Plaka
Ideal for: first visit, couples
The old quarter at the foot of the Acropolis: lanes, tavernas and neoclassical houses. Very touristy.
Athens
The Acropolis, lively neighbourhoods and the gateway to the Greek islands.
Plan your stay in Athens
Best areas to stay in Athens
Koukaki
Ideal for: couples, quiet stays
Residential and pleasant, right by the Acropolis and its museum.
Monastiraki and Psyri
Ideal for: solo, nightlife
Flea market, bars and restaurants: the liveliest area in the evening.
Kolonaki
Ideal for: shopping, comfort
An upmarket district at the foot of Mount Lycabettus, with shops and cafés.
Practical info about Athens
Central Athens is walkable, and the metro links the airport and the port of Piraeus. For a first visit, Plaka or Koukaki let you walk to the Acropolis.
Visit the Acropolis early in the morning, especially in summer, and book tickets in advance. Athens is also the departure point for ferries to many islands: check timetables, which vary by season.
What to see in Athens
- The Acropolis and the Parthenon (timed entry), then the Acropolis Museum;
- Plaka and Anafiotika, at the foot of the Acropolis;
- the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus;
- Mount Lycabettus for the city view;
- day trips: Cape Sounion at sunset, or Delphi.
Arriving in Athens
Metro line 3 links the airport to Syntagma in about 43 minutes, then continues to the port of Piraeus, where island ferries depart.
All our tips in Travel in Greece.