If you want to see Athens for the first time, here is where to start. A step-by-step guide through all your questions: why, when, where, and how.
Last updated: 25 Jul 2024
Have you decided to travel to Athens for the first time?
Welcome aboard!
You’ve made a fantastic choice.
Why Athens? What Is Special About Athens?
Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with 3,500 years of history.
In Athens, you will find some of the most important monuments of human civilization, such as the Parthenon, and world-class museums like the Acropolis Museum.
Athens is also a food-lover’s paradise, with fantastic local cuisine that extends far beyond the famous moussaka, souvlaki, and Greek yogurt.
Equally vibrant is the nightlife in the city. Most restaurants serve food until midnight, bars close after 1:00 AM, and many clubs stay open until the early morning hours.
Within close proximity to Athens, you will find excellent day trips, even if it is not your first time visiting the city.
I may be biased, but I believe you will love Athens.
How Much Time Should I Spend In Athens?
The simple answer is: as much time as possible.
But, for most mortals with jobs and limited budgets, I’d suggest spending three or four days for your first time in Athens.
If you’ve got about a week in Greece, I’d consider spending three days in Athens and four in a Greek island like Paros or Santorini.
No matter how much time you have in the city, my Athens itineraries are designed to help you make the best of your time:
Where Should I Stay In Athens?
Athens is a big city with plenty of hotels to choose from.
However, for the best access to key attractions, consider staying in the historic center or nearby areas.
Two great areas are Syntagma and Plaka.
Keep in mind though, not all parts of the city center are ideal; areas such as Omonia and Metaxourgeio are not recommended for late-night returns.
For more detailed advice, see my “Where to Stay in Athens” guide.
In summary, here are the top hotel picks in town:
- Best luxury hotel in Athens city center: Hotel Grande Bretagne.
- Best hotel in Athens with a rooftop pool: Electra Metropolis.
- Best hotel near Acropolis: Coco-mat Athens BC.
- Best luxury hotel in Athens by the sea: Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens.
- Best Middle-priced hotel in Athens: Amazon Hotel.
- Best cheap hotel in Athens: Mosaikon.
Is It Easy to Get Around Athens?
Yes, navigating around Athens is easy if you wisely select your means of transport.
Specifically, make the metro your best friend for public transportation—it’s undoubtedly the most reliable.
Also, be prepared to walk a lot.
In contrast, avoid buses and trolleybuses as they are unreliable.
As for a car, you will only need one if you plan to go to the beach for a swim or on an out-of-town trip.
Additionally, keep in mind that finding a taxi in Athens during rush hour is really challenging.
I strongly recommend prebooking your airport transfers to avoid any inconvenience, using a service like the local startup Welcome Pickups.
For more information, you can check my guide on “Uber in Athens and Alternatives“.
Local’s tip: Always be mindful of passing cars when crossing a road, even if you’re on a crosswalk. Unfortunately, Athenians usually forget that pedestrians have the right of way.
Does Athens Have Good Beaches?
My answer is nuanced: it depends on what you compare them to.
If you compare them to most European cities, Athens has excellent beaches!
However, if you compare them to those on the Greek islands, then the beaches are just good.
So, if you’re thinking of going for a swim in Athens, my advice is simple.
Consider skipping a swim at Athenian beaches if you’re next heading to a Greek island.
But if Athens is your sole stop, then immersing yourself in its seas is a must.
You will, however, need to use a car rental service like Rentalcars, as the truly good beaches like Cape Beach and Schinias Beach are about an hour away from the center of Athens.
Alternatively, for a memorable experience, explore the best day trips from Athens and embark on a boat tour to nearby islands.
Is Athens Safe for Travellers?
Athens is, without a doubt, a very safe city with low crime rates.
The main thing to watch out for is pickpockets.
However, as with all trips, don’t forget to take out travel insurance.
It can save you from a lot of trouble for a small cost: it usually covers medical expenses, cancellations and delays, and loss of baggage & belongings.
Remember, travel insurance policies are personal choices.
For those traveling to Athens, I recommend SafetyWing as it’s affordable and has a simple claims process.
Is Data Roaming Free in Athens?
If you’re a European Union resident, you’ll be able to use your mobile data in Greece at no additional cost.
However, eSIMs are the best solution for low-cost internet access if you’re visiting from outside the EU.
You can install them on your mobile phone before you even begin your journey, and they’ll be automatically activated as soon as you arrive in Athens.
The service I have been using for years on all my travels is Airalo, as it has very affordable rates.
Additionally, it will save you from the hassle of hunting for SIMs in physical stores.
What Should I Pack for my First Time in Athens?
The clothes and accessories you need in Athens will depend on the season of your visit.
However, there are certain items that are a must-have, regardless of when you visit.
For example, always bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the weather is almost always sunny, and don’t forget mosquito repellent.
Additionally, wear comfortable shoes; walking around the city will be one of the most pleasant aspects of your trip.
If it’s your first time in the city, you will find useful advice in the “Top Items to Pack for Your Trip to Athens” guide.
Should I Have A Tour Guide For Athens?
You don’t need a guide to enjoy Athens, but having a guide will add a lot of depth to your understanding of the city.
If your budget allows, definitely take an Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour.
Visiting the Acropolis is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and having an archaeologist explain its rich history will greatly enhance your visit.
The Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour is the best option in my opinion.
Alternatively, if you prefer to explore the archaeological sites on your own and plan to visit several locations, the special ticket package will save you money.
Priced at 30 euros, this package is valid for five days, granting you access to multiple historical landmarks, including the Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora of Athens, Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, and Roman Agora of Athens.
Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices on-site or online, via the official e-ticket website of the Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development.
However, I strongly recommend purchasing them online to save precious time.
Bonus tip! Free admission days: 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri), 18 April (International Monuments Day), 18 May (International Museums Day), the last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days), 28 October (national holiday), every first and third Sunday from November 1st to March 31st.
What Should I Eat in Athens?
The food in Athens is high quality, affordable, and above all, delicious—as long as you avoid the touristy restaurants.
Instead, try the foods locals enjoy, such as stuffed vegetables, dakos, and meze.
Also, embrace the Athenian way of coffee drinking!
Try the ‘freddo’ (cold in Italian) versions of espresso and cappuccino.
Plus, if you’re a fan of late-night dining, you’re in the right city: most restaurants serve dinner until midnight or even later!
If you want to explore the local cuisine in depth, check here for a comparison of Athens’ best food tours.
Do I Need Cash in Athens?
Nowadays, you can pay by card almost anywhere in Greece; a few years ago, it became mandatory for stores to possess payment terminals.
Even so, many transactions remain cash-only, and locals always prefer cash because of the bank fees.
Therefore, make sure you always carry cash with you.
Be reasonable though and don’t bring excessive amounts of money – in any case, it is a bad idea even if you don’t visit Athens for the first time.
If you are uncertain if you can pay by card, just ask the shop’s staff in advance. As for the local currency, it is the euro.
If you’re using a different currency, consider opting for a card like Revolut to save money. It offers the best conversion rates when paying with a card and allows you to withdraw a certain amount of money from ATMs without fees.
Make Your Trip Easier
Airport Transfer
If you want to get to and from Athens Airport with peace of mind, I recommend pre-booking your taxi with Welcome Pickups. Their flat rate is a few euros more expensive than random taxis, but it is totally worth it. They use local, English-speaking drivers, who will wait for you even if your flight is delayed and introduce you to the city during your ride.
Accommodation
I always book my accommodation with a reliable service like Booking.com. They offer a price guarantee and 24/7 support in case of any problems with your hotel. Always make sure you read reviews from other guests before booking.
Activities
From day trips to Greek islands to Acropolis Guided Tours, GetYourGuide will help you find some unique ideas for your trip.
Car Rental
If you decide to rent a car while in Athens, check Rentalcars. It compares the most reliable companies and returns the best prices with free cancellation.
Free Athens Tours
If you have limited time or want a local guide to introduce you to the city, check GuruWalk. They offer free tours, and at the end, you give them the amount you think is fair.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you if you get sick or injured while abroad, or if you lose your luggage or your flight is delayed. On my trips, I use SafetyWing as it’s affordable and has a simple claims process.
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