Athens Greece Travel Guide: Top Attractions & Visitor Tips

Whether you are looking for ancient wonders, just soaking up the culture or more modern pleasures such as shopping, dining, and a pulsating nightlife, Athens can deliver. The capital is a bustling and cosmopolitan city with upscale shopping and good restaurants. Both Syntagma Square and the Plaka district are must sees for cultural events and celebrations, concerts, theater, cafes, shops, markets, and nightclubs. Nearby you can see the ancient monuments such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon or climb Mount Likavitos and revel in the panoramic view of Athens and the Saronic Gulf.

Athens is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history stretching back 3,400 years. At its heart is the Acropolis — the ancient citadel crowned by the Parthenon, the temple to Athena that has defined Western architecture for 2,500 years. The Acropolis Museum at the base of the hill houses thousands of original sculptures and artifacts in a stunning modern building designed to frame views of the Parthenon itself. Beyond the ancient wonders, Athens offers a vibrant modern city with extraordinary food markets, neighborhood café culture, and a growing arts scene in the Psiri and Koukaki neighborhoods.

Atlas Travel Center’s Greece specialists recommend spending at least 2–3 days in Athens before or after an island cruise or Greek island tour. Contact our advisors to plan your Athens experience and your Greek island itinerary.