In Athens, where you sleep decides how much of the city you see on foot. These are the areas we recommend, and who each one suits.
€€€€€€ Price levels compare the areas within this city.
01
Plaka €€ Mid-range prices
Best for: First-timers
The old town under the Acropolis. Pretty, walkable and touristy, with the main sights at your door.
02
Koukaki € Lower prices
Best for: Value and local life
Quiet streets by the Acropolis Museum, with great cafés and good-value hotels.
03
Kolonaki €€€ Higher prices
Best for: Couples and comfort
Upscale and leafy, with boutiques and smart restaurants, 15 minutes' walk from Syntagma.
Hotel shortlists
Three picks per question, chosen with our selection criteria, with price ranges and what nobody tells you.
The 3 best hotels with Acropolis viewsComing soon
The 3 best luxury hotels in AthensComing soon
The 3 best value hotels in KoukakiComing soon
Airport to city
01
Metro Line 3 ≈ 40 min
About 40 min to Syntagma
Direct to the centre and reliable.
02
X95 express bus ≈ 60 min
About 60 min to Syntagma, 24 hours
Cheapest, and runs all night. Slow in traffic.
03
Taxi or private transfer ≈ 35–45 min
About 35–45 min
Taxis have a fixed fare to the centre; a transfer waits for you with a sign.
Frequently asked questions
The 10 questions everyone asks before going, answered straight.
01Is Athens safe for tourists?
Yes, Athens is safe for tourists. Watch for pickpockets on the metro (especially the green line) and around Monastiraki and Omonia, and avoid Omonia and Exarchia late at night. For taxis, use an app to avoid inflated fares.
02When is the best time to visit Athens?
April to June and September to October are ideal. July and August are very hot (35–40 °C), and the Acropolis may close during the hottest hours. Winter is mild and quiet.
03What language is spoken in Athens?
Greek. English is widely spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, and most signs are also in Latin letters. "Efharistó" means thank you.
04How many days do you need in Athens?
Three days is ideal for the ancient sites and the old neighbourhoods. With more time, add Delphi, Cape Sounion at sunset or a day cruise to the islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina.
05What are the top 10 attractions in Athens?
Acropolis and the Parthenon
Acropolis Museum
Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus
Plaka and Anafiotika
Syntagma Square and the Changing of the Guard
National Archaeological Museum
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Panathenaic Stadium
Lycabettus Hill
Monastiraki and its flea market
06Which of these attractions can you visit for free?
Plaka and the tiny white houses of Anafiotika, the Changing of the Guard by the Evzones at Syntagma and Monastiraki are free. So are the National Garden, the walk up Lycabettus Hill (the funicular is paid), Filopappou Hill and the Areopagus rock next to the Acropolis, both perfect at sunset. The Acropolis and the other archaeological sites are paid.
07Which museums are worth visiting in Athens?
The Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum are essential. Add the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Byzantine and Christian Museum.
08What are the locals like in Athens?
Greeks are warm, hospitable and expressive: loud conversations are not arguments. Dinner is late, from 9 or 10 pm. Watch out: "ne" means yes, and a quick nod upwards means no. Tipping 5–10% is appreciated but not required.
09What is the typical food in Athens?
Try souvlaki and gyros, moussaka, Greek salad (horiatiki), spanakopita, tzatziki, grilled octopus and loukoumades (honey doughnuts) for dessert. To drink, ouzo, a Greek coffee or an iced freddo espresso.
10Where should you stay in Athens?
Plaka, at the foot of the Acropolis, is central and mid-range. Koukaki, by the Acropolis Museum, is local and cheaper. Kolonaki is the chic, upmarket neighbourhood.
Staying connected
An eSIM is a digital SIM you install on your phone before you fly. No plastic card, no shop at the airport: you land, switch it on and you're online.
Low cost: plans for a few days usually cost far less than roaming
Coverage in every destination on tips2trip, and worldwide
Data from the moment you land: maps, ride apps and your bookings
Book your airport-to-hotel and hotel-to-airport transfers in advance and forget about the taxi queue, the bargaining and the 'where do we go now?'. When you walk out of arrivals, someone is already waiting with a sign with your name on it, helps you with the bags and takes you straight to the door.
Fixed price, agreed before you travel
Flight tracking: they wait if you're delayed
Child seats and vans for families or groups on request
