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A city trip to Athens is so much fun! Ancient ruins, sunny weather, and the most delicious Greek food, what more could you want? But before you start dreaming about your first glimpse of the Acropolis (I’ve got a separate post with all the best sights) or planning a route past cozy cafés in Plaka, there are some handy and practical tips that can make your trip just that little bit easier and more fun. Like the best time of year to visit Athens, how to get around, and when to book a table if you want to eat with the locals.
So here are the travel tips I wish I’d known before my first trip to Athens.
What’s the best time of year to visit Athens?
You can visit Athens any time of the year. I wanted to escape the cold and wet Dutch weather in autumn (late October) and arrived in sunny Athens with temperatures around 20–25°C. Perfect. Since I went during the autumn school holidays, there were a few more tourists, but overall it was still pretty quiet.
In winter, temperatures drop and there’s more chance of rain. Still, with 10–13°C it’s much warmer than in Northern Europe. If you’re mainly planning to visit museums and historic sights, winter is a great time to go with way fewer tourists.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for a city trip to Athens. The temperature is about the same, between 14 and 25°C. You might get some rain, but usually not too much.
Summer is the busiest season in terms of tourism and events, but I wouldn’t recommend going then. It gets so hot that visiting outdoor sites during the day is almost impossible.
How many days do you need for a city trip to Athens?
Even though Athens is a large city, the center is quite compact. That means you can see most of the highlights in a (long) weekend and still have time for a drink on a terrace and enjoy all the great food.
I stayed five days, which allowed me to take it easy, and I never got bored. There’s still plenty I didn’t get to and saved for next time. If it’s your first time in Athens, I’d say go for at least three days.
Where’s the best place to stay in Athens?
When choosing a hotel in Athens, it’s good to know which neighborhoods are best. Ideally close to the highlights, but not so touristy that you’ll be kept awake at night.
I couldn’t choose between all the nice areas, so I ended up staying in three different hotels in three different neighborhoods.
Plaka is a classic: charming, super central, and full of the narrow streets you always see in photos. But it’s also a bit more crowded and touristy. Want something trendier? Check out Psiri or Koukaki. Psiri is creative and lively: street art, small boutiques, and rooftop bars. Koukaki is calmer, more local, but still within walking distance of the Acropolis. Kolonaki is the chic option: stylish shops, elegant cafés, and a bit more of a locals-only vibe. Wherever you stay, make sure you’re close to the metro or can walk to the center.
Want to see where I stayed in Athens? I’m sharing all 3 hotels in this post.
Do you need a visa for a city trip to Athens?
Whether or not you need a visa depends on your passport. If you’re from the EU, you don’t need one. Same goes for the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, if you’re staying less than 90 days in a 180-day period. If you do need a visa, you can usually apply online through the Greek embassy or consulate. Always double-check the current rules for your nationality before you travel to avoid surprises.
How do you get from Athens Airport to the city?
You can take a taxi from Athens International Airport to the city. It’ll cost you between €40–€55 and takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
A faster and cheaper option is the metro. I paid €9 and reached Syntagma in the city center in 36 minutes.
The train and metro station is on the other side of the highway. Just follow the “to trains” signs, cross the road using the overpass, and walk through the tunnel to the station. You can buy your metro ticket there.
I didn’t find the routes or schedules very clearly marked, so check Google Maps for the next departure. There’s only one metro platform at the airport station , and just one metro line that goes to the city.
Line 3 (to and from the airport) departs every 30 minutes. Make sure to plan ahead, especially for your return. Not every train on Line 3 goes to the airport, so don’t just hop on the first one you see.
The metro leaves exactly on time. It starts above ground at the airport and goes underground after a few stops. Sometimes the announcements don’t match the actual stop, so keep an eye on where you are.
How to get around Athens by public transport?
Public transport in Athens is well-organized and an affordable way to get around. The metro is fast, modern, and ideal for reaching the main sights like the Acropolis or the National Archaeological Museum. There are also trams (great for heading to the coast) and buses, though traffic can make buses less reliable.
A single ticket costs just €1.20 (valid for 90 minutes with transfers), or you can get a day or multi-day pass. Tickets are available at machines at the stations. Just make sure to validate your ticket before boarding.
Most tourist spots are easy to reach by public transport, but the historic center is often more fun to explore on foot. For more remote places, like some viewpoints or beaches outside the city, a taxi or rental car might be more practical.
Save money on attractions with a combo ticket
Planning to visit multiple historical sites? The Ancient Sites Combo Ticket is a smart investment. It gives you access to several archaeological sites in Athens, including the Acropolis (with the Parthenon), the Roman Agora, Temple of Zeus, and Kerameikos. Individual tickets add up quickly, so if you’re visiting more than one place, this ticket saves you money.
It’s valid for multiple days, so you don’t have to rush everything in one day. You can buy the combo ticket online or at any participating site. Just note that if you buy online, you’ll need to book a time slot for the Acropolis (but that doesn’t have to be your first visit).
Avoid high phone bills with a Greek eSim (for non-EU travelers)
If you’re visiting Athens from outside the EU, your phone provider might charge high roaming fees. To stay connected without spending a fortune, I recommend getting an eSim.
I always use Holafly when I go somewhere I can’t use my own data plan. You’ll have a digital sim card on your phone within minutes, no hassle with physical cards or finding a local shop. You’ll be connected from the moment you land in Greece. Super convenient and way more affordable (use the code URBANPIXXELS for 5% discount).
What time do people eat in Athens?
Like in many southern European countries, dinner in Athens happens later than what we’re used to. While most restaurants open at 7pm, you’ll probably be sitting there alone—or with a few other lost tourists—if you show up that early. Things start to get livelier around 8 to 9pm. If you want to make a reservation, aim for around 8:30 or 9pm.
It’s the same story for lunch. Most locals don’t show up at restaurants before 2pm.
Looking for the best places to eat in Athens? Check out my favorite modern restaurants.
What’s the tipping culture in Greece?
Tipping in Greece is common, but not required. In restaurants it’s nice to leave about 5 to 10% if you’re happy with the service, especially if there’s no service charge on the bill. For small amounts, just rounding up is fine.
In cafés or street food stalls tipping is less expected, but a few coins are always appreciated. For taxis, rounding up is the norm. Hotel staff—like housekeeping or porters—will also appreciate a small tip as a thank you.
Is Athens safe for solo female travelers?
As a female solo traveler, I never felt unsafe in Athens. The city is lively—even at night—and there are plenty of people around, both locals and tourists. Of course, like in any big city, you should watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas like near the Acropolis or on public transport. But other than that, it’s perfectly safe to explore on your own, even in the evening. Just use common sense, avoid dark alleys at night, and you’ll see that Athens is a great and accessible destination for solo travel.
Can you get by speaking English in Athens?
Yes, you’ll be fine speaking English in Athens. Especially in touristy areas like the Acropolis, Plaka, and Monastiraki, most people working in hotels, restaurants, and shops speak English quite well. In smaller shops or outside the center, it might be more limited, but a smile and some hand gestures will get you far.
Learning a few basic Greek words—like kaliméra (good morning) or efcharistó (thank you)—is always appreciated, but you don’t need to speak Greek to enjoy the city.
Do you need cash in Athens, or can you pay by card?
In most places in Athens, you can pay by card. Still, it’s smart to carry some cash. Small amounts like at a bakery might not be accepted by card, and some taxis or street vendors prefer cash.
If you’re traveling from outside the Eurozone, it pays to watch exchange rates. I like using Wise to pay in foreign currencies without the high fees.
Athens travel tips to make your trip even better
With a little preparation and the right tips you’ll get so much more out of your trip. I hope these Athens travel tips help you enjoy the city as much as I did. And if you’re still looking for inspiration on what to see, do, and taste: there’s plenty more to discover in my Athens city guide for an unforgettable trip to Athens.
Looking for more Athens travel tips & inspiration? Check out my Athens city guide.
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