UltimateCity Guide Athens
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The Acropolis of Athens by day, seen from Philopappos Hill The Acropolis of Athens floodlit at dusk Aerial view of Voula beach on the Athens Riviera Lycabettus Hill seen from the Temple of Olympian Zeus

The city guide to Athens, Greece

The best of Athens,
curated.

The city guide for visitors to Athens: where to eat, drink, stay and explore, from the Acropolis to the beaches of the Riviera, plus what's on in the city this week.

Where to eatWhat to see

Your trusted, one‑stop guide to Athens

ULTIMATE Athens is an independent city guide for visitors, put together by people who know and love the city and its best places. Everything you need is in one place: the restaurants, cafés, bars and hotels worth your time, the sights, museums, beaches and the Athens Riviera, fitness and spas, what's on this week, and the practical side too, from getting around and car hire to medical care. Plan your day with our itineraries and save the places you love as you go.

Lycabettus Hill

The best view in Athens

Lycabettus Hill

Kolonaki·Viewpoint

Ride the funicular up from Kolonaki, or walk the pine-shaded paths, to the top of Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in central Athens. From the little chapel of St George the whole city spreads out below you: the Acropolis and the Parthenon, the sea at Piraeus and, on a clear day, the islands of the Saronic Gulf. Come at sunset, when the marble turns gold and the city lights come on.

Plan your visit

From Athens to the islands

After exploring the vibrant, colourful capital, why not spend some time on the iconic Greek islands? The Cyclades lie in the blue Aegean just off the coast of Athens: glorious sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, the legendary sunsets of Santorini and the glamour of Mykonos, a short ferry ride or flight away.

A ferry in the harbour of PiraeusStart hereIsland hopping from PiraeusFerries, airports and classic routesImerovigli, Firostefani and Fira along the rim of the Santorini calderaThe ultimate island hopEleven islands, one journeyFive weeks in the Cyclades, from Piraeus to MilosA cruise ship anchored in the caldera of SantoriniCruisingGreek island cruisesLiners, small ships and sailing yachtsOia’s white houses and blue domes on the rim of the Santorini calderaAirport + ferrySantoriniThe volcano islandLittle Venice, the old captains’ houses on the water in Mykonos townAirport + ferryMykonosLittle Venice, Delos and beach clubsThe little harbour of Naoussa on Paros, with fishing boats and the white town behindAirport + ferryParosThe easy-going all-rounderThe white volcanic rocks of Sarakiniko on MilosAirport + ferryMilosThe island of coloursChora on the cliff edge of FolegandrosFerry onlyFolegandrosThe cliff-top escape

Athens in depth

Magazine Articles

The stories behind the city: the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the best views from Lycabettus and Philopappos, a queen’s garden and the guards of Syntagma, the seaside city most visitors miss, and the new city rising on the old airport.

Boats in Glyfada marina under a blue skyNeighbourhood guideAthens Riviera & GlyfadaGlyfada, Vouliagmeni, Voula and the coastThe water maze at the Ellinikon Experience ParkUnder wayThe EllinikonA new city on the old airportSteps and whitewashed walls in Plaka, beneath the walls of the AcropolisNeighbourhood guidePlakaThe old town beneath the AcropolisThe Tzistarakis Mosque on Monastiraki Square, with the Acropolis behindNeighbourhood guideMonastirakiMarkets, ruins and rooftopsThe steep rock walls of the Corinth CanalRegion guideThe PeloponneseCorinth, Mycenae, Olympia and SpartaVilla Kazouli, one of the grand 19th-century mansions of Kifissia, under a blue skyNeighbourhood guideKifissiaMansions, boutiques and fine dining in the northThe Parthenon on the Acropolis of AthensThe back storyThe AcropolisThree thousand years on the sacred rockLycabettus Hill seen from the Temple of Olympian ZeusThe back storyLycabettus HillThe rock Athena dropped, and the best view in AthensThe Parthenon on the Acropolis seen across the pines from Philopappos HillThe back storyPhilopappos HillThe finest view of the ParthenonA shady path through the National Garden in AthensThe back storyThe National GardenA queen’s garden in the heart of the cityThe Evzones changing guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier below the Greek ParliamentThe back storyThe Changing of the GuardParliament, the Evzones and Syntagma

HOT TOPICS · Have Your Say

The latest from our readers: visitors and Athenians talking about the city, its new developments and where to go.

    Have your say in HOT TOPICS

    The Acropolis & Parthenon

    This week's pick

    The Acropolis & Parthenon

    Acropolis·Ancient site

    October is one of the best months to see the Acropolis: cooler days, softer light and fewer crowds than in summer. Book a timed ticket online, and arrive at opening time or in the late afternoon for the calmest visit and the best views across the city.

    Find out more

    Every list in the guide

    Taverna tables on the steps of Mnisikleous Street in Plaka26 of the bestRestaurantsFrom Michelin stars to market tavernasPeople at a café terrace in central Athens20 of the bestCafésSpecialty coffee, classic cafés and chainsA wall of coloured bottles lit up behind the bar in Athens20 of the bestBarsWorld-ranked cocktails and rooftop viewsBar terraces lit up at dusk on Irakleidon Street in Thiseio, Athens25 of the bestNightlifeClubs, live music and Riviera summer nightsThe Hotel Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square, lit up at night20 of the bestHotelsGrand icons, boutique gems and Riviera resortsThe Acropolis of Athens floodlit at dusk20 of the bestAttractionsAncient wonders, museums and viewpointsThe gold Mask of Agamemnon from Mycenae at the National Archaeological Museum21 of the bestArtMuseums, foundations and contemporary galleriesAn open-air cinema in Athens, with deckchairs and tables facing the screen25 of the bestCinemaOpen-air summer screens and indoor cinemasStraw umbrellas above the clear sea at Vouliagmeni20 of the bestBeach ClubsSun, sea and sundowners on the RivieraSwimmers in the turquoise water of Lake Vouliagmeni beneath limestone cliffs25 of the bestFitness + SpaSpas, hammams, gyms, yoga, Pilates and salonsA doctor in a white coat holding a stethoscope20 of the bestMedical & HealthHospitals, clinics, dentists and therapiesShoppers on Ermou Street, the main shopping street of Athens71 of the bestShoppingShopping streets, department stores and mallsApartment balconies on Pindarou Street in Kolonaki, with the Acropolis in the distance29 of the bestReal EstateAgencies, rentals, interiors and antiquesThe Blue Star Patmos ferry docked at PiraeusGetting aroundTransportAirport, metro, taxis, ferries and day toursLight trails on Syngrou Avenue in Athens at night13 of the bestCar Rental & SalesCar hire, car and motorcycle showrooms, e-bikesA classic yacht at anchor in the deep-blue Aegean off MilosLuxury guideLuxury Lifestyle guideGrand hotels, fine dining, boutiques and yachtsSteps and whitewashed walls in Plaka, beneath the walls of the AcropolisNeighbourhood guidePlaka guideThe old town beneath the AcropolisThe Tzistarakis Mosque on Monastiraki Square, with the Acropolis behindNeighbourhood guideMonastiraki guideMarkets, ruins and rooftop barsAerial view of Voula beach on the Athens RivieraCoast guideAthens Riviera & Glyfada guideGlyfada, Vouliagmeni, Voula and the coastVilla Kazouli, one of the grand 19th-century mansions of Kifissia, under a blue skyNeighbourhood guideKifissia guideMansions, boutiques and fine diningThe steep rock walls of the Corinth CanalRegion guideThe Peloponnese guideMycenae, Olympia, Sparta and NafplioSailing boats by the sea caves of Kleftiko, MilosIslands from PiraeusGreek IslandsIsland hopping from PiraeusOia’s white houses and blue domes on the rim of the Santorini calderaIsland guideSantorini guideCaldera villages, beaches and sunsetsPlatis Gialos beach on Mykonos from the airIsland guideMykonos guideLittle Venice, beach clubs and nightlifeParikia, the port town of Paros, seen across the harbourIsland guideParos guideParikia, Naoussa and golden beachesNaxos town climbing to its Venetian KastroIsland guideNaxos guideGolden beaches and marble villagesTurquoise water and white sand below the coloured cliffs of Firiplaka beach on MilosIsland guideMilos guideWhite rocks, coloured cliffs and sea cavesA sandy beach and turquoise bay below the hills of IosIsland guideIos guideGolden beaches and lively nightsThe sheltered round bay of Vathi on SifnosIsland guideSifnos guideFood, pottery and sheltered baysDeep blue water and white rocks at Agia Anna on AmorgosIsland guideAmorgos guideDeep blue water and a cliff monasteryErmoupoli’s town hall by Ernst Ziller on Miaoulis SquareIsland guideSyros guideNeoclassical Ermoupoli and sunset beachesThe white harbour town of Tinos below green hillsIsland guideTinos guideMarble villages and dovecotesThe turquoise cove of Livadaki beach below the cliffs of FolegandrosIsland guideFolegandros guideA clifftop village and turquoise coves

    Our favourites right now

    Restaurants

    1. 1DeltaKallithea · Fine dining
    2. 2Botrini'sChalandri · Fine dining
    3. 3SpondiPangrati · Fine dining
    See all 26

    Cafés

    1. 1Taf CoffeeExarcheia · Specialty coffee roaster
    2. 2AthenéeSyntagma · Grand café
    3. 3Da CapoKolonaki · Classic café
    See all 20

    Bars

    1. 1LineKolonos · Cocktail bar
    2. 2The Bar in Front of the BarMonastiraki · Cocktail bar
    3. 3Barro NegroSyntagma · Agave bar
    See all 20

    Nightlife

    1. 1Six d.o.g.sPsyrri · Arts venue & garden bar
    2. 2Gagarin 205Patisia · Live music
    3. 3Half Note Jazz ClubMets · Jazz club
    See all 25

    Hotels

    1. 1Hotel Grande BretagneSyntagma · Luxury hotel
    2. 2King GeorgeSyntagma · Luxury hotel
    3. 3Four Seasons Astir PalaceVouliagmeni · Resort
    See all 20

    Attractions

    1. 1The Acropolis & ParthenonAcropolis · Ancient site
    2. 2Acropolis MuseumMakrygianni · Museum
    3. 3National Archaeological MuseumExarcheia · Museum
    See all 20

    Art

    1. 1National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos MuseumIlisia · Art museum
    2. 2EMST – National Museum of Contemporary ArtKoukaki · Contemporary art museum
    3. 3Basil & Elise Goulandris FoundationPangrati · Modern art museum
    See all 21

    Cinema

    1. 1Cinema in Athens: the back storyAthens · In depth: film
    2. 2Cine ThisioThiseio · Open-air cinema
    3. 3Cine ParisPlaka · Open-air cinema
    See all 25

    Beach Clubs

    1. 1Astir BeachVouliagmeni · Luxury beach
    2. 2Island Club & RestaurantVarkiza (Limanakia) · Restaurant & club
    3. 3Balux Beach ClubGlyfada (Asteras) · Beach club
    See all 20

    Fitness + Spa

    1. 1GB Spa, Hotel Grande BretagneSyntagma · Luxury hotel spa
    2. 2Holmes Place SyntagmaSyntagma · Health club & spa
    3. 3Four Seasons Astir Palace SpaVouliagmeni · Luxury resort spa
    See all 25

    Medical & Health

    1. 1Hygeia HospitalMarousi · Private general hospital
    2. 2Mitera HospitalMarousi · Private maternity & children's hospital
    3. 3Athens Medical CenterMarousi · Private general hospital
    See all 20

    Shopping

    1. 1Ermou StreetSyntagma · Pedestrian shopping street
    2. 2attica Department StoreSyntagma · Department store
    3. 3Citylink & Spyromiliou ArcadeSyntagma · Shopping arcade
    See all 71

    Real Estate

    1. 1The Ellinikon: a new city on the old airportElliniko · Urban regeneration
    2. 2Greece Sotheby's International RealtyKolonaki · Luxury estate agency
    3. 3Barnes GreeceKolonaki · Luxury estate agency
    See all 29

    Transport

    1. 1Athens International AirportAirport · International airport
    2. 2Athens MetroCitywide · Metro (Lines 1, 2 & 3)
    3. 3Airport Express BusesAirport · Express bus (X95, X96, X93, X97)
    See all 24

    Car Rental & Sales

    1. 1Avis Athens DowntownKoukaki · Car rental
    2. 2Sixt Athens AcropolisMakrygianni · Car rental
    3. 3Hertz Athens DowntownKoukaki · Car rental
    See all 13

    Greek Islands

    1. 1Island hopping from PiraeusPiraeus · Planning guide
    2. 2The ultimate Cyclades island hopThe Cyclades · In depth: island hopping
    3. 3Greek island cruisesPiraeus & Lavrio · In depth: cruising
    See all 468

    Plan your day

    The Acropolis of Athens floodlit at duskItineraryOne perfect day in AthensA full day on foot in the historic centreLycabettus Hill seen from the Temple of Olympian ZeusItinerary48 hours in AthensTwo full days, mostly on footVilla Kazouli, one of the grand 19th-century mansions of Kifissia, under a blue skyItineraryA perfect day in KifissiaA slow day in the leafy north, by metroAerial view of Voula beach on the Athens RivieraItineraryA day on the Athens RivieraGlyfada, Vouliagmeni and Sounio by car or taxiThe Temple of Apollo at Delphi, looking down the valley below Mount ParnassusItineraryA day trip to DelphiA full day by car, tour or bus: about 2.5 hours each way

    Know your neighbourhoods

    Taverna tables on the steps of Mnisikleous Street in PlakaNeighbourhood

    Plaka & Makrygianni

    The old town beneath the Acropolis: pedestrian lanes, neoclassical houses, the Acropolis Museum and many of the best-located hotels.

    Explore Plaka & Makrygianni     Monastiraki Square, with the old mosque and the Acropolis aboveNeighbourhood

    Monastiraki & Psyrri

    Flea markets by day, rooftop bars and buzzing streets by night. The heart of central Athens nightlife.

    Explore Monastiraki & Psyrri     The fountain of Syntagma Square at night, with the Parliament behindNeighbourhood

    Syntagma

    Parliament, grand hotels and many of the city's best cocktail bars, all within a few minutes' walk.

    Explore Syntagma     A stylish café-bar terrace on Tsakalof Street in KolonakiNeighbourhood

    Kolonaki

    Chic, upmarket and leafy, with designer boutiques, smart restaurants and stylish bars on the slopes of Lycabettus.

    Explore Kolonaki     The old gasworks of Gazi lit up at night, now the Technopolis arts centreNeighbourhood

    Gazi & Kerameikos

    A former gasworks district that became the city's clubbing quarter, with venues around Kerameikos metro.

    Explore Gazi & Kerameikos     Aerial view of Voula beach on the Athens RivieraNeighbourhood

    The Athens Riviera

    The coast from Piraeus to Vouliagmeni: seafront restaurants, luxury resorts and summer beach clubs.

    Explore The Athens Riviera

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