Waymark

Greece · Attica

Athens travel guide

The Acropolis, rooftop bars and the gateway to the islands

The Acropolis and the Parthenon. Photo: Steve Swayne, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3h 30mflight from London
ATHnearest main airport
28° in Julwarmest month
9° in Jancoolest month

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the Parthenon still looks down on it from the Acropolis. Below, the old Plaka district, the Ancient Agora and buzzing Monastiraki are all within walking distance.

It's worth two or three days before or after the islands, for the history, the food and the rooftop views. The port of Piraeus, for ferries to the Cyclades, is 30 minutes away by metro.

Good forHistoryFoodCity breaksNightlife

What Athens is known for

  • The Acropolis

    The Parthenon and its temples, on a rock above the city.

  • Street food

    Souvlaki and gyros, fresh from the grill.

  • Rooftop views

    Bars and restaurants facing the floodlit Acropolis.

  • Island gateway

    Ferries from Piraeus to the Cyclades and beyond.

Top things to do in Athens

  1. 1

    The Acropolis

    The Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the views. Book a timed ticket and go at opening or late afternoon.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The Acropolis Museum

    Sculptures from the Parthenon in a modern museum with glass floors over excavations.

    Find tours and tickets
  3. 3

    Plaka and Anafiotika

    Old lanes below the Acropolis, with tavernas and island-style white houses.

    Find tours and tickets
  4. 4

    The Ancient Agora

    The heart of ancient Athens, with one of the best-preserved Greek temples.

    Find tours and tickets
  5. 5

    Changing of the Guard

    The evzones in their pleated kilts outside Parliament, every hour.

    Find tours and tickets
  6. 6

    Cape Sounion

    A sunset trip to the Temple of Poseidon on a cliff above the sea.

    Find tours and tickets

See all tours and tickets in Athens

Where to stay in Athens

Find a hotel in Athens

Best time to visit Athens

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Nov. April, May, October and November: warm days for sightseeing without the 35°C heat of July and August.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
9.2 C9°J9.7 C10°F11.8 C12°M14.8 C15°A19.9 C20°M24.9 C25°J27.5 C28°J27.4 C27°A23.7 C24°S19.1 C19°O14.8 C15°N10.8 C11°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Athens, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 30m from London to ATH, and flights from most UK airports.

The metro links the airport, the centre and Piraeus. Most sights in the centre are walkable.

Find flights to Athens (ATH)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Wear shoes with grip on the Acropolis: the marble is slippery.
  • Book the Acropolis in summer, when entry is limited to timed slots.
  • Taxis use meters, or book through an app to avoid overcharging.
Greece guidesVisasHealthcare abroadPlugs & adaptersDriving abroadWhen to go

Athens FAQ

How many days do you need in Athens?

Two days covers the main sights. Add a day for Cape Sounion or Delphi.

Is Athens safe?

Generally yes. Watch for pickpockets on the metro and in busy areas.

More places in Greece

Back to the Greece travel guide + Add Athens to your bucket list