Athens is the perfect blend of ancient history and modern city life. It’’s home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis, while also offering lively neighborhoods, rooftop bars, and a great food scene.
Unlike the Greek islands, Athens feels more urban and fast-paced, but that’s part of what makes it so unique. You’ll find centuries-old ruins sitting right next to cafés, hidden neighborhoods tucked beneath the Acropolis, and a mix of old and new around every corner.
We visited Athens as the final stop on our Greece trip, which made it the perfect place to slow down, reflect on everything we experienced, and end our journey on a high note.
How Many Days in Athens?
If you’re planning your itinerary, here’s what I recommend:
- 2 days: Perfect if you mainly want to see the ancient sites
- 3 days: Ideal if you want to explore museums, food, and experiences (what I recommend)
- 4+ days: Great if you want to include a day trip to places like Mycenae or other historic sites nearby
We spent 3 days in Athens, and it felt like the perfect amount of time to see the highlights without feeling rushed.
Flying
Flying into Athens is the most common and convenient way to arrive. Athens International Airport serves both international and domestic flights, making it easy to reach from major cities as well as the Greek islands.
We flew into Athens from Milos… and unfortunately, our luggage didn’t arrive with us. Not the best travel moment, but definitely a good reminder to always keep essentials in your carry-on when island hopping. Read More.
Ferry
If you’re traveling from islands like Santorini or Naxos, taking a ferry to Athens is another popular option. Ferries typically arrive at the Port of Piraeus, the main port serving the city. From there, you can easily take a taxi, metro, or ride-share into the city center. Ferries are generally straightforward and a great way to travel between the islands and mainland Greece.
Athens has several great neighborhoods, and choosing the right area can make a big difference in your overall experience.
Plaka is one of the most charming areas, known for its narrow streets, traditional buildings, and central location.
Monastiraki is lively and very central, with easy access to markets, transportation, and nightlife.
Syntagma is another great option if you prefer a more modern area with shopping and metro connections nearby.
For first-time visitors, staying near Plaka or Monastiraki is ideal since many of the main attractions are within walking distance.
Where We Stayed: The Editor Hotel
We stayed at The Editor Hotel Athens, located at 5-7 Voreou, right in the heart of the city near Monastiraki Square. The location alone made our stay incredibly convenient since we could walk almost everywhere without needing transportation.
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Getting around Athens is fairly easy, especially in the central areas.
Walking is the best way to explore neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki, where many attractions are close together. You’ll often find yourself wandering between historic sites, cafés, and shops without needing transportation.
The metro is clean, efficient, and connects key areas including the airport and the port. It’s one of the easiest ways to travel longer distances within the city.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available and affordable, making them a convenient option when you want something quicker or more direct.
Buses are available as well and are easy to use.
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It’s one of the sunniest capitals in Europe.
Athens offers a mix of history, culture, food, and unique experiences that make your visit memorable. From ancient landmarks to hands-on workshops and rooftop views, there is something for every type of traveler.
One of the highlights of any trip to Athens is visiting the Acropolis of Athens. We visited at sunset, and it was absolutely worth it. The lighting was beautiful, and the crowds were lighter compared to peak hours, which made the experience more enjoyable.
Tickets are timed entry, so make sure to arrive on time. There will be a line, and staff will guide you in based on your entry slot. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
We entered through the south entrance of the Acropolis, which is a great option if you want a slightly more scenic and gradual approach. This entrance takes you past several important sites on the way up, and it felt a bit less chaotic than the main entrance.
As you make your way up from this side, you’ll pass:
- Theatre of Dionysus
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus
before reaching the main Acropolis area.
A wine workshop at Athens Wine Tasting is such a fun and interactive experience. We took a wine-making class and had the best time learning about different blends while creating our own bottle to take home.
My husband and I originally discovered our love for wine during our first trip to Italy, so this was a great way to continue that experience and learn something new together in a hands-on setting.
A Greek cooking class is one of the best ways to experience local culture, and this ended up being one of our favorite activities in Athens. It was a hands-on experience that felt fun, interactive, and very immersive.
During the class, we prepared:
- Spinach pie (spanakopita)
- Tzatziki
- Aegean salad
- Moussaka
- Galatopita (Greek milk pie)
After cooking, we enjoyed everything together during a rooftop dinner with views of the Acropolis. The setting was incredible, especially as the sun set and the city began to light up.
Our chef was amazing and made the entire experience enjoyable and easy to follow. Since it was a group experience, it was also a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy a fun, social evening.
Explore Plaka and Anafiotika
Spend time wandering through Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens. It’s filled with charming streets, local shops, and traditional architecture, and has a relaxed, village-like feel despite being in the city center.
While you’re there, make sure to visit Anafiotika, a hidden neighborhood just beneath the Acropolis. With its whitewashed homes and narrow pathways, it feels like a small Cycladic island tucked into the city.
Sunset Views at MS Roof Garden
Athens is known for its rooftop views, and watching the sunset with the Acropolis in the background is something you shouldn’t miss.
MS Roof Garden is a great spot to enjoy drinks while taking in panoramic views of the city. At night, the Acropolis lights up, creating one of the most beautiful scenes in Athens.
- Uneven marble streets
- Steep hills
- Rough ancient paths
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The Parthenon has been:
- A temple
- A church
- A mosque
- A storage site
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Athens has an incredible food scene, ranging from casual street food to elevated rooftop dining experiences.
A great way to experience local cuisine is through a Greek food walking tour, where you can sample a variety of traditional dishes while exploring the city.
Some must-try foods include souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, spanakopita, fresh Greek salads, and traditional desserts.
Athens was our final stop during our Greece trip, and it was the perfect way to end everything. After exploring multiple islands, arriving in the city gave us a completely different perspective while still tying the entire trip together.
From ancient landmarks and historic neighborhoods to unique experiences like wine tasting and cooking classes, Athens offers a well-rounded mix of culture, history, and modern energy.
No matter when you visit, Athens brings a different layer to your Greece trip, blending history, culture, and city energy in a way that makes the entire experience feel more complete.
