In The Travel Bunny’s free Athens travel guide, you will discover the capital city of Greece, part of the European Union. It is the largest Greek city, with around 50% of the population living here.
Located on a peninsula in the southern part of Greece, Athens is surrounded by the Aegean Sea, the Evoikos Gulf, the Saronic Gulf, the Gulf of Corinth. By land, Athens has Mount Pendeli and Mount Parnassus in the north, Mount Hymettus to the east, and Mount Egaleo to the west.
The Greek Capital has a Mediterranean climate, with an average of 250 days of sunshine per year. December is the wettest month, while January is the coldest. July is the driest month, while August is the hottest.
When to visit Athens?
If you are wondering when to visit Athens, keep in mind that since it is one of the most important cities in the world from a cultural point of view, there will always be lots of other tourists. However, try to avoid visiting Athens during the summer months, because the Greek Capital becomes busier with everyone passing through the city on their way to the Greek islands. In addition, it’s very hot. Therefore, it’s probably best to visit Athens during late spring, or early autumn.
How to get to Athens
From the airport
Find out how to get to Athens from Eleftherios Venizelos Athens International Airport.
From the port
Find out how to get to Athens from the ports of Piraeus, Rafina or Lavrio.
By train
Find out how to get to Athens using national and international railway services.
Getting around Athens
Public transport + map
Find out how much tickets cost and choose the most convenient option for the length of your stay.
Athens private transport
Thinking about taking a taxi in the Greek Capital? Or perhaps about renting a scooter or a car?
Keep in mind that all the main monuments, archaeological sites, and museums are placed in the center of the city of Athens. Athens can easily be visited by walking from one tourist attraction to the next, as you’ll discover by reading my Athens travel guide.
History of Athens
Read this section of the Athens travel guide to uncover the complicated past of Greece’s capital city in archaeological sites, museums, and streets. It’s useful to learn a bit about the history of Athens before traveling to the beautiful Greek Capital.
What to see in Athens
Archaeological sites
Explore what remains of ancient Greece by visiting the incredible archaeological sites of Athens.
Museums
Discover famous Athens museums, but also interesting niche ones.
Art galleries
Discover the large art galleries of Athens, plus some small, beautiful private ones.
Top churches in Athens
These 5 churches in Athens are beautifully built, and they all have lovely stories to tell.
Libraries & bookshops
Visit the great libraries of Athens and explore the lovely bookshops of the Greek Capital.
Buildings & parks
Important buildings and parks to know about before wandering the streets of Athens.
Squares & streets
Take a stroll on lively streets and get lost in the busy squares of the Greek capital.
Markets
With fresh Greek produce, flowers or handmade goods, they really give you a taste of true Athens!
Map of Athens
A handy electronic map for the budget traveler, with all the important landmarks mentioned in the Athens travel guide.
When planning your trip to Athens or anywhere else in Greece, keep in mind the following Greek national holidays: 1 and 6 January, 25 March, the first Monday after the Greek-Orthodox Easter, 1 May, the Monday after Pentecost, 15 August, 28 October, 25 and 26 December. On these days you should expect most places to be closed. For general schedules, check under each entry from my Athens travel guide.
Neighborhoods of Athens
Plaka / Acropolis Area
The most well-known area in the Greek Capital is the Acropolis of Athens and the streets of Plaka.
Monastiraki
Take a stroll on busy streets with colorful shops or stop at a tavern with a view over the Ancient Agora.
Thissio
Explore the Athenian’s favorite neighborhood to grab a coffee or take an afternoon stroll.
Koukaki
Hike up Philopappos Hill and visit the prison of Socrates. You can also have a strong Greek coffee in a traditional café.
Syngrou-Fix
Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art & more. Athens travel guide to the cheap foodie district of Athens!
Eating in Athens
Eating in Greece
Learn about Greek food establishments and when the Greeks like to eat.
Traditional Greek food
Athens travel guide to tasting authentic, mouth-watering traditional Greek food and delicious Greek drinks.
Day trips from Athens
Athens travel guide to exploring the Saronic Islands, Peloponnese, and many other nearby amazing destinations.
Currency, banks, and ATMs
Greece adopted the euro in the year 2002. No other currency is accepted.
Banks are normally open from Monday to Thursday between 08.00 and 14.30 and on Fridays between 08.00 and 13.30. There are also some banks which are open until later. Here is a short list:
Alpha Bank
Opening times: Alpha Bank is open from Monday to Friday between 08.00 and 18.00, and on Saturdays between 10.00 and 15.00.
Addresses:
– Patriarchou Ioakim 2, Athina 106 74, Greece | See on map
– Leof. Kifisias, Neo Psichiko 154 51, Greece | See on map
Eurobank
Opening times: Eurobank is open from Monday to Friday between 10.45 and 17.00, and on Saturdays between 10.15 and 16.30.
Address: Mall of Athens – Andrea Papandreou 35, Marousi 151 22, Greece | See on map
Piraeus Bank
Opening times: Piraeus Bank is open from Monday to Friday between 08.00 and 18.00, and on Saturdays between 10.30 and 16.30.
Address: Μητροπόλεως 9, Αθήνα, Athina 105 57, Greece | See on map
ATMs are easy to find on the streets of Athens if you prefer having cash on you. If not, credit and debit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, when crossing paths with a smaller, family-owned business, you might have to use cash. If you don’t have cash on you and you’re in a smaller establishment, do check if they accept card payments before ordering your food, for example.
If you are going on a day trip from Athens, it might not be as easy to find an ATM so make sure you have enough money on you when you leave.
Personal checks are not accepted, so you won’t find them mentioned in my Athens travel guide.
Health and safety in Athens
Tap water
The water quality in Athens is very good. Therefore, you can safely drink tap water. You can save money and promote sustainable tourism by refilling your bottle as necessary instead of buying a new one from a shop.
Pick-pocketing
Pick-pocketing and minor theft are as common in Athens as in other major cities in the world, where tourists are abundant. Avoid being a victim and follow these tips from my Athens travel guide:
- don’t display your valuables while riding the public transport
- keep your valuables in a bag that you keep to your front in crowded places
- make sure you don’t leave your bag in the car if you rent one
- don’t keep your ID/passport/important documents with your money
- don’t keep all your money in one place
- don’t wear expensive jewelry.