What are the best things to do in Athens?
Top picks in Athens include Acropolis and Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, Plaka neighbourhood. See the full list and itinerary on this Athens travel guide.
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Athens Travel Guide
Athens, Greece
Why visit Athens
Travel guide for Athens, Greece — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Athens is a stop in Greece, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Acropolis and Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 70–160 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds
Weather
Temperate, with warm summers and cool winters
Experiences
Things to do in Athens
1
Acropolis and Parthenon
2
Acropolis Museum
3
Ancient Agora
4
Plaka neighbourhood
5
Temple of Olympian Zeus
6
Changing of the Guard at Syntagma
7
Mount Lycabettus viewpoint
8
Day trip to Cape Sounion or Delphi
Budget travel
Free things to do in Athens
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Mount Lycabettus viewpoint
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Athens itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Acropolis of Athens
- Visit Acropolis Museum
- Visit National Gardens
- Eat at Σουβλάκι Κώστας 1950 συνταγμα (Kostas)
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Parnitha National Park
- Eat at The 2 Brothers
Prefer a full 6-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Athens itinerary guide.
Budget
Athens trip cost
Budget
USD 30–55
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 70–160
per person / day
Luxury
USD 185–305+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Athens, Greece. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Athens
Estimated total (USD)
$2,390
≈ $1,195 per person · $341 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $115/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Athens mid-range ground costs (budget 30–55 · mid 70–160 · luxury 185–305+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Kostas
Souvlaki · Tiny souvlaki shop Athenians swear by
- $
Diporto
Greek taverna · No-menu basement taverna near the market
- $$$
Varoulko Seaside
Seafood · Michelin seafood with Mikrolimano views
- $
Bougatsadiko Thessalonikis
Bougatsa · Best bougatsa in Athens
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Syntagma · Landmark facing Parliament
- $$$
New Hotel
Syntagma · Design hotel by Brazilian Campana brothers
- $$$
AthensWas
Acropolis · Boutique with Acropolis views
Shopping
- Laiki
- The Mall Athens
- Golden Hall
- Athens Metro Mall
Nightlife
- Balux
- Taximi
- Rebetiki Istoria
- Showroom
- Ydria
- Costa
Museums & culture
- Acropolis Museum
In pictures
Athens gallery
Photos: dronepicr, Steve Swayne, A.Savin, Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de, George E. Koronaios — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Athens travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Athens?
May–June & September–October for mild weather and thinner crowds.
How many days do I need in Athens?
Plan at least 2 days in Athens for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Athens?
Popular stays in Athens include Hotel Grande Bretagne, New Hotel, AthensWas. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Athens cost?
On the ground in Athens (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 30–55 per person per day, mid-range about 70–160, and luxury about 185–305+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Athens, Greece. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
