The Complete Online Travel Guide to Athens, Greece

I put together this Athens Travel Guide containing all the most useful information you will need for your trip to Athens, all concentrated on one page. If there is anything particular you wonder about for which you cannot find an answer on this guide, feel free to drop your question in the comment section below or contact me directly.

Historical Monuments

In this section of the guide, you have lots of useful information about the most notable historical monuments of Athens.

Ancient Monuments

Athens is mostly renown for its opulent ancient history. Naturally, there are plenty of ancient monuments of universal significance around the city’s historical center. Here you have some useful information about the most notable of them that you definitely shouldn’t skip checking out if you are a fan of history.

General Information on admission to the archeological sites

An admission fee needs to be paid in order to enter the most significant archeological sites of Athens. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the sites or online via this page.

Combined tickets are available for €30 and grant entry to all the following archeological sites.

• Acropolis of Athens
• Ancient Agora of Athens
• Archeological Museum of Keramikos
• Aristotle’s Lyceum
• Hadrian’s Library
• Keramikos
• Museum of Ancient Agora
• North Slope of the Acropolis
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Roman Agora of Athens
• South Slope of the Acropolis

Reduced, half-priced tickets are available for certain groups of people from November 1st till March 31st each year. Identification documents proving eligibility must be presented upon entry. Reduced price does not apply to combined tickets. The following groups are eligible:

• University students from non-EU countries.
• Seniors aged above 65 from EU countries.
• Escorting parents on primary school educational visits.

Free admission is granted to the following groups of people. Identification documents proving eligibility must be presented upon entry.

• Youngs below 18 years of age.
• University students from EU countries.
• Escorting teachers.
• Journalists
• Disabled people (67 % or over) with one assistant.

Free admission is granted to everyone on the following days.

• Every first Sunday of the month from November 1st to March 31st.
• The last weekend of September (European Heritage Days)
• 6th of March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
• 18th of April (International Monuments Day)
• 18th of May (International Museums Day)
• 28th October (Greek National Day)

The archeological sites of Athens are open every day from 08:00 till 20:00 (last admission at 19:30). They remain closed on the following holidays.

• January 1st
• March 25th
• May 1st
• Easter Sunday
• December 25th-26th

Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is definitely the one most important historical monument of Athens, as well as the very symbol of the city. It should be the last site to be omitted by the sightseeing schedule of a visitor to Athens.

Location/Access: The entrance to the Acropolis historical complex is located near Acropolis Metro Station. You walk up the slope opposite the main entrance of Acropolis Museum and you soon encounter the ticket office. (Coordinates: 37.969692, 23.728994)

Tickets: Full-ticket price is €20, reduced-ticket price is €10. The combined ticket is valid for this site.

When to visit: The Acropolis Archeological Site opens for visitors daily from 8:00 to 20:00 (last admissions at 19:30). The earlier you go the fewer people should you expect to encounter on site. The site may remain closed on summer days with a temperature exceeding 40°C.

Things to keep in mind: Summer heat may be inexorable. Have a hat and sunscreen. Better bring plenty of water with you, as refreshments within the site are only available at exorbitant cost.

Check out their official website for more info.

History briefing: Just like most of the ancient Greek city-states, Athens was developed around a stronghold called the Acropolis. The Acropolis of Athens is a 150-meters-tall, flat-topped rock in the middle of the Athenian Plain. The position’s exceptional natural defenses contributed a good deal to the rise of Athens as a superpower. The rock is believed to have been inhabited since as early as the 6th millennium BC. A number of fortification works and buildings of different purposes preexisted the current edifices since the Mycenean Age at least. The last ones of them were destroyed during the Persian invasion and sacking of a deserted Athens in 480 BC. Most of the current edifices on the Acropolis were constructed during the golden age of Athens (5th century BC), following the return of the Athenians in their city after the complete defeat of the Persian forces.

Following are the most significant monuments standing on and around the Acropolis rock within the Archeological Site.

Parthenon: This is the most prominent monument on the Acropolis and the city of Athens on the whole. It is a temple constructed between 447 and 438 BC by architects Iktinos and Kallikrates. It functioned as a temple dedicated to the city-protector, goddess of Wisdom, Athena. It remains largely intact, in its original state, ever since its construction. It is considered one of the best examples of ancient Greek engineering ingenuity.

Erechtheion: This is another temple located just north of the Parthenon atop the Acropolis rock. It derives its name from the legendary founder of Athens, King Erechtheus. It was erected between 421 and 406 BC during the Periclean Building program, just like the Parthenon. It is one of the best-preserved structures dating from the Classical Age of Athens.

Propylaea: This is a gate standing at the sole entrance to the top of Acropolis rock. It was also constructed during the Golden Age of Athens after a previous gate was destroyed by the Persians. The Brandenburg Gate of Berlin and the Propylaea of Munich in Germany are both imitations of this structure.

Temple of Athena Nike: This is a small temple also dedicated to the goddess Athena. It is situated right before the Propylaea upon entering the sacred site of the Acropolis. It also was part of Pericles’ reconstruction program.

Brauroneion: This is another temple within the sacred enclosure of the Acropolis. It was dedicated to the goddess Braunian Artemis, protector of women and motherhood. It stands by the southwest verge of the rock.

Temple of Rome and Augustus: This was a later, small shrine constructed during the Roman Era, in the late 1st century BC. It was dedicated to the goddess Rome and emperor Octavian Augustus. Only scant parts of it remain on spot.

Pedestal of Agrippa: This is another monument dating from the Roman Era. It stands before the Propylea, opposite the Temple of Athena Nike with which it has the same height. It is named after Roman statesman and son-in-law of Emperor August, Marcus Agrippa, due to it having hosted a quadriga sculpture dedicated to him.

Beule Gate: This is part of a later fortification work made before the entrance to the sacred site in the 3rd century AD. It possibly followed the catastrophic invasions of the Herulians in 267 AD. It is named after the French archeologist who inspected the area in the 19th century.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus: This is a large stone theatre located on the southern slope of the Acropolis. Its construction was funded by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife and was completed in 161 AD. It can hold 5,000 spectators. Plays and concerts are still held regularly in it today.

Theatre of Dionysus: This is another major theatre on the southern slope of the Acropolis. It was built sometime in the 5th century BC and it is considered the world’s first theater, as well as the birthplace of Greek tragedy. Up to 17,000 people could be seated there attending the original plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides during its heyday.

Stoa of Eumenes: This is a covered highway that connected the two aforementioned theatres on the south slope of the Acropolis. It was built by the ruler of Pergamon, Eumenes II in the 2nd century BC.

Asclepeion: This is another important monument located on the southern slope of the Acropolis. It is one of many an ancient building scattered throughout Greece that bears the name Asclepeion. Those functioned like something between a temple and a sanctuary and were dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius.

Odeon of Perikles: This used to be a large concert hall, built by the legendary Athenian politician, Pericles in the 5th century BC. Only its foundations remain today and are located beside the Theatre of Dionysus.

Agora of Athens

The Agora was the heart of ancient Athens’ public life. Agora is the Greek word for market. The site, however, aside from being a commercial center, served various other purposes of political, administrative, religious, and cultural nature. It is considered the 2nd most important archeological site of Athens after the Acropolis.

Location/Access: The site is located by the northern slope of the Acropolis, in the very heart of modern Athens. You find the entrance on Adrianou Street, opposite the church of Agios Philipos, 200 meters west from Monastiraki Metro Station. (Coordinates: 37.975876, 23.723199)

Tickets: Full-ticket price is €8, reduced-ticket price is €4. The combined ticket is valid for this site.

When to visit: The site is open daily from 8:00 to 20:00 (last admissions at 19:30).

Check out their official website for more info.

Following are the most significant monuments within the Archeological Site of the Ancient Agora of Athens.

Temple of Hephaestus: This is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples you can see in any place. It was constructed in the 5th century BC. It is named after the god Metallurgy, Hephaestus and it is also known commonly as Theseion. It mostly owes its good condition to having been converted to a Christian church for most of its history, thus escaping destruction by the anti-paganist Christian mania of the early Middle Ages. It stands proudly atop the hill of Agoraios Kolonos at the west end of the Agora.

Tholos: This was a round structure dating from the 1st century BC. It functioned as the headquarters of the executive committee of the city’s council. Only its foundations remain.

Bouleuterion: This was a rectangular building that housed the Boule (council) of Athens. 500 hundred senates, who were elected annually by lot, gathered there and prepared bills for the assembly of all Athenian citizens to vote on. Only scant remnants of the building can be seen today.

Stoa of Attalos: This magnificent building is an elaborate replica of an arcade that was originally constructed on the same spot by King Attalos of Pergamon in the 2nd century BC. It was reconstructed in the 20th century to house the Museum of the Agora of Athens.

Areopagus Hill

As Areopagus is known a small hill situated between the western side of the Acropolis and the Agora (Coordinates: 37.972398, 23.723212). It held a very important role throughout the history of Athens, hosting the Council of the Elders in pre-democratic times, and the city’s high court during its democratic era. No notable manmade structures are to be seen on it, though the splendid views it offers over the metropolis definitely make it a must-visit.

Location/Access: The top of the hill can be accessed via two routes: 1) Theorias Street along the northern slope of the Acropolis and 2) Apostolou Pavlou Street going south from Thission Metro Station. Taking the second route, walk through the gate located across the street from Cine Thission (West gate coordinates: 37.972747, 23.720585) (Hilltop coordinates: 37.972398, 23.723212)

No entry fees apply to visit the site. You are free to walk up the hill at any time and at no cost.

When to visit: Sunset and sunrise are, of course, the best times of the day to enjoy the amazing views at their most vibrant.

Roman Agora

The Roman Agora used to be the center of the city’s public life during the centuries of Roman rule. It was laid between 19 and 11 BC with donations from Julius Ceasar and the first Roman emperor, Octavius Augustus after the original Agora was encroached upon by various Roman buildings. Today it hosts various structures and ruins that make it one of the most significant archeological sites of Athens.

Location/Access: The site is located near Monastiraki Metro Station, right south from Hadrian’s Library. You find the entrance on its west side, right beside the Gate of Athena Archegetis, on Dioskouron Street. (Coordinates: 37.974431, 23.725424)

Tickets: Full-ticket price is €6, reduced-ticket price is €3. The combined ticket is valid for this site.

Opening hours: 08:00-20:00 (last admission 19:30)

Check out their official website for more info.

Following are the most important ancient monuments lying within the Archeological Site of the Roman Agora.

Tower of the Winds: This is a small octagonal tower made of Pentelic marble that is widely considered the world’s first clocktower and meteorologic station. It was supposedly designed and built by Macedonian astronomer Andronicus of Cyrrhus in 50 BC. According to other sources, it was constructed at an earlier age. The tower featured a combination of sundials and a water-clock to measure time, as well as a wind vane attached to its top.

Gate of Athena Archegetis: This elegant gate is the second best-preserved structure still standing within the Roman Agora after the Tower of the Winds.

East Propylon: This is the east gate to the Roman Agora, a part of which is still standing.

Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian’s Library is one of the best-preserved ancient structures in Athens. It was constructed in AD 132 by Roman Emperor Hadrian as a benefaction to the city of Athens which he came to admire and patronize during his travels around Greece. The monument was identified only in 1885 after archeological excavations following a fire that razed the overlying, modern part of the city.

Location/Access: Hadrian’s Library is located right beside Monastiraki Square. Walk up Areos Street from the square, facing the Acropolis, and you will see the entrance to the site on your left hand after 50 meters. (Coordinates: 37.975661, 23.725753)

Tickets: Full-ticket price is €4, reduced-ticket price is €2. The combined ticket is valid for this site.

Opening hours: 08:00-20:00 (last admission 19:30)

Check out their official website for more info.

Keramikos Archeological Site

Keramikos is an extensive archeological site hosting a bounty of important ruins. It originally was the city’s quarter where the potters resided and worked. It took its name from the word Kerameis (potters) whence the English Ceramic is also derived. Potters settled there due to the plenty of clay mud carried down by river Eridanos which runs through the site. As a result of frequent flooding, the site was eventually abandoned by the residents and was turned into a cemetery. The renown Iera Odos (Sacred Street) began from there and connected Athens with Eleusis. The procession to the Eleusinian Mysteries began from there annually following this street.

Location/Access: The entrance to the site is located on Ermou Street, 300 meters west from Thissio Metro Station. (Coordinates: 37.977563, 23.718824)

Tickets: Full-ticket price is €8, reduced-ticket price is €4. The combined ticket is valid for this site.

Opening hours: 08:00-20:00 (last admission 19:30)

Check out their official website for more info.

Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hadrian’s Arch

The construction of the Temple of Olympian Zeus began in the 6th century BC under the rule of the Athenian tyrants, who aspired to erect the largest temple in the ancient world. However, the building was only completed centuries later, during the rule of Roman Emperor Hadrian, in the 2nd century AD. It was a gigantic structure upheld by a total of 98 columns. It was largely destroyed during the Herulian invasion of 267 AD and was left to decay thereafter. 15 of the columns are still standing today. The remnants of a few more temples and other ruins are to also be found within the archeological site. Hadrian’s Arch stands solid right outside the site’s boundary.

Location/Access: The site is located south of Zapeion Garden, between Syntagma and Acropolis Metro Stations, closer to the latter. The entrance is on the north side, on Vasilissis Olgas Street. (Coordinates 37.969408, 23.73297)

Tickets: Full-ticket price is €6, reduced-ticket price is €3. The combined ticket is valid for this site.

Opening hours: 08:00-20:00 (last admission 19:30)

Check out their official website for more info.

Aristotle’s Lyceum

This archeological site was excavated accidentally during construction works for the new Museum of Modern Arts in 1996. The remains of a Palaestra (public exercise ground for wrestling and boxing) were originally uncovered. Further excavations revealed the foundations of several buildings that archeologists have unanimously acknowledged to belong to the famed Lyceum of Aristotle. This most prestigious figure in the history of human intellect taught there for about 12 of the most productive years of his life.

Location/Access: Aristotle’s Lyceum is located by the foot of Lycabettus Hill, behind the National Garden, and right beside the War Museum. It is most easily accessed from Evangelismos Metro Station. (Coordinates: 37.974233, 23.743444)

Tickets: Full-ticket price is €4, reduced-ticket price is €2. The combined ticket is valid for this site.

Opening hours: 08:00-20:00 (last admission 19:30)

Check out their official website for more info.

Pnyx

If there is any most eminent place with respect to the democratic history of the city, it is this one. Pnyx is where up to more than 10,000 individuals would gather together to discuss their public affairs and collectively decide their public actions. The site is nowadays situated amid a charming, lush park.

Location/Access: Pnyx is located near Thission Metro Station. You walk south Apostolou Pavlou Street and you will soon encounter the site on your left, after the buildings come to an end. (Coordinates: 37.971461, 23.719422)

No entry fee applies to enter the site. You are free to visit at any time and at no cost.

Check out their official website for more info.

Medieval Historical Monuments

Despite Athens being mostly honored for its ancient history, it did, in fact, continue to thrive for various long periods throughout the Middle Ages. A number of graceful Medieval churches and monasteries are left to testify on how the city fared during those dark times for civilization. Here are a few of them worth checking out.

Medieval Churches

Church of Panagia Kapnikarea: This is, in many’s opinions, the most picturesque church in Athens. It was constructed sometime in the 11th century AD and is considered one of the oldest churches standing in the city. The area around the church is a favorite hangout for street musicians and other performers, so there is often good fun going on around it. It is situated in Ermou Street, one of Athens’ most vivid pedestrian streets, near Monastiraki Square. (Coordinates: 37.97638, 23.72864)

Church of Panagia Pantanassa: This is a much later but as picturesque little church in the center of Athens. It was presumably built sometime in the 17th century, during the time of Turkish rule. You are going to run into it whether you plan it or not as it is situated right on Monastiraki Square, the touristic hotspot of Athens. (Coordinates: 37.97649, 23.726128)

Church of Panagia Gorgoepikoos (Saint Eleutherios): This another one of Athens’ finest medieval churches. Its construction date is estimated to be in the 12th century AD. Nowadays it is dedicated to Saint Eleutherios but it is also referred to by its original name, which means the quick-to-grant-favors Virgin. It is situated at Mitropoleos Square, near Monastiraki Metro Station, right beside the Cathedral of Athens. (Coordinates: 37.975014, 23.729996)

Church of Saint Dimitrios Loumbardiaris: This one is a very old church, its erection being estimated to have taken place in the 9th century AD. It is situated within the lush park of Philopappos Hill. Due to its serene environs, it is often chosen by Athenians for weddings and baptisms. (Coordinates: 37.970083, 23.720346)

Church of Saints Apostoloi Solaki: This is another beautiful medieval church you’ll get to see if you visit the Ancient Agora of Athens. It stands within the archeological site, right beside the Stoa of Attalos. It was presumably built in the 10th century. (Coordinates: 37.974073, 23.723928)

Church of Saint Nikolaos Rangavas: This is one of the largest medieval churches surviving in Athens. It dates back to the 11th century AD. It is situated on Prytaneiou Street in the quaint neighborhood of Plaka. (Coordinates: 37.972489, 23.729084)

Medieval Monasteries

Monastery of Daphni: This is one of the two renown Byzantine monasteries of Athens. It has been included in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. It was originally founded in the 6th century AD, on the site of an earlier sanctuary of Apollo, but was subsequently damaged severely during the barbarian invasions of the 9th and 10th centuries. It was rebuilt in the 11th century and has remained intact ever since. It is situated in Daphni district beside the road to Eleusis, between Aigaleo and Poikilo mountains (Coordinates: (38.012977, 23.635925). To reach the monastery by public transport, you catch the subway to Agia Marina and any of the buses 801, 811, 865, 836, 866, 876 and Α16 to bus stop Psyciatreio. No entry fee applies to enter the monastery’s premises. Check out their official website for more info.

Monastery of Kaisariani: This is the second notable Byzantine monastery of Athens. It was established in the late 11th century AD. It is situated in the forest of Kaisariani, by the foot of Mount Hymettus (Coordinates: 37.960734, 23.798346). To reach the monastery without your own vehicle, catch bus 224 from Syntagma Square, get off at Kaisariani Cemetery, and proceed on foot for 2-3 km. A €2 entry fee applies to enter the premises of the monastery. Check out their official website for more info.

Modern-Era Monuments

After having fallen in decline and been reduced to an insignificant village during the centuries of Turkish rule, the city of Athens revived once again and was reinstated to its due honor when it was selected as the capital city of the newly-established modern Greek state in 1834. Here are some of the most notable monuments these last two centuries of the ages-long Athenian history have to exhibit.

Greek Parliament (Old Royal Palace)

This most conspicuous landmark of the modern city of Athens was originally built to house Otto, a Bavarian dude who became the first king of Greece, in 1843. It continued to function as a residence for the Greek royal family until the first abolition of the Greek Monarchy in 1924. It has been the seat of the Greek Parliament since 1934.

Location/Access: The Greek Parliament is situated on the east side of Syntagma Square. Catch the subway to Syntagma Station. (Coordinates: 37.975281, 23.737015)

When to visit: If you have the chance, come on Sunday at 11 am when you can watch the official ceremonial of the changing of the guards. If you happen to be visiting at a time when demonstrations are held, don’t miss it; the spectacle of some tens or hundreds of thousands of protestors assembled before the parliament is mindboggling.

Tours inside the parliament building are also taking place during certain periods for no charge. Check this page for more info.

University of Athens

The historical building which housed the first university of Greece, as well as the adjacent to it Academy and National Library, are amongst the most delicate and grand buildings in Athens. The University of Athens was founded in 1839 to become the first university in southeast Europe. The construction of the building was completed in 1842.

Location/Access: The University of Athens is located on Eleftheriou Venizelou Street, right outside of Panepistimion Metro Station. (Coordinates: 37.980895, 23.734017)

Panathenaic Stadium

This superb stadium in central Athens is the site where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896. It was made on top of a preexisting, ancient stone stadium that dated back to the 2nd century AD which, in turn, was laid over an even older racecourse that hosted the ancient Panathenaic Games. It is the only stadium in the world made entirely by marble, due to which fact it has been given the nickname Kallimarmaron (beautiful marble). It has a current official capacity of 45,000 spectators but, at certain instances, like the 1896 Olympiad, it has been overcrowded with an astonishing 80,000 people.

Location/Access: The stadium is located on Ardittou Hill, to the southeast of Zappeion Garden, on Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue, between the metro stations Acropolis and Evangelismos. (Coordinates: 37.968315, 23.740982)

Tickets: An admission fee of €5 (€2.5 reduced) applies to enter the stadium. You may also get your ticket online including an audio guide.

Check out their official website for more info.

First Cemetery of Athens

This is the official cemetery of the city of Athens. It opened in 1837 to become the first cemetery to be built in the city after the establishment of the modern Greek state. Among its interspersed with cypresses groves serene environs, it hosts lots of monumental, marble tombs of prestigious Greeks and foreigners as well. It is located to the south of the Olympieion and the Panathenaic Stadium. It is most easily accessible from Acropolis and Agios Ioannis Metro Stations. (Coordinates: 37.962867, 23.73794)

Neighborhoods & Districts

Here are some of the most interesting neighborhoods and districts of Athens that are worth checking out.

Central Athens

Neighborhoods to check out within the municipality of Athens.

Plaka & Anafiotika

The first place in this list could be held by no other neighborhood than Plaka and Anafiotika. This is beyond doubt the most picturesque and charming area in Athens. It is the only part of Athens that has been continuously inhabited since antiquity and encompasses some of the city’s oldest houses. Having a stroll through its narrow lanes and stairways, you will feel like being in a little village or island, rather than in the center of a bustling metropolis. Plaka is situated on the northern slope of the Acropolis, thus offering some great views to the rock and the vast city beneath. It is most easily accessible on foot from Monastiraki or Acropolis metro stations.

Exarchia

Exarchia may be said to be the alternative area of Athens. And it is also my personal favorite to hang out when I am in Athens. The neighborhood is strongly associated with the anarchistic movement of Athens, hosting several squats and revolutionary political groups. The city’s alternative cultural and artistic scenes are also especially active in the area. Here you can spot many of Athens’ most curious murals, attend underground concerts, or chance upon spontaneous street film screenings. Exarchia is also one of Athens’ most international neighborhoods with large numbers of foreign students and expats choosing to reside in it. Its streets are always teeming with life, its quaint cafes and unconventional bars being constantly full of people. You can get here on foot from Omonoia or Panepistimion metro stations.

Psyri

Though it used to be one of the most disreputable neighborhoods of Athens for much of the 19th century, Psyri is today one of the most popular tourist hangouts. It is especially popular with young travelers, many of the city’s most noted hostels being located here. Its narrow streets abound with little, perky cafes and traditional taverns. It hosts one of the city’s most lively nightlife scenes. It covers the area between Ermou and Athinas streets, right across the street from Monastiraki Square.

Omonia

The all-notorious neighborhood of Omonia is the one that tourists generally try their best to avoid. It is by far the most lawless area of the city; a hotspot for drugs, prostitution, and all sorts of illicit activities. It isn’t, however, as bad as many paranoid reports will try to convince you it is. If you want to stand out from the herd and see something unique during your visit to Athens, you may well consider a stroll around Omonia Square. Only better not do it alone at night.

Suburbs

Other districts to check out within the wider metropolitan area of Athens.

Piraeus

Piraeus has been the port of Athens since time immemorial. It is a complete city in its own right with its own distinct, characteristic vibes. One could easily spend a full day here, exploring the city’s various old neighborhoods and its larger and smaller marinas. Dinner at one of Piraeus’ many seafood taverns will please the daintiest of palates. You can reach Piraeus in a 20-minutes train ride from Monastiraki.

Athens Riviera

By the name of Athens Riviera go the southern coastal districts of Athens. It includes the districts of Faliro, Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. These are among the most expensive localities in Athens, with arrays of luxurious apartment buildings and costly restaurants stretching down along the coast. Here you can enjoy a chill day at one of the many beaches, have a pleasant walk along the broad promenades, or have a night out in one of the numerous lavish nightclubs. You can reach these districts by tram from Syntagma Square.

Best City Tours

In this section of the guide, you can find some of the best tours and experiences to be booked in Athens.

Walking Tours

Bike Tours

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

Food & Wine Tours

Cooking Classes

Classes & Workshops

• Private Greek Dancing Class with Dinner
• workshop for painting acropolis with local artist
• Athens Salsa Lovers dancing experience
• Discover your talent in sculpture, in a country where golden section was born
• Make Your Own Souvenir Workshop
• Hike & Yoga in the Heart of Athens
• Greek dances lesson & Show in Athens
• Natural Cosmetics Workshop
• Make your own Mosaic memory to take back home from Athens like an ancient!
• YOGA, HOT YOGA and PILATES classes
• Art workshop -- Create your own greek silk scarf in Athens!
• Make your very own souvenirs!
• Crochet your own evil eye!
• Yoga Session In Nature at Athens By The Sea

More Tours

Explore more tour ideas on Viator.com

Museums

Here are some of the most noteworthy museums in Athens.

Acropolis Museum

No introductions needed. This is the one most visited museum in Greece, receiving 1,5 million visitors annually. An astounding collection of the archeological treasures of the Acropolis is exhibited over its 14,000-square-meters area. An excavated, ancient Athenian neighborhood is also on exhibition below the museum.

Location/Access: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42. The Acropolis Museum faces the south side of the Acropolis. It is located right outside of the Acropolis Metro Station. (Coordinates: 37.968546, 23.728495)

Tickets: €10 full, €5 reduced (not available online). Tickets available at entrance and online. Here you may also get your skip-the-line electronic ticket including museum map in eight languages for a €3 extra charge.

Opening hours:

Summer season hours (1 April - 31 October)
Monday                8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.    (last admission: 3:30 p.m.)
Tuesday - Sunday   8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.    (last admission: 7:30 p.m.)
Friday                  8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.  (last admission: 9:30 p.m.)

Winter season hours (1 November - 31 March)
Monday - Thursday    9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.    (last admission: 4:30 p.m.)
Friday                     9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.  (last admission: 9:30 p.m.)
Saturday - Sunday     9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.    (last admission: 7:30 p.m.)

Official Website

National Archeological Museum

One of the world's most important museums. It hosts an opulent collection of archeological artifacts from various locations around the country, dating from prehistory up to late antiquity.

Location/Access: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82. Situated beside the Polytechnic University of Athens. Accessed by Omonia and Victoria metro stations. (Coordinates: 37.989002, 23.732651)

Tickets: €10 (From April 1st until October 31st). €5 (From November 1st until March 31st). Tickets available at entrance.

Opening hours:

November 1st – April 12th:
Tuesday: 13:00 – 20:00
From Wednesday until Monday: 08:30 – 16:00

From April 13th until October 31st:
Tuesday: 12:30 – 20:00
From Wednesday until Monday: 08:00 – 20:00

Official Website

Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art

This one opened in 1986 to house the personal collection of ancient Greek art of Nicholas Goulandris. The collection comprises prehistoric artifacts from the Cyclades Islands region.

Location/Access: Neofitou Douka 4, Athina 106 74. Situated on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, north of the National Garden. Accessible from Evangelismos Metro Station. (Coordinates: 37.97571, 23.742307)

Tickets: €7 full, €3.50 reduced. Tickets available at entrance and online.

Opening hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10am - 5pm 
Thursday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
Tuesday: closed

Official Website

Goulandris Natural History Museum

Hosts large collections of biological and geological exhibits representing the variety of Greek wildlife. Includes 200.000 species of plants of which 145 have been documented thanks to the museum's research.

Location/Access: Levidou 13, Kifisia 145 62. Situated in the north suburbs of Athens, near Kifissia Metro Station. (Coordinates: 38.074279, 23.814763)

Tickets: €6 full, €3 reduced. Tickets available at entrance.

Opening hours:

Tuesday to Friday: 9 a.m. - 2.30 p.m (till 30th September 2019)
From 1st October 2019 the Museum will be open from Monday to Friday.
Saterdays and Sundays: 10 a.m - 3:00 p.m.
Public Holidays: CLOSED
August: CLOSED

Official Website

Benaki Museum

Hosts a large collection of Greek works of art dating from prehistory to modern times.

Location/Access: Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74. North of the National Garden on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue. Close to Syntagma and Evangelismos metro stations. (Coordinates: 37.976016, 23.740342)

Tickets: €9 full, €7 reduced. Tickets available at entrance and online.

Opening hours: Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 - 17:00 - Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 - 00:00 - Sunday: 9:00 - 15:00

Official Website

National Museum of Contemporary Art

Founded in 2000, this is the only museum in Athens focused exclusively on collecting contemporary works of art.

Location/Access: Kallirrois Avenue & Amvr. Frantzi Str - Athens. Close to Syngrou-Fix Metro Station. (Coordinates: 37.963041, 23.725299)

Tickets: €3 full, €1.5 reduced. Tickets available at entrance.

Opening hours: Every day from 09:00 till 17:00. Mondays closed.

Official Website

Battleship Averof Naval Museum

A battleship built in 1909 turned into a museum.

Location/Access: Marina Flisvos, Trokadero, Paleo Faliro 175 10. Tram to Trokantero Station. (Coordinates: 37.933277, 23.684444)

Tickets: €3 full, €1.50 reduced. Tickets available at entrance.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday: 09:00-14:00, Weekends: 10:00-17:00

Official Website

War Museum

Covers thousands of years of Greek military history.

Location/Access: Rizari 2, Athina 106 75. Close to Evangelismos Metro Station. (Coordinates: 37.975425, 23.745335)

Tickets: €4 full, €2 reduced. Tickets available at entrance and online.

Opening hours: November-March: 09:00-17:00, April-October: 09:00-19:00

Official Website

Byzantine & Christian Museum

A rather huge museum hosting artifacts from the Byzantine period.

Location/Access: Leof. Vasilissis Sofias 22, Athina 106 75. Right beside the War Museum. Close to Evangelismos Metro Station. (Coordinates: 37.975024, 23.744614)

Tickets: €8 full, €4 reduced. Tickets available at entrance.

Opening hours: Monday: 08.00-20.00, Tuesday: 12.00-20.00, Wednesday-Sunday: 08.00-20.00

Official Website

Numismatic Museum

Hosts an impressive collection of coins cut throughout Greece's millennia-long history of minting.

Location/Access: Eleftheriou Venizelou 12, Athina 106 71. Close to Syntagma Metro Station. (Coordinates:37., 23.)

Tickets: €6 full, €3 reduced. Tickets available at entrance.

Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 08:30-15:00

Official Website

More Museums in Athens

Parks

Here are a few of the nicest parks in Athens you can go for a break from the city's bustle.

Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus Hill, reaching a height of 300 meters AMSL, is the highest point within the metropolitan area of Athens. It is also one of the city's most visited sites with large crowds of tourists and locals alike flocking to its top daily to wonder at the astounding views. There are numerous trails for you to have a pleasant stroll amid the fragrant pines and the peculiar agaves that cover the steep slopes of the hill. On the top, you find a deluxe restaurant and, oftentimes, a dude selling beers and other refreshments. The easiest trail to reach the peak begins from Dexamenis Square in Kolonaki neighborhood, near Syntagma Metro Station.

More on Lycabettus:
Mount Lycabettus: the Complete Guide to the Best Viewpoint of Athens

National Garden & Zappeion Garden

The National Garden is for many the most beautiful park in Athens. It was originally commissioned by Queen Amalia as a Royal Garden contiguous to the palace. It was completed in 1840. The park was renamed to National Garden and opened to the public in the 1920s. Within its premises, you find some archeological ruins, a small cafe, a botanical museum, a children's library and playground, a duck pond, and a small zoo. Adjacent to it is the smaller but as beautiful Zappeion Garden. The garden is located right beside the Greek Parliament at Syntagma Metro Station. It remains open from sunrise to sunset.

Philopappos Hill

Philopappos Hill is a largely wild-state park in the center of Athens. It is located right opposite the south face of the Acropolis, easily accessible from Thission and Acropolis metro stations. The hill owes its name to the ancient mausoleum of Philopappos that is located on its top. Other than that, there is a number of other points of interest within the park, like the Prison of Socrates, the tombs of Kimon, and the medieval church of Dimitrios Loumbardiaris. From its higher levels, you will get some really astonishing views to the Acropolis, Piraeus, and the entire metropolitan area of Athens.

Pedion Areos

This is another one of Athens' largest parks. It was established in 1934 to honor the heroes of the 1821 Greek Revolution, whose sculptures are exhibited inside the park. Over the past couple of decades, it was left largely neglected and had acquired a bad reputation as a hangout of addicts and criminals. However, it has been recently renovated and is nowadays better tended. It is definitely a nice place to go for a walk and chill, especially during the daytime. It is situated between Patission and Alexandras avenues, close to Victoria Metro Station.

Transportation

Here you have some useful information for moving around Athens.

Athens - Airport

Public transport between the city of Athens and Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is served by both trains and buses.

Trains: Blue metro line runs between the airport and Athens downtown every approx. 30 minutes from 5:30 to 23:30. It takes about 40 minutes. Ticket costs €10. Pickpockets are common. Keep an eye on your luggage.

Buses: Routes X95 and X93 run round-the-clock between the airport and Athens center. X95 terminates at Syntagma Square. X93 terminates at Kifissos long-distance Bus Station. X95 comes every 15-25 minutes. X93 comes every 30-60 minutes. Trip takes about 40 minutes. Ticket costs €6. Also, X96 bus goes to Piraeus and X97 to Elliniko Metro Station in the suburbs of Athens.

Taxi: Standard fares between Athens and the airport are €38 at daytime and €50 at night (00:00-05:00). Many taxi drivers will readily try to rip you off. Refuse to pay more if asked to. You may also check fares on this site which offers cheaper-than-the-standard transfers worldwide.

Athens - Piraeus Port

The green metro line takes you directly to Piraeus Port. The trip takes about 20 minutes from Monastiraki Station. Trains run every approx. 6 minutes throughout the day.

Ferries

You can catch a ferry to the islands by two main passenger ports: Piraeus Port and Rafina Port. The first is the busiest and the easiest to reach from Athens center. You can buy your tickets at the port or online.

Interurban Buses

There are two interurban bus stations in Athens: Liossion Bus Station (coordinates: 38.010071, 23.722504), close to Agios Nikolaos Metro Station, which serves the regions of Central Greece and Thessaly; and Kifissos Bus Station (coordinates: 38.997705, 23.699408), reachable by bus 051 from Omonia Square, which serves the rest of the country. Tickets are purchased in the stations from the designated counters.

Public Transport Tickets

There are three types of tickets issued for Athens' public transport system.

1. Ath.ena ticket (normal ticket)
2. Anonymous Ath.ena Card
3. Personalized Ath.ena Card

All of them are valid for all the city transport media (metro, city buses, and tram). The two latter options are to be considered by residents. If you are a short-term visitor, normal tickets should be fine for you. If you are eligible for reduced tickets (student etc), then you must issue a personalized card in order to take advantage of the lower fare. These are issued only at metro stations ticket counters and the airport upon presentation of identification documents. It can be quite a hassle.

The normal tickets are issued at automatic vending machines in all metro stations, ticket counters in certain central stations, most kiosks and newsstands all around the city, as well as by the drivers on the airport buses. The following fares apply to normal tickets.

• 1 trip: €1,40
• 2 trips: €2,70
• 5 trips: €6,50
• 11 trips: €13,50
• 24 hours: €4,50
• 5 days: €9

In case you will be staying in Athens for less than three days, your best option is to get the special tourist ticket for €22. This includes your airport transfer back and forth and limitless use of Athens public transport for three days.

Check out this page for more detailed information.

Metro

Athens Metro is the most efficient way to take you around the most essential parts of the city. It consists of three lines (green, red, and blue) with more being currently under construction. Trains run from approx. 05:00 until 00:30; on Fridays and Saturdays until 02:00. Trains pass every 3 to 10 minutes depending on station and hour. Some stations host museums exhibiting ruins that were uncovered during the construction process. The most notable of them are in Acropolis, Monastiraki, Panepistimio, Syntagma, Evangelismos, and Dafni stations.

First & Last Trains Timetables

Athens Metro Map

Buses

Athens has an extensive buses network. Most routes operate from 05:00 till midnight but there are also many night buses. You can find routes using GoogleMaps or Moovit App.

Tram

Athens Tram is your means to access the city's coast and beaches. There are two tram lines in operation: one running all along coastal Athens from Faliro to Voula; and another connecting the coastal line with the city center up to Syntagma Square.

Taxis

Rent a Car

Taxis are omnipresent throughout the city of Athens. You easily tell them by their yellow color. Standard fares are rather cheap compared to most Western Europe but drivers are often keen to overcharge tourists. Always ask them to turn on the meter and check the route yourself on your GPS. A good, cheaper, and safer choice is to utilize Beat or Aeageantaxi apps.

Hiking

The metropolitan area of Athens is surrounded by five mountains, all of which offer plenty of amazing possibilities for memorable hiking trips. These mountains are: Parnitha, Penteli, Hymettus, Aigaleo, and Poikilo. Check out the following posts for more inspiration and information on planning your hiking trips near Athens and throughout the country.

• All the good places to go Hiking in Athens, Greece
• Hiking in Greece – Your Guide for exploring the Greek Nature on foot

In case you are looking for an organized, guided hiking tour from Athens, check out my top-value, top-rated Airbnb Experience.

Beaches

Safety

Crime

Violent crime of any sort, especially targeting tourists or any people at random, occurs very rarely in Athens. If you have heard such stories of brutal gangs, armed with knives, guns, and whatnot, lurking at every corner - as indeed such yarns do circulate - fear not; that's outright paranoia. Especially if you are a group of two or larger, you may feel perfectly safe to walk anywhere anytime. Although rare, however, robberies do occasionally happen. Just to be sure, if you are alone, better avoid the area around Omonia Square and parks when dark.

Pickpocketing and petty thefts, unlike violence, are very common. Always keep a close eye to your belongings; never leave anything unattended. Thieves do indeed lurk everywhere around the center of Athens waiting for a chance. Do not give it to them. Be especially cautious on the trains. Do not keep valuables in slack pockets. Wear your backpack in front. Hold your purse tight. Look around you. When little gypsy girls try to sell you roses, be aware that, at the same time, another little gypsy girl is very likely trying to lay hands on your stuff from behind.

Scams

Here are some of the most common scams to watch out for in Athens.

In the area around Monastiraki Square and the Roman Agora, you will constantly be approached by those African dudes giving you a fist bump and saying stuff like what's up bro, friendship, peace and love... They will insist on wearing a stupid string bracelet around your wrist as a token of your newly-forged friendship. Once they do the knot, it cannot be undone. They will demand that you pay for it. Do not let them.

Oftentimes, especially near tourist attractions, you will be approached by peddlers (commonly gypsies) who will try to sell you stuff like high-brand sunglasses and perfumes, mobile phones and other electronics... In the best case, they are stolen. In the most common case, they are crap. Do not buy.

Not all of them obviously, but a great many taxi drivers will try to rip you off. Whenever you get a taxi from the streets, insist that they put the meter on and check up your GPS to make sure that they don't drive you round and round. Better still, use Beat or Aeageantaxi apps.

This is a rather uncommon one but it does indeed happen. You will be approached by a policeman who will warn you that there are many counterfeit notes in circulation thereabouts and will ask you to check on yours. If you hand him your money, he runs away. Frequently, he may also be preceded by an alleged, friendly local or traveler who will strike up a conversation with you and then promptly hand his money over to the policeman for control before urging you to do the same. In any case, never comply with a policeman's requests before you ask him to exhibit his id card and use your common sense to assure it is legit. If the request is too absurd, just walk away whatever he says or shows to you.

In case your bank card gets stuck inside the ATM, do not follow any of the instructions of the bloke who will then come to help you. They have installed a card skimmer and they will try to convince you to enter your pin as a means to retrieve your card. After they've seen it, they will snatch the card out and walk away. Remain there and call the respective bank for assistance.

Usually in Adrianou Street near Monastiraki, you will often run into those dudes gambling on a where-is-the-pebble kind of game. They don't gamble in fact. They are one team pretending to be playing passionately, winning fortunes and shit, and waiting for someone to bite the bait. This isn't gambling; it is outright scamming. There is absolutely no chance you can win if you bet.

Athens Map

On this map, you have pinned all the above places from this guide (ancient historical sites, medieval churches & monasteries, modern historical sites, neighborhoods & districts, museums, parks). Click the top-left icon to view the list.

Athens Blogs

• whyathens.com
• athensguide.com
• greeka.com
• athenskey.com
• trip2athens.com
• city-of-athens.com
• athensattica.com
• myguideathens.com
• introducingathens.com
• athens24.com