Things to do in Athens

All about Athens Tours

When to visit

Athens sizzles with sunshine and crowds in the summer months, especially in July, when the average temperature is 86°F (30°C). Surprisingly, August is relatively quiet because many Athenians are away on vacation. April through June and September through November are more comfortable for Athens Tours, with warm weather that’s ideal for exploring the city’s ancient sites. Athens also offers a number of fun events throughout the year, including the Athens Epidaurus Festival, which includes outdoor theater, arts, and music—and runs all summer—and the Beer Festival, in September.

Getting around

Most of the city’s must-see sites are within walking distance of each other, and situated in the center of Athens. It takes about 15 minutes to stroll from the Acropolis to attractions like Hadrian’s Arch or Plaka. The city’s bus and metro lines are also good for traveling between downtown sites. Buy Ath.ena tickets at stations, which will let you use the bus, metro, tram, and light rail networks that crisscross the city and the surrounding areas. Other options include taxis and apps like Uber and Beat.

Traveler tips

If you’re watching your spending, visit as many attractions as possible on the first Sunday of the month. From April to November, entry is free to top attractions, including the Acropolis, museums, and key archaeological sites. After sightseeing, stay on the budget-friendly track and explore the open air Sunday flea market in Athens’ Monastiraki Square. This whirl of bric-a-brac and clothing stalls is a local favorite and is great for picking up quirky trinkets, jewelry, and souvenirs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Athens is famous for?

Known as the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is replete with antiquities, many dating from its 5th-century BC “Golden Age.” Must-visits include the UNESCO-protected Acropolis, home of the Parthenon and other temples; and numerous other archaeological relics and museums, all clustered near the central Syntagma Square, Ermou Street, and the old Plaka district.

How many days do you need for Athens Tours?

Aim to spend at least three days, so you can cover crowd-pullers like the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and the Changing of the Guard at the Unknown Soldier’s Tomb. Then, over the next two days, explore the New Acropolis Museum and the Benaki Museum, discover the National Gardens, and visit Cape Sounion’s Temple of Poseidon.

Why is Athens a tourist attraction?

Athens draws tourists largely for its ancient treasures. The city is crowned by the Acropolis—a hilltop of temples from the 5th century BC. After that, there’s still a long list to check through, from the ancient Agora and Hadrian’s Arch to the charismatic Plaka quarter and the Panathenaic Stadium.

What should I not miss in Athens?

Head first for the Acropolis, once the fulcrum of the ancient Greek empire. Must-sees here include the spectacular Parthenon, Temple of the Athena Nike, and Erechtheion. Other key things to do in Athens include the statue-stuffed New Acropolis Museum, and Athens’ Changing of the Guard ceremony, performed by pom-pom-shoed soldiers.

What do people do for fun in Athens?

There are so many fun things to do in Athens. Enjoy the relaxed vibe in Plaka’s cafés and squares, see a performance at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, and dance to bouzoukis (lutes) at open-till-late tavernas. Don’t miss Athens’ nightlife, either. Hit clubs in Monastiraki, catch an outdoor movie, or visit one of the city’s glam rooftop bars.

Is Athens touristy?

Yes, especially around signature sites like the Acropolis and Syntagma Square, which draw sightseers year-round. But if you continue down those scenic side streets, you’re not far from a quieter Athens. Escape the tourist buzz in Anafiotika’s whitewashed houses and geranium-potted lanes; in the galleries and cafés of hip Kypseli, and at lower-profile establishments like the airy Cycladic Art Museum.

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