Athens

Acropolis views, souvlaki joints & Psiri nights

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Athens is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Vrahakia (Areopagus Rocks), Acropolis & Parthenon and Acropolis Museum. Food lovers should not miss Elvis Souvlaki and Panellinion Chess Coffee-House. Below you will find 49 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Athens at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Vrahakia (Areopagus Rocks) and Acropolis & Parthenon
Where to stay: Kerameikos and Monastiraki
Local picks: 49 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Athens

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

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Where to stay in Athens

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Kolonaki

Coco-Mat Athens BC

A calm, natural-materials design hotel (beds, of course, by the Greek mattress maker Coco-Mat) near Syntagma, with a lovely rooftop bar looking to the Acropolis. Sustainable, comfortable and central.

★ 4.6

Day trip

Delphi Day Trip

A full-day trip to Delphi, the mountain sanctuary the ancients believed was the centre of the world, home to the famous oracle. Ruins, a superb museum and jaw-dropping views over a sea of olive trees.

★ 4.7

Centre

Diporto

A legendary unmarked cellar taverna by the central market with no sign, no menu and barrels of wine – just a handful of daily dishes like chickpea stew and grilled fish, served to market workers and in-the-know locals since the 1880s. A true time capsule.

★ 4.5

Syntagma

Electra Metropolis

A sleek, well-run hotel steps from Syntagma, best known for its rooftop pool and restaurant with a knockout Acropolis view. Central, polished and great value for the location.

★ 4.7

Kerameikos

Elvis Souvlaki

An Elvis-themed souvlaki joint where the grill does things differently – skewers served with fresh fried potatoes, lemon and bread rather than wrapped in pita. Relaxed, cheap and open late, it’s the go-to after a night out in Kerameikos, best eaten on the square right outside. Go for the pork.

★ 4.6

Thissio

Filopappou Hill

A pine-covered hill facing the Acropolis, laced with old stone paths up to a Roman monument at the top – and the postcard view of the Parthenon, especially at sunset. A lovely free walk right in the centre.

★ 4.6

Centre

Greek Cooking Class

Learn to cook Greek staples – often moussaka, tzatziki, dolmades and a honey-drenched dessert – in a hands-on class, then sit down to eat everything with wine. A fun, tasty break and skills to take home.

★ 4.8

Syntagma

Hotel Grande Bretagne

The grande dame of Athens hotels, on Syntagma Square since 1874 – old-world opulence, impeccable service and a famous rooftop restaurant-bar gazing straight at the floodlit Acropolis. The classic Athens splurge.

★ 4.7

$$$

Centre

Karamanlidika tou Fani

Part delicatessen, part meze house near the central market, celebrating the cured meats, cheeses and recipes of the Greeks of Asia Minor. Graze pastourma, sausages and small plates with a glass of wine at the counter.

★ 4.6

Centre

Klimataria

A century-old taverna on Theatrou Square serving hearty Greek classics with live rebetiko music most nights – the kind of joyous, singing-and-dancing evening that turns dinner into a party. Book and stay late.

★ 4.5

Monastiraki

Monastiraki & Flea Market

A buzzing square and warren of streets where the flea market spills out – antiques, vintage, souvenirs and street food, with the Acropolis floating above. Liveliest (and most chaotic) on Sunday mornings.

★ 4.5

Kolonaki

Mount Lycabettus

The highest hill in Athens, topped by a little white chapel and a cafe with a jaw-dropping panorama over the whole city to the Acropolis and the sea. Walk up through the pines or take the funicular – sunset is unbeatable.

★ 4.7

Exarchia

National Archaeological Museum

The world’s finest collection of ancient Greek art – the golden Mask of Agamemnon, the bronze Artemision Zeus, the Antikythera Mechanism. A little out of the tourist core, and all the calmer for it; give it a couple of hours.

★ 4.8

Syntagma

National Garden

A cool, shady oasis right behind Parliament – winding paths, ponds, ancient ruins and a small menagerie. The perfect escape from the summer heat and city noise, leading down to the Zappeion hall.

★ 4.4

Syntagma

NEW Hotel

A bold design hotel by the Campana brothers just off Syntagma, full of playful recycled-timber interiors and a rooftop with Acropolis views. Central, characterful and fun.

★ 4.5

Pangrati

Panathenaic Stadium

The gleaming all-marble stadium that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, built on an ancient site. Walk the track, sit on the marble tiers and climb up for a view – the audio guide is included.

★ 4.6

Before you go

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Athens travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Athens?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Athens at a relaxed pace. See our Athens itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Athens?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Athens guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Athens?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Athens?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Athens is worth visiting year-round.