Welcome to Athens
Athens Guide
01
See
The classics, best done early before the heat and the crowds.
The Acropolis
Acropolis
Book a timed ticket online and go at opening time.
Acropolis Museum
Makrygianni
The Parthenon Gallery at the top, with the hill framed in the glass.
National Archaeological Museum
Exarchia
One of the great collections of ancient art in the world.
Museum of Cycladic Art
Kolonaki
Small, beautiful and minimal — perfect for an hour.
Benaki Museum
Kolonaki
Greek culture through the ages, plus a lovely rooftop café.
Ancient Agora & Anafiotika
Plaka
Wander the old market, then get lost in the whitewashed lanes under the rock.
Lycabettus Hill
Kolonaki
The city's highest point — go at sunset.
02
Eat
From Michelin stars to tavernas with a view.
Spondi
Pangrati
Michelin-starred fine dining in a pretty courtyard.
Delta
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Michelin-starred, inventive tasting menus.
Varoulko Seaside
Mikrolimano, Piraeus
Michelin-starred seafood on the harbour.
Papadakis
Kolonaki
Refined Greek seafood, a local favourite.
Nolan
Syntagma
Greek-Japanese small plates, relaxed and buzzy.
Kuzina
Thiseio
Modern Greek with a rooftop facing the Acropolis.
Matsuhisa Athens
Four Seasons Astir Palace, Vouliagmeni
Nobu's seaside outpost on the Riviera.
03
Drink
Rooftops, world-class cocktails and a bit of history.
GB Roof Garden
Hotel Grande Bretagne, Syntagma
Classic sundowners with the Acropolis in front of you.
The Clumsies
Psyrri
One of the world's best-known cocktail bars.
Baba au Rum
Syntagma
Rum-focused cocktails, playful and excellent.
A for Athens
Monastiraki
Lively rooftop right above Monastiraki Square.
Brettos
Plaka
Athens' oldest distillery bar, with walls of glowing bottles.
04
Shop
Designer streets, sandals and treasures.
Kolonaki
Voukourestiou & Tsakalof
Designer boutiques and Greek labels.
Ermou Street
Syntagma to Monastiraki
The main shopping street, pedestrian all the way.
Monastiraki Flea Market
Monastiraki
Antiques, vintage and curiosities — best on Sunday morning.
Ancient Greek Sandals
Kolonaki & Plaka
Handmade leather sandals, a very Athenian souvenir.
Museum shops
Benaki & Acropolis Museum
Beautiful jewellery and replicas to take home.
05
Sea & Day Trips
The Riviera is 30 minutes from the centre.
06
Good to Know
A few practical things.
Airport
Athens International (ATH)
Around 40 minutes to the centre by taxi; the metro also runs to the city.
Getting around
Taxis & apps
Taxis are easy to find; FREENOW and Uber both work in Athens.
Weather in May
Warm & sunny
Usually low to mid 20s °C — bring a light layer for the evenings.
Money
Euro (€)
Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping around 10% is appreciated.
Late nights
Athenian time
Dinner starts around 9–10pm and nights go late.