Athens travel guide

Known as the cradle of Western civilization, Athens boasts a rich and fascinating history dating back to the Neolithic age. In the 5th century BC, it was the epicenter of the Golden Age of Greece, when intellectual and artistic endeavors thrived, and landmarks such as the Acropolis and Parthenon were constructed.

Athens is also the birthplace of democracy, with the city-state introducing a system of government that greatly influenced Western politics. The city played a significant role in the Hellenistic period, Roman era, and Byzantine times.

After falling under Ottoman rule, Athens regained its independence in the 19th century and was declared the capital of Greece. Throughout the 20th century, Athens experienced rapid growth and urban development, transforming into the vibrant metropolis we see today. Despite its modernity, Athens proudly preserves its historical heritage, providing travelers a unique blend of the ancient and the contemporary.

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Athens, Greece. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Athens, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Greece. Check out the best things to do in Athens by browsing over 3906 top-rated tours available to you in the city. Compare the rates and services of the stays and 17 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Athens with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Athens from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Athens with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Athens travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Athens!

The best time to explore Athens is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). These periods offer pleasant weather conditions with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C, ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city's rich historical sites such as the Acropolis. Springtime coincides with the Greek Easter celebrations, a cultural spectacle that brings Athens to life with processions, festive meals, and fireworks. Autumn is the time of the Athens Authentic Marathon, a major event attracting runners from around the world. Both these seasons also see fewer tourists, which means less crowded museums and archaeological sites. If you visit in the summer (July-August), be prepared for high temperatures that can reach 40°C, but on the bright side, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival offers a series of concerts, theatre performances, and cultural events. Although winters are mild with occasional rain, it's the least popular time for tourists. Regardless of when you decide to visit, remember that the best time to explore Athens also depends on your personal preferences and interests.

The insider tip for visiting Athens is to navigate the city like a local, utilizing the city's well-connected and efficient public transport system. While Athens' historical marvels like the Acropolis or the Parthenon are known to all, not many tourists are aware that they can access these sites using public transport. The Athenians often use the Metro, buses, and trams to commute, which not only reduces travel expenses but also provides a more authentic experience of the city. Additionally, this is a greener way to travel, reducing your carbon footprint. The Metro also doubles as a mini-museum, with many stations hosting exhibitions of artifacts unearthed during their construction. So, while on your way to a historical site, you might stumble upon another piece of history in the metro stations. Remember to purchase a transport card for unlimited travel within a certain period, making your journey hassle-free. This insider tip is bound to make your Athenian adventure more memorable and immersive.

With destinations such as Athens, a trip to Greece needs no further explanation. Spanning over 131,957 square kilometers, Greece is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Greece has something to enchant every traveler.

In Athens alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, and Acropolis Museum. Thus, a trip to Greece becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Greece offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Greece. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Greece and its offers.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Athens, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Athens offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Athens travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the city so special.

You've explored Athens's top attractions and marked them on your map. So now, it's time to delve deeper and discover the top things to do in Athens. These activities not only offer excitement and adventure but also provide unique insights into the city's culture and heritage. Take your experience to the next level by checking out the best sights with a knowledgeable guide, embarking on fun adventures unique to Athens, or learning more about the city's rich history and traditions.

Discover the most popular tours and experiences in the city below.

International travelers can fly to Athens by booking flights with Aegean, SKY express, Olympic Air, Volotea, and Sky Express, offering flights to Athens International. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Athens.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Athens, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to Athens. Go to this page to compare all flights to Athens.

To navigate Athens effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 17 car rental companies in Athens, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Athens start at 17 EUR per day or 117 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Nissan Micra, Citroen C3 Automatic. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Athens, starting at 11 EUR per day or 80 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Hyundai I10.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Athens, Greece below.

The city of Athens is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Greece. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Greece has it all.

Each destination in Greece offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Greece that are as magical as the city of Athens. The most popular travel destinations in Greece are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

Experience the authentic charm of Greece by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Athens. Explore other destinations around Greece with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Athens to other amazing locations in Greece, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in Greece for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Athens.

Navigating Athens, the capital city of Greece, can be an easy and enjoyable experience. The city boasts an efficient public transit system, including an extensive bus network, trams, and the Athens Metro, which is not only an efficient means of transport but also a window into the city's history with its mini-museums at several stations.

Taxis are another convenient option, with numerous taxi stands across the city, or they can be hailed on the street. They are usually reasonably priced, making them an excellent way to get around especially if you're short on time. Rental cars are also available from numerous providers, although keep in mind that driving in Athens can be challenging due to traffic and parking limitations.

For a unique local experience, try the trolleys and electric buses, which have been a part of Athens' cityscape for decades. Or, for a more leisurely pace, horse-drawn carriages can be found in the more tourist-focused areas, providing a charming way to see the sights.