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One of the oldest cities in the world, Athens wears its history like a badge of pride. The Acropolis and its crowning glory, the Parthenon, look down over the city from their lofty viewpoint, but everywhere you go you’ll come across ancient ruins from temples and theaters to towers and triumphal arches.
There are also Byzantine churches and Ottoman mansions to explore (the city was conquered multiple times throughout the ages), world-class museums, a vibrant nightlife, beaches and ocean views.
Areas of the heart of Athens are closed to vehicles, so you’re best exploring on foot and enjoying the city from rooftop bars and restaurants with sweeping views.
Greece specialist BrittanyThere’s so much more to Athens than meets the eye, if you know where to look. I love the brightly painted houses in the Plaka district, the buzz of Syntagma Square and the views of the Parthenon from almost everywhere in the city.
Things to see and do in Athens
The Acropolis
An ancient citadel perched on an outcrop above the city, the Acropolis was the brainchild of 5th-century BC statesman Pericles. He decided to build a lavish city of temples dedicated to the cult of Athena.
The site was proclaimed the province of the gods by the Oracle of Delphi, and the finest materials and best craftsmen were employed to construct a series of temples, theaters, sanctuaries and monumental gateways.
Although pilfered and damaged by conflicts and natural disasters over the centuries, the complex still has an immensely powerful presence. Many of the most important surviving sculptures now sit on display in the Acropolis Museum, while replicas fill their original places on the hilltop.
The Parthenon
Built during the Golden Age of Athens, the Parthenon sits on the highest point of the Acropolis, visible from all over Athens. The enormous Doric temple is regarded as the finest surviving example of classical Greek architecture. It was completed in 438 BC, and its finely calculated proportions, complex architectural structure and lavish decoration have inspired countless imitations.
The building originally served as a temple and treasury and held a colossal statue of Athena. Its friezes and sculpture-laden pediments would have been brightly painted and, although it has suffered badly over the years, it remains the symbol of Ancient Greece around the world.
Ancient Agora, the heart of classical Athens
The hub of ancient Athens, and its administrative, political and commercial heart, the Ancient Agora was the city’s marketplace, communal gathering space and location for some of the most heated debates and groundbreaking speeches in history.
The agora can justifiably claim to be the birthplace of democracy, a place where Socrates and Plato expounded their ideas, Saint Paul preached for coverts to Christianity, and lawmakers drew up codes that still influence our daily lives.
The site remained in use for about 5,000 years, and highlights include the Temple of Hephaistos and the modern reconstruction of the Stoa of Attalos, a covered walkway from the Hellenistic period. The Museum of the Ancient Agora explores the site’s legacy, as well as private and public life in classical Athens.
Plaka, one of Athens’ oldest districts
Set at the foot of the Acropolis, Plaka’s warren of narrow streets are lined by brightly painted, often tumbledown houses and a glut of shops, galleries, tavernas, cafés and restaurants. Bougainvillea cascades from rooftops, and the district gives off a definite air of traditional Greek way of life.
You’ll also find small Byzantine churches, leafy little squares, flower sellers, buskers, museums and, like everywhere else in the city, impressive archaeological sites.
It’s also a good place to pick up everything from ouzo and olive oil to Byzantine-style necklaces and woven carpets.
Modern Athens
Despite Greece’s well-documented economic woes in recent years, Athens remains a thriving city with a lively contemporary arts scene. Museums covering everything from Cycladic and Islamic art to ancient archaeology, Jewish history, folk art and numismatics.
You can see edgy street art on buildings all over the city and, by night, attend live music, dance and drama performances of every type.
On Syntagma Square, Athens’ central gathering place, the Old Royal Palace houses the Greek parliament and you can see the changing of the guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Best time to visit Athens
Athens makes a good destination at any time of year, but April to June and September to October are the best times to go. During these months, the temperatures are pleasant and visitor numbers are lower than in high summer. During July and August, temperatures can reach 91°F (33°C), making it very hot for exploring the city, while winter weather can be quite unpredictable.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Athens
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Athens, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Athens
- The Peloponnese 18 miles away
- Cape Sounion 26 miles away
- Hydra 48 miles away
- Nafplio 59 miles away
- Arachova 71 miles away
- Delphi 76 miles away
- Syros 77 miles away
- The Greek Islands 77 miles away
- Galaxidi 78 miles away
- Tinos 85 miles away
- Sifnos 89 miles away
- Milos 94 miles away
- Mykonos 96 miles away
- Monemvasia 97 miles away
- Paros 103 miles away
- Naxos 110 miles away
- Folegandros 115 miles away
- Olympia 118 miles away
- Costa Navarino 133 miles away
- Santorini 146 miles away
- Meteora 165 miles away
- Thessaloniki 188 miles away
- Corfu 240 miles away
Photos of Athens
Our expert guides to exploring Athens
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Athens, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Athens at its best.
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Exploring classical Greece: Five essential destinations Exploring classical Greece: Five essential destinations
Exploring classical Greece: Five essential destinations
Explore the cradle of European culture with Greece specialist Abbey on this tour of five classical destinations, from the sun-bleached Parthenon in Athens to the sacred island of Delos, which the ancients believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
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Top 5 museums in Athens Top 5 museums in Athens
Top 5 museums in Athens
As the cradle of Western culture, Greece has a special place in the history of art and architecture. Audley specialist and art history enthusiast Shannon visits bronze sculptures, marble friezes and Byzantine mosaics at five of Athens’ best museums.
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Accommodation choices for Athens
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Athens. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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New Hotel
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Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.
NJV Athens Plaza
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Hotel Grande Bretagne
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Herodion Hotel
Athens
Ideas for experiencing Athens
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Athens, and which use the best local guides.
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Athens food lover's walking tour Athens food lover's walking tour
Athens food lover's walking tour
Sample fresh pies, succulent olives, traditional souvlaki and sweet desserts on a guided half-day walking tour of central Athens with a local guide. You’ll get an introduction to Greek cuisine and culinary techniques as you visit the city’s finest markets, delis and bakeries.
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Ancient Delphi and Arachova Ancient Delphi and Arachova
Ancient Delphi and Arachova
An expert guide will lead you around the ruins of ancient Delphi on this full-day tour of one of Greece’s most prestigious archaeological sites. The day ends with a trip to Arachova, a mountain town known for its textiles and cheese.
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Athens street art tour Athens street art tour
Athens street art tour
Discover Athens’ powerful street art on a guided tour that throws light on everything from the Greek economic crisis to the power of art to force social change. This half-day tour takes in Athens’ lesser-known districts and most impressive murals.
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Ancient Athens and the Acropolis Museum Ancient Athens and the Acropolis Museum
Ancient Athens and the Acropolis Museum
On this half-day privately guided tour, you’ll uncover the history, significance and function of the Athens Acropolis and its crowning glory, the Parthenon. Your time includes a trip to the Acropolis Museum, where the most highly prized sculptures are on display.
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Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Offering an insight into Greek myths, beliefs and building methods, this privately guided tour of the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion reveals much about ancient society as well as presenting you with panoramic views from its headland setting.
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