AthensTravel Guide

With its quaint village atmosphere, vibrant cafes and proximity to the Acropolis, Plaka is one of the most unique places to stay in Athens. Accommodation here consists of mainly small, family-run hotels located directly on the street. However, what they may lack in luxury they make up for in charm, authenticity, and immediate access to all the essential sites.

Koukaki is acclaimed as one of the up-and-coming districts of Athens with a bevy of new restaurants and shops moving in. Its central location places you within easy reach of the Acropolis – this is a major benefit, along with the easy access to the Metro. Koukaki is quieter than other tourist precincts with accommodation including affordable small-scale hotels.

As a central hub with easy transport options, Syntagma boasts a large selection of the big-name accommodation options of Athens. Here you'll find international brands along with a host of other large-scale motels that all provide proximity to the Acropolis, and a central city location from which to explore restaurants, shops, museums and more.

Makrygianni is widely considered among the best areas to stay in Athens due to the fact it borders the Acropolis. This suburb places you in direct proximity to museums, shopping, archaeological wonders, and a whole lot more. Accommodation is also easy to come by, with a host of three, four and even five-star hotels dotted around the area.

Packed full of cafes, bars and pedestrian zones, Thission offers a lively ambience and access to historic areas like Plaka and the Acropolis. Accommodation here isn't as widely available as some other areas of Athens, but there are a number of well-priced hotels that allow you to reach all the must-see tourist sites of Athens within a 15-minute walk.

Adjoining the Acropolis, Monastiraki offers convenient access to Athens' prime historical sites in addition to being within walking distance of bustling neighbourhoods like Psiri and Gazi. Monastiraki is also located on the Metro line that arrives directly from the airport. The accommodation offerings here range from short-stay apartments to five-star hotels, with an option to suit almost every budget.

Ranked among the world's most significant historical sites, the Acropolis looms over Athens in all its architectural glory. Dating back to between 400 and 500BC, the Acropolis is one of the most famous destinations in the world. It features significant ruins like the Parthenon, but it also symbolises the rich history and advanced culture of Ancient Greece, along with offering spectacular views of Athens and the Aegean Sea.

Home to the first ever modern Olympics in 1896, the Panathenaic Stadium hosted sporting events for centuries before it became an Olympic icon. The stadium dates back to around 330BC, but has been reconstructed and rebuilt over time to accommodate around 50,000 spectators. To date, it's hosted the Olympics on three occasions, and it's located near the Acropolis.

Almost 70km southeast of Athens is the culturally significant Temple of Poseidon, which pays homage to Ancient Greece's God of the Sea. Overlooking the Aegean, the ruins of the temple stand on the southernmost tips of the Attica Peninsula and offer a spectacular vantage point for sunsets over the water. The region itself, known as Sounion, was also considered strategically important to Athens.

Considered one of the greatest museums in the world, the National Archaeological Museum Athens houses a vast collection of artefacts from locations all over Greece. Originally established to secure archaeological finds excavated in Athens in the 19th Century, it expanded to accommodate the most significant finds of the nation. It's now home to sculptures, pottery, and items dating back to the late prehistoric period.

The Museum of Islamic Art offers a fascinating insight into the Islamic influence within Greek culture. This museum incorporates two buildings and spans four floors, featuring artefacts, jewellery, scientific instruments, military regalia, and manuscripts. The works were donated as part of the Benakis family collection of items sourced from Egypt, Persia and Iran, and span the 7th to 19th centuries.

As one of the most important collections of Byzantine art in the world, the Byzantine and Christian Museum is home to rare collections of pictures, scriptures, pottery, fabrics and artefacts that date back to 3AD. Over 25,000 works are held within the museum's care, collected from all over the Greek world and encompassing the Christian, Byzantine, Medieval, Post-Byzantine, and later periods.

Once a colossal temple that was one of the largest in Greece, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is now marked by only 16 remaining columns. Over 600 years in the making, the temple also once housed one of the largest cult statues in the ancient world and is considered among Athens' most famous ruins. It is situated in the centre of Athens, southeast of the Acropolis.

Widely considered the origin point for all European theatre, the Theatre of Dionysus holds special significance for the culture of Greece. Throughout its lengthy history, the area was constantly rebuilt and improved, but it's thought the Theatre of Dionysus dates back to around the 6th century BC, when theatre was first being created. Today, the theatre is best viewed from the Acropolis.

Ancient Agora was the central point of old-world Athens, and home to political, commercial, judicial and society activity. This former city heart features a wealth of notable monuments and excavations that provide a unique insight into the ancient culture and lifestyle of Greece. The Agora, which roughly translates to “gathering place” is located to the northwest of the Acropolis.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus offers a unique and authentic insight into ancient Greek performance and culture. This outdoor concert arena dates back to the 2nd century and was the third odeon to be constructed in ancient Athens. Now it accommodates live music and theatre performances from its spectacular position on the south slope of the Acropolis.

Housed in a beautiful Neo-Classical building near the National Gardens, the Benaki Museum features a collection of art and exhibitions that span Greek history. The original works and building were donated to the Greek people by the Benakis family, and have been added to over time to incorporate over 100,000 pieces. There are also additional satellite museums accommodating toys, Islamic art, and archives.

The Museum of Cycladic Art features over 3,000 artefacts offering a window into the ancient civilisations of the Cycladic Islands. Originally the private collection of shipping magnate Nicholas Goulandris and his wife Dolly, it contains items dating back to 3200BC. Perhaps the most spectacular element of the museum is the semi-abstract Cycladic figurines that later inspired Cubist art and even the works of Picasso.

Boasting a love of cuisine and a deep enjoyment of the social occasion that goes with it, Greek restaurants, tavernas and cafes are around almost every corner of this ancient city. If you're looking for some top restaurant precincts to sample the local fare, check out Plaka for tourist-friendly options, Psiri for authentic cafes and restaurants, Monastiraki for quick bites, and Gazi for trendy eateries.

Athens boasts a vibrant cafe scene where hours slip by while you enjoy the passing parade and some seriously good coffee. It used to be that coffee in Athens was restricted to a bracing brew of bitter strength, but now espresso machines abound. If you're up for some tradition, try a kafeneio where the specialties are pure coffee and strong spirits.

Many areas of Athens transform come sunset, offering live music, a summery ambience, and a commitment to revelry. Among the big-name areas are Psiri for ouzeries, eateries and restaurants, and Gazi for a bustling night-time atmosphere accompanied with upmarket cocktails. For a more laid-back evening outing, Plaka offers the opportunity to drink in amazing views of the Acropolis long after the sun goes down.

Greece has long been renowned for locally sourced, quality food and Athens food markets are certainly no exception. The city has a wealth of street markets to explore where the ambience is lively and the flavours are always fresh. Try the bustling Central Market for authentic delights and edible gifts, or explore the farmers' markets for delectable local produce – head to Bishop Park on a Saturday!

Kolonaki holds the number one position as the best place for luxury items when shopping in Greece. Located in the chicest part of town, it's also the heart of the Athens' fashion scene where Greek fashionistas flock to attain all the latest designer and up-and-coming brands. From jewellery to swimwear, shoes and artisan designs, Kolonaki is a must for any retail enthusiast.

Nestled in the shadow of the Acropolis, Plaka features the feel of an old-style village within the metropolis of Athens. This scenic precinct is one of the city's oldest regions and is now closed off to cars in many areas. Plaka is home to speciality shops like jewellery stores, art galleries, sandal makers, souvenir retailers, and cafes.

Packed with trendy shops, leather makers and furniture stores, Psiri is considered an almost hidden shopping gem of Athens. Once a rundown area with an anti-establishment reputation, Psiri is shaping up as one of the best places to escape the crowd, peruse the wares and enjoy the authentic neighborhood feel amid locals, cafes, and fabulous food.

Kolonaki holds the number one position as the best place for luxury items when shopping in Greece. Located in the chicest part of town, it's also the heart of the Athens' fashion scene where Greek fashionistas flock to attain all the latest designer and up-and-coming brands. From jewellery to swimwear, shoes and artisan designs, Kolonaki is a must for any retail enthusiast.

A former gasworks, Gazi is emerging as the place for all things up-and-coming in Athens, including a variety of boutique stores. Shops are set among intricate walls of graffiti art, and there's a host of galleries to further indulge your artistic hankerings. Meanwhile, shoe shops, jewellery boutiques and speciality pieces are also accommodated within the industrial atmosphere of the old factories.

There are an estimated 15,000 taxis in Athens, and using them is generally affordable. Ensure you check the meter when you get in as overcharging of unwitting foreigners can occur. Taxis operate on daytime rates until midnight (ensure the meter is set to ‘1' during these times) and night-time rates after midnight (the meter should be set to ‘2').

Experience the beauty and ambience of Athens with the comfort and convenience of two wheels, courtesy of the readily available Athens bike hire. The city features an ever-increasing array of bike paths and parks to explore as it embraces the cycling culture. There are a host of hire companies and hotels with bike hire available, with many also offering guided cycling tours of the city.

Athens features an extensive and inexpensive public transport system that encompasses trains, trams, trolleys, underground rail, and buses. For most visitors the underground rail system, or Metro, offers the greatest convenience, easily servicing major sites of the city. However, if you're after a casual ride and coastal views, check out the trams that run from Syntagma.

As most of the Athens sightseeing occurs around the city centre, walking Athens is a great way to discover ancient wonders, shopping and fabulous eateries in one fell swoop. Much of the city has also been made pedestrian-friendly. If you're planning on exploring Athens by foot, be sure to take a water bottle and a hat.

Open to the public from sunrise to sunset, the National Gardens of Athens feature 15ha of tropical gardens right in the heart of the city. In addition to open green spaces and trees and flowers that have been collected from all over the world, the gardens also boast ancient monuments and even a zoo.

As the epicentre of modern Athens, Syntagma Square is a place of special social and historical significance to Greek residents. Situated in front of the Old Royal Palace, this is the site where soldiers gathered in 1843 to demand former King Otto of Greece grant the first constitution. Now Syntagma, or “constitution” square, also features a fountain and shady trees.

Areopagus Hill is a site of immense cultural significance situated adjacent to the Acropolis. Prior to 5BC, Areopagus Hill functioned like a senate for the city's elders to pass legislation. In classical times, it served a judicial purpose for the trying of homicide. It's also believed to be the place that Apostle Paul delivered his famous speech about the identity of an “unknown God”.

Stavros Niarchos Park is a 210,000m2 purpose-built green space designed to breathe life into the city of Athens, while also providing a venue for arts and culture. The park features lush green landscaping and open spaces, plants, fountains, and playgrounds. Completed in 2016, the precinct also accommodates the National Library of Greece and the National Opera.

The small rocky outcrop surrounded by parkland that comprises the Hill of Pnyx is the site where all the great struggles of Athens and the Golden Age were fought. Here Athenians have gathered for centuries to host popular assemblies and play out the workings of democracy. In proximity to the Parthenon and looking down on Ancient Agora, this is a symbolic green refuge against the white backdrop of Athens.