City break goals? Athens ticks every box: ancient ruins, sun-soaked squares, beaches a tram ride away and a food scene that has you ordering one more mezze plate every night.
Highlights of your Holidays to Athens
The Acropolis - The Parthenon and its temples crown the city, visible from almost every rooftop and square.
A city-and-coast break - The Athenian Riviera puts real beaches a short tram ride from the ruins, so you get culture and a sunlounger in one trip.
A serious food city - From street-cart souvlaki to rooftop tavernas with Acropolis views, Athens eats brilliantly at every budget.
Ancient sites at every turn - Beyond the Acropolis there's the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the marble Panathenaic Stadium, all walkable.
A late, lively night out - Rooftop cocktail bars, the bars of Psiri and Gazi, and open-air summer cinemas keep the evenings going.
An easy launchpad - Ferries from Piraeus and short drives to Cape Sounion and the Saronic Islands make day trips simple.
🎉 Good to Know
☀️ Weather - Summer (June to August) is hot and dry, regularly topping 34°C. Spring and autumn are warm and comfortable in the low-to-mid 20s, the best weather for sightseeing. Winters are mild at 13 to 15°C.
💶 Money - A gyros wrap is about €4, a sit-down taverna meal €15 to €20 a head, and a beer €4 to €5. Athens is one of the better-value European capitals for eating and drinking.
🏛️ Fun Fact - The Acropolis sits high enough to be seen from almost anywhere in the city, so you can usually navigate by looking up and finding it on the skyline.
🏨 Top places to stay on your holidays to Athens
Athens splits into two holiday experiences: the historic city, walkable and stacked with ruins, and the Athenian Riviera, the coastal stretch of beaches and resort towns south of the centre. Both are easy to reach by tram and metro, so where you base yourself comes down to whether you want the ancient city or the sea on your doorstep.
👨👩👧👦 Families
Athens City keeps everyone within walking distance of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora and the lanes of Plaka, with no transport to wrangle between sights.
Lagonissi is a quieter coastal base down the Riviera, with resort-style hotels and calm, shallow beaches, and easy road access back into the city for a day of sightseeing.
💑 Couples
Vouliagmeni is the smart, slow end of the Riviera, with pine-backed beaches, a famous thermal lake and some of the most upmarket hotels on the coast.
Sounio sits at the tip of the Attica peninsula beside the Temple of Poseidon, with clifftop views and some of the best sunsets near Athens.
🎉 Groups
Glyfada is the buzzy heart of the Riviera, with designer boutiques, beach clubs and cocktail bars, a 30-minute tram ride from the centre so you can do ruins by day and the coast by night.
Piraeus is the historic port, with a grittier, authentic feel, excellent seafood tavernas around Mikrolimano harbour and the ferry terminal on the doorstep.
More Athens coastal areas worth a look: Marathonas, Nea Makri, Mati, Anavyssos Beach, Agioi Theodoroi, Agli Apostoli, Kamena Vourla, Kantia and Vravrona.
🏖️ What are the best beaches to visit on your Athens holidays?
While Athens might be better known for its Acropolis than its sunlounger count, don’t be fooled – the Athenian Riviera is packing some serious seaside swagger. Here are the best beaches for your city-meets-coast escape:
Voula Beach – just a tram ride from the centre, this organised beach serves up calm, shallow waters, loads of shade, and family-friendly vibes. Bonus points for cafés and sunbeds galore.
Porto Rafti – a proper local hotspot east of the city, with crystal-clear waters, chilled beach bars, and a more low-key, authentic feel. Perfect for a relaxed swim and seafood lunch after.
Alimos Beach – this glam beach club brings soft golden sands, swish loungers, and music-backed beach cocktails. It’s a fab option if you like your sunbathing with a side of scene.
Varkiza Resort Yabanaki Beach – a cracking all-rounder with beach sports, family zones, restaurants, and even waterslides. It’s like a beach day and a mini theme park rolled into one.
Glyfada Beach – chic, sandy, and just 30 minutes from central Athens, Glyfada is where stylish city locals come for a weekend flop. Think trendy cafés, beachwear boutiques and swanky cocktails on the promenade.
🧳 Your Athens holidays 2026 travel guide
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Things to do in Athens for families
Athens is a family holiday haven, bursting with big sights, wide-open spaces and plenty to keep the kids from shouting “I’m bored” every five minutes.
Head to the Acropolis Museum – it’s interactive, air-conditioned, and full of cool artefacts (plus a killer café view).
Explore the National Garden – loads of shady trees, a little zoo, and space to let off steam.
Catch a flick at Cine Thission – an open-air cinema where you can munch popcorn under the stars.
Hop on the Happy Train – this bright red mini train tours the old town and goes down a treat with the little ones.
Take a tram to Flisvos Marina – home to playgrounds, gelato stops and pirate-style ships they can clamber all over.
❤️ Things to do in Athens for couples
Whether it’s your first holiday together or you’re looking to bring back the date night magic, Athens knows how to turn on the charm.
Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill – champagne optional, but highly encouraged.
Wander hand-in-hand through Plaka’s flower-filled lanes, popping into cute cafés and craft shops.
Grab a table at a rooftop bar with views of the Acropolis – lit up at night, it’s pure rom-com material.
Explore Anafiotika – a hidden slice of island life right under the Acropolis.
Take a coastal drive to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon – history with a side of golden hour glow.
🎉 Things to do in Athens for groups
Whether you’re rolling deep with the gang or it’s a cheeky mate-cation, Athens has the goods for group holidays.
Start strong with brunch in Psiri – avo toast, freddo espresso and full Greek fry-ups all in the mix.
Hit up Monastiraki Flea Market – ideal for quirky souvenirs and a bit of people-watching.
Visit the Acropolis early (or late) to dodge crowds and get those iconic squad shots.
Spend an afternoon bar-hopping through Koukaki or Gazi – beer flights, mezze and good vibes guaranteed.
Book a group cooking class and learn how to roll your own dolmades or smash some moussaka.
🥙 Things to do in Athens for foodies
Greek food with a side of ancient ruins? Yes, please. Athens is made for grazing from taverna to taverna.
Feast on fresh gyros from street vendors – crispy, juicy, perfect.
Head to Varvakios Agora (Central Market) for local spices, olives, and sweet Greek treats.
Tuck into seafood by the coast at Mikrolimano – calamari, octopus, and fish so fresh it might still be swimming.
Try loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) with honey and cinnamon from a street cart or café.
Book a spot at a fine dining rooftop like Strofi – think modern twists on Greek classics with views of the Acropolis.
🛍️ Things to do for shopaholics
Whether you are after boujee designer threads or a cheeky bargain, the shopping scene in Athens is next level.
Ermou Street - the main pedestrianised drag running from Syntagma Square, lined with high-street favourites and international brands.
Monastiraki Flea Market - a bustling spot for vintage finds, handmade sandals, and antiques - Sundays are the busiest and best for a rummage.
Kolonaki Boutiques - head here for a splurge on upmarket designer fashion and local jewellery in a "ladies who brunch" setting.
Varvakios Agora - the central market is a sensory overload of spices, olives, and fresh local produce that's perfect for foodie souvenirs.
Plaka’s Cobbled Streets - packed with charming shops selling ceramics and traditional Greek merch, ideal for picking up gifts while sightseeing.
💶 Cheap things to do in Athens
You don’t need a massive budget to have a top-tier time in this ancient city - there are plenty of ways to see the sights on your holidays to Athens for nowt.
Free Acropolis Days - time your visit for the first Sunday of the month (Nov-Mar) or specific feast days to see the big one for free.
Changing of the Guard - watch the iconic high-kicking ceremony at Syntagma Square every hour, with a full band on Sundays at 11 am.
Areopagus Hill Sunset - skip the pricey bars and grab a drink on this rocky outcrop for front-row views of the Parthenon glowing gold.
National Garden Escape - wander 38 acres of shady paths and duck ponds right behind Parliament without spending a single euro.
Free Museum Thursdays - hit the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture on a Thursday for free entry and midnight closing vibes.
Riviera Beach Day - grab a cheap tram ticket and head to the coast for a dip in the Aegean at one of the many free public beaches.
🚗 Day trips from Athens
If you want to make your Athens jollies go further, the city is a 10/10 launchpad for exploring the rest of Greece's legendary landscapes.
Cape Sounion - an hour’s drive takes you to the Temple of Poseidon for a clifftop sunset that is absolute fire.
The Saronic Islands - hop on a ferry to Hydra, Aegina, or Poros for car-free streets, pistachio orchards, and laid-back island charm.
Delphi Ruins - visit the "centre of the world" on the slopes of Mount Parnassus to see the Temple of Apollo and ancient theatre.
Meteora Monasteries - a longer journey but worth it for gravity-defying monasteries perched on massive rock pillars that look straight-up magical.
The Peloponnese - explore the gorgeous seaside town of Nafplio or the ancient acoustics of the Epidaurus theatre for a proper history fix.
🏨 What are the top hotels to stay at on your holidays to Athens?
We've got hotels to suit all rhyme and reason, whether you're looking to snag a bargain, book something on the luxury side of life, or you've made a totes last-minute decision to jet off, we've got you covered. See all hotels in Athens or browse our top picks below...
👨👩👧👦 Families
Divani Palace Acropolis. A polished hotel 50 metres from the Acropolis Museum, with an outdoor pool and a restaurant doing a proper breakfast buffet, and Plaka's shops and cafés a two-minute walk away.
Athens Cypria. A central, well-priced hotel a short walk from Syntagma Square and Ermou Street, handy for families who want shops, sights and the metro all close.
Golden City. A practical central base near Metaxourgeio metro, with a ninth-floor rooftop restaurant and the Acropolis a ten-minute walk away.
💑 Couples
Royal Olympic Hotel. A five-star facing the Temple of Olympian Zeus, with a rooftop garden, a poolside bar and Acropolis views, the kind of hotel that makes a city break feel like an occasion.
Arion Athens. A sleek central hotel with a rooftop bar looking straight at the Acropolis, made for an evening cocktail before dinner in Plaka.
Hotel Philippos. A refined small hotel right by the Acropolis Museum, with a rooftop restaurant and skyline views, quietly romantic and superbly placed.
✨ Luxury
Divani Caravel. A grand five-star near the museum quarter, with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a hammam and several restaurants, a full-service base for a city break with everything on tap.
Melia Athens. A stylish hotel with a rooftop Sky Lounge restaurant and pool, a full spa, and a central spot a short stroll from the National Archaeological Museum.
Royal Olympic Hotel. Five-star polish opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus, with a rooftop garden and an on-site fitness centre, one of the city's signature stays.
🎉 Groups
Best Western My Athens Hotel. A central hotel with a rooftop cocktail terrace, a short walk from Plaka and Syntagma Square, well set up for a group basing itself in the middle of everything.
Marina Athens Hotel. A relaxed, well-priced three-star near Omonia metro with a breakfast buffet, walking distance from the nightlife of Psiri and Gazi.
Arion Athens. A central pick with a rooftop bar and restaurant, an easy meeting point for a group spreading out across the city by day.
💰 Value
Athens City. A modern, central hotel close to the main sights, with a restaurant doing Greek and Mediterranean plates and a price that leaves more budget for the city.
Marina Athens Hotel. A laid-back three-star steps from Omonia metro, with a free breakfast buffet and the Acropolis within walking distance.
Arethusa. A straightforward central hotel near Syntagma, well placed for sightseeing on a budget.
Local Lingo
Greek uses its own alphabet, and while English is widely spoken across central Athens and the tourist areas, a few words in Greek are always welcomed warmly.
Yia sou, YAH-soo (Γεια σου), Hello / Hi
Efharisto, ef-hah-ree-STOH (Ευχαριστώ), Thank you
Parakalo, pah-rah-kah-LOH (Παρακαλώ), Please / You're welcome
Yamas, YAH-mas (Γειά μας), Cheers
Ton logariasmo, ton loh-ghar-yas-MOH (Τον λογαριασμό), The bill, please
More Greek holidays:
Crete - Greece's biggest island, with a beach for every mood, Minoan palaces, mountain villages and some of the country's best food.
Rhodes - A walled medieval Old Town, long sandy beaches and reliable sunshine deep into autumn.
Corfu - The greenest of the Ionian islands, with Venetian architecture, olive groves and sheltered coves.
Santorini - The whitewashed clifftop villages, blue domes and caldera sunsets that define the Greek-island postcard.
Mykonos - Whitewashed lanes, the windmills, smart beach clubs and the liveliest nightlife in the Cyclades.
Halkidiki - Three forested peninsulas of clear water and quiet sandy bays in the north, easygoing and family-friendly.
Kefalonia - Dramatic Ionian scenery, the famous Myrtos Beach and a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Zante - Home to the iconic Shipwreck Beach, with a busy resort south and a quiet, turtle-nesting coast elsewhere.
Thessaloniki - Greece's second city, a foodie favourite with Byzantine churches and a buzzing waterfront.
Popular Athens hotels
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Weather in Athens
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Athens has a hot Mediterranean climate, with plenty of sunshine and not so much rain.
Summer (June to August) is the hot season, regularly above 34°C, made for early sightseeing, rooftop evenings and afternoons on the Riviera beaches.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are warm and comfortable in the low-to-mid 20s, with the sea still swimmable well into October, the easiest weather for walking the ruins.
Winter (November to February) is mild at 13 to 15°C with crisp blue-sky days between the occasional shower, good for museum-hopping and long taverna lunches without the crowds.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Athens?
How long does it take to fly to Athens?
It takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes to fly from the UK/Ireland to Athens.
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Athens?
What's the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Athens?
Athens is two hours ahead of the time in the UK/Ireland.
What currency do they use in Athens?
What currency do they use in Athens?
The official currency of Athens is the Euro.
What language do they speak in Athens?
What language do they speak in Athens?
The official language spoken in Athens is Greek.
Is Athens worth visiting?
Is Athens worth visiting?
Very much so. Athens is a destination in its own right, not just a stop on the way to the islands. Between the Acropolis and the ancient sites, a genuinely excellent food scene, rooftop bars with sunset views and beaches along the Riviera, there's easily enough for a long weekend or more. Flights from the UK & Ireland are under four hours.
Is Athens expensive?
Is Athens expensive?
Compared to other European capitals, Athens is pretty reasonable – making it a top pick for cheap holidays to Athens. A pint of beer will set you back around €4–€5, and you can grab a gyros wrap for €3–€4. Sit-down meals at local tavernas are excellent value, though rooftop restaurants with Acropolis views tend to charge a bit more for the scenery. Entrance to the Acropolis is around €30, and you'll need to book a timed slot in advance during busy periods. The old combined ticket covering multiple archaeological sites has been scrapped, so you'll need to buy separate tickets if you want to visit places like the Ancient Agora or Temple of Zeus – or look into third-party multipass bundles that can save you a few euros.
Is Athens safe?
Is Athens safe?
Yes, Athens is generally very safe for tourists. Like any big city, it pays to keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas like Monastiraki and on public transport, but violent crime is rare. Some areas around Omonia Square can feel a bit rough around the edges at night, so stick to well-lit streets if you're out late. Overall, it's a welcoming city with friendly locals who are happy to help – you'll feel right at home on your Athens holiday.
Is Athens walkable?
Is Athens walkable?
Very. The historic centre is compact and mostly pedestrianised, so you can stroll from Syntagma Square to the Acropolis, through Plaka and into Monastiraki without breaking a sweat (well, maybe a little sweat in summer). It's one of the things that makes an Athens city break so easy to navigate. For beaches and coastal suburbs like Glyfada, the tram or metro will get you there quickly and cheaply.
How do I get from Athens airport to my hotel?
How do I get from Athens airport to my hotel?
Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is about 33km east of the city centre, so you've got a few options for getting to your digs. If you're travelling reasonably light and want to use public transport, the metro (Line 3, the Blue Line) is the quickest option – it takes around 40 minutes to Syntagma or Monastiraki and costs €10 per person. Trains run every 30 minutes from around 6:30am to 11:30pm.
If you're landing late or travelling on a budget, the X95 express bus runs 24/7 to Syntagma Square for €5.50 – it takes about an hour (longer in traffic).
Taxis charge a flat rate of €40 during the day or €55 at night, and you'll find the rank just outside arrivals. Or, if you'd rather skip the faff entirely, you can book a private transfer through us when you're putting together your package – it's an optional extra that means you know someone's waiting for you when you land, ready to whisk you straight to your hotel. Proper VIP energy.
When is the best time to visit Athens?
When is the best time to visit Athens?
Each season has its own appeal. Spring and autumn bring warm, comfortable weather in the low-to-mid 20s, the most comfortable conditions for walking the ruins, with the sea still warm enough to swim in September and October. Summer is hot and lively, made for early-morning sightseeing, rooftop evenings and Riviera beach days. Winter is mild and quiet, good for museums and long lunches.
