Discover the magic of Athens - ancient wonders, vibrant neighborhoods, and unforgettable experiences
Athens is a city that is authentic, unfiltered, and unapologetically alive. To us, it's a beautiful collision of the ancient and the avant-garde, where marble ruins and traditional bouzouki music meet rebellious and vibrant street art and world-class mixology.
Amidst these contrasts, you can truly feel the Greek zest for life - from the almost sacredly slow ritual of a Greek coffee on a sun-drenched sidewalk to the eclectic energy of Psiri at night. Athens carries its legacy with grace, but it's the city's constant reinvention that we find so magnetic. We can't wait for you to discover its charm for yourselves!
Ancient Sites & Monuments
The Acropolis & Parthenon
This is the one you simply cannot miss - the symbol of the city, this ancient citadel that stands proudly over Athens. Seeing the Parthenon in person is a moment you won't forget. We have arranged an optional guided tour on the evening of Friday the 12th (please see the Schedule). If, however, you want to go another day or time, we highly recommend going first thing in the morning (8 a.m. opening) or in the evening and at least an hour before closing to avoid the crowds and the midday heat. You have to pre-book timed-entry tickets online, and don't forget to wear comfortable shoes to hike up to the Parthenon and take water with you!
The Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus
This was the heart of public life in ancient Athens - the center of politics, commerce, and philosophy. It's a beautiful, sprawling park-like site where you can walk the same paths as Socrates and Plato.
Panathenaic Stadium
A stadium made entirely of marble! This is the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It's a quick and very cool stop, which you can marvel at without necessarily going in.
Museums
The Acropolis Museum
Located right at the foot of the Acropolis, this modern museum is the complement to the site itself. It gives context to everything you just saw (or are about to see).
National Archaeological Museum
Greece's largest collection of ancient artifacts.
The Benaki Museum
Our personal favorite for understanding the entire history of Greece. This is the only museum that takes you on a chronological journey from prehistory, through the Byzantine empire, and all the way to modern Greece.
Quick tip: The museum is open late on Thursdays (until 11:30pm) and admission is free after 6pm. Also, there is a rooftop cafe that's nice for a coffee or light lunch. (If you're short on time or just want a glimpse of folk art and culture, the new Museum of Modern Greek Culture in Monastiraki is a good, focused alternative.)
Neighborhoods
Plaka
This is the oldest neighborhood in Athens, nestled right under the Acropolis. It's a labyrinth of colourful, cobblestone streets, tiny shops, cafes, and lovely tavernas. Yes, it's touristy, but for a good reason! It's a must-see neighborhood.
Anafiotika
Tucked directly into the side of the Acropolis hill, Anafiotika is a tiny, hidden gem. You won't feel like you are in the city of Athens. This cluster of whitewashed, cubic houses was built in the mid-18th century by master masons brought to Athens from the island of Anafi, to build King Otto's Royal Palace. To ease their homesickness, they recreated their island village in the heart of the capital and called it "Little Anafi." It's a quiet, labyrinthine residential neighborhood with a true historic Cycladic island vibe!
Tip: The neighborhood is on the upper slopes of the Acropolis. Expect a bit of a climb with narrow, winding steps that culminate in a stunning panoramic view of Athens. Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip as the stone and marble can make it slippery even when it's dry!
Monastiraki & Psirri
By day, Monastiraki is famous for its bustling flea market. By night, the neighbouring area of Psirri (or Psiri) comes alive. This trendy, vibrant district is filled with street art, unique bars, and some of the best modern tavernas in the city.
Scenic Views
Filopappou Hill
Filopappou Hill is our absolute favourite place for a view of the Acropolis! It is a local favourite and still a "hidden gem" in touristy Athens. This is where you get the iconic "postcard" photo of the Parthenon. For the best view, follow the marble-paved paths up to the Philopappos Monument at the summit. From here, the Acropolis stands directly at eye level, with Mount Lykavittos framing it in the distance. It's especially breathtaking at sunset or on a clear night. The main entrance is on the pedestrian street Dionysiou Areopagitou, near the Acropolis entrance. Unlike Lykavittos, you have to walk up, but the paths are gentle and shaded by olive and pine trees. It feels much more like a wild park than a tourist attraction. As you wander, you'll stumble upon the Prison of Socrates (a series of caves carved into the rock that were also used to hide treasures from the Acropolis during WWII) and the beautiful 16th-century Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris.
Lykavittos Hill
For the most spectacular panoramic views of Athens, head to the city's highest point. From the summit, you can see everything from the Acropolis and the Panathenaic Stadium all the way to the Aegean Sea and the islands in the distance. It's particularly magical at sunset when the city lights begin to turn on below. At the very top (where the best view is) you will find a 19th century chapel and a cafe slightly below for a scenic drink. To get there the best way is via a quick 3-minute funicular/cable car ride that departs from Kolonaki, or you can take a taxi most of the way up to the parking area and finish walking up the final steps to the very top. For those who are up for a long scenic hike through pine-covered paths (and a bit of a work out) you can walk it all up in about 30-45 minutes.
The Beach
The Athenian Riviera
If you want a beach day, the "Athens Riviera" is a stretch of beautiful coastline easily reachable from the city center by car, including Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. There are plenty of beach bars along the coast to choose from, each with their own style and price point (as you need to pay for a beach bed and service). For a more unique experience, you can visit Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural, mineral-rich thermal lake that stays at a warm temperature all year round making it a natural spa.
Getting Around
Athens is surprisingly easy to navigate once you get your bearings:
Metro & Public Transport: The metro is clean, reliable, and connects many major sites. We recommend using the metro for most of your travel, but note that the last trains are typically at midnight, and until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Buses and trams are also widely available. If you plan to use public transport often, consider a daily or multi-day pass which you can buy at metro stations.
Taxis & Ride Shares: Taxis are relatively affordable, and apps like Uber work well in Athens. At night, taxis are a safe and convenient way to get around.
Driving: We don't particularly recommend renting a car for the city-centre because the traffic and especially the parking can be difficult. However, if you are staying outside the city centre and plan to visit the coast or travel outside of Athens (including islands), then a car is useful.
Walking: Many neighborhoods, especially Plaka and Monastiraki, are best explored on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must!
Practical Tips
Safety: Athens is generally very safe, even late at night. The standard precautions apply - be careful with your belongings in crowded areas as there are pick-pockets, be cautious around ATMs, and don't leave your phones out on the table while dining in busy places.
Cash & Cards: Most places accept cards, but many small shops and cafes prefer cash.
Timing: Many museums are closed on Mondays, and Greek lunch/dinner hours are later than you might expect (lunch: 1–3 PM, dinner: 9–11 PM).
Hydration & Sun: Summers can be very hot, so please stay hydrated and wear sun protection when walking outdoors. A lot of tourists get sun/heatstroke in Athens. Always carry water with you or you can easily buy bottles at street kiosks for 50 cents.
