40 Distinctive Issues To Do In Athens, Greece

Whereas the capital metropolis is legendary for its many Historic Greek sights, there are many issues to do in Athens in addition to visiting the historic sights.

I’m not saying it’s best to skip the Acropolis or Parthenon, however I completely get that not everybody enjoys the identical type of sightseeing. Fortunately, Athens has loads to supply to travellers preferring a distinct expertise.

If you happen to’re not into historic ruins or, like me, admire seeing them however don’t wish to spend your complete journey ready in queues and traipsing round archeological websites within the sizzling solar with different vacationers, you’ll nonetheless discover tons to see and do in Athens.

Tick off the primary sights (together with among the prime Athens sights listed on this information) with a Combo Move. It provides you skip-the-line entry to seven of Athens’ prime archaeological websites, together with the Acropolis, Roman Agora, and Historic Agora.

Whether or not you’re an avid historical past hater or this isn’t your first go to to Athens and also you’ve already ‘performed’ the primary sights, this information will uncover all the choice issues to do in Athens in addition to the standard touristy must-sees. 

We did the hop-on hop-off Metropolis Sightseeing bus to get round. Even utilizing this bus, we managed upwards of 19,000 steps per day in Athens! If you happen to don’t wish to use the native metro, it’s price shopping for a 48-hour ticket to get across the prime sights in Athens. If you happen to’re visiting Athens throughout a cruise, use the Seashore-Riviera line to get from the port into town.

Though its closely graffitied streets don’t have the instant attraction of different European cities, Athens will shortly seize your coronary heart. In addition to the traditional websites, Orthodox church buildings and labyrinth of streets polished easy with footsteps over time, Athens is studded with pockets of inexperienced house and its foods and drinks scene rivals that of different European capitals.

Based mostly on my Jet2CityBreaks journey to Athens, right here’s my decide of the extra distinctive issues to do in Athens, past the Acropolis. Be happy to DM me on Instagram if in case you have questions, but in addition verify the FAQ part on the finish of this Athens information as I could have already answered your question there.

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One of the best sights and issues to do in Athens

1. Browse Athens’ flea market

One of many issues I loved most throughout our metropolis break in Athens was rummaging via the assorted retailers and stalls on the flea market that threads off Monastiraki Sq.. You could find all method of odds and ends right here!

From vintage furnishings to dusty books, sterling silver crockery to jewelry, damaged musical devices to cameras and all the things in between, the Athens flea market is the place to select up a really distinctive relic of your travels.

There are additionally some ‘regular’ retailers promoting the standard vacationer tat like knock-off t-shirts and trainers which you’ll stroll previous whenever you first go beneath the Flea Market banner. Maintain going and also you’ll discover the actual deal!

The Monastiraki flea market actually involves life on Sunday mornings when the tradespeople spill out into the alleyways with makeshift stalls, however we visited on Friday afternoon and it was comparatively quiet.

There are a small variety of cafes the place you’ll be able to sit outdoors and watch the treasure hunters with a chilly drink.

2. Wander mini Mykonos

Anafiotika is a captivating neighbourhood tucked into the hillside within the shadows of the Acropolis, the place time seemingly got here to a halt centuries in the past. It’s hailed as ‘the Mykonos of Athens’, and whereas I’m undecided I’d go fairly that far, it’s a beautiful, distinctive place to see in Athens.

Anafiotika was established by builders who got here to the mainland from the Cycladic island of Anafi to work on King Otto’s palace within the nineteenth century. I suppose they missed the island aesthetic!

If you happen to’re questioning how you can get to Anafiotika, you’re not alone. We had been satisfied we had been going the improper method once we stumbled on the tight graffitied pathway, however hold going and also you’ll be rewarded!

If you happen to’re on the lookout for the very best picture spots in Athens, Anafiotika is price visiting. The small rabbits’ warren of whitewashed buildings making up this conventional Greek neighbourhood is stored pristine regardless of the age of the buildings and worn steps. In actual fact, there was moist paint once we visited, as town ready for the vacationers who’ll undoubtedly come across this hidden gem this summer time.

Bear in mind, this can be a residential space so please respect the locals who reside right here if you happen to select to go to.

3. Take a day journey to the Saronic islands

E-book a full-day cruise to the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina for a calming day journey from Athens. Laze on the boat’s sundeck, spot a once-upon-a-time pirates’ cove and spend free time exploring every Greek island.

When you’re on Aegina, go to the Temple of Aphaia, which is devoted to the goddess Athena and dates again to 480 BC.

The day journey I’ve linked features a buffet lunch and audio information of Hydra plus a switch from Athens metropolis middle to the port.

If you happen to’d like to go to Aegina solely, you may desire to only purchase a ferry ticket so you’ll be able to discover the island at your personal tempo. Alternatively, you are able to do a ship journey to Agistiri and Aegina that features a cease for swimming at Moni. Purchase your ticket on-line right here. There’s additionally the choice simply to get the ferry to Agistiri and go it alone.

4. Drink at Athens’ finest cocktail bars

You didn’t suppose I used to be going to publish an Athens metropolis break information with out together with the lowdown on all the very best locations to drink, did you? I really feel like I ought to write a complete separate submit on the very best bars in Athens!

Town really boasts three of the official World’s 50 Finest Bars: The Clumsies, Baba au Rum and Line.

We visited The Clumsies (quantity 19 on the listing) and had been tremendous impressed. The menu is impressed by three feelings: happiness, pleasure and tenderness; and every of the present cocktails falls inside one in all these classes.

We each opted for concoctions from the ‘previous favourites’ part of the menu. I’ve tasted numerous cocktails in my time, however these had been positively up there!

I additionally extremely suggest making an attempt their selfmade vermouth. And that’s coming from somebody who doesn’t even like vermouth! The bartenders are good to have a look at, too…

A few of the different bars in Athens that we liked had been Diego’s and Kuko’s.

5. Or drink on the oldest distillery in Athens

This counts as historical past, proper? Brettos may be discovered within the picturesque Plaka neighbourhood of Athens and it first opened in 1909. If you should ask a neighborhood for instructions, be sure you pronounce the bar’s identify appropriately – the B in Brettos is spoken as a V.

You’ll know you’re in the fitting place as quickly as you peer across the doorway and see the spectacular again bar. My years on the improper facet of a bar endowed me with an actual appreciation for an excellent again bar!

Brettos nonetheless makes its personal brandy, 50% ouzo and flavoured liqueurs.

6. Swim in a thermal lake

One of many extra distinctive vacationer sights in Athens is well-liked with locals too. Lake Vouliagmeni is a thermal ‘spa’ lake simply 20 minutes drive from town centre on the Athenian Riviera. It’s the very best place to chill out close to Athens.

The lake’s water stays at a continuing temperature between 28 and 35 levels centigrade, so it’s a pleasing place to swim. You’ll be able to even get a free pedicure from the ‘physician fish’ that you simply discover in foot spas, which swim round within the shallows ready to be fed!

You’ll be able to spend the entire day at Lake Vouliagmeni. It’s on the dear facet although. Entry prices 19 euros however is just a little cheaper on weekdays. Children beneath 5 go free, and older youngsters pay 14 euros (17 on weekends).

If you happen to go by way of the Metropolis Sightseeing bus, you’ll be able to present your bus ticket for discounted entry.

There’s no requirement to rent one, however a sunbed or cabana for 2 prices 70 euros on a weekday or 90 euros on the weekend. The final entry for swimming is at 6.30pm, however you don’t should pay an entry charge if you happen to go to after this time for supper and drinks.

I really feel like a night meal right here could be so romantic! I liked the aesthetic of the restaurant.

7. Go to Mykonos

If Greece’s most iconic island is in your bucket listing, you’ll be able to e book a day tour from Athens. Town makes an important base for exploring extra of Greece, when you’ve seen its major sights.

The tour I’ve linked above has nice opinions and covers your resort pick-up, bus, ferry and transport again to your resort after your day on the island.

8. Absorb some solar on the Athens’ Riviera

Don’t you simply love a vacation spot that gives the very best of each worlds? If you happen to want a break from the tempo of town, the coast is inside straightforward attain.

Head to the seaside and go to one in all Athens’ many seashores and mini marinas. Study from my mistake although, and do your analysis into the seaside you wish to go to earlier than you set off. We obtained off the bus at a seaside that was principally closed off for growth, so we needed to kill time there earlier than we may get the subsequent bus.

In hindsight, we should always have visited Vouliagmeni Seashore, which is close to the lake. It’s thought-about the cleanest seaside in Athens and has probably the most amenities, however can get crowded.

Oh, and pack sea sneakers. The seashores close to Athens are pebbly!

Fancy an lively time out close to Athens? E-book a scuba diving expertise! For a extra relaxed outing, do that all-inclusive catamaran cruise.

9. Chill out at a seaside membership

For a extra luxurious expertise of the Athenian Riviera, you’ll be able to splash out on a day at one of many many seaside golf equipment sprinkled alongside the coast. Mavilli Seashore, Banana Athens and Bolivar are among the most stylish locations to hang around by the ocean.

Even if you happen to’re not a seaside lover, you’ll be able to get pleasure from a seafood lunch at one of many eating places. The scent of scorching meals made my mouth water!

The seaside golf equipment keep open late, so head to the Riviera if you happen to’re seeking to get together in Athens.

10. See Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian’s Library is likely one of the most well-known sights in Athens, and the good information is which you can principally see it without cost! I took the above {photograph} from the road. This is likely one of the issues I liked about Athens; you’ll be able to see numerous the historical past with out really paying or queuing to see it.

The stays of the most important of Hadrian’s buildings, that is an Athens must-see.

11. Go to Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon

One of the crucial well-liked locations to go to close to Athens is Thorikos Theater and the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion. Thorikos Theatre is the oldest theatre on the planet and it may be mixed with a go to to one of many oldest temples in Greece.

This sundown tour has over 1000 optimistic opinions. It consists of round-trip transportation to Thorikos Theatre, Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon on a bus with Wi-Fi, and an archeologist information. 

12. Eat in a Greek taverna

For genuine Greek meals in Athens, you should discover a correct taverna. To take action, observe the rule of thumb and eat the place the locals are consuming. Psaras Taverna has been going since 1898, whereas Diogenes is located proper in Lysikratous Sq.. Alternatively, attempt Saita Taverna, and order the bakalairo (fried codfish).

Attempt to expertise a Koutoukia, which is an underground taverna.

One of many few current katoukias in Athens is known as Diporto. It may be present in a basement on Sokratous Road and has all of the quirks that make these informal eateries what they’re: wine barrels lining the partitions, no frills (as one Tripadvisor reviewer places it, ” Shut up and eat regardless of the grumpy waiter takes to the desk”) and comforting Greek truthful like fava beans and anchovies.

13. Go to Delphi

Delve into the middle of historic Greek mythology on a day journey from Athens to Delphi. You’ll get to see the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the Oracle, historic ruins just like the amphitheater, and the Temple of Apollo.

This Delphi tour is carbon-neutral and can journey via gorgeous countryside. Choose-up out of your resort and lunch is included.

14. Run a lap of the Olympic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium isn’t simply probably the most fascinating historic sights in Athens, it’s an integral a part of the trendy metropolis too. Constructed within the fourth century and revamped for the primary fashionable Olympic Video games in 1896, it’s the one stadium on the planet made completely from marble. It seats 70,000 folks and is used for the end line within the Athens marathon yearly.

It prices 10 euros to enter the stadium and this consists of an audio tour plus admission to a small exhibit on the trendy Olympics. You’ll be able to see all of the previous Olympic torches, which I assumed was fairly cool!

The exhibit is accessed by way of a tunnel main off from the monitor. You’ll be able to nearly hear athletes of the previous thundering down the tunnel to spill onto the sunlit monitor.

For a brilliant distinctive exercise in Athens, be part of an Olympic exercise. This may be a lot enjoyable!

15. E-book a desk on the wackiest cafe in Athens

Little Kook is likely one of the most unusual locations to eat in Athens. Sure, it’s a tad costly and really touristy – however you’re a vacationer!

The decor modifications with the seasons, with a extraordinary theme dictating your expertise. Alice in Wonderland was the theme once we visited, and the ready workers had been in full costume, dressed because the Queen of Hearts and different well-known characters.

This may be a enjoyable place to go in Athens with youngsters as a result of they’re sure to be dumbstruck. I’d completely like to see what they do at Christmas.

Little Kook is situated within the Psiri neighbourhood. Order a dessert and take all of it in.

16. Stargaze on the planetarium

If you happen to occur to go to in the course of the winter months, you may be on the lookout for issues to do in Athens when it rains. Thank your fortunate stars, as a result of Athens has among the best planetariums on the planet!

With a central dome with a 25 metre diameter, Eugenides Planetarium is a brilliant fascinating place to go to in Athens.

You’ll be able to catch a present at Eugenides Planetarium from Monday to Friday from 9.30 till 14.30 and 10.30 till 16.30 on Saturday and Sunday. A standard ticket value 6 euros.

17. Folks-watch on Plaka Stairs

Plaka is probably the most enchanting neighbourhood in all of Athens. Largely pedestrianised, it sits on the Acropolis hillside and charms all who stroll its picturesque but rustic streets. If you happen to put your telephone away for a minute, you might simply faux you’re visiting town 100 years in the past.

Often called ‘the neighbourhood of the gods’, it’s the oldest space of Athens. Plaka spreads out from two major streets: Kydatheneon and Adrianou.

Alongside the assorted retailers, you’ll discover the Youngsters’s Museum, the Music Museum, the Greek People Artwork Museum and the Jewish Museum in Plaka. All of those museums are price a go to if you happen to’re on the lookout for indoor actions in Athens.

Essentially the most well-known a part of Plaka is the colorful Plaka Stairs, the place folks flock within the evenings for drinks, dialog and reside music.

18. Catch a movie on the outside cinema

One in all Athens’ best-kept secrets and techniques is the open-air cinema in Plaka. In the course of the summer time months, you’ll be able to be part of locals at a movie screening beneath the celebs. That is positively probably the most romantic actions in Athens!

The cinema is on a rooftop that boasts views of the Acropolis, offering the backdrop for a severely particular date evening.

Many of the movies are in English with Greek subtitles, so that you don’t want to fret concerning the language barrier.

Notice: the cinema is sadly having work performed so it gained’t be open this summer time, however verify again subsequent yr!

19. Store in native boutiques

I may have spent some severe cash in Athens. Significantly in Plaka, there are SO many attractive retailers promoting clothes that caters to the kind of ladies who spend their lives sipping cocktails at costly accommodations. The kind of lady I aspire to be, mainly.

Along with unbiased boutiques, you’ll additionally discover designer retailers like Louis Vuitton and Dior within the upmarket Kolonaki district. Sure, Athens can maintain its personal amongst among the heavyweight European cities relating to issues of trend.

20. Go to the Museum of Cycladic Artwork

Artwork lovers will discover loads of fascinating locations to go in Athens. Amongst them, the Museum of Cycladic Artwork. It celebrates the traditional civilisations of the Aegean and Cyprus, with particular emphasis on Cycladic artwork of the third millennium BC.

Unfold over 5 flooring, this museum has among the best non-public collections of Cycladic artwork on the planet. Folks go to to see the marble collectible figurines and to know extra concerning the origins of Greek tradition.

21. Folks-watch in Monastiraki Sq.

Monistaraki Sq. is the nucleus of town, and it’s an Athens must-see that might really be exhausting to keep away from.

It provides what I believe is likely one of the most unusual views in Europe as a result of in a single eyeful, you’ll be able to spot a mishmash of architectural kinds from eras each lengthy gone and newer.

The Historic Agora, the Hadrian Library, the Gate of Athena Archegetis and the Roman Agora are all accessed by way of the sq., whereas the Acropolis watches over all of it. Tzistarakis Mosque squats to at least one facet, and has performed since 1759.

Fruit sellers rub elbows with stylish staff streaming out of the metro station whereas vacationers stumble round in a dazed haze. It’s all a part of the wealthy tapestry of Athens.

A few of Athens’ most intriguing streets trickle off the sq. like tributaries from a river, making Monistaraki Sq. an important assembly spot if you happen to’re visiting Athens in a gaggle.

22. See the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch

Thought to have been constructed round 470 B.C however by no means really accomplished, the Temple of Zeus is one other of Athens’ most well-known sights. You’ll be able to go to it within the archaeological web site of Olympia, the place you’ll additionally discover Hadrian’s Arch.

23. Expertise a neighborhood market

For just a little sniff of native life in Athens, you may like to go to Varvakios Market, which is also referred to as Central Market.

I’ll be trustworthy, you may desire to not go inside if you happen to’re squeamish. The inside is split into fish and meat sections, and it’s not for the fainthearted! I assumed I’d be advantageous, however I needed to duck out earlier than we obtained into the thick of it.

If uncooked meat provides you the ick, simply take a look at the assorted stalls outdoors the market. It jogged my memory of the souks of Marrakech with the dried fruits, nuts and spices on show there.

Alternatively, e book an genuine Greek cooking class, which features a morning go to to the market together with your native information to select up components.

24. Take within the views at a rooftop bar

For the very best Instagram images of Athens, take a look at one of many many rooftop bars. I took the above picture from MS Roof Backyard, which I believe has the very best view.

A few of the different well-liked rooftop bars in Athens with good views are Couleure Locale, Thea Terrace and Attica.

The Foundry Suite Athens has one of many lesser-known rooftop bars the place locals prefer to go.

Critical about getting good pictures? You’ll be able to e book a neighborhood Instagram information who will take you to all of Athens’ finest Instagram spots. No, actually!

25. Hunt for road artwork

Like most massive cities, Athens has a thriving road artwork scene. You could find it wherever you look, however the grittier Exarcheia neighbourhood is the place probably the most politically charged items are concentrated.

You can too discover numerous Athens road artwork in Psyrri, Anafiotika, Gazi and Metaxourgeio district.

An area information can assist you discover probably the most fascinating items and clarify their backstory and that means, so if you happen to’d prefer to be taught all about Athens road artwork e book a guided road artwork tour right here.

26. Discover Athens’ Nationwide Gardens

If Anifiotika is Athens’ Mykonos, the Nationwide Gardens is Athens’ reply to New York’s Central Park. This oasis within the coronary heart of town stretches over 16 hectares. The plush greenery supplies just a little respite from the crowds.

The Nationwide Backyard was created for the primary queen of Greece. Initially, it was reserved for the usage of the royal household however now it’s a totally free attraction in Athens and is open to all.

You’ll discover ponds filled with sunbathing turtles dotted across the park, in addition to a handful of animal enclosures with goats, rabbits and birds.

The Nationwide Backyard is a must-visit if you happen to’re visiting Athens with youngsters. There are many shaded spots the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a picnic and there’s a playground too.

The lake even has mini seaside areas on its shore and a cute bridge that’s excellent for romantic walks.

27. Watch the sundown

A few of the finest sundown spots in Athens are Philopapou Hill and Lycabettus Hill. If you happen to don’t fancy a hike, you’ll be able to e book a romantic sundown cruise as a substitute.

For a romantic expertise in Athens or if you happen to’re celebrating one thing particular whilst you’re there, e book a desk on the restaurant in St George Lycabettus Resort for golden hour.

28. Linger over ouzo and meze

The Spanish have tapas, Brits have nibbles, and the Greek have meze. In Greece, alcohol is one thing to be savoured with meals, not binged on. In actual fact, the native anise-flavoured aperitif isn’t served with out one thing to graze on.

A few of the finest locations for ouzo and meze in Athens are Athinaikon, To Ouzeri tou Laki and Hohlidaki.

Meze dishes may be so simple as a bowl of nuts or as substantial as meatballs, seafood or sausages. Discover a mezedopolia (restaurant serving meze) with a pleasant atmosphere and wile away a pleasing night in Athens!

29. Watch the altering of the guards

Probably the greatest free issues to do in Athens is to rock up on the parliament constructing and watch the altering of the guards. It’s very entertaining!

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honours each unknown soldier who shed blood for the nation. It’s guarded by an infantry unit of the Greek military referred to as the Evzones. Their uniforms are fairly distinctive.

The altering of the guards happens each hour on the hour, however there’s a extra elaborate ceremony on Sundays at 11am.

30. Go to the Archeological Museum

The Nationwide Archeological Museum is the most important archaeological museum in Greece and probably the most vital museums on the planet dedicated to historic Greek artwork. 

You need to dedicate round 4 hours for this museum. Entry is barely 6 euros, however throughout peak season you should purchase a skip-the-line ticket right here.

31. Go to the Benaki Museum

The Athens Benaki Museum of Greek Tradition reveals historic Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and early fashionable art work. The exhibition is unfold over 4 flooring.

The mansion the museum is housed in is huge, with a restaurant balcony overlooking the Nationwide Backyard the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from your espresso with a view.

Purchase your entrance ticket right here.

32. Go to the Battle Museum

Athens Battle Museum is unfold over 4 flooring on what was as soon as an artillery camp. There are previous plane and even a submarine outdoors. Inside, you’ll be able to see artifacts from Historic to fashionable Greece together with weapons from all intervals.

33. Wander round Athens artwork galleries

There are a variety of fantastic native artwork galleries in Athens. Amongst them, Canvas Greece, Pandora Artwork Gallery, Eleni Marneri Galerie and Technohoros Artwork Gallery.

34. Store in Glyfada

Get off the overwhelmed path in Athens and go to among the lesser-known neighbourhoods. Glyfada, a city on the Athens Riviera, is nicknamed ‘the Hellenic Hamptons’, which ought to offer you a sign of the kind of procuring you are able to do there.

Begin out on Metaxa, which is the primary procuring road in Glyfada.

35. See a few of Athens’ church buildings

One factor there’s no scarcity of in Athens is church buildings. A few of the most spectacular Greek Orthodox and Byzantine church buildings within the metropolis are the church of Panagia Kapnikarea, the Church of Metamorphosis, Agios Eleftherios Church and the church of Agios Nikolaos Ragavas, pictured beneath.

36. Go to the oldest home in Athens

For a glimpse of house life in the course of the Ottoman occasions, go to Venizelos Mansion in Plaka.

This home dates again to the early 1500s and the philanthropic Saint Philothei lived right here from 1545 to 1589. It opened as a small museum in 2017. With restored options like a nicely within the walled courtyard, verandah and fountain, it’s an exquisite place to visi in Athens.

This can be a free attraction in Athens! Voluntary donations are welcomed.

37. Go to the B&E Goulandris Basis Artwork Museum

The B&E Goulandris Basis Artwork Museum boasts a everlasting assortment spanning 4 flooring. You’ll be able to see works by Van Gogh’s, Rodin, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bonnard, Braque, Léger, Kandinsky, Chagall, Balthus, and Botero.

Purchase an entry ticket right here.

38. Style Greek wine

Positive, you’ll be able to freestyle in Athens’ many nice bars, however if you happen to’re eager to pattern among the finest wine produced in Greece I like to recommend reserving a wine tasting.

For a very particular evening, organize a wine and meze tasting with a view of the Acropolis. You’ll be able to e book it on-line right here.

Choose beer? Right here’s the tour for you.

39. Store for Greek merchandise

If you happen to’re on the lookout for some distinctive souvenirs to deliver house from Athens, you’ll be spoiled for selection. Loads of the preferred Athens souvenirs are my favorite type: edible!

In addition to high quality olive oils and cosmetics produced from the oils, you’ll be able to decide up all method of Greek treats. Containers of sticky baklava, jars of (additionally sticky) honey, jams, kalamata olives, Greek espresso, herbs, spices and cheeses… go wild!

If you happen to desire handcrafted gadgets, you’ll find a number of stunning leather-based sandals, clothes, jewelry and artwork within the small retailers that line the streets of Plaka.

40. See the Hellenic Parliament

This spectacular Neoclassical constructing was as soon as a Greek royal palace and has been used as each a museum and a hospital, however in the present day it homes parliament.

Incessantly requested questions on planning a metropolis break in Athens

Methods to get to Athens from the UK

Jet2 have flights to Athens from varied UK airports. You’ll be able to fly to Athens from Manchester, xx with Jet2.

Take a look at all Jet2 flights from Manchester for extra inspiration.

Methods to get from Athens airport to Athens metropolis middle 

The drive from Athens airport to town centre takes round 40 minutes relying on site visitors and prices €45 in a yellow taxi. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take the metro. It prices x from the airport to town centre.

For much less trouble, e book a personal switch from Athens airport to your resort. 

Can I see Athens in a day if I’m visiting on a cruise?

You’ll be able to positively match numerous Athens sights into at some point. Use the hop-on-hop-off bus from the port (purchase tickets right here) to get into town and again in time for sail away.

Alternatively, do this Athens highlights tour from the port.

What are the very best day journeys from Athens?

Under, you’ll be able to e book the top-rated day journeys from Athens.

See all day journeys from Athens on GetYourGuide

The place to remain in Athens

We stayed at Lighthouse Athens, which is conveniently situated in Downtown Athens. It’s a ten minute stroll to Monistaraki Sq., which is type of the guts of town. 

I’d 100% suggest this resort. You’ll be able to e book it as a Jet2CityBreaks Athens package deal.

Alternatively, a resort within the Plaka district would put you proper within the hub of Athens’ sights.

Is Athens costly?

Athens isn’t low cost, however that’s to be anticipated in most European capitals. 

The typical drinks costs in Athens are 8 euro for a glass of wine and 10 – 12 euros for a cocktail. A major meal prices round 15 euro.

In fact, it’s doable to do an Athens metropolis break on a finances however you’d have to do a good bit of analysis and cautious planning beforehand.

When is the very best time to go to Athens?

We visited Athens mid-April, which I believe is the proper time for a metropolis break in Athens. The climate was heat and sunny in the course of the daytime which was perfect for sightseeing and it obtained just a little cooler at evening, so I took a light-weight jacket. I wore denims and short-sleeved tops in the course of the day however most likely may have gotten away with shorts. In fact, locals had been nonetheless wrapped up in April, however us Brits are constructed in a different way!

One of the best time of yr to go to Athens is both facet of the busy summer time season. In April, the streets had been busy however not unpleasantly so, and we had the advantage of comfy temperatures.

It was Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday throughout our metropolis break in Athens, which was beautiful as a result of we obtained to see the locals in celebration mode. There have been fireworks over the weekend and there was a procession on the Saturday evening which we watched with curiosity. 

One factor to concentrate on is that as a result of Easter is crucial spiritual date within the yr in Greece, some bars and eating places shut. We struggled to seek out wherever open after 12 on the Saturday evening earlier than Easter Sunday.

Is Athens secure?

I used to be travelling with my husband and I felt secure in Athens. Like several busy metropolis, it’s best to hold an in depth eye in your valuables. 

I’m undecided I’d have felt tremendous secure strolling round components of town at evening by myself, however that’s the case in many of the world for feminine travellers sadly.

We didn’t witness any apparent scams in Athens. After darkish, I did discover males loitering in among the major squares which could possibly be intimidating if you happen to had been by yourself.

How lengthy ought to I spend in Athens?

Three days is an effective period of time for a primary go to to Athens. Though there’s a boatload of issues to do within the metropolis, it’s surprisingly straightforward to pack numerous the well-known locations in Athens right into a three-day journey. I used to be positively shocked at how a lot we managed to see! 

Nonetheless, you might simply spend a few weeks in Athens and do one thing totally different nearly day by day. Town has numerous totally different neighbourhoods to discover and every has its personal distinctive really feel. For instance…,

Sightseeing can get tiring, particularly if you happen to’re not used to being tremendous lively, so if doable, plan in some downtime throughout your time in Athens. A resort with a rooftop pool supplies a soothing retreat from the crowds, or a day on the seaside or lake offers you an opportunity to cost your batteries earlier than you hit the pavements once more. 

Is Athens price visiting?

If you happen to’ve obtained this far, you already know my reply! I’ve obtained to confess that Athens wasn’t prime of my listing of locations to go to earlier than our journey, nevertheless it actually wowed me and we had an excellent time. I used to be significantly shocked at how upmarket among the bars, eating places and procuring are there. Sure, Athens is price visiting!

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