap and pop hits. With its energetic ambiance, Briki Bar promises an evening filled with laughter, good company, and a taste of authentic Greek hospitality.
Day 2: Acropolis, Plaka, Syntagma Square, Greek Parliament, Arch of Hadrian & Temple of Zeus
We kick off Day 2 with the Acropolis Museum, which showcases a vast collection of artifacts and sculptures that provide insight into ancient Greek life and mythology. The highlight of the museum is the glass floor, which reveals the ancient ruins beneath, creating a captivating blend of old and new. Entry to the Museum is not included in the Combo tickets, but we would still recommend it to complement the rest of your sightseeing. Plus the air condition was a treat in the heat.
From the museum, we ascend to the crown jewel of Athens, the Acropolis. The hike to the top is easy enough for all levels, but in the sweltering heat, we had to stop a few times to take cover in the shade. Look out for the Theater of Dionysus and the Erechtheion, both remarkable architectural wonders. Once at the top, prepare to be enchanted by the grandeur of the Parthenon, the iconic temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Following our visit to the Acropolis, we descend to the charming Plaka district, known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods.” Lose yourself in its narrow, picturesque streets lined with traditional houses, vibrant bougainvillea, and quaint shops.
Next, we make our way to Syntagma Square to witness the impressive changing of the guards at the Greek Parliament. This ceremonious event takes place every hour, with a grand display of traditional uniforms, precise movements, and pomp.
As the day draws to a close, we encounter the Arch of Hadrian, an exquisite marble gateway that once marked the boundary between the old and new cities of Athens. Its intricate reliefs and elegant design depict scenes from mythology and the achievements of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Our final stop for the day is the Temple of Zeus, located just a short walk from the Arch of Hadrian. Though largely in ruins, its towering columns and remaining sections offer a glimpse of its former grandeur as a colossal temple dedicated to the king of gods.
Sunny Bar African Night Club
If the Budapest itinerary did not already make it clear, we are obsessed with afrobeats and amapiano. For our nighttime shenanigans, we headed to Zakinthou for Sunny Bar African Night Club. There was no entry charge, and admittedly, there were probably less than 20 people in total (including the bartender). However, the DJ did not disappoint and we ended up dancing the night away. If you haven’t already, make sure to try some Greek Mastika, a sweet local liqueur.
Day 3: Bolivar Beach Club
On day three of our Athens journey, we take a break from the historical sites and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the city’s coastal charm.
Our destination for the day is Bolivar Beach Club (€7 entry + €1 to hire sunbeds), located along the Athenian Riviera. Feel the soft sand between your toes as you settle into a comfortable beach lounger, basking in the warm Mediterranean sun. Spend your day unwinding and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
The food here was great and the DJ even better. As the sun sets, the beach club transforms to host all-night long parties. The music policy was mainly house music, with some more commercial tunes also being played. We could easily have spent all day and night here.
However, armed with a recommendation from the locals, we ventured out to the high-end neighbourhood of Vouliagmeni. We admit this one is a trek and you’ll probably need to have a hire car. Located by the sea, Yalos Restaurant specializes in serving exquisite fresh seafood dishes that showcase the flavors of the Mediterranean. The restaurant offers a charming setting, with a waterfront view, creating a perfect ambiance for a memorable meal. Feast on a variety of seafood delicacies, from succulent grilled fish and buttery lobster to tender octopus and flavorsome shrimp. Complement your meal with a selection of local Greek wines, which perfectly complement the freshness of the seafood.
Day 4: Panathenaic Stadium and Psyri District
For our last full day in Athens, we kick off by visiting the Panathenaic Stadium, a historic landmark that harks back to the ancient Olympic Games. This marvel of engineering and architecture is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.
Explore the stadium’s museum to learn about the history and significance of the Olympic Games. Discover fascinating artifacts, ancient sporting equipment, and memorabilia that offer a glimpse into the rich athletic heritage of Greece.
Our final destination for this trip will be Psyri, a hub of creativity, which boasts trendy cafes, art galleries, and colorful street art. Roam the narrow streets and discover quirky boutiques, unique shops, and hidden art spaces that showcase the work of local artists. For foodies, Aiolou street will leave you spoiled for choice. We stopped by Pax Burgers, which was a 10/10. Loco Taqueria Tequileria also comes highly recommended for some delicious tacos and extra potent cocktails.
As the sun sets, the Psyri district comes alive with its bustling nightlife. Experience the energy of the area as you hop between trendy bars, live music venues, and dance clubs. Enjoy a night of live performances, showcasing various genres of music, from jazz and rock to traditional Greek tunes. We spent our last night at Hyper Astro Bar, a breezy rooftop with great cocktails and a view of Acropolis.
Nightlife in Athens
From trendy bars and clubs to traditional tavernas and live music venues, Athens offers a wide range of options to cater to every taste and preference.
Gazi, which was once an industrial area but has now been transformed into a hub of entertainment. Gazi is home to numerous clubs and bars, many of which are located in renovated warehouses and factories. This area is particularly popular among the younger crowd, and it often hosts themed parties, live DJ sets, and electronic music events.
If you’re looking for a more upscale and sophisticated experience, the Kolonaki neighborhood is the place to be. Known for its upscale restaurants, cocktail bars, and chic clubs, Kolonaki attracts a more mature and cosmopolitan crowd. The area is dotted with stylish venues where you can enjoy a night of fine dining, craft cocktails, and live jazz performances.
For those interested in traditional Greek music and culture, the Plaka neighborhood offers a unique experience. Plaka is Athens’ oldest neighborhood, and its narrow streets are lined with traditional tavernas and ouzeries. Here, you can savor delicious Greek cuisine, listen to live bouzouki music, and participate in traditional Greek dances, creating an authentic and memorable night out.
We might be biased, but we enjoyed Koukaki‘s atmosphere. No matter the hour, the restaurants bars were always open. Outdoor seating makes for great conversation and the opportunity to meet some friendly locals. Recommendations include Neratzia, Ο Λόλος (pronounced O-lolos) and Παντιέρα (pronounced Pantiera).
Food
Greek cuisine is renowned worldwide for its freshness, simplicity, and bold flavors. When in Athens, you must try iconic Greek dishes such as:
- moussaka, a layered dish of eggplant or potatoes, minced meat, and béchamel sauce;
- souvlaki, grilled skewers of marinated meat (usually pork or chicken) served with pita bread and tzatziki sauce; and
- spanakopita, a savory pie made with layers of flaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese.
Athens is also famous for its vibrant street food culture. Head to Monastiraki or Plaka, where you’ll find numerous food stalls and kiosks offering mouthwatering snacks. Try:
- classic koulouri, a circular bread ring coated with sesame seeds;
- bougatsa, a savory-filled pastry; or
- gyros, a succulent meat (typically pork or chicken) roasted on a vertical spit and wrapped in a warm pita bread with salad and tzatziki sauce.
When it comes to seafood, Athens does not disappoint. Being a coastal city, it offers an abundance of fresh fish and seafood delicacies. Visit the coastal areas like Mikrolimano or the Athens Fish Market in Varvakeios to experience the catch of the day. You can enjoy grilled octopus, fried calamari, or a traditional Greek fish stew known as psarosoupa.
Exploring Athens also means discovering the local food markets. The Central Market, also known as Varvakeios Market, is a bustling place where you can find an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and local products. It’s an excellent opportunity to sample local cheeses, olives, and cured meats like soutzouki and pastourma.
For dessert, try:
- loukoumades, small deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon;
- baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo, nuts, and honey syrup; or
- galaktoboureko, a custard-filled pastry with a crispy phyllo crust.
The Chat
Kat: Athens, Athens, Athens… What was your favourite thing about Athens?
Sim: My favourite thing was the good vibes. It just felt like everything we did was fun – whether it was getting coffee, or walking down the street to get some gyros. Everything was just fun!
Kat: The most random things happened. Oh, I just remembered the Chinese place!
Sim: East Pearl Chinese, highly recommend. We ate Chinese twice in Athens but I don’t even remember the name of the other place. East Pearl was so good though.
Kat: It’s still saved on my Google Maps. So yeah, you were saying, everything was just fun. Do you think it was because it was so cheap?
Sim: I think, especially, considering the shock factor afterwards when we went to Santorini, Athens was definitely very reasonably priced.
Kat: In Athens, we never even thought about prices. We were just pulling the cards out for the food, drinks and vibes.
Sim: I’m even trying to think what was the most expensive meal we had in Athens? It was probably Yalos? And even that, that was about €200 for a table of 6.
Kat: For Seafood and a few bottles of wine! That’s unheard of.
Sim: All the food we had in Athens was amazing, except for that Greek Salad.
Kat: I’m surprised you’re only just mentioning this. I think the takeaway here is not to eat in Monastiraki. We already knew it was a tourist area so there was a risk of inflated prices and poor taste, but I remember we were so hungry, we decided to try it anyways. The Sangria was great though. Anyways, onto other things.. ruins!
Sim: I think there’s a very high chance of getting “ruined” out, where you just see too many ruins. And i think that did happen to us. It’s important to space it out. Ruins – Roaming – Beach – Ruins – Rooftop etc.
Ok I have a question for you. How did you find the weather?
Kat: It was hot, too hot. I know some people enjoy the heat but I wouldn’t go back in July. Do you remember when we just had to do a 10 min walk, and we crossed the road and gave up 5 mins in to take cover in a bar? Sunscreen and sun hats are essential!
Sim: Maybe this is why it was always so lively at night?
Kat: Makes sense. The Greek wine was also so good; Every restaurant had their own unique version as well. I really didn’t expect, I didn’t see it coming. Athens was such a surprise, in so many ways. What makes it funny is remember how we were looking forward to Santorini instead? We thought Athens was just for the sight-seeing, somewhere we could start our island hopping and do all the mandatory Greek ruins.
Sim: If only we’d known.
Kat: I could have spent all day and all night on the beach in Athens. Remember how as it got dark, it transformed into a club? The crowd just seemed so cool and chic. We left to go to Yalos, because we chose food over club. But next time, we might pick club instead. Athens is definitely worth a next time.
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