Is Athens Worth Visiting? 29 Great Reasons to Visit Athens

Wondering, is Athens worth visiting? Great, you’re in the right place!

The capital of Greece is a city steeped in history and culture, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

So why should you visit Athens? Because it’s an outstanding city! From its archaeological sites to its vibrant nightlife, this article delves into 29 reasons to visit Athens and why it should be at the top of your Europe travel bucket list.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning after many years away, this ancient city will not disappoint. Get ready to explore everything this captivating Greek capital has to offer!

The Temple of Erechtheion at the Acropolis features multiple columns, bricks, and carved statues, with a tree in the middle, all under a clear blue sky — ^{_{Temple of Erechtheion at The Acropolis}}

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Table of Contents

Is Athens Worth Visiting?

If you’re wondering what to visit in Athens, this section gives you a quick glance at some of the most popular attractions the city has to offer.

Whether you’re planning a quick stopover before onward travel, or a short city break, you’ll find an abundance of things to see and do.

Top Reasons to Visit Athens

The Acropolis and Parthenon
Delicious Greek Food
Over 250 Sunny Days a Year
World Class Museums
Great Base for Island Hopping
An Abundance of Historical Landmarks Nearby
Athens Is a Walkable City
Home of the First Modern Olympic Games
Vibrant Rooftop Bars and Nightlife
Photogenic Streets of Plaka and Monastiraki
Welcoming Locals
Less than 90minutes to ski-resorts
A Year-Round Calendar of Great Cultural Events

Visiting Athens, Greece – Know Before You Go

Before we delve into why visit Athens, here’s some useful information to know before you go.

If you’re in the planning stages of your Athens visit, then be sure to read this section, if you’re reading this article and you’re already in Athens, then jump straight to the reasons to visit the Athens section.

How to Get to Athens?

If you’re travelling to Athens, Greece, you’ll be glad to know that getting to Athens is easy and straightforward. There are a range of transportation options available;

By Air: The main airport serving Athens is the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH). It’s located about 20km outside of the city centre. There are direct flights from many European cities, along with international destinations in Asia, Africa, and the United States.

By Road: Greece shares borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey, making it a great destination for a road trip around the region.

By Boat: Athens has three ports namely Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrion, all of which offer daily ferry connections to the Aegean Sea islands.

Getting Around Athens

Once you’re in Athens, the city is well-connected and easy to get around. The public transport system includes metro, bus, suburban rail, tram and trolleybus services. The central hub that everything goes past is at Syntagma Square.

There are plenty of taxis available for hire, however before getting in, check the price and that it is a metered journey. There are numerous reports of scams from taxi drivers in Greece even when using apps!

Is Athens, Greece walkable?

As a huge fan of walking, I was pleasantly surprised with how pedestrianised everywhere was, especially in the areas of Plaka, Monastiraki and Koukaki.

The city is large and sprawling, however, all the points of interest are fairly centrally located making it easy to get around on foot. Get you bearings by doing a city walking tour.

Is Athens Safe?

One of my biggest concerns before my visit was about the safety in Athens. I’d heard so many stories about the crime that when I arrived I was on edge a little. I’m not saying crime doesn’t happen – it does – however, in my personal experience it felt like it was on par with London or Paris. My slight anxiety dissolved fairly quickly.

The two biggest gripes I heard about were either pickpocketing or scams – but in fairness, this can happen anywhere in the world. I stayed in the Koukaki district and didn’t encounter any problems, even walking at night alone.

So, is Athens safe for tourists? Yes, just be cautious of where your valuables are. As for scams, these are mostly from street vendors and taxi drivers. Buy tickets from official outlets and check how much your taxi ride will cost before you get in.

Houses in a street of Plaka District are colored in a peach hue, adorned with pot flowers and plants — ^{_{Plaka District}}

29 Reasons to Visit Athens

So, why go to Athens?

Although there are dozens more things I could have listed in this article, here are my top reasons why you should visit Athens.

If you’re looking for more great things to see and do in the city, then you can read my full Athens bucket list article here.

1. The Acropolis and Parthenon

If you’re not sure what is Athens famous for, then this is it. The Acropolis is the most popular attraction in Athens and a must if you’re visiting the city.

The iconic ancient citadel located high atop a rocky outcrop in the centre of the city is home to one of the most famous ancient ruins in the world. It includes the Parthenon, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion and Monument of Agrippa. In 1987, The Acropolis was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dating back to the 5th century BC, it is one of the world’s oldest and most revered landmarks. If you’ve read my blog for a while, you’ll know I love temples and ruin sites. The Acropolis had been on my bucket list for years, so much so, I actually visited twice during my time in Athens just to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

The Parthenon at the Acropolis is currently under renovation, with multiple columns standing tall under a clear blue sky — ^{_{The Parthenon at the Acropolis}}

Tips for Visiting the Acropolis

Walk into any Athens tourism shop and you’ll find a multitude of tours based around it. You can visit independently. Buy your skip-the-line ticket in advance, and get there as soon as the gates open at 8 am.

The site gets insanely busy. On my visit, I went straight to the Parthenon first. The first hour after opening, the crowds are still minimal, however, from about 10 am, it resembled an ant hill!

If you want a balance of a guided tour, but without the crowds, then the Pristine Parthenon tour by WalksTours offers just that. You’ll get to enter the site as soon as it opens making the most of the quieter hours.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus at the Acropolis is an open-air structure with a sandstone staircase and a front wall offering a stunning view of the city — ^{_{The Odeon of Herodes Atticus at The Acropolis}}

2. Delicious Greek Food

Greek cuisine is renowned for its unique flavours and fresh ingredients. From the classic Greek salad to souvlaki and gyros, there is a myriad of delicious dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.

The key to traditional Greek cooking is simplicity – using few ingredients but relying on quality produce and time-honoured techniques to create mouthwatering dishes.

As a vegetarian, I sometimes struggle with finding enough variety in a country’s traditional dishes. In Greece, I ate like a Queen every day. I was spoilt for choice, and thankful that I was doing so much walking to counteract everything I was gorging myself on.

Here are some of the irresistible things I highly recommend tying:

Dolmades – This traditional Greek dish is made of vine leaves filled with a mixture of rice, vegetables, herbs and spices. The filling is then rolled up in the vine leaves and cooked and then drizzled with olive oil and lemon.
Greek Dips and Pita Bread – I particularly enjoyed tzatziki (yoghurt, cucumber, and garlic), melitzanosalata (aubergine dip), and fava, (smooth and velvety puree made from split peas).
Kolokythokeftedes – Diced courgette, often mixed with feta and herbs, rolled into balls and then fried.
Kasseri cheese – Often served semi-melted and drizzled with honey
Greek Salad – A classic dish made from tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, and olives seasoned with oregano and salt and then dressed with olive oil.

A plate of Greek Dip on the left with aubergine dip and cucumber while on the right is a plate of Greek Salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and olives — _{^{Greek Dips (left), Greek Salad (right)}}

3. Over 250 Sunny Days a Year

Athens is blessed with over 250 sunny days per year making it a year-round destination. With plenty of sunshine, you can enjoy visits to all the city’s attractions without worrying about extreme weather conditions.

The summer months (July and August) are usually the hottest times of the year with temperatures reaching the mid-30s.

Winter is milder, with temperatures often reaching around 13 degrees, but with plenty of sunshine. If you’re visiting Athens in winter don’t let the cooler temperatures put you off.

In the morning, the sun shines on The Parthenon, illuminating the multiple columns standing in a row and the large stone, all against a clear blue sky — ^{_{Morning Sun at The Parthenon}}

4. World Class Museums

Athens is a city that is rich in culture and history, and this can be seen in its world-class museums.

One of the most impressive is the Acropolis Museum, which houses some of the greatest archaeological finds from the ancient Greek site. The museum’s modern glass and marble building is designed to showcase these spectacular finds while telling the story of Athens’ past and ancient Greek history. The building straddles ruins that were found during its construction.

It’s worth visiting the museum after you visit the Acropolis, as it helps to piece everything you have seen together. Looking at the ruin site, it can be difficult to imagine what it would’ve looked like three thousand years ago. Aside from the original artefacts, I really liked the number of artist reconstructions in the museum which brought everything to life.

If you’re a fan of ancient Greece then another worthy museum is the National Archaeological Museum. This is the largest of its kind in Greece and contains over 11,000 artefacts from various time periods. The Benaki Museum is another top choice, and gives an insight into Greek culture throughout the centuries, with a large collection of art, furniture, jewellery and coins.

A carved sculpture placed in a wall with a man riding a horse in Acropolis Museum — _{Acropolis Museum}

5. Great Base for Island Hopping

Athens is the perfect base for island hopping, with easy access to the Aegean Sea and its beautiful archipelago of over 2,000 islands, ranging from picturesque Cyclades to quaint Crete.

With a wide variety of transportation options like cruise ships, ferries and hydrofoils, you’ll have plenty of options to explore a range of destinations.

Although you can visit the Greek islands on a day trip, if you have time, I highly recommend taking the 4-night cruise with Celestyal Cruises. This is one of the most efficient ways to visit a lot of islands in a short space of time. Their 4-day Mediterranean cruise calls in at Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Patmos, Rhodes, Crete and Santorini.

Three windmills are standing on Mykonos Island, each with a cone-shaped roof, all under a white-blue sky — _{^{Mykonos Island}}

6. Abundance of Historical Landmarks Nearby

Athens is blessed with more ruins than just the Acropolis. If you have time for more, I highly recommend Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaistos as well as Roman Agora – although with Roman Agora you can see most of it from the gates.

You can buy a multi-ticket which gives entry to seven ancient sites in Athens, including the Acropolis. If you’re a fan of ruins and plan to see at last the Acropolis and Ancient Agora, the multi-pass will save you a lot of money.

The Temple of Hephaestus showcases multiple columns and intricate carvings on the roof, all set against a blue sky background — Temple of Hephaestus

7. Athens Is a Walkable City

I’m a huge fan of walking – partly because it helps orientate myself, but also because I love taking photos and discovering little hidden gems that you’d miss out on if you took the metro, bus or taxi everywhere.

Athens is a huge city that officially covers an area of 38.96 km2 (15.04 sq mi). Thankfully, all of the main tourist attractions are central. Many of the areas surrounding the Acropolis, such as Plaka and Monastiraki are pedestrianised making it pleasant to wander.

Lycabettus Hill & Philopappos Hill

Athens is relatively flat, that is unless you want to climb one of the surrounding hills – which I highly recommend you do. The easiest of the two, and the best sunset view in Athens is Philopappos Hill. The more challenging walk is up Lycabettus Hill which gives impressive views over the city – if this walk is too challenging, then you can opt to take the funicular train up.

Sunset from Philipappos Hill with a view of trees and cities — ^{_{Sunset from Philopappos Hill}}

8. Easily Acceable Ski-Resorts and Alpine Regions

Did you know you can go skiing in Greece? No, neither did I! In less than two hours from Athens, you’ll find yourself in the municipality of Xylokastro-Evrostina.

My visit was in May, so the snow had melted, but driving around this region it really does resemble a Swiss village. The ski season here runs from December and March.

Outside of the ski season, this region really does feel like stepping into the set of ‘Sound of Music’. During spring, the mountainous terrain still has caps of snow, but the lower areas a filled with meadows and spring flowers, scented pine tree forests, refreshing waterfalls and sapphire blue- lakes. The area transforms into an outdoor-sport lovers’ playground where you can hike, bike, horseback ride, ATV and boat on the lakes.

A woman is standing beside the window, looking at the view of Lake Doxa, surrounded by lush green trees and mountains — _{^{Lake Doxa}}

9. Home of the First Modern Olympic Games

A short walk from the Acropolis and old town you’ll find the stadium.

Athens was the host of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, which were held at the Panathenaic Stadium. This was an ancient stadium that was initially built in 330 BC and reconstructed out of marble for the first modern Olympics. It is still standing today and is the only stadium made entirely out of marble.

Panathenaic Stadium - a U-shaped stadium with a sandstone staircase or seatings with a black track at the middle — _{^{Panathenaic Stadium | Canva}}

10. Vibrant Rooftop Bars and Nightlife

Athens is a vibrant city with plenty of nightlife. You can find everything from cosy, traditional taverns to chic rooftop bars. I had THE BEST Espresso Martini at a brunch-by-day-bar-by-night venue called This is Loco in the Koukaki district.

For the best rooftop view of the Acropolis head to either A for Athens or 360 Degrees Hotel and Bar. They aren’t the cheapest place to drink in the city BUT you pay for the view.

For nightlife, I recommend heading to either Drunk Sinatra or the incredibly quirky but Insta-worthy Little Kook.

The view of the Acropolis at night showcases lighted houses and people gathering — _{^{Acropolis at Night | Canva}}

11. Photogenic Streets of Plaka and Monastiraki

Plaka and Monastiraki are two of the most photogenic and vibrant neighbourhoods in Athens. Located near the heart of the city, these areas boast a unique mix of ancient and modern that make them popular with tourists and locals alike.

Plaka is located below the Acropolis hill and is made up of winding cobblestone streets, coloured townhouses and plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafes. Monastiraki is located a short walk from Plaka and is known for its lively street market, charming rooftop bars and bustling tavernas.

Flower-laden balconies and windowsills, plant-lined streets and colourful houses all make these areas incredibly photogenic. Both of these areas get busy, so if you’re wanting to photograph the pretty streets, I suggest getting there before 10 am to make the most of the tranquillity.

If you’re a fan of street art, keep your eyes peeled. You’ll see loads of it around all these areas.

Houses in Plaka District are painted in a peach color and adorned with flowers and trees — _{^{Plaka District}}

12. Welcoming Locals & the friendly street Cats

One of my first impressions after arriving in Greece was how friendly and welcoming the locals were.

Although Greek is the official language, English is widely spoken, particularly in the tourist areas. As an English speaker, you shouldn’t face any difficulties when visiting the city. I had so many random conversations with random strangers.

Athens (and Greece in general) also has hundreds of friendly street cats. You’ll see them lounging about in the sun at the ruin sites, sitting in doorways and even on the chairs at cafes. The residents of Athens take care of the street cats, and you’ll see little shelters and bowls of food left out for them. If you’re a cat lover, then you’ll be glad to hear that they are also super friendly – I spent ages petting them.

Street Cat of Athens sleeping in a floor on a sunny day — ^{_{Street Cats of Athens}}

Visiting Athens – Month by Month

You might be wondering if it is worth going to Athens in a particular month. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect throughout the year when you visit Athens.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in January?

Christmas World – Throughout December and January – features light installations, an ice rink and traditional Christmas stalls.

Athens weather in January: Temperature ranges between 7°-13° with around 5 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in February?

Apokreas Carnival – A festival to signify the start of lent. Expect colourful street parades, traditional music and elaborate costumes.

Athens weather in February: Temperature ranges between 7°-14° with around 5 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in March?

Greek Independence Day Parade – Marked with Striking Military Parade in Athens on the 25th March every year

Athens weather in March: Temperature ranges between 9°-16° with around 4 days of rain.

The Presidential Guard, dressed in their traditional uniforms, is standing beside a small house with a white and blue roof — ^{_{Presidential Guard}}

Is Athens Worth Visiting in April?

Athens Science Festival – This is a spring festival that poses thought-provoking questions and presents enjoyable, imaginative, and engaging ways to answer them. It’s a great experience for people of all ages.

Athens weather in April: Temperature ranges between 12°-20° with around 3 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in May?

Athens City Festival happens throughout the months of May. You’ll find a diverse range of free events to enjoy such as open walks, exhibitions, picnics, street parties, large concerts, intimate gigs, sports events, and food experiences.
Athens Digital Arts Festival – Experience a fusion of art and science through interactive installations, video art, animations and audiovisual performances that push the boundaries of our perception of reality, whether it is physical, enhanced or simulated. Get a sneak peek into the future.
Onassis Fast Forward Festival – There is a two-week festival in Athens that showcases contemporary culture with hybrid performances, interactive installations, and video works in both public and private spaces. It challenges our perceptions of art, life, and the universe.
Athens Jazz Festival – This week-long celebration of jazz features performances by both local and international musicians. Admission to the event is free of charge.

Athens weather in May: Temperature ranges between 16°-25° with around 2 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in June?

The Athens Epidaurus Festival happens from June through to August. At this special celebration of music, theatre, dance and art, you can see some of the great works by ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles and Aristophanes. Famous international stars like Sting and Nana Mouskouri will be there too. The show takes place over three months at two different venues: the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus.
The Summer Nostos Festival – dates differ each year (see July for more details)
Athens Open Air Film Festival – happens between June and August – It transforms Athens into one big (and free) outdoor cinema all summer long.

Athens weather in June: Temperature ranges between 20°-29° with around 1 day of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in July?

The Athens Epidaurus Festival happens from June through to August (see June for more details)
The Summer Nostos Festival – dates differ each year, but the week-long festival falls during the summer months. The event offers a combination of music, dance, sports, and workshops featuring international celebrities.
Ejekt Festival – A music festival featuring global acts and emerging artists at this summer event.
Athens Open Air Film Festival – happens between June and August – It transforms Athens into one big (and free) outdoor cinema all summer long.

Athens weather in July: Temperature ranges between 23°-32° with around 0 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in August?

The Athens Epidaurus Festival happens from June through to August (see June for more details)
The Summer Nostos Festival – dates differ each year (see July for more details)
Athens Open Air Film Festival – happens between June and August – It transforms Athens into one big (and free) outdoor cinema all summer long.

Athens weather in August: Temperature ranges between 23°-32° with around 0 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in September?

Athens International Film Festival – This popular two-week film festival showcases independent movies from various countries worldwide. The opening night premiere is considered the unofficial beginning of the Athens film festival season.
Athens Beer Festival – Featuring local and international craft beers

Athens weather in September: Temperature ranges between 20°-28° with around 1 day of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in October?

The Art Athina festival runs between October and November. For one month, you can look at special rooms online and talk to cool artists. There will also be a free Pop Up exhibition that is open for a shorter time.
Panorama of European Cinema – runs between October and December – The film festival in Athens is a must-visit for those interested in European arthouse cinema and world movies, and it is also the longest-running festival of its kind in Athens.

Athens weather in October: Temperature ranges between 15°-28° with around 3 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in November?

The Art Athina festival runs between October and November (see October for more details)
Athens Avant-Garde Film Festival – between November and December – Our selection includes previously unreleased films and timeless classics from around the world. The language for this message is English (US).
Panorama of European Cinema – runs between October and December (see October for details)

Athens weather in November: Temperature ranges between 12°-18° with around 4 days of rain.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in December?

Panorama of European Cinema – runs between October and December (see October for details)
AthensCon – A two-day festival celebrating comic and pop culture, featuring notable guests, workshops, screenings, and cosplay.
Christmas World – Throughout December and January – features light installations, an ice rink and traditional Christmas stalls.

Athens weather in December: Temperature ranges between 8°-15° with around 6 days of rain.

The Ancient Agora features columns and a roof in an earthy color, all surrounded by trees and plants. — ^{_{Ancient Agora}}

Is It Worth Visiting Athens- FAQs

If you were wondering, is Athens worth a visit? Yes, 100%

I’ve given you 29 great reasons why you should put this city on your radar. I’m hoping you’ve learned that Athens is 100% worth visiting. This next section answers some common questions and travel tips that crop up when planning your trip to Athens.

This final section devels into some common questions about planning a trip to Athens.

Is Athens in Europe?

Yes, Athens is in Europe.

Is Athens in Greece?

Yes, Athens is the capital of Greece.

Where Is Athens City Centre?

Athens city centre is located in the heart of Greece’s capital in the south of the country. It is bordered by Mount Lycabettus to the north. The Acropolis of Athens is situated just south of the city centre.

How Many Days Do You Need in Athens?

I would suggest allowing a minimum of three days to get a good feel for the city. If you have longer then you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Athens.

Is Athens Expensive?

If you’re wondering is athens expensive for tourists, the answer is, it depends on where you’re comparing it to. Athens is cheaper than other European capitals like Paris, Amsterdam or London, but it’s more expensive than cities in Eastern Europe. Typically a meal costs between 10-20 Euros, a cocktail is around 10 Euros, and a coffee is about 3 Euros.

Is Athens Dirty?

Athens has a reputation for being dirty, but this is largely untrue, especially around the historical and tourist areas.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in the Winter?

Athens is a year-round destination. You might be wondering is athens worth visiting for tourists in winter – yes! Athens offers plenty of entertainment during the colder months, such as Christmas markets, ice skating rinks and seasonal events.

Why Is Athens Better Than Rome?

Athens is an incredible city with millennia of history. It’s older than Rome!

Is Athens a Safe City?

Overall, yes Athens is a safe city. If you’re wondering is Athens safe for American tourists, the answer is also yes. Greece, like the rest of Europe, is incredibly liberal and welcomes American tourists like those from any other nation.

Still Thinking, Why Visit Athens?

So, why is Athens a good place to visit? Not only is it home to centuries of history, stunning landscapes and parks, vibrant nightlife, and delicious local cuisine there are also plenty of year-round festivals to enjoy.

I absolutely fell in love with Athens, my only regret was that I could have spent double or triple the time there exploring the city. It’s an outstanding destination with so much appeal. If you’re still wondering is Athens worth visiting, then my suggestion, go and experience it for yourself – you won’t regret it!

Looking for more reasons to visit Athens or Greece, read more here…

Greek Island Hopping in the Aegean Sea