Athens travel guide for beginners: top itinerary planning tips

When it comes to European cities that have history at their core, Athens surely takes the crown. After all, this is the city where heroic legends roamed, democracy was born, the original philosophers debated, and our first ever dramas filled the amphitheaters. Athens has seen empires rise and fall, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It’s not all ruins and dusty artefacts, however. Today’s Athens is a crumbling work of art, alive with creativity and a lively energy that keeps going long after dark. If you’re looking to visit Greece, get to know its incredible capital with our beginner’s travel guide, filled with recommendations and planning tips for your Athens itinerary.

The best things to do in Athens

Athens is a place that rewards the curious; you can visit vintage stores and hipster cafes, peruse millennia-old ancient ruins and sip ouzo in a rooftop bar – all in one day. The best Athens itinerary is a mix of old and new, from the ancient highlights of Athens to the secret local side that others might miss.

Athens in a nutshell

Firstly, you should get your bearings. Athens is a sprawling, sun-bleached capital built around its ancient core – the Acropolis – which rises up regally in the center. Most of the popular neighborhoods are clustered around this historic landmark (Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma), making it a very walkable city, perfect for first-timers. Beyond the centre, the streets sprawl out into hills, parks, and even towards the coast. With a mix of ancient temples, neoclassical mansions, 1960s apartment blocks and ageing walls covered in street art, it’s a ‘lived-in’ city that is always humming with life.

Neighborhoods to visit in Athens

The must-visit neighborhoods of Athens are those that encompass its eclectic magic. Syntagma Square is a natural starting point, a central square full of historic sights such as the Hellenic Parliament and other political landmarks.

Near to this is Plaka, which as the oldest part of Athens is expectedly full of wow factor and old-world charm, draped in hot pink bougainvillea. Here you’ll find a mix of tourist shops and restaurants, interspersed with artisanal handicrafts and culinary gems (by the end of your trip you’ll be addicted to souvlaki and tzatziki!).

In Monastiraki you’ll find a buzzing, local area known for its legendary flea market and excellent street food vendors. There’s also Koukaki, a laid-back neighborhood that’s bohemian and artsy; and if designer boutiques and upscale restaurants are more your scene, try Kolonaki. For more ideas of where to explore, you could always ask our local Greece experts for specifics – there’s really so much to see and do.

Crumbling ruins and iconic ancient monuments

Arguably, Athens is famed for its sublime ancient ruins that tell of some of our earliest civilizations. The star of the show is the Acropolis, a rocky hill crowned by the Parthenon; the storied 5th century temple built for the goddess Athena, for whom this ancient city is named.

Nearby are bountiful ancient sites like the Theater of Dionysus (the birthplace of drama), the Erechtheion with its stunning Caryatids (female statues as columns), and the Temple of Hephaestus – one of the best-preserved temples in Greece. A short walk away there’s the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library, incredible remnants of a Roman-ruled Athens; and the gargantuan Temple of Olympian Zeus, which once housed a colossal statue of the king of the gods himself.

Read more: Top 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Greece

A different side to Athens

Fancy going off the beaten path in Athens? Plenty of tourists visit the city, many of them just day-tripping before heading off to one or more of the abundant Greek islands. To avoid these crowds, wander some of the lesser-known spots in Athens, for a taste of local life and a more intimate Athens experience.

• Anafiotika is a quiet cluster of whitewashed houses clinging to the slopes of the Acropolis, which feels more like a peaceful island village than part of a big capital city. It’s a slice of peacefulness in what can be a hectic part of the city.
• Nearby you can climb Filopappou Hill, a slice of wilderness dotted with ancient ruins, leafy paths and sprawling views, with very few tourist visitors. At the foot of the hill is the Petralona neighborhood, full of old-school taverns and cafes that open late.
• For a sense of Athens’ anarchic side, the neighborhood of Exarcheia has been linked to protests, activism and revolution since the 1970s. The streets are packed with cool cafes, intriguing vinyl stores, and bookshops emblazoned with street art and murals. Psiri has a similar atmosphere, a former industrial hub with lots of indie warehouses to explore.

Of course, you can also take day trips from Athens to the coast, which many visitors don’t have the time for. Why not add a beach day in Athens to your itinerary?

Top day trips from Athens to the coast

To escape Athens’ often scorching heat and take a refreshing dip in the Aegean Sea, it takes less than an hour to join the glorious stretch of coastline all the way to the Athens Riviera, or even catch a ferry to the Greek islands of Aegina or Hydra.

The Athens Riviera

For a slow but enjoyable route, you could take the tram to the Athens Riviera and stop at numerous beaches en route – from the nearest beaches of Edem and Glyfada to the more relaxed Voula beach. As well as enjoying the sea and sand, you could tour the ancient Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. The ride takes less than an hour, depending on where you get off.

Take the ferry to Aegina

The nearest Greek island is Aegina, which is easily accessible via 40-minute ferry from Piraeus Port, in Athens. It may not be as popular as the Santorinis and Mykonoses of the Greek islands, but it’s a lovely island escape from the urban sprawl of the city; known for its pistachios, ancient ruins, and relaxed local feel. Explore the elegant harbor, visit the Temple of Aphaia, or bike to the fishing village of Perdika for fresh seafood and glittering views.

As well as Aegina are the islands of Poros (great for exploring lovely forests and wild swimming) and Igistri (home to nudist-friendly beaches), each only a one-hour ferry away.

Hop to the island of Hydra

For an island further afield, Hydra holds its own as one of the stunning, lesser-known Greek islands. It’s car-free – the main transport is by donkey – so you’re safe to wander the cobbled streets at will and enjoy the beauty and peace of the local islanders’ way of life.

Here you can sunbathe on flat rocks, dip in the deep blue ocean, and sip chilled wine at an al fresco harborside café – at only 90 minutes to two hours on a high-speed ferry from Athens.

Read more: The best Greek islands to visit

Planning essentials for your Athens trip

By now you must be itching to get on that plane to Greece – so here are some must-knows about planning your Athens itinerary…

Getting to and around Athens

You’ll likely fly into Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), only around 40 minutes from Athens city center by car, or just under an hour by metro. Reliable airport buses run 24/7 to key spots like Syntagma Square (a good starting point for city exploration) and Piraeus Port (ideal for island-hopping itineraries).

Once you’re in the city, walking is one of the best ways to explore the historic center – one of the big draws of Athens is that the sights are within strolling distance of each other. If you’d prefer a quicker way, the Athens Metro is clean and efficient – a good option for outer neighborhoods or the coast. As mentioned earlier, taking the tram is the best way to reach the beaches of the Athens Riviera.

Local neighborhoods to stay in

The central tourist neighborhoods such as Plaka or Koukaki will offer some great places to stay as a base, but for more boutique, family-run accommodation, you might want to look further afield or in more local areas. Talk to your local travel expert in Greece about the sort of accommodation you’d prefer – they have inside knowledge of the best places and can help you really get to know the area you’re staying in.

The best time to visit Athens

The sweet spot for visiting Athens is in the shoulder seasons, which fall between April and early June, and September and mid-October. During these months, the weather is warm but not scorching, crowds are thinner, and prices are more reasonable. You’ll also have a more relaxed experience at popular ancient sites like the Acropolis.

Avoid mid-July to August if possible – it gets very hot as well as busy, and many locals leave the city for the islands, meaning the city seems to have a higher level of tourists. Winter (November to March) is quiet and atmospheric. It sometimes rains and some places might close, but it’s great for budget travel and quiet museum perusing.

Read more: Interview with one of our local experts in Greece

Trips to Athens: frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions about how to spend your days in Athens. If you have any more in mind, our local experts are on hand to help answer them, so be sure to reach out.

How many days should I do in Athens?

To prioritize everything Athens has to offer and really soak up its creative atmosphere, three to four days gives you enough time to see the major ancient sites (like the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and Acropolis Museum), explore a few key neighborhoods, and even squeeze in a trip to the coast or a nearby island. With this time you can also enjoy some delectable Athenian cuisine and a cocktail or two in a rooftop bar.

What can I do in 3 days in Athens?

Three days is plenty to experience the eclectic, historic Greek capital of Athens. On the first day, dive into the ancient sites of the Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum. Take a sunset walk around the neighborhoods of Anafiotika and Plaka. On the second and third days, you can cover the Roman relics such as the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library, as well as a couple of other neighborhoods you’d love to see, before hitting a rooftop bar in the evening. On the third day, you can either visit the lesser-known neighborhoods, such as the anarchist area of Exarcheia, or even hop on a ferry for a coastal day trip to Aegina island.

Is 2 days enough in Athens?

If you only have two days in Athens, be sure to cover the iconic ancient sites of the Acropolis and Parthenon, and Roman ruins like the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library. With the rest of your time you can deep-dive into a few wondrous Athens neighborhoods – Plaka for old-world wandering, Koukaki for a bohemian, arty atmosphere; or Monastiraki for street food and flea markets. Chat to one of our local experts in Greece to discuss the perfect two-day itinerary in Athens.

Make it happen

If you’re ready to hop on a plane to Athens, get in touch with one of our local travel experts. They’re based in Greece, equipped with all the in-depth local knowledge to build your perfect Athens itinerary, no matter your budget, time limit or interests.