Athens Travel Guide - Practical Advice for an Amazing Experience

Athens Travel & Transport Guide

Greece is generally thought of as a summer holiday destination. Travel season typically starts in early April (close to the Easter Holidays in the western world), peaks in the summer months of July to late September, and the last holidaymakers leave in early November. Even during the winter, Athens remains a vibrant hub, attracting thousands of travelers who tend to stay for longer.

In this context, Athens is considered a transit destination, either flying to Athens and taking a ferry to the hundreds of islands or getting to Athens to onboard a flight back to the country of origin. Many holidaymakers in Greece do not visit Athens, either because of the hot summer temperatures or because they have booked a direct charter flight to a greek island.

Athens offers so much to see and do that to truly experience it, you’ll need at least three nights—giving you four full days for an unforgettable trip. But if you’re short on time, don’t worry—we’ve got a dedicated section just for quick stays!

What to expect as a first-time traveler to Athens

The Acropolis and Parthenon are essential sights for every traveler, but Athens’ hidden gems offer countless other opportunities for exploration. Many visitors come for just one or two nights, only to wish they’d had more time to fully experience all the city has to offer.

Especially for travelers visiting Greece from outside Europe, Athens is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The city’s ancient past, its multicultural character, and the individual characteristics of specific neighborhoods provide the grounds for an amazing travel experience.

Very important to note that apart from the ancient sights, Athens offers a culinary, artistic, business-oriented, architectural and even academic interest to its visitors. Also as it combines a large coastline in the South, it makes it an ideal location to spend some more time than you thought you would need.

Cloudkeys provides this comprehensive travel guide to help travelers get the most out of their short stay in Athens, whether they spend a couple of days or a couple of weeks – something which we highly recommend. The thousands of wonderful guests that we accommodated in our apartments have provided great insights for writing this guide, particularly from the questions they ask our check-in or our digital concierge staff.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Athens: What Every Traveler Should Know

Athens is a city that wears its history and modernity on its sleeve—a vibrant, chaotic, and enthralling destination that captivates travelers with its charm. However, like any city with deep layers and bustling urban life, it has its complexities. This section dives into the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of Athens to give you a balanced perspective and help you make the most of your trip.

Remember, Athens—and Greece in general—is one of the world’s top travel destinations for a reason. With its warm hospitality, inviting vibe, and modern infrastructure, it’s no wonder millions of travelers flock here each year, eager to experience a destination that truly exceeds expectations.

The Good: A City Like No Other

Athens is a city that thrives on its contrasts. Its neighborhoods offer everything from quiet, idyllic streets in Plaka to the buzzing energy of Monastiraki and Psiri. Whether you’re marveling at the vibrant markets or sipping coffee under the shadow of the Acropolis, the city has a way of creating unforgettable moments.

This following list just “scratches the surface” in terms of how truly unique Athens is as a destination.

Diverse Experiences: Few cities allow you to shop for artisan goods in one neighborhood (Kolonaki), savor street food in another (Psiri), and dance the night away in Gazi.
Friendly Locals: Athenians are known for their warmth and hospitality. From helpful shopkeepers to passionate café owners, many go out of their way to make visitors feel welcome.
Amazing Food: Greece has its own unique identity in the culinary world. Getting to know the local cuisine is a match made in heaven, even for travelers originating from well known culinary destinations such as Italy or France.
Cultural Depth: Beyond the well-known historical landmarks, Athens is a city of music, art, and cuisine. It’s a place where you can discover centuries-old traditions alongside modern creative movements.
Immense Scenes and beauty: The blending of modern life built around the Acropolis offers multiple spots with immense sceneries that will stay memorable forever.

A neighborhood in Athens with ancient sights around it.

The Bad: Challenges of a Bustling Metropolis

Like any major city, Athens has its challenges, and some may surprise travelers who aren’t prepared. However, this is true for most European capitals, where navigating the hustle and bustle is part of the adventure.

Urban Chaos: The streets of Athens can be noisy, crowded, and overwhelming, especially in areas like Omonia or central transport hubs. Traffic and air pollution are concerns that some visitors notice.
Pickpockets: Unfortunately, pickpocketing is a common issue in crowded areas, particularly on public transport and busy streets like Ermou. Tourists should exercise caution with their belongings, especially around Syntagma Square and Monastiraki.
Rush-hour Traffic: Road traffic is clogging up the streets at various times throughout the day. Especially during early and late work commute times and when schools close.

The Ugly: Concerns in Certain Areas, Extreme Climate Conditions

While Athens is generally safe for both tourists and residents, there are areas where caution is warranted. Neighborhoods like Omonia and parts of Metaxourgeio have struggled with crime and drug activity. Travelers are advised to avoid these areas late at night and stay vigilant in unfamiliar surroundings.

It’s important to note that these challenges are typically localized, and the majority of tourist-friendly areas in Athens remain vibrant, safe, and welcoming. Due to the city’s geography, expansion is limited, especially in the city center, where some areas are very densely populated.

That said, Athens does experience occasional strikes and demonstrations, which can disrupt central areas. Public transport strikes, including those affecting ferries to and from the islands, can leave travelers stranded—especially if taxis are also unavailable. In such cases, renting a car becomes the only option, and these disruptions can sometimes lead to missed flights or other travel complications.

Despite the Imperfections, Athens Still Captivates Travelers

Despite its flaws, Athens offers something truly magical. The city has a pulse that resonates with visitors who take the time to understand its rhythm. It’s a place where ancient history intersects with the raw energy of a modern capital, creating a travel experience unlike any other.

Memorable Experiences: A rooftop dinner overlooking the Acropolis, an impromptu chat with a street vendor, or discovering a hidden café in Psiri—all are moments that stay with you forever.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunities: Athens offers countless “bucket list” experiences, from wandering through historic neighborhoods like Plaka, right underneath the emblematic Acropolis Hill, to indulging in authentic Greek cuisine in a family-run taverna.
Resilience and Spirit: There’s a certain charm in Athens’ imperfections. The city doesn’t try to hide its gritty side—it’s part of what makes Athens feel alive and authentic.
Diverse Location and Setting: Sandy beaches are in close proximity to the Athens city center. The same is true for the Penteli and Parnitha mountains.
Great Climate All Year Round: Visitors to Athens experience all four seasons. From spring and the hot summer, to rainy autumn and snowy winter. Due to this fact, visitors enjoy great experiences at Athens any time of the year.

Athens is not a picture-perfect postcard at every turn, but it’s a city of unforgettable stories and does have some picturesque areas. Embrace its complexities, and you’ll find yourself rewarded with memories to last a lifetime.

Athens City Center

The center of Athens isn’t just a hub for history—it’s a vibrant mosaic of neighborhoods, each offering its own unique charm. From bustling shopping districts to hidden cafes and electric nightlife, this guide explores the lifestyle, dining, and cultural vibes of Athens’ central areas.

Athens is far smaller than other european cities like London, Paris or Barcelona. Walking between sightseeing spots and the centra area around Syntagma Square is highly recommended, as you will likely come across some ancient ruins that are not available on major travel guides. Some streets exist from ancient times, like the road connecting the ancient Kerameikos cemetery to the Plato’s Academy area.

Dining and Café Culture

Athens’ café and dining culture is deeply woven into its neighborhoods. Greeks love coffee and meeting friends at cafés around the city. Trying the local coffees is highly recommended, including the traditional greek coffee and the modern popular iced coffee alternatives of freddo espresso or freddo capuccino.

Dining is a tasteful experience in some of the best foods and finest ingredients that the Mediterranean has to offer. There are options for every preference, including famous greek dishes which are vegan and vegeterian.

Coffee Hotspots:
- Thisseio for scenic outdoor seating.
- Kolonaki for chic, high-end cafes.
- Exarcheia for alternative, artsy coffee shops.
Dining Tips:
- Psiri and Koukaki for authentic Greek meals in cozy settings.
- Gazi for late-night bites and vibrant atmospheres.

Practical Tips for Exploring Neighborhoods

Best Way to Get Around: Walking is ideal for soaking in the atmosphere, but taxis and the metro connect neighborhoods seamlessly.
Stay Connected: Many cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
Peak Times: Visit shopping areas like Ermou early in the day, and save Gazi or Psiri for evenings.
Taxis can be Inexpensive: Especially if you are traveling as a small group, up to 4 people, getting to small distances can be cheaper than using public transport. Airport taxis are more expensive due to the distance from the Athens International Airport.

Athens’ central neighborhoods are more than just geographic locations—they are vibrant, evolving microcosms of the city’s soul. Whether you’re sipping a latte in Kolonaki, treasure-hunting in Monastiraki, or bar-hopping in Gazi, there’s a corner of Athens waiting to capture your heart. Explore it at your own pace and savor the journey!

For specific areas and neighborhoods in the center of Athens, refer to our Athens neighborhoods section, with detailed information on which one is worth visiting.

Where to Stay: Accommodation as a base for exploring Athens

There are hundreds of hotels and thousands of furnished apartments to choose from. As mentioned in the areas to avoid hanging out at, the same applies for chosing the area to stay at. Cloudkeys offers fully furnished and well-equiped apartments, ideal for exploring the city.

There are budget options, including house sharing and hostels, but as a general rule of thumb, you get what you pay for.

For more comfortable stays there are luxury hotel and villa rentals available, some with swimming pool.

As a general rule of thumb, areas where you find the cheapest deals are best to be avoided, due to the area being a bit “rough” to stay at, or being far away from all areas of interest.

Recommended areas for accommodation are Koukaki & Ilissia, while you may be able to find great properties in the Ampelokipoi area. Ilisia and Ampelokipoi are in close proximity to metro line 3, with direct connection to the Athens airport and the Port of Piraeus.

You can also stay near Syntagma square and Kolonaki, but expect higher prices for lower-quality of service.

Explore the local culture

There are many different museums for all types of interests in the center of Athens or in very close proximity. Cloudkeys provides a comprehensive guide of museums in Athens with many great suggestions. In addition, the theater scene is quite important for Athenians. It is not rare to find theater plays in English which you can enjoy, just make sure you book tickets in advance as they are frequently sold out.

Highly recommended experience is to watch a performance at the Herodeion ancient theater and experience the natural acoustics of ancient theaters in Greece. Tickets for these events are quickly sold out though, so you need some luck to book if you act early.

Many well known international artists perform live at major nightclubs, festivals and music happenings across Athens. There are multiple venues for this and Megaron Opera Music Hall is featuring frequently more classic and contemporary events.

Athens Transport Guide

Athens Car Rental Guide

Athens Safety Guide

Archaeological Sights

Museums in Athens

Parks in Athens

Where to Swim in Athens

Hike in Athens

Athenian Neighborhoods