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City Guide Athens, Greece

Visiting Athens

  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens
  • Images of Athens

Surrounded by mountains and built on eight hills Athens is a unique city where extensive restoration and rejuvenation has been taking place for the last decade. And despite its size most areas of interest can be reached on foot.

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Athens Podcasts

Gyros or souvlaki?

Eating a gyros or a souvlaki is a much a part of a trip to Athens as visiting the Acropolis. The only problem is that you may not know the difference between the two. Colm speaks to Dimitris Bairaktaris and Vicky Moutsiounas from Athens’ famous ‘Bairaktaris’ restaurant to find out the difference between the two.

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Athens Videos

Around the World in 156 Seconds...

Watch our video where Colm passes through the world's most famous cities.

Around the World in 156 Seconds... Play Video

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Athens Pocket Guide
Athens Pocket Guide

Download our free pocket guides for cities all over the world that are packed with money-saving tips and more.

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Athens City Reviews

  • 80%

    stefania_basset4268

    Great city

    Athens: the place where so many things were born, such as philosophy, theatre, democracy, etc. The Acropolis and the slopes surrounding it are amazing. Just make sure you spend enough time here under the olive tees, wandering though the paths that lead to ruins and more ruins of amazing things you have read in history books. Apart form the acropolis there are a couple of great museums and some cute smaller churches. Athens enjoys good weather, so staying out, dining and wining is always a plus.

    Insider Tip:Apart from the ruins and a couple of museum, there isn't much more big sightseeing to do, but there are a couple of excellent day trips you can do if you have one more day. It was super hot so suncream and hat are necessary.

  • 100%

    jmcmorro3823

    A thoroughly delightful city

    I spent about five days in Athens, though my time was split as I visited islands in between. I loved visiting the museums, historical sites, and also simply the wonderful food and walking through this relaxed European capitol. It truly has something for everyone (and every budget). The new Acropolis Museum stands out as a particularly well curated and worthwhile museum that helped me get more out of my stay.

    Insider Tip:Budget tips: An order of tzatziki and pita can be a surprisingly filling meal and will save you quite a few Euros. Also if you think you will be riding the metro at least three times in the next four hours, the 24 hour pass is a worthwhile expense.

  • 80%

    thejess6267

    Athens

    Overall a very friendly and lively place, the food is wonderful and comes by the bucketload. The people of Athens have been very welcoming.

    Insider Tip:Be wary of taxi drivers, especially if you don't speak Greek.

  • 90%

    frenchcoco

    Pagrati

    Pagrati is a more residential neighborhood in the more local part of the city. Less tourists, I mean. I only spent a few hours here but it looked happening on a Thursday night.

    Insider Tip:Metro only runs until midnight (not 1am like websites say) so if you have a late ferry, you get on it and then grab a taxi at the next stop, if you have to change lines like I did. A 15-20 min ride (traffic, probably 15 km from Monastiraki) only cost 7 euros though.

  • 80%

    frenchcoco

    Athens Best City for History

    I live in France and stuff from 1564 used to impress me. Then I went to Athens and got BLOWN. AWAY. The ruins around every corner are just incredible and the little nuggets our free walking tour guide had about each of them were educational and interesting. Downside: Currently with economic crisis, there've been a fair amount of muggins, pickpockets, etc. You could argue that's always been there, in any large city, but I felt conscious and aware of my belongings at all times. And alleyways.

    Insider Tip:Monastiraki square is a happening spot for teens and drifters, so watch your stuff! Also, the metro closes at midnight even though it's supposed to close at 1am but last train and all. Cabs are cheap though.

Greece: Itinerary

Walking around the ancient city of Athens you can’t help but let your mind drift into a trance of what it might have been like to live there when the gods ruled the roost. It has some of the most fascinating ancient architecture you will find anywhere in the world but a lot more to offer such as breathtaking places to eat, and an amazing culture you will want to learn more and more about each day.

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