About Athens
Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. A significant coastal urban area in the Mediterranean, Athens is also the capital of the Attica region and is the southernmost capital on the European mainland. With its urban area's population numbering over 3.6 million, it is the eighth-largest urban area in the European Union (EU). The Municipality of Athens, which constitutes a small administrative unit of the entire urban area, had a population of 643,452 in 2021, within its official limits, and a land area of 38.96 square kilometres. Athens joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016.
Cheap flights to Athens
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $523 from Toronto, travelling 15 Nov – 17 Nov. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
- NYC New York to Athens25 Jan – 1 Feb · ATH from$738
- ORD Chicago to Athens18 Aug – 8 Sep · ATH from$849
- YTO Toronto to Athens15 Nov – 17 Nov · ATH from$523
- BOS Boston to Athens17 Mar – 31 Mar · ATH from$715
- LAX Los Angeles to Athens17 Feb – 3 Mar · ATH from$822
- IAD Washington to Athens2 Mar – 16 Mar · ATH from$812
- ATL Atlanta to Athens3 Mar – 11 Mar · ATH from$862
- SFO San Francisco to Athens9 Mar – 30 Mar · ATH from$806
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: ITA Airways, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Aer Lingus, Finnair, United Airlines.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to AthensPlaces to visit in Athens
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Acropolis of Athens
HistoricThe rocky citadel above the city holds the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its caryatid porch, and other classical temples. Go early or late in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds.
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Acropolis Museum
MuseumA modern museum at the foot of the Acropolis displaying sculptures and artifacts from the site. The top-floor gallery lays out the Parthenon frieze with the temple visible through the glass.
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Ancient Agora of Athens
HistoricThe marketplace and civic center of ancient Athens, home to the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, which houses a small museum.
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Plaka
NeighborhoodThe old neighborhood on the slopes beneath the Acropolis, with narrow streets, neoclassical houses, tavernas and souvenir shops. The tiny Anafiotika quarter feels like a Cycladic island village.
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National Archaeological Museum
MuseumGreece's most important collection of ancient art, including the gold Mask of Agamemnon, bronze statues and the Antikythera mechanism. Allow at least a few hours.
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Panathenaic Stadium
Historic · 1 mi from centreAn ancient stadium rebuilt entirely in marble that hosted events at the first modern Olympics in 1896. Visitors can walk the track, climb the tiers and see a small exhibit of Olympic torches.
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Temple of Olympian Zeus
HistoricThe remaining giant Corinthian columns of what was once a vast temple to Zeus, completed under Emperor Hadrian. Hadrian's Arch stands just beside the site on the road toward Plaka.
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Mount Lycabettus
ViewpointThe highest hill in central Athens, reached by a funicular or a steep path. The summit chapel terrace offers panoramic views to the Acropolis and the sea, especially at sunset.
Top experiences in Athens
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 122 available.
Athens City Tour with Acropolis and Acropolis Museum - Half Day Tour
From $51 per adult
Acropolis and Parthenon Admission Ticket with Optional Audio Guide
From $44 per adult
Poros - Hydra - Aegina: One Day Cruise with Lunch
From $152 per adult
Acropolis Walking Tour
From $35 per adult
Early Morning Acropolis Visit and Plaka Walking Tour
From $73 per adult
3 Island Cruise: Hydra, Poros and Aegina
From $157 per adult
Greek Dancing Show in Plaka with 3-Course Dinner with Hotel Pick-up
From $84 per adult
Athens Sightseeing and Acropolis - Half-Day Tour
From $46 per adult
Explore Delphi - Full-Day Tour
From $59 per adult
Acropolis Museum Ticket with Optional Audio Guide
From $38 per adult
Athens City Highlights - Half-Day Walking Tour
From $48 per adult
Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Sunset Tour
From $33 per adult
Where to stay in Athens
Popular hotels in Athens, out of 922 properties you can book.
Plaka Hotel
From $99 per night
CASUAL KUBIC ATHENS
From $53 per night
Hera Hotel
From $118 per night
Perianth Hotel
From $199 per night
Gallery Suites & Residences Piraeus
From $54 per night
The Newel Acropolis
From $117 per night
The Athenian Callirhoe
From $122 per night
Novus Hotel
From $96 per night
Athens Center Square
From $65 per night
Athenian Riviera Hotel
From $108 per night
Crystal City
From $65 per night
Athens One Smart Hotel
From $77 per night
Best time to visit Athens
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Athens is May and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 75–84°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Athens weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 70° 56° 15%
- Thu 12 Nov 73° 58° 0%
- Fri 13 Nov 70° 65° 24%
- Sat 14 Nov 72° 62° 11%
- Sun 15 Nov 67° 51° 3%
- Mon 16 Nov 59° 45° 6%
- Tue 17 Nov 61° 44° 13%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Greek
- Calling code
- +30
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/AthensUTC+2
Upcoming public holidays in Greece
- Christmas DayΧριστούγεννα
- St. Stephen's DayΣύναξις Υπεραγίας Θεοτόκου Μαρίας
- New Year's DayΠρωτοχρονιά
- EpiphanyΘεοφάνεια
- Clean MondayΚαθαρά Δευτέρα
- AnnunciationΕυαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Athens
These are the airports closest to central Athens. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ATH Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos"12 mi (20 km) from the city centre
Getting around Athens
Transport for Athens (OASA) operates public transportation in Athens. Its subdivisions include STASY and OSY. A single ticket allows you to travel on any types of transport, metro, trams, buses, with unlimited transfers anywhere time within Athens for 90 minutes.
Fares
The base ticket price is €1.20. This covers all OASA routes except for Airport Express lines (Line M3 and Route X80). There are also Daily, 3-Day + Airport, 5-Day and bulk ticket packs. See details on the OASA fare table.
By metro
Syntagma (constitution; Σύνταγμα), Larissa (Σταθμός Λαρίσης) station and Acropolis (Akropoli; Ακρόπολη) station are the three major stations in this system.
By suburban railway
The Athens Suburban Railway (Proastiakos/Προαστιακός) is operated by Hellenic Train. There are 3 Proastiakos lines:
Athens travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Athens?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Athens is May and September to October, when average daytime highs are around 75–84°F and rain falls on about 4 days a month.
What is the weather like in Athens?
July is usually the warmest month in Athens, with average highs of 95°F (35°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 43°F (6°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 96 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Athens?
Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" (ATH) is the closest airport, about 12 miles (20 km) from the centre of Athens.
How much are flights to Athens?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Athens in the last 30 days was $523 from Toronto, travelling 15 Nov – 17 Nov. November is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $523.
What currency is used in Athens?
Athens uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is Athens in?
Athens uses the Europe/Athens time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Athens?
Transport for Athens (OASA) operates public transportation in Athens. Its subdivisions include STASY and OSY. A single ticket allows you to travel on any types of transport, metro, trams, buses, with unlimited transfers anywhere time within Athens for 90 minutes.
What are the best places to visit in Athens?
Top sights in Athens include Acropolis of Athens, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora of Athens and Plaka. The rocky citadel above the city holds the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its caryatid porch, and other classical temples. Go early or late in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds.
What are the top things to do in Athens?
Popular experiences you can book in Athens include Athens City Tour with Acropolis and Acropolis Museum - Half Day Tour, Acropolis and Parthenon Admission Ticket with Optional Audio Guide and Poros - Hydra - Aegina: One Day Cruise with Lunch. Destina Holidays offers 122 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Athens?
Popular areas for hotels in Athens include Athens, Piraeus and Athens coast. Well-reviewed options include Plaka Hotel and CASUAL KUBIC ATHENS.
How many hotels can I book in Athens?
Destina Holidays currently lists 922 properties in and around Athens, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
