Greece

Things to do in Athens

Athens packs 2,500 years into a walkable centre: the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora sit within a few hundred metres of each other, with Plaka and Monastiraki at their feet. The Acropolis Museum displays the Parthenon sculptures that stayed in Greece, and the port of Piraeus is the gateway to the Saronic islands.

  • Acropolis and Parthenon guided tour
  • Acropolis Museum ticket
  • Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon at sunset
  • Hydra, Poros and Aegina day cruise

Experiences in Athens

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Athens

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Highlights

  • Acropolis and Parthenon guided tour
  • Acropolis Museum ticket
  • Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon at sunset
  • Hydra, Poros and Aegina day cruise
  • Greek street food walk in Psyrri and the Central Market
  • Delphi day trip

Best time to visit

April to early June and late September to October are the best months. In July and August temperatures often reach 35C or more and the Acropolis can close in the middle of the day during heatwaves.

Getting around

Metro, tram and buses cover the city, but the historic centre is best on foot. From the airport take metro line 3 to Syntagma (about 40 minutes) or the X95 express bus.

Local tips

  • Acropolis entry is by timed slot: book the first slot at 8am to avoid heat and cruise groups.
  • The Acropolis Museum is a separate ticket from the archaeological site, so plan both.
  • Wear shoes with grip: the marble paths on the Acropolis are polished smooth and slippery.

Day trips from Athens

  • Cape Sounion
  • Delphi
  • Hydra
  • Nafplio and Mycenae
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Athens?

The most booked experiences in Athens are Acropolis and Parthenon guided tour, Acropolis Museum ticket, Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon at sunset and Hydra, Poros and Aegina day cruise.

When is the best time to visit Athens?

April to early June and late September to October are the best months. In July and August temperatures often reach 35C or more and the Acropolis can close in the middle of the day during heatwaves.

How do I get around Athens?

Metro, tram and buses cover the city, but the historic centre is best on foot. From the airport take metro line 3 to Syntagma (about 40 minutes) or the X95 express bus.

Do I need to book tours in Athens in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Athens?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Santorini231 km awayOtranto512 km awayLecce546 km awayGallipoli546 km away