Big city metropolis of Greece. Full of historic sights and chaotic crowded city centers.
Even though Athens population is only 4 million compared to much bigger Roman cities (like Rome), it’s very densely populated. While you won’t find the stereotype Greek beach destinations here, you’ll definitely find a cool hip metropolis full of great food, hip bars, nightlife, shopping, and endless choices of apartment buildings with city skyline views. In short…a very authentic urban Greek city life experience.
Athens is a love it or hate it. Comes for 2-3 days to check out the historic sites and museums and eat well, then leave. Or if the busy city life attached instantly to you…well then, you can sit out here for months!
Where to stay:
- Monastaraki Square – if you want to be in the most central downtown with tons of people all the time. And you know for sure you want to be there, and/or don’t have much time to see all of Athens…this area makes the most sense. It’s vibrant and lots of people and things to see and do. Has a very Athens-feel since you’re likely able to see Acropolis on the hill from anywhere around here. Centrally located to other places you might go. And has people walking around at all hours so you feel safe. You may find it noisy or too touristy for your liking.
- Plaka – posh and bougie area (near Monastaraki), nicer restaurants and shops.
- Psyri – lively hip area with lots of bars and nightlife. Highly recommended if you like to be out at night.
- Exarcheia – looks like a recently gentrified area. Full of graffiti everywhere, looks rundown and dangerous, and you may pass druggies on the street…but is actually mostly safe and can be nice depending on what street. Today, it’s considered a cool hip alternative area with cool restaurants, bars, and cafes…BUT, you need to know where to be. Especially at night, there’s only a few cool areas…the neighborhood is not the type for you wander around down dark closed streets without knowing where to be. Older folks or solo females, stay closer to the main streets or just avoid altogether to be safe. Check out restaurants on the streets southeast of Exarchia Square (Andrea Metaxa, Valtetsiou, Arachovis).
Hostels & Hotels:
- I didn’t stay at any.
Neighborhoods & Walking areas:
- Monastaraki Square – probably the most central area of downtown Athens. If you don’t know what you’re doing, or don’t have much time. This might be your ideal place to be. It’s full of people, shops, bars, restaurants, and offers a great view of Acropolis. While you may be tempted to sit down and eat at a bar or restaurant near the square, I recommend you walk over to the back side by Adrianou street for much better vibes and views. And then also to Plaka for nicer restaurants and shops.
- Syntagma Square – just an open square of people walking around. Maybe some street musicians, and at night more demonstrations and what not. Was known as the place for political demonstrations. Not much in terms of tourist value except that you might pass by here as you walk around the city. It’s in a centrally location position. But not particularly picturesque IMO. You can skip if you don’t have time.
- Pefkakia – nice bougie neighborhood. Expensive boutiques and shops.
- Exarcheia – bohemian rundown neighborhood. Looks like it was very recently gentrified. Full of graffiti and long history of political protests/riots. Nowadays known as a rapidly transforming area. Very hipster. And although mostly safe and nothing happens to you, some streets don’t feel safe to walk through at night and indeed thefts/crimes do occur. Anybody can walk through it during the day and enjoy it. But at night, I wouldn’t recommend for old folks or single females. But sure…if you know exactly what corners to stay, you’ll be fine. Regardless, you should visit this area at least one afternoon (or early evening) and check out the cool bars, restaurants, shops. It feels very authentic. And is also a cheaper place to stay if you don’t mind the long walk from the very central Monastaraki Square.
Activities to do:
- Museums:
- Museum of Cycladic Art – absolutely awesome. Amazing artifacts, great explanations, some fun semi-interactive stuff. And a history that’s actually iconic and stands out uniquely from most other things you’ve seen. Greek history not only goes back so many thousands of years, but was also well preserved in present day.
- Acropolis Museum – really awesome museum of beautiful well-preserved artifacts with lots of historic explanations. Nice way to stay out of the heat (or rain). The cafe here is a good place to eat with sunset view of the Acropolis.
- Temple of Olympian Zeus – Google reviews are 4.5 but seem mixed. Some folks are amazed, others felt 8euro not worth it to see a few broken columns (and can’t even get close).
- Acropolis ancient ruins (full list and reviews)
- I’ll do my best to explain it here as it’s confusing for many people. There’s a whole bunch of historic archaeological sites and museums in Athens, some more famous than others. You can go to each one and buy the entrance ticket there separately. Or you can buy a combo ticket that includes entry to all of them (this is the smart idea IMO). It’s much cheaper this way and even if you only visit 2 sites, you already save money. As to which sites and museums are most popular…I can’t personally confirm as I haven’t seen all…but most people say…
- The other question is…which one/s should you pick if you only have time to see 1 or 2?
- Gate of Athena Archegetis – not as important or worth it compared to others. Convenient stop if you’re nearby for the Agora but not worth going out of your way. It’s just a big ruined gate and nothing else.
- Buildings & architecture –
- Parks, gardens, green spaces –
- Beaches, bridges, water-points –
- Arts & museums –
- Sunset views –
Restaurants & Cafes:
- Karamanlidika tou Fani – popular spot among tourists and locals. Good food and everything. Make a reservation if you don’t want to wait in line.
- Efcharis restaurant
- Aylak Politiki Kouzina
- “Attitamoc” – I tried to spell it in English
- Museum Cafe
- dfd
Bars & Clubs:
- Xorostasio – popular terrace rooftop bar. Even if you don’t want to go here, you should get familiar with the area as this is where all the coolest best vibe bars are IMO.
- Psyri (neighborhood) – lots of cool street bars around here. I remember some around Pallados & Melanthou. Also one called Juan Rodriguez. And more nice ones around N Sarri & G Sachtouri. Small streets Katsikogianni and Riga Palamidou, and also going into Plateia Agion Anargyron. Kounies.
- Posh EDM bar – on Praxitelous & Skouleniou. I walked by and loved the music, looked inside and it was beautiful. Go here when you want to dress up a little.
Miscellaneous tips:
- General travel tips for Greece.
- Public transportation – Athens has trains, buses, metro, ferry. Citymapper app is really useful for Athens.
- Rideshare apps – Free Now and Uber are both here and actively used. Some periods can be especially busy (busy hours or rainy hours) and you’ll have to keep searching for drivers.
Nearby towns:
Unfiltered notes: