Ultimate Athens Greece Travel Guide: What to See, How to Get Around, & Tips for Visiting

Planning a trip to Athens can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time visiting Greece’s capital. This Athens Greece travel guide for first-time visitors will help you navigate the city with ease, from choosing the best areas to stay, to exploring iconic ancient sites, and enjoying local food and activities.

Whether you want to wander the historic streets of Plaka, explore world-famous landmarks like the Acropolis, or discover hidden neighborhoods beyond the tourist zones, this guide has everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.

By the end of this Athens Greece travel guide, you will feel confident planning your first visit, knowing exactly what to see, where to eat, and how to get around Athens like a pro.

Athens Greece Travel Guide: Basic Info

First things first, let’s go over some of the basics.

 What Is Athens Known For?

Athens is famous for its ancient ruins, fascinating museums, delicious food, and lively neighborhoods. It is the birthplace of democracy, home to iconic sites such as the Acropolis and Parthenon, and a cultural hub where ancient history blends with modern city life. 

Visitors love the chic rooftop bars of Athens that face the Acropolis, the colorful streets, great shopping, and the mix of old and new around every corner.

 Where Is Athens in Greece?

Athens is located in southern mainland Greece near the Aegean Sea. It is well connected to the rest of the country through ferries, buses, and flights, making it the main starting point for exploring both mainland Greece and the Greek islands.

Athens Greece Travel Guide: Entry Requirements

Now that you know how to get to Athens, let’s go over the next part of our Athens Greece travel guide, helping you with what you need to enter Greece legally.

 Do I Need a Visa to Visit Athens?

Many travelers do not need a visa to enter Greece. EU citizens can visit freely, while Americans and other non restricted nationalities can enter visa free for up to 90 days within a 180 day period.

 Is Greece in the Schengen Zone?

Yes. Greece is part of both the EU and the Schengen Zone. If you are arriving from another Schengen country you will not go through customs again. Just make sure you are following the 90 day limit.

If your nationality requires a Schengen Visa, you will need to show that when arriving from a non Schengen destination.

 What Vaccines Are Required to Enter Greece?

No special vaccinations are required to visit Greece.

Athens Greece Travel Guide: Things to Do and See

Now that you know the basics of visiting Athens, here comes the fun part of our Athens Greece travel guide. Let’s talk about the top things to do in the city.

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 Things to Do in Athens On Your Own

Athens is filled with historic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and incredible viewpoints. Here are some must see highlights for your first visit to Athens.

• Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon
• Wander through Plaka and Anafiotika
• Visit the Ancient Agora
• See the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square
• Climb Lycabettus Hill for sunset
• Explore the National Gardens
• Visit the Roman Agora
• Check out Hadrian’s Library
• Explore Monastiraki Flea Market
• Visit the Acropolis Museum
• Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

 Fun Activities to Sign Up for in Athens

If you want to make your trip extra special, here are some fun and unique experiences to enjoy in Athens.

• Guided Acropolis and Museum tour
• Street food walking tour
• Greek cooking class
• Cape Sounion sunset tour
• Wine tasting experience
• Rooftop bar hop
• Athens Riviera sailing trip
• E-bike tour around the city
• Day trip to Delphi
• Day trip to Meteora
• Olive oil tasting
• Traditional dance show
• Pottery workshop

Athens Greece Travel Guide: Local Food and Drink

Now for one of the best parts of our Athens Greece travel guide. Let’s talk about the amazing food.

 Local Dishes to Try in Athens

• Souvlaki

• Gyro

• Spanakopita

• Moussaka

• Greek salad

• Dakos

• Loukoumades

• Dolmades

• Fresh seafood

• Baklava

• Greek yogurt with honey

• Ouzo and meze

• Greek wines like Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko, and Moschofilero

Athens has incredible restaurants, food markets, bakeries, wine bars, and foodie tours to help you experience the city through its flavors.

Athens Greece Travel Guide: Where to Stay

Traveling to Athens for the first time? Let’s help you choose the best area to base yourself, with some hotel recommendations.

 Where to Stay in Athens

Here are the top areas to stay in Athens for first time visitors:

• Plaka: charming, central, and close to major sites
• Syntagma: excellent for transportation and shops
• Monastiraki: vibrant and great for markets and rooftop bars
• Koukaki: trendy and close to the Acropolis
• Kolonaki: upscale, quiet, and perfect for luxury stays
• Psiri: great nightlife, restaurants, and a young atmosphere

Monastiraki is great for its rooftop bars!

 Recommended Hotels in Athens

Now you know which neighborhoods to stay in - but if you'd like a hand, here are some properties we picked out for you with a variety of budgets.

 Budget-Friendly Stays in Athens

• Bed Box Hostel: Clean, social, and perfectly located near Monastiraki with a cozy common area and great value.
• Athens Hub Hostel: Stylish and central with a rooftop hangout spot and easy access to sightseeing
• City Circus Athens: A boutique style hostel with private rooms and a great social atmosphere in Psiri.

 Mid-Range Stays in Athens

• A for Athens: Famous for its rooftop views and perfectly located for exploring the historic center.
• Elia Ermou: Sophisticated rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and unbeatable views of the Acropolis from one of the best addresses in the city. 
• Electra Metropolis Athens: Modern luxury with a rooftop pool, great service, and unforgettable views of the Acropolis.
  

 Luxury Stays in Athens

• The Pinnacle Athens: A chic boutique stay with spacious rooms and great access to restaurants and shopping.
• Hotel Grande Bretagne: A historic landmark with elegant rooms, world class service, and a rooftop overlooking the Acropolis.
• King George Hotel: Beautiful suites, refined decor, and one of the most prestigious locations in Athens.
• Anthology of Athens: A stylish, design forward luxury stay offering spacious suites, warm hospitality, and a quiet upscale atmosphere near the city's top attractions.

 Unique & Epic Stays for Groups

• One 360 Skyline Athens Penthouse: Stunning penthouse with a plunge pool, swing, panoramic city views, huge terraces, and plenty of space for groups looking for a luxurious home base in the heart of Athens.
• Vouliagmeni Apollonos Street Villa: Beautiful coastal style villa near the sea in Vouliagmeni, offering privacy, multiple bedrooms, and a relaxed beach town vibe.
• Luxury Yacht RINI V: A fully equipped private yacht stay where your group can sleep on board, enjoy the marina views, and experience Athens from the water for a truly unforgettable stay.

Athens Greece Travel Guide: Other Things to Know

We're in the final stretch of our Athens Greece travel guide! Before you go, here area few other things you'll want to keep in mind for your trip.

 Weather in Athens

Athens experiences hot Mediterranean summers and mild winters. Summer is beastly hot, while spring and fall offer more ideal temperatures for sightseeing.

 What Is the Best Month to Visit Athens?

The best time to visit Athens depends on your travel style.

• Summer is great for nightlife and island hopping
• Spring and fall are perfect for sightseeing and pleasant weather
• Winter is quiet and budget friendly

We visited in April, and found it the perfect time of year. It wasn't too crowded had beautiful flowers, and we had perfect weather for walking around.

 Packing for a Trip to Athens

• Sunscreen 
• Sunglasses
• Insulated Water Bottle (to hold the temperature)
• Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting) 
• Sundresses (shorter ones are better so they don't drag on the streets)
• Comfortable shoes/sneakers (for walking around)
• Small Bag or Backpack - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are the best in the market)
• Beach Towel (for visiting nearby islands)
• Bathing Suits
• Camera - (we use the Sony A7Riii)
• Action Camera (we use the GoPro for underwater shots, and the Insta 360 with the extra long selfie stick for drone-like shots)
• Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Case Mate Phone Pouch)
• Portable fan for summer
• Travel adapter

 Is Athens Worth Visiting?

Most travelers visiting Greece for the first time go straight to the islands, but don't miss out on everything that Athens has to offer! It's full of history, character, and incredible bars and restaurants.

 How Many Days Do You Need in Athens?

For first time visitors, we recommend spending 2 to 3 full days in Athens. This will let you see the highlights, explore local neighborhoods, and experience a few unique activities before moving on to the islands or mainland.

We hope you enjoyed our guide Athens, Greece travel guide! Have questions still? Feel free to drop them in the comments below.

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