Athens, the cradle of Western civilization and democracy, is a city that blends rich ancient history with vibrant modern life. With its impressive historical monuments, delicious culinary delights, and picturesque neighborhoods, Athens offers a unique experience for travelers. Visiting this city is a trip down memory lane to everything we learned in school about the foundations of democracy, philosophy with Socrates and Plato, and Greek mythology. Therefore, in this edition of World Welcomes, we will tell you everything you need to know about this fascinating city and provide you with the best guide on what to do in Athens to make the most of your visit. Let’s get started.
Where is Athens?
Many people around the world undoubtedly have Athens on their travel bucket lists, but where exactly is it located? Is it far from your home country? It is important to know that Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, situated in the Attica region in the southeast of Greece, which is in Europe. Athens is surrounded by the mountains of Hymettus, Penteli, and Parnitha, and bathed by the Aegean Sea to the west. It is a major cultural and economic hub of Greece, making it a strategic point to visit many other places in Greece that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Athens: History and Culture
Given the historical and cultural significance of the city, we always advise studying and learning about the most interesting points of your destination to better understand its history and richness beyond just strolling its streets. However, if you prefer not to plan ahead, you can also book a tour where locals will guide you and share the mysteries behind the history.
Here are some historical and cultural facts to keep in mind. Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. It was the epicenter of ancient Greece, the cradle of democracy, philosophy, and the arts. The city has been continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period and has played a crucial role in the development of Western civilization. During the Golden Age of Pericles in the 5th century BC, Athens flourished, and many iconic monuments that travelers can still enjoy today were built.
Currently, Athens is a modern and vibrant city that combines its rich history with a dynamic contemporary culture. Festivals, performing arts, and the local art scene testify to a city that remains an important cultural center.
The Best Way to Get to Athens
Depending on individual conditions, we’ll share the most practical and economical ways to get to Athens. Due to its geographical location, Athens offers many transportation options, allowing all travelers to enjoy a safe trip to the fullest.
- By plane: Most international travelers arrive in Athens via Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH). From the airport, you can take the metro (Line 3) directly to the city center for a single fare of 10 euros, with a journey time of 90 minutes. There are also express bus options (X95 to Syntagma, X96 to the port of Piraeus, X97 to Elliniko metro station, and X93 to Kifisos bus station) and suburban trains (Proastiakos). These bus routes are excellent and recommended as they operate 24 hours a day and have very affordable prices. As seasoned travelers, we took the X95 bus line from the airport to Syntagma Square, near Plaka where we were staying. As of 2024, the bus fare is 5.5 euros, and the journey takes approximately 40-60 minutes from the airport to Syntagma.
- By ferry: If you are coming from the Greek islands, you can reach Athens via the port of Piraeus, one of the world’s largest and oldest ports. The port is well-connected to the city center by Metro Line 1.
- By train: From other European cities, you can reach Athens by train through the Greek railway network OSE. Although train journeys can be long, they offer a scenic experience and the opportunity to see more of the Greek landscape.
Where to Stay in Athens
One of the most common questions travelers ask is, “What is the best area to stay in an unfamiliar place?” With many hotel options available and the fear of the unknown, you might have a bad experience. Understanding the feelings of travelers and based on our experience, we share the best places to stay in Athens, where you will find options that offer comfort, safety, culinary offerings, and the ability to walk to the city’s most representative points.
- Plaka: This is the oldest and most picturesque neighborhood in Athens, with cobblestone streets, neoclassical buildings, and many shops, restaurants, and bars. It is ideal for those who want to be close to major tourist attractions such as the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. Staying in Plaka is like staying at the foot of the Acropolis, very close to it, and you can enjoy its night views. Being near the most emblematic and touristic places in Athens, there is a significant police presence, so you can feel comfortable.
- Monastiraki: Known for its lively flea market, souvenir shops, and vibrant nightlife, this neighborhood offers an authentic and dynamic experience. Monastiraki Square is an excellent starting point to explore the city, perfectly connecting to the Roman Agora and other must-sees of the city. It provides a unique walking experience, allowing you to explore every detail of its streets, smells, and tastes that its varied cuisine offers.
- Kolonaki: An elegant and chic area filled with high-end boutiques, modern cafes, and gourmet restaurants. Kolonaki is perfect for those who want a more exclusive and sophisticated atmosphere. Additionally, it is close to Mount Lycabettus, offering a spectacular view of the city.
- Psiri: This bohemian neighborhood is known for its bars, taverns, and design shops. It is ideal for travelers looking for vibrant nightlife and an artistic atmosphere.
- Koukaki: Located near the Acropolis, Koukaki is a quiet and residential neighborhood with many restaurants and cafes. It is an excellent option for those looking for a more relaxed stay.
Things to Do in Athens
- Visit the Acropolis: A symbol of ancient Greece, the Acropolis is home to iconic monuments such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Don’t miss the Acropolis Museum, which displays an impressive collection of ancient artifacts.
- Explore the Ancient Agora: The ancient center of political and social life in Athens, where you can see the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved temples in Greece, and the Stoa of Attalos, which houses the Agora Museum.
- Enjoy the views from Mount Lycabettus: Climb this hill for a panoramic view of Athens. You can walk up, take the funicular, or even a taxi. At the top, you’ll find a small chapel and a restaurant.
- Stroll through the Anafiotika neighborhood: A picturesque neighborhood on the north slope of the Acropolis, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses reminiscent of the Cyclades islands. It’s a perfect place for a walk and taking photographs.
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum: This museum houses one of the largest and most significant collections of ancient Greek artifacts in the world. It is a must-visit for history lovers.
- Walk through the National Garden: An oasis of tranquility in the heart of Athens, ideal for a relaxing walk. Nearby, you can visit the Zappeion, a majestic neoclassical building.
- Discover the nightlife in Psiri and Gazi: These neighborhoods are known for their lively nightlife, with numerous bars, taverns, and clubs. Psiri has a more bohemian atmosphere, while Gazi is known for its club scene and live music.
Getting Around Athens
- Metro: The Athens metro is modern, efficient, and covers most major tourist spots. The three main lines (Line 1, Line 2, and Line 3) will take you to places like the Acropolis, the port of Piraeus, and the airport.
- Buses and trolleybuses: The bus and trolleybus network is extensive and covers the entire city. It is an economical option, although it can be less reliable due to traffic. There are night buses that operate after the metro closes.
- Tram: The tram is an excellent option for moving along the coast, from the center of Athens to the southern suburbs such as Glyfada and Voula. It offers a peaceful and scenic ride.
- Taxis: Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive compared to other European cities. However, make sure the meter is on and beware of possible scams. You can also use taxi apps like Beat and Uber.
- Bicycles and scooters: Athens is improving its infrastructure for cyclists, and there are several options for renting bicycles and electric scooters. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city.
- Walking: If you love walking, Athens is a city that can be visited on foot, especially its tourist spots. Although some distances can be relatively long, walking through the city is very safe. We recommend always having the city map downloaded or online to calculate travel time and not miss any details. If you have three or more days in Athens, this is our main recommendation. If you have less time, we recommend a hybrid tour, walking to the nearest places and using the metro, bicycle, or buses for longer distances.
Gastronomy in Athens
Athenian cuisine is rich and varied, influenced by the Mediterranean diet. Here are some dishes and places you must try:
- Moussaka: A classic dish made with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. Try it at Tavern Ouzeri Tou Laki in the Exarchia neighborhood.
- Souvlaki: Marinated meat skewers served with pita, salad, and tzatziki sauce. Kostas in Plaka is a popular place for good souvlaki.
- Spanakopita: Spinach and feta cheese pie wrapped in puff pastry. You can find this delight in almost every bakery in the city, but Ariston in Kolonaki is highly recommended.
- Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey. Karakoy Gulluoglu is known for its excellent baklava.
- Koulouri: A ring-shaped bread covered with sesame seeds, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Street vendors and bakeries throughout Athens offer this tasty treat.
- Loukoumades: Small fried doughnuts covered with honey and cinnamon. Loukoumades in the Psiri neighborhood is famous for its modern versions of this traditional dessert.
Traveler Tips
- Plan your visit to the Acropolis early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
- Purchase a tourist transport card to save on unlimited travel by metro, buses, and trams.
- Explore local markets, such as the Athens Central Market, to try fresh and authentic products.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as Athens is an ideal city for walking and exploring its numerous historical sites on foot.
- Don’t miss a dinner in a traditional tavern where you can enjoy live music and authentic Greek hospitality.
Athens is a city that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. From its ancient monuments and rich history to its vibrant modern life and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone in this fascinating city. Plan your trip in advance, immerse yourself in its culture, and enjoy everything Athens has to offer. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and savor every moment of your visit. Have a great trip!
