Plan Your Trip to Athens: Best of Athens Tourism
Athens, Greece
Essential Athens
Food & drink
How to do Athens in 2 days
Athens’ best cocktail bars with a view
Ermou 18 Beyond the Horizon94Off one of the busiest streets in Athens, this rooftop bar sits on the 7th floor and feels worlds away from the chaos below. From the moment you walk in, you’re in Greek island mode thanks to the bar’s pebbly white ground, straw chairs, blond wood furnishing, and swimming pool. But the best part is the spot-on vistas of the Acropolis and fun cocktails based on Greek gods. I suggest the signature Zeus, with O’ Purist, Diktamo, honey, and yogurt.
NYX Rooftop Japanese Fusion Gastrobar63For an urban vibe and a killer view of Lycabettus Hill, head to the sleek NYX Rooftop, within the Academias Hotel. Japanese-inspired décor and chill EDM beats give it a sexy, sophisticated ambience while the artfully plated meals are a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. The Natsukashii Margarita and sushi rolls are highly recommended. Tip: Reserve a table on the terrace in advance.
Couleur Locale Athens518In the trendy part of town, Couleur Locale is always a good time. It has a friendly, fun atmosphere and magnificent bird’s-eye views of Athens’ old Monastiraki quarter. A head’s up: It can be hard to find the door, which is hidden on a tiny side street, so be prepared to ask around. It’s also better to go on a weekday as this spot gets crowded on weekends, especially at sunset.
Anglais Athens231Retro décor, shared high-top tables, warm string lights, and flickering candles set the scene at this rooftop bar in Monastiraki. Of course, the Parthenon is the focal point as it’s at eye-level from your seat. If it’s completely booked in the evening (which is typical), you’re not out of luck. Anglais Athens is open all day, so you can go earlier and still enjoy an Aperol Spritz in the sun.
Stork View Bar Restaurant24Thanks to its sweeping 360-degree panorama, Stork is the perfect place to watch Athens sparkle at dusk. It’s romantic and elegant, with a leafy, outdoor garden, which is why it’s a favorite for date nights and special occasions. Order a Stork’s Spirit or the Celestial Sip and stay for the Asian dishes. Don’t drink? Don’t worry. There’s a great mocktail menu, too.
Ergon House Athens116In Greece, the French word retiré is used to mean rooftop, and this stylish Parisian ethos is reflected throughout the boutique hotel and its glam bar. Ergon House is a hotspot for food lovers, who are drawn to its on-site gourmet market, which includes a fresh produce stand, butcher, fishmonger, and bakery. But that’s not all. The charming terrace features olive trees, wooden tables, bean bags, and a food truck. Get the Iron Bird or Pear Williams Sour—you won’t regret it.
Buena Vista Social Bar70Cuba comes to Athens at the lively Caribbean-inspired Buena Vista bar. It’s not hard to fall in love with this spot—it has fantastic cocktails (try the Love Rehab or Greek Chic), expert bartenders, and upbeat music that keeps you on your toes. Bonus: It all comes with a view of the Acropolis. At the end of the evening, treat yourself to some fresh-out-of-the-fryer churros.
Attic Urban Rooftop145Bohemian creatives and cool kids mix with buttoned-up business execs on this rooftop bar over Monastiraki Square. Although the wicker-and-wood design is picturesque in its own right, the most Insta-worthy photo is from the two flower-covered rope swings facing the Acropolis. The Attic is a blast at any time of day, but it’s worth going during golden hour for truly unbeatable views and vibes.
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More cities where ancient ruins are part of the scene
Athens Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Athens
nick_arch
I would suggest going early in the morning to the Acropolis then walking down the hill to the Agora/Thission and exploring there, there are trees there so you can have some shade and a little rest on a bench if you need to!
Nick E
Locals do not expect foreigners to know any Greek but attempts to say just a few words will endear you to them.
Christos Tz.
Stay downtown, there are many options in the suburbs or just out of the main city center but I would advise that you stay within the greater Syntagma - Kolonaki - Ilissia area.
Nick E
Admire the extensive ancient ruins and check out a couple of museums, whilst also feeling the fast pulse of a modern city that is so much more than the concrete jungle it is often made out to be.
Anna P
Athens is easy to explore, easy to get around and with a variety of attractions. It is recommended for everyone - family, friends, solo it does not matter.
on_the_go_98765
Athens is absolutely, positively amazing; there is so much to see and experience from ancient ruins to day-to-day activities of the citizens. Going on foot is the very best way to take it all in; walk whenever you can.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
The city of Athens is serviced by Athens International Airport.
ferry
There are three ports in the Athens area; Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavira. As the largest port in Greece, the majority of ferries drop anchor at Piraeus.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting from overseas, see if you need a visa using the following website.
When is the best time to visit?
Athens summers are scorching, with average daily highs around 95 F (35 C) and lows of 76 F (25 C) that can hinder outdoor exploration, so visit from March through May or September through November to experience the milder temperatures — think highs of 76 F (24 C) and lows around 61 F (16 C) and almost-guaranteed sunshine.
During the peak summer months of July and August, lots of local business owners flee to coastal towns, which means that a fraction of local businesses are open.
For more information on Athens’ weather and when to go, check out some tips here.
Get around
bus
Athens has a comprehensive bus system that connects the majority of major landmarks; bus line X80 connects top attractions with the Piraeus Port.
metro
In order to avoid the city’s infamous traffic, get around Athens using the metro. The system consists of three lines that are interlinked with bus, tram, and suburban rail routes.
tram
Athens’ tram network connects central Athens with the suburbs of Voula and Faliro, both of which are located on the coast.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Eastern European Standard Time (GMT+2)
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Athens is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. Power sockets and plug types are C and F. For plug types, you can reference the international guide: here.
What is the local currency?
Euro (EUR)
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes
How much do I tip?
Tipping is not expected in Athens, though restaurant bills usually include a service charge and taxi drivers greatly appreciate a tip.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Clothing
Always wear respectful clothing when visiting religious sites. Men should avoid walking around without a shirt on regardless of how hot it is.
Haggling
The majority of the souvenir shops and markets in Athens have fixed prices, so bargaining should not generally be attempted.
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Athens, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Athens include:
- Athens is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Athens:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Athens between December and February, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between June and August.