Smart Self-Managed Tours

City guide · Greece

Athens

A photograph of Athens
Photograph · Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de · CC BY-SA 3.0 de

Athens combines an ancient pedestrian core with a much larger modern city. The Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki and the Ancient Agora form the central visitor cluster. Syntagma and Kolonaki extend east, while the National Archaeological Museum lies north and the coast runs far to the south. Piraeus is a separate port city within the wider urban area and needs its own journey.

Practical information

Language spoken
Greek
National practical orientation; regional and minority languages may also be used
Dialling code
+30
International calling code; local area and mobile prefixes still apply
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Use the official local currency; card acceptance varies by place
Emergency number
112
Use only for an emergency; tourist assistance may use a separate number
Plug type
Type C and F · 230 V
Check that chargers support the recorded voltage before using an adapter
Tap water
Not recorded
No single verified statement covers the mainland and all islands

Planning a visit

Suggested stay
Not recorded
Getting around
Walk, metro, tram and bus
  1. January: seasonal closure recorded
  2. February: seasonal closure recorded
  3. March: seasonal closure recorded
  4. April: seasonal closure recorded
  5. May: seasonal closure recorded
  6. June: seasonal closure recorded
  7. July: seasonal closure recorded
  8. August: seasonal closure recorded — this month
  9. September: seasonal closure recorded
  10. October: seasonal closure recorded
  11. November: seasonal closure recorded
  12. December: seasonal closure recorded

Top things to see

Ranked by importance — sitelinks, pageviews and heritage status, not editor preference.

  1. Roman Agora of Athens
    02 45 min

    Roman Agora of Athens

    The Roman Agora is an archaeological site in central Athens, located to the north of the Acropolis. It was constructed during the Roman period and served as a commercial and administrative centre, distinct from the earlier Classical Agora.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  2. Syntagma Square
    03 45 min

    Syntagma Square

    Syntagma Square is the central plaza of Athens, Greece, serving as the political and geographic heart of the capital. It derives its name from the Greek constitution (syntagma) granted in 1843.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  3. National Garden of Athens
    04 1 hour

    National Garden of Athens

    The National Garden of Athens is a public park situated in the heart of the Greek capital, directly behind the Hellenic Parliament building. Established in the nineteenth century, it occupies a central location between the districts of Syntagma and Pangrati.

    • Must see
    • Nature site
  4. Odeon of Herodes Atticus
    05 45 min

    Odeon of Herodes Atticus

    The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone Roman theatre structure on the southwest slope of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  5. Temple of Hephaestus
    06 45 min

    Temple of Hephaestus

    The Temple of Hephaestus stands in the Ancient Agora of Athens, a well-preserved Doric temple dedicated to Hephaestus, god of fire and metalworking. Constructed largely of Pentelic marble, it dominates the western side of the agora.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  6. Monastiraki Square
    07 45 min

    Monastiraki Square

    Monastiraki Square is a public square in central Athens, Greece. It serves as a meeting point between the old city and the modern commercial district.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  7. Arch of Hadrian
    08 45 min

    Arch of Hadrian

    The Arch of Hadrian, known locally as Πύλη του Αδριανού, is a monumental gateway in Athens, Greece. Erected in the second century CE, it stands on the ancient road between the Athenian Agora and the Olympieion.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  8. Kerameikos
    09 45 min

    Kerameikos

    Kerameikos is an ancient cemetery and archaeological site in Athens, located northwest of the Acropolis along the Eridanos River. The area served as the primary burial ground for the city from the 12th century BC through Roman times.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  9. Panathenaic Stadium
    10 1 hour

    Panathenaic Stadium

    The Panathenaic Stadium is a horseshoe of white Pentelic marble sunk into the hollow between the hills of Ardittos and Agra, about a kilometre south-east of Syntagma Square.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  10. Temple of Olympian Zeus
    11 45 min

    Temple of Olympian Zeus

    The Temple of Olympian Zeus stands inside the archaeological site of the Olympieion, the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus that occupied the low ground between the Acropolis and the hill of Ardittos, on the banks of the Ilissos.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  11. Hadrian's Library
    12 45 min

    Hadrian's Library

    Hadrian's Library is a walled Roman enclosure in the middle of Athens, a few minutes north of the Acropolis and immediately east of Monastiraki Square.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  12. Athens Concert Hall
    13 1 hour

    Athens Concert Hall

    Athens Concert Hall is a major performing arts venue in the Greek capital. It serves as a prominent cultural institution hosting classical music concerts, opera, ballet, and other performances.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
  13. National Theatre of Greece
    14 1 hour

    National Theatre of Greece

    The National Theatre of Greece stands as the country's premier state-funded theatrical institution, occupying a prominent position within Athens' cultural landscape. Established to cultivate and promote dramatic arts, it serves as a cornerstone of Greek performing heritage.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
  14. Pallas Theatre
    15 1 hour

    Pallas Theatre

    Pallas Theatre is a historic performance venue located in Athens, the capital of Greece. It forms part of the city's cultural infrastructure and contributes to Athens' reputation as a destination with significant theatrical heritage.

    • Must see
    • Art and culture venue
  15. Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
    16 30 min

    Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

    The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens is the principal Orthodox cathedral of the Greek capital. Construction began in 1842 and was completed in 1862. It serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  16. Agios Eleftherios Church
    17 30 min

    Agios Eleftherios Church

    Little Metropolis is a small Byzantine church situated in central Athens, near the Metropolitan Cathedral. The church is also known as the Church of St.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  17. Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea
    18 30 min

    Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea

    The Church of Panagia Kapnikarea is a Byzantine-era church standing prominently on Ermou Street in central Athens. It dates to the 11th century, though portions may reflect earlier construction.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  18. Church of the Holy Apostles
    20 30 min

    Church of the Holy Apostles

    The Church of the Holy Apostles is a Byzantine-era church located in Athens, Greece. It stands within the Ancient Agora archaeological site, one of the most significant historical areas of the Greek capital.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  19. Kaisariani Monastery
    21 30 min

    Kaisariani Monastery

    Kaisariani Monastery is a Byzantine-era monastery located on the slopes of Mount Hymettus, east of central Athens. The site occupies a position within a forested area that has historically provided natural resources including water and botanical materials.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  20. Petraki Monastery
    23 30 min

    Petraki Monastery

    Petraki Monastery is a religious site located in Athens, Greece. It stands as one of the city's monastic establishments, contributing to the historical and spiritual landscape of the Greek capital.

    • Must see
    • Place of worship
  21. Philopappos Monument
    25 45 min

    Philopappos Monument

    The Philopappos Monument is an ancient funerary monument situated on Mouseion Hill, southwest of the Athenian Acropolis.

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  22. Pnyx
    28 45 min

    Pnyx

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  23. Areopagus
    34 45 min

    Areopagus

    • Must see
    • Historic monument
  24. Lyceum
    38 45 min

    Lyceum

    • Must see
    • Historic monument

Source: OpenStreetMap contributors, Wikidata ·

How the city is laid out

Use the Acropolis as the central landmark. Plaka and Anafiotika sit on its northern and eastern slopes, Monastiraki and the Ancient Agora lie northwest, and Syntagma stands farther east. The National Garden links Syntagma with the Olympic and museum zone. Exarchia and the National Archaeological Museum are north of the centre, while coastal districts and Piraeus require metro, tram or bus connections.

Checked 2026-08-26

Getting around

Walk through the Acropolis-Plaka-Monastiraki core and use the integrated OASA network for longer journeys. Metro, tram, buses and trolleybuses cover Athens and its suburbs, with Line 3 connecting the airport and central city. The tram is useful for selected coastal routes, while Piraeus is best treated as a separate transport leg. Consult OASA for current routes and ticket products.

Checked 2026-08-26

Common questions

How many days should I spend in Athens?

A fixed duration is not recorded. Build the visit around the Acropolis core, central museums and neighbourhoods, then add the coast or Piraeus only when time permits.

Can I walk between the main ancient sites?

Yes. The Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki and the Ancient Agora form a practical central walking area. Use transit for the National Archaeological Museum, coast and Piraeus.

What public transport serves Athens?

The OASA network includes metro, tram, buses and trolleybuses. One integrated network connects the centre with suburbs, the airport corridor and major visitor districts.

How do I reach Athens from the airport?

OASA identifies Metro Line 3 and airport express buses as direct public transport options. Check the operator before travel because airport ticket products differ from ordinary urban journeys.

Is Piraeus part of the central Athens walking route?

No. Piraeus belongs to the wider urban area but is a separate port destination. Give it a dedicated metro or bus journey rather than adding it to an Acropolis walk.

Turn this list into a plan

Set your days, your pace and the hours you actually want to be out. The planner works around closing days and travel time, and leaves room to eat.

Plan Athens