How to organize an unforgettable city break in Athens: where to stay, how to get around, and what to pack to make the most of your visit in 2024.
Last updated: 24 Jul 2024
Arranging a city break in Athens is easier than you might think.
Access to the city is easy and fast, making it an ideal destination even if you do not have many days at your disposal.
But what steps do you need to take to make the most of your time?
In the following guide, you will find in detail what you definitely need to know for a great city break in Athens: the best places to stay, the most efficient ways to get around, and everything you need to pack.
Is a Weekend Enough to Explore Athens?
Two to three days is an ideal amount of time to visit the most significant attractions in Athens, try the local cuisine, and enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar with a view of the Acropolis.
Of course, if you have more time available, you can explore the Athenian Riviera or take a day trip, such as a cruise to nearby islands.
If you’ve got about a week in Greece, I’d recommend spending three days in Athens and the remaining four in a Greek island like Paros or Milos.
No matter how much time you have in the city, my Athens itineraries are designed to help you make the most of your visit:
Where Should I Stay in Athens for a City Break?
Once you have your itinerary ready, choosing your accommodation becomes quite straightforward.
Since we’re talking about a city break, it’s best to stay close to the city center.
It’s where most of the places you’ll visit are located.
If staying in the city center isn’t within your budget, at least ensure easy access to it — meaning, book a hotel close to a metro station.
Two of he best areas to stay are the downtown districts Plaka and Syntagma.
On the other hand, try to avoid Omonia and Victoria.
While mostly safe, they are not the best parts of the city.
You can find more recommendations in the “Top 10 Neighborhoods 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?
Getting around Athens is really easy.
The golden rule is to walk as much as possible and stick to the metro; it’s by far the most reliable means of transportation.
On the other hand, you should avoid buses and trolley-buses as they are less reliable.
For a city break in Athens, the best public transportation option is the 3-day tourist ticket, which costs €20.00.
It includes a round-trip to and from Athens Airport, is valid for 72 hours for all means of transport, and can be purchased right at the metro station entrance.
If you prefer taking a taxi to or from the airport, make sure to prebook it.
During rush hours, taxi drivers often turn off apps like Uber and prefer to pick up passengers directly from the road to avoid fees.
In this case, I recommend using the local startup Welcome Pickups, which offers excellent service.
For more information, check out the guide “Uber in Athens and its alternative services“.
What Should I Pack for a City Break to Athens?
The clothes and accessories you need in Athens will depend on the season of your visit.
However, there are certain items you should definitely pack, no matter when you travel.
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.
You can find more details in the guide “Top Items to Pack for Your Trip to Athens“.
Since you’re traveling for just a few days, make sure to pack light.
Three to four T-shirts and two to three pairs of pants are more than enough for a city break.
Also, during summer, a hat can be much more useful than an extra pair of shoes.
How Do I Get to Athens?
There is only one airport in the city, the Athens International Airport.
It connects directly with almost all European cities, major cities in the USA, Canada, and China, and is about 30 kilometers from the center of Athens.
You can check Athens flight prices and times on Skyscanner, which lets you quickly compare prices and flight timings across multiple airlines.
Moreover, make sure to check the Aegean Airlines directly, as it often offers special deals through its website.
It’s the largest Greek carrier, a member of the Star Alliance network, and was voted the Best Regional Airline in Europe at the Skytrax 2024 World Airline Awards.
Is Athens Safe for Travellers?
Athens, and Greece in general, are safe places.
Crime rates are low, and in most cases, all you should be aware of are pickpockets on public transport.
Of course, you should use common sense and take the usual precautions (i.e., don’t walk alone at night in areas that seem dodgy).
One thing you should have wherever you go, and Athens is no exception, is travel insurance.
Personally, I consider it a low-cost investment; if I need it, it will save me a lot of trouble.
It usually covers medical expenses, cancellations and delays, baggage and belongings, etc.
Keeping in mind that travel insurance policies are very personal, SafetyWing is the one I recommend.
Athens off the Beaten Path
Designing your city break in Athens can be quite simple if you follow the guide above.
However, for an unforgettable weekend -or even more days- make sure to also check out the hidden gems of Athens.
They will help you get to know the city better and avoid the typical touristy places.
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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