My travel guide for Athens, my first time visiting this iconic city in Greece.
Me sitting in front of the Acropolis in Athens, what a beauty!
Welcome to Athens, a city where ancient history meets modern vibrancy. This guide will take you through the best things to do in Athens for a first-time visitor.
Whether you're a history buff, a coffee connoisseur, or just looking to soak up the culture, Athens has something for everyone.
Greece and Athens have always been on my mind, but I have never visited, not even during those party years at college in the UK, where you go to an island to party with your mates.
For CAD 30 one way, I booked a flight from London with my mum to spend a long weekend in the city before flying to Karpathos Island for another adventure. You can watch that video here on my YouTube channel.
The time of year for my trip was December, and it was a dream of no queues and a lack of tourists. Add to that the mild weather, and this is my top tip!
Top Attractions in Athens
I highly recommend purchasing the Athens Pass, which costs 36 Euros and can be purchased online here.
Entry to these seven archaeological sites: the Acropolis and Slopes, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Library, Olympieion Kerameikos, and Aristotle's School (Lykeion) will be included.
We didn’t complete all of them, but here are my thoughts for the ones we did complete.
1. The Acropolis and Parthenon
No trip to Athens is complete without visiting the Acropolis. This ancient citadel sits atop a rocky hill and is home to several iconic structures, including the Parthenon. Built in the 5th century BC, the Parthenon is a testament to ancient Greek architecture and offers stunning views over the city.
Tip: Visit during the off-peak season so there are no queues and a low tourist count.
Thoughts: An absolute must-do in Athens. It is a lovely walk up the slopes to the final destination of the Acropolis. You will get your steps in for the day, that is for sure! You get 360-degree views of Athens at the top, so make sure to get those photos! Bear in mind that you can not go into the actual Acropolis.
2. Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora was the heart of ancient Athens, serving as a place for political, social, and commercial activities. Wander through the ruins and imagine the bustling life of ancient Athenians. Don’t miss the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece.
Tip: Combine your visit to the Acropolis with the Ancient Agora to make the most of your day exploring ancient sites.
Thoughts: This place must not be underestimated in terms of size. The entry point is easy enough to find, and you are welcome to an area dotted with mini acropolises and plenty of statues. You can really get a sense of all the political meetings and social gatherings that occurred back in the day here.
3. National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in the world, housing an extensive collection of ancient Greek art. From the golden mask of Agamemnon to the Antikythera mechanism, the museum’s exhibits span millennia of history.
Tip: We entered this museum at the end of our weekend and were burnt out on artifacts, statues, and information. Add this to your itinerary early.
Thoughts: We saw amazing history and artifacts, but we didn’t really explore as much as we should have. We needed a break from Greek history, as we had been absorbing it nonstop for three days. With a coffee in you at opening time, you can really get stuck into mountains of information alongside the thousands of pieces they have found relating back to the old Greek dynasty.
4. Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is one of the most significant ancient monuments in Athens. Although it stands in ruins today, its grandeur and historical importance make it a must-visit site for anyone interested in the ancient world. This colossal temple dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods, showcases the architectural prowess and cultural richness of ancient Greece.
Tip: This is one for the summer or ‘on-peak’ season, as it had scaffolding when we visited.
Thoughts: I love the wobbly column and wonder if it is at more of an angle than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This site has few ruins, with many open spaces to wander. Take your hat! It is a short walk from the Acropolis, so you can easily add it to your sightseeing day.
5. Panathanaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro (meaning "beautifully marbled"), is a historical and architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Athens. This iconic stadium is a testament to ancient Greek athletic prowess and a symbol of the enduring legacy of the Olympic Games. As the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, it is a remarkable landmark, attracting tourists and sports enthusiasts alike.
Tip: This will cost you 10 Euros to enter as it is not included in your Athens Pass.
Thoughts: This is a fairly long walk if you are not a walker, but I was mesmerized once we made it. I love stadiums, and seeing one this iconic got me going! I tried to hyper-lapse the whole stadium but gave up as it is bigger than you think. All areas are accessible, and it has a great museum displaying the history of the Modern Olympics. Well worth the visit!
Me getting ready for the Norfolk Year 6 60m Sprint finals, circa 1996.
Skyscanner QR code below to book your flight today or use the tool below!
Scan this QR code or click the picture for a link to book your flight today!
My top recommendation for brunch and coffee in Athens.
Zampano Food & Drink in Athens
This cafe is absolutely sensational! When researching for a trendy cafe for breakfast and coffee, this immediately shows potential.
Believe me, it exceeded all my expectations!
The cafe not only served delicious food and coffee but also provided a vibrant and contemporary ambiance that made my visit truly memorable.
Zampano is a popular dining spot in Athens situated in the lively Psirri district, it offers a unique culinary experience inspired by the rich traditions of Mediterranean cooking.
My breakfast of choice was the Kayiana, which became a favourite of mine in Greece.
It is a traditional dish from the Mani region in the Peloponnese. It's a simple yet flavorful meal that highlights the use of fresh, local ingredients.
Normally, this would be scrambled eggs in a tomato-based sauce with olive oil, garlic, bell peppers, herbs and cheese. You have to try!
Now, let’s talk coffee!
It was great! The cup was the right size and delivered at the perfect temperature.
I actually had an Americano instead of a traditional Greek coffee, and one thing you will find is that the prices everywhere are cheap!
You can buy an espresso or Americano for 1-2 Euros.
Zampano delivered on all fronts: the food and coffee, exceptional service, great decor, a delicious breakfast, a tasty coffee, and a yearning to return at any opportunity.
You have to go!
Kayiana breakfast at Zampano cafe.
Top attractions in Athens I wished we had visited.
Plaka Neighborhood
Known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods," Plaka is the oldest district in Athens. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with charming houses, cafes, and shops. Stroll through Plaka to experience a mix of ancient history and vibrant contemporary culture.
2. Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens and a hub of activity. It is famous for the changing of the guard ceremony at the Hellenic Parliament, which happens every hour. This square is also a great starting point for exploring the city.
3. Cape Sounion
Home to the Temple of Poseidon, offering breathtaking sunset views over the Aegean Sea. I appreciate that this is a day trip from Athens but many people love visiting for sunset.
Book that perfect Athens hotel today!
Some essential tips for navigating around Athens
Transport
The train from the airport to the city center is direct and takes around 45 minutes. You can buy a metro card to use the transport system around the city.
The metro card system is designed for your convenience. Simply top up your card at the station, or if you prefer, you can instantly purchase one at the airport to get you into town without any hassle.
More information can be found here.
Language
Greek is a notoriously hard language to learn, but a few words will go a long way, such as Geiá sou (Hello), efcharistó (Thank You) and Aftio (Goodbye). Copy and paste them into Google Translate to hear how they sound.
In Athens, you will more than likely get by speaking a little bit of English, but on some islands where tourism is less popular, you may need to improve your Greek language skills!
Food
Athenians are super friendly, so make sure to visit a local haunt to try some local food and beer.
In our area near the Airbnb, it was an artsy ‘local’ area away from the tourists, so some of the bars and restaurants only had locals in, apart from us. It was great to get involved.
The prices are cheaper, too! We bought sticks of souvlaki for only a euro a piece, and we even got a local takeaway one night at the same cheap price! Don’t just stick to Monastiraki Square; be brave, walk a little away from the central areas, and try something new.
Get your Anthony Bourdain vibe going!
The Acropolis
The view of the Acropolis from our AirBnb
How sensational is this view?
As soon as I saw this view, I knew I had to book my accommodation here. It's a sight that I couldn't wait to wake up to every morning.
So iconic!
The Acropolis is impressive from any point of view.
Whether you are going up to the top to get a view of Athens, seeing it from a distance or in amongst the buildings close to the hill, you can’t escape it. I couldn’t stop looking at it while I was there!
As you may or may not know, I am a sucker for a view, and the one at the top of the slopes is incredible; take a look below.
View from the top of the slopes at the Acropolis!
Summary of Athens
I hope this has given you a taster of visiting Athens. Be sure to check out my YouTube video above to get a visual of what I saw during my four days there.
Check out my Karpathos Island episode if you want more of Greece here.
Follow me on Instagram to see some more content on Athens here.
Athens, what a great city!
There are plenty of options to fill your day for whatever type of travel you like.
We walked everywhere, tried local breakfasts, used the Athens Pass to see the main attractions, and had some great coffee and, naturally, some great local food!
Travelling to Athens in December can be a budget-friendly choice, with lower accommodation and travel costs!
Cheap flights, cheap accommodation, cheap food, cheap coffee and cheap transport.
The weather was mild, the queues were non-existent, and the tourists were not there.
This is the best way to see Athens!