Explore Europe’s oldest capital city through the footsteps of modern Athenians in three perfect days.
Dating back to 3000 BCE , Athensis synonymous with ancient history , democracy , and culturally rich mythology . But this sprawling city , home to 129 region across more than 1,000 square mile , has much to declare oneself visitant than just its celebrated past .
Europe ’s oldest capital urban center is now a living paradox of old meet raw , where ancient ruin stand in austere contrast to a buzzing modern-day culture that ’s push boundariesthrough its food , art , technology , and design . Formerly industrial area have been transformed into vivacious societal spaces with trendy cafés , bars , and ethnic venues that “ contemplate the city ’s artistic flavor , ” in the words of Athens - base spatial architect Stavros Sgouros .
While most visitors flock to the Acropolis or the fussy streets of Monastiraki and Plaka , there ’s an unnoted side of Athens that glint brighter thanthe Parthenon ’s marble on an August day . In the time that has passed since the 2008 economical crisis , Athens has rebuilt itself , rising from the ashes of a modern Greek tragedy with renewed energy and creativeness . In the first one-half of 2024 , over 21.6 million passengers hand through Athens International Airport , a significant increase over the same time point last twelvemonth and a testament to the city ’s renaissance .
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Most visitors come to Athens with dewy-eyed finish of wandering the Acropolis and the Parthenon and indulging in traditional dishes like gyroscope and moussaka . But the heart of Athens beat strongest off the expected holidaymaker path . It ’s here , among the lesser - recognise neighborhood , where you ’ll find the metropolis ’s complex and inspiring history still echoing through the street . If you ’re keen to experience Athens like a local , you ’ve occur to the right property .
Your trip isn’t complete until you…
See : The panoramic sundown views from Philopappos Hill . Also known as the Hill of the Muses , Philopappos Hill climb up gracefully over Athens , just ill-treat away from the metropolis ’s iconic watershed , but it feels like a human race of its own . The brief climb to the top is like maltreat back in prison term , with ancient ruins sprinkled along the way .
Touch : The warm sand beneath your feet on a beach along the Athenian Riviera . Tourists often miss Athens ' nearby coastline , just a curt metro , heap , or tram ride out . In the summertime , topical anaesthetic enjoy the obscure precious stone of the Athenian Riviera , relaxing at beaches like Kavouri or pass evenings visitingBolivar , a brisk beachfront bar . In cool calendar month , sip coffee by the sea at a café , such asMooringsin Voula .
Smell : high scented spice along Evripidou Street . Athens is a sensory spread . Just past the primal market is Evripidou Street , where the melody is fill with the perfume of freshly ground spices like Hellenic saffron , thyme , exotic cumin , and cinnamon , along with the savoury scent of pastourma ( cured and spiced beef ) . Vendors and spice shops likeBahar , a local raw material since 1940 with over 2,500 products , make this fragrant journey one not to be missed .
Kerameikos|SEN LI/Moment/Getty Images
learn : Music under the moonlight at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus duringAthens Epidaurus Festivalor the unmistakable sound of bouzoukia . On the southern gradient of the Acropolis , the ancient Herodeon theater host the Athens Epidaurus Festival from May to October each yr , with performances from opera to ballet under the Athenian nighttime sky . Beyond the summer , manoeuvre to a bouzoukia , where live music , table terpsichore , swirling smoke , and thunderous beats fill the aura . By morning , you ’ll feel like an take on Athenian .
appreciation : A rich tapestry of smack in a meal at a local tavern in Koukaki . Koukaki , just beyond the historic center , is one of Athens ’ best kept secrets for a traditional Greek meal . “ Koukaki has modernized over the long time , ” aver Maria Filindras , who grew up in the area , " but the heart of the locality , the connection to its food for thought and community , is still the same . " It ’s the consummate smudge to enjoy substantial Grecian flavors forth from the crowds , while still staying closely to the city ’s heart .
Things to do for the local culture connoisseur
The first European Capital of Culture in 1985 , Athens is swiftly transforming into a cultural hub where ancient legacy entwine with a vibrant , gritty modern scene . Whether you ’re interested in classical art or provocative urban graffiti , the city offer an bona fide experience for every traveler eager to experience its originative pulse .
While the Acropolis and its museum are indispensable for any Hellenophile , the privately ownedBenaki Museumin the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood is often overlooked and feature a comprehensive collection of Greek art from prehistoric times to today . Alternatively , visit theNational Gallery , showcasing 1,000 house painting from the post - Byzantine geological era to modern Greece . For present-day Greek art , Athens has legion micro artwork galleries , particularly concentrated in Kifissia and Metaxourgeio .
euphony and theater are integral to Hellenic culture , celebrating ancient legacies and modern-day vocalism across generations . While summer days in Athens can be long and hot , locals thirstily await sunset , flocking to venues for live performance like the ancientOdeon of Herodes Atticusopen - line theater andTechnopolis , a late nineteenth - century gasworks facility transubstantiate into a vibrant ethnical complex .
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book lover will enthral in Athens ' independent bookshops . Lexikopoleioin Pangrati is a welcoming store with Word in various oral communication and literary events . Evripidisin Chalandri traverse four floor of global literature and was featured in Pan MacMillan ’s list of beautiful bookstores worldwide in 2018 .
8:30 am - Make your way to Pangrati for a modern Greek brunch atOhh Boy . Greeks are known for their exceptional dishes , and breakfast is no exclusion . In the artsy neighborhood of Pangrati , Ohh Boy stands out as one of the best new spots in the city for a scrumptious , slow breakfast , feature a delightful array of sweet and savory options , along with mess of vegan choices . pander your sweet-flavored tooth with irresistible banoffee Proto-Indo European , and do n’t overlook the zucchini and corn hot cake as a spicy main .
10 am - Dive into Athens ' multifaceted urban landscape painting with a street prowess tour . Explore Athens ’ vibrant neighborhoods and their intricate social fabric on a street art tour withAlternative Athens . This immersive experience offers a unique linear perspective on the city today , allowing you to look beyond the metropolis ’s ancient monuments and uncover the contemporary narratives that mold its modern identity operator .
Ohh Boy|Photo by Thanasis Karanikas/ipolizei.gr, courtesy of Ohh Boy
1:30 pm - digress through antiquity at theNational Archaeological Museum . avert the swarming crowds at the Acropolis Museum and instead , visit the National Archaeological Museum , home to one of the world ’s expectant collections of ancient and prehistoric art . Be certain to train out the famous Mask of Agamemnon , a singular Au masquerade party excavate at Mycenae , remember to represent the fabled top executive himself . Another highlight is the Antikythera Mechanism , a 2,000 - class - erstwhile equipment look at by many to be the world ’s first computer .
3 phase modulation - Savor contemporary Greek tap house culinary art atRozaliain the bohemian bosom of Exarcheia . For dinner party , head to the avant - garde , alternate neighborhood of Exarcheia , just a five - second pass from the National Archaeological Museum . This underappreciated area , known for its rich nihilist history dating back to the 1940s , is house to Rozalia , celebrated for its prodigious mezze ( small plates ) limit within an atmospheric , traditional garden , allow you to savor a wide mixture of dishes . The star of the show is the star sign moussaka , serve and bake in the Great Compromiser pots .
9 pm - arrest a movie under the wizard atCine Thisio . Since 1904 , Athenian locals have enjoy films in unresolved - air picture palace surround by seasonal blossom of mysterious purpleness and pinko , a starlit sky , and a patrician breeze . Cine Thisio , along Apostolou Pavlou in the neoclassic Thisio vicinity , suffer out with its stunning views of the Acropolis and its renowned homemade dark cherry tree drink . Tickets are available only at the box office , so get in early on to ensure yours .
National Archaeological Museum|NurPhoto/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Things to do for the culinary traveler
In Athens , food is more than victuals ; it ’s a way of life . The minute you arrive in the Hellenic capital , you ’ll feel the city pulse with culinary traditions . For locals , a mean solar day often roll around eat up and drinking , creating mo to be share with family and friends . And while traditional fare rest a groundwork , Athens has evolved into a vivacious hub of fusion cuisine , offering a divers array of flavors .
smack and vibraphone vary by neighborhood . Psirri and Thiseio are racy in authentic Greek cuisine , while Koukaki and Pangrati offer a slower pace with fewer tourists . For a deeper connection to the city ’s culinary inheritance through the lens system of a local , try a cookery class or join a food duty tour like the belovedAthens intellectual nourishment on Foot .
Once the sun set , Athens comes live , showcasing its talent in mixology and oenology . While Grecian wines may not be as renowned as their Italian peers , they offer up unique flavors worth search . The sphere around the ancient burying ground of Keramikos , along with the resilient district of Gazi , boast an artsy , LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere filled with impressive cocktail bars . Whether you ’re a purist eager to sample secret gems or looking to dive into expertly alchemized cocktails , you ’ve occur to the ripe berth .
Cine Thisio|Photo courtesy of Cine Thisio
10 am - Sip a freddo cappuccino and grab a pastry fromKora Bakery . Start your twenty-four hours with a freddo coffee cappuccino and forward-looking Greek pastries at Kora Bakery in Kolonaki . Do n’t pretermit the must - try rye cinnamon roll , and if you ’re craving something heartier , their focaccia sandwiches are perfect , with olive oil color fertile focaccia that ’s crisp on the outside , soft inside , and filled with seasonal ingredients like roast veggie , artisan cheeses , and savory aged meats .
12 pm - Get suffer amongst the olfactory perception , sounds , and mickle of the Varvakios Agora ( Athens Central Market).Just a short walk of life from breakfast , Varvakios Agora , or Athens Central Market , is a foodie pilgrimage web site . set up in 1884 , the grocery store let you lose yourself in its immense , celebrated halls , surcharge it all in . Check out Spyros Korakis ’ stall in the fish market place for a sample of avgotaraho ( Greek heal fish roe ) , and for a pre - lunch collation across from the meat market , Karayiannis serve up marinated anchovies and spicy lamb meatballs , the perfect mezze .
1:30 pm - Take a cooking course of study atThe Greek Kitchen . skip over the restaurant luncheon and school principal to The Greek Kitchen in Monastiraki , where four friend teach you genesis - old formula . The grade starts with sourcing overbold ingredients and ends with make classic dishes such as dolmades ( stuffed grape vine leaves ) , spanakopita ( prickly-seeded spinach Proto-Indo European ) , and portokalopita ( a traditional orange sirup bar ) .
Kora Bakery|Photo courtesy of Kora Bakery
3 premier - plunk into the world of Greek enology atAthens Wine Tasting . With a full abdomen and new tricks , it ’s clip to research Hellenic wine and instruct how to pair your dishes . Just a 10 - arcminute walk from The Greek Kitchen , Athens Wine Tasting offers an experience tasting wines from across Greece , guided by a licence expert who share their chronicle from ancient clip to today .
9 pm - Dinner atLinou Soumpasis k siain Psirri . This spot is one of the culinary highlights of Psirri , a former industrial area now vibrant with local creatives and food enthusiasts . The modern taverna offer Greek classics with a contemporary spin , like their Grecian salad featuring creamy Grecian brie and a standout lamb tagliata .
Things to do for the neighborhood hopper
While central Athens is vivacious , the suburbia , know as " proastia , " offer a quintessential flight into local life sentence . Each vicinity let out authentic experiences away from tourist crowds , allowing you to uncover hidden gemstone and gain a deeper understanding of Athens beyond its busy shopping mall .
Start by assume the underground southwest to Piraeus , the original cap of modern Greece . This porthole neighborhood , with its working - class tooth root , is in the midst of a glow - up drive by local creatives . For present-day art , visitRodeo , an art gallery featuring Greek and international endowment . If you want a classic tap house experience , do n’t miss StoaRakadiko .
go further south by bus or tramway to the glamorous Athenian Riviera , which admit Vari , Voula , and Vouliagmeni . This stretchability feature pristine arenaceous beaches like Zen Beach and unpretentious taverns such as Kavouri’sAgora , which serves brisk Mediterranean dishes with a sea picnic . Local artist Sofia Pyrrou notes , " Vouliagmeni feels like plate , but Kavouri has a special pull , a calm air that clears my thinker and fill me with inspiration to create . " Glyfada stands out as the commercial-grade hub of the southerly suburbs , buzzing with energy as locals and occasional famous person gather to unwind , especially at sundown .
Varvakios Agora, Central Street Market|Ivo Antonie de Rooij/Shutterstock. Lindasj22/Shutterstock.
On the urban center ’s northern border , a quick northbound metro bait aside from the center , the suburbia offer a quieter atmosphere with an elegant charm . If you ’re seeking leafy surroundings , scenic hikes , and impressive meals , Kifissia is the place to be .
10 am - Unwind in the caloric waters of Lake Vouliagmeni . Either take a 40 - minute hack ( around € 30 ) or record hop on the metro ’s crimson lineage to Elliniko then take the 122 motorcoach directly to Lake Vouliagmeni . Begin your day by soaking in the healing waters of this unique lake form over 2,000 years ago .
12 pm - Lunch at a seaboard tap house in Voula . After basking in the sunshine at one of Athens ’ distinct innate wonders , take the 122 bus to Kavouri in Voula for tiffin at a seaside tavern . The pedestrian pathway along Kavouri beach provide panoramic Mediterranean aspect and a variety of restaurants . For an low-cost option , Tripia Varkasatisfies seafood and ouzo craving with its laid - back atmosphere , while Garbi , a local staple since 1924 , attend up succulent seafood stunner .
Linou Soumpasis k sia|Photo courtesy of Linou Soumpasis k sia
1:30 pm - describe local preservation at TheSea Turtle Rescue Centre . Get hands - on with polo-neck conservation at The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada , just a 10 - minute taxi drive or 20 - minute bus from Kavouri . Tour the facility where spite sea turtles are rehabilitate before retrovert to the sea , supporting their selection since the 1980s .
3 Prime Minister - Explore theStavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center . “More than just a ethnic venue , the SNFCC is an exemplary fusion of New architecture and sustainable design . ” says Sgouros . Hop on the T7 cable tramway along the coast to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center , where you may explore the expansive car park , discover piquant exhibitions , enjoy bird’s-eye views and delve into the rich collection at the National Library of Greece . The library includes over 4,500 ancient Hellenic texts , other works by Homer , and the impressive Byzantine dictionaryThe Large Etymological .
9 pm - Taste wines and small plates atPaleo Wine Storein Piraeus . Finish your daylight by take the tram to Piraeus , Athens ' gumptious port neck of the woods . head up to Paleo Wine Store , an sinful wine bar in a former tobacco storage facility , offering special Mediterranean small plates and one of the large vino lists you ’ll meet .
Sea Turtle Rescue Centre|Photo courtesy of Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
What to know before you go
The currency
Greece practice the euro ( EUR ) and , as of October 2024 , $ 1 substitution to .91€. Unlike many other southerly European and Balkan countries , the legal age of shops and restaurant in Greece go for recognition cards , so do n’t concern about exchanging cash .
International adapters you’ll need
When move to Greece , you ’ll ask a Type C or Type F travel arranger , which feature two round pins . Greece operate on on a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz , so ensure your gimmick are compatible , or bring a voltage converter .
When to plan your visit
Athens often tops summertime change of location lists , but autumn and wintertime have their own unequalled spell , allowing you to relish the city ’s plenteous story and culture without the crowds . Late springiness offers warm weather and few tourist , making it perfect for swimming and a more authentic experience . The summer showcases Athens ’ buzzing ambience and sun - soaked allure .
Do’s and don’ts when visiting Athens
Dotake vantage of Athens ’ efficient public DoT system , and endeavor to forefend cab rides in the urban center substance due to stern traffic . If visiting in summer , heed heat warning and stay hydrated , as heat - refer hospitalizations are on the raise .
Don’tassume shop class and restaurants will remain undecided tardily ; many close early , especially in the off - season , so plan out front . Most supermarkets are closed on Sundays , which can catch visitant off guard duty .
Your Athens dinner party fact
Beneath Athens lie a hidden web of tunnels , some dating back to ancient time , used over the one C as drainage systems , aqueducts , WWII bomb calorimeter shelters , and even secret smuggling routes . Today , only a few entrances are accessible , such as the Makrigianni Site beneath the Acropolis Museum , but these inhume passage reveal layers of history that most holidaymaker ( and even locals ) do n’t recognise exist .
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Sea Turtle Rescue Centre|Photo courtesy of Archelon Sea Turtle Rescue Centre
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center|George Pachantouris/Moment/Getty Images. LOUISA GOULIAMAKI/AFP/Getty Images.
Plaka historic district and Monastiraki Square at sunset|Alexander Spatari/Moment/Getty Images. Grant Faint/The Image Bank/Getty Images.
