Athens
- Sightseekr
- Sep 28
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 30
A city that feels alive, but also in the past?
Athens is one of those cities that feels alive the second you arrive. It’s not neat or overly polished, and that’s part of what makes it great. You’ve got the ancient ruins, of course, some of the most famous in the world but also real local life happening all around you. It’s a place where history doesn’t feel like a museum, it’s just there, mixed into the everyday.
Most people start with the Acropolis and it’s every bit as impressive as you’d hope. The Parthenon is the star, but don’t miss the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatid statues or the views out over the city once you’re up there. Go early or late to avoid the heat and crowds, and definitely stop at the Acropolis Museum afterwards. It’s one of the best in the country, and it helps make sense of everything you just saw up on the hill.
From there, you’ve got ruins scattered all over the city. The Ancient Agora is a huge site where everyday Athenian life happened markets, politics, philosophy, you name it. You can still walk through the streets and see foundations of old homes and temples.
The Temple of Hephaestus, right in the middle, is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece. A short walk away is the Roman Agora, smaller but still interesting, especially the Tower of the Winds, which worked like a combination sundial and weather station built by the Romans. Nearby, Hadrian’s Library is another great stop, especially if you’re into old stone columns and imagining what it must have looked like in its prime.
And then there’s the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which is massive even though only a handful of columns are still standing. It’s worth walking around just to get a sense of the scale. Right across the street is Hadrian’s Arch, which once marked the entrance between the “old” and “new” city back in Roman times.
But Athens isn’t just ancient history. If you’re near Syntagma Square, stick around for the changing of the guard in front of the Presidential Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It happens every hour, and while it might look a bit theatrical, it’s actually a pretty big deal and an important tradition. The guards, called Evzones wear traditional outfits with the pom-pom shoes and march in a very unique (and slow) style. It’s definitely something to see at least once.
Right behind the palace is the National Garden, which is honestly such a nice break from the busy city. It’s full of shady paths, fountains, little ponds, and even a small animal area with ducks and turtles. It’s a great spot to walk through on your way to the Zappeion Hall, a neoclassical building used for events and once part of the early Olympic movement in Greece.
Speaking of the Olympics, if you’re into that kind of thing, you have to visit the Panathenaic Stadium. This is where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896, and it’s still one of the few stadiums in the world made completely out of marble. You can walk around the track, sit in the stands, and even stand on the winners’ podium if you’re feeling cheesy (no judgment). It’s not ancient as it was rebuilt on the site of an older stadium but it’s still really impressive and full of history. There's also the Olympic Complex (OAKA) in the northern suburbs, which was used for the 2004 Olympics and features some wild modern architecture by Santiago Calatrava. It’s a bit out of the way, but worth seeing if you’re into sports or design. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to see this on our short visit but it comes highly recommended.
When it comes to getting around, Athens is actually really easy to navigate although we found the layout rather strange. Most of the big stuff is within walking distance if you’re staying in the centre, and the metro is cheap and clean. You’ll probably end up walking a lot and that’s when you find the good stuff: a tucked-away brunch café like Theta and Usurum (which were both delicious) , a little ruin you didn’t expect, or a random shop selling old records or handmade sandals.
If this is all sounding like a lot to fit into your trip - and you don't even know where to start, why not check out our new travel planning service called MakeTheMost. We can create a personalised itinerary for your trip to Athens with an interactive map included, so all the places that you want to visit are saved to your phone! You can read more about our service or enquire below.
Once you’ve had your fill of temples and museums, slow it down. Walk through Plaka and Anafiotika, where it feels like you’re on a Greek island, not in a major city. Chill in Psiri with a coffee or an ouzo.
Speaking of food, it’s one of the best things about being here. We were surprised that its one of the nicest culinary cities we've been to. Some of our restaurant reccomendations include Arisotelis Kreatofageion, which is a very local restaurant tucked away in the city centre. You NEED to try their Moussaka, we still talk about it today. We also loved grabbing a sweet treat at Zoubourlou in the heart of Psyri. This neighbourhoud, where we recommend staying, is absolutely full of bars and restaurants including Flint which was lovely. In terms of bars, Athens has you covered with a wide range. From the Plaka stairs (The Mnisikleous Stairs) , yes a staircase lined with bars to rooftop cocktails (you know how much we love a rooftop bar!) A for Athens is a notable mention with incredible views of the Acropolis. A bit out of the city is Rakor which has a varied menu but still local and quality and the staff are THE friendliest. Enjoy some photos of our amazing food in Athens:
The city’s main squares are good landmarks and people-watching spots. Syntagma Square is the heart of it all, busy, political, and always full of life. Nearby is Monastiraki Square, which has a totally different vibe. We used here as a base for most of our Navigation as its very central and acts as a hub for Athens. It’s more touristy, packed with street vendors and of course views of the Acropolis (Yes, it really can be seen from pretty much anywhere in the city!) . And then there’s Omonia Square, which has had a bit of a rough reputation in the past, but it’s slowly cleaning up and still very much part of the “real” Athens, although its still somewhere we would avoid particularly at night.
The thing about Athens is that it isn’t just in the monuments, though those are pretty incredible. It’s in the mix of old and new, in the way the city never fully sleeps, in the fact that you can sit in a square eating gyros with the Parthenon lit up in the background. It’s not perfect, and it doesn’t pretend to be. But it’s honest, full of character, and if you let it, Athens will pull you in and make you feel like part of the chaos and you’ll hopefully enjoy every minute of it.
If we've inspired you to visit Athens - here's some practical information you might appreciate on your trip!
How do I get to Athens?
Athens is easy to access by air, as it has its own international airport. There are regular direct flights from several airports in the UK. There is a public airport bus that takes you to the city, or you can pre-book a taxi or airport transfer as well as take the metro. You can also access Athens by ferry from other Greek islands.
Where should I stay in Athens?
We stayed in Ederlezi Zoubourlou Aparthotel which we couldn't recommend more. They were central to Athens in the Psiri district.
If you don't fancy this one, don't worry, there are plenty of other options for accommodation in Athens. Have a look for something that will suit your group size and budget below:
Do I need a visa to visit Athens?
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Greece for a stay of up to 90 days. Read our Schengen Agreement post to find out more details about this rule.
The rules of entering Europe are changing. Take a read of our handy European travel rules post for more information.
What's the currency in Athens?
The currency of Greece is Euros. You can change money when you arrive or withdraw from ATMs, but be aware of high conversion fees! Some ATMs may charge you to withdraw money, even if your bank doesn't. It's always best to pay in local currency.
We found that almost everywhere takes both cash and card in Athens.
What languages are spoken in Athens?
The official language of Athens is Greek, but English is widely spoken as it is a major tourist destination. It's always polite to learn a few phrases, though!
What's the weather like in Athens?
Athens is mediterranean, and therefore can be windy throughout the year. It may be warm in the daytime in spring and autumn, but the temperature drops on an evening so be sure to bring a jacket.
Here's the average high / low temperatures for each season in Athens:
Spring: 20°C / 14°C
Summer: 29°C / 22°C
Autumn: 23°C / 17°C
Winter: 14°C / 10°C
Always make sure to check the forecast before your trip so you pack the correct clothing. This is the current weather in Athens:
What's the time zone in Athens?
Athens is in the Eastern European Time Zone, usually 2 hours ahead of the UK.
What are the best things to do in Athens?
We always try and give you a few great recommendations of things to do on our Sightseekr Inspiration posts but if you're looking for a more detailed, personalised itinerary, check out our MakeTheMost travel planning service.
Or, if you're just looking for an activity to fill another day, have a look for the best activities, excursions and other things to do in Athens with a local provider like GetYourGuide.
