When we think of Athens (and curating the perfect Athens city guide), what often comes to mind are the endless, almost dizzying number of ancient structures.
It seems Athens peaked a few thousand years ago just so travelers like you and I could scratch our historical itch. After visiting Athens for the first time and falling in love with it for other reasons besides the history, I’m here to tell you there is a lot to discover about Athens.
It’s a city that never stopped growing and reinventing itself. While millions come for the Acropolis, those who linger discover a city buzzing with creativity, hospitality, and local flavor.
For travelers seeking more than a checklist of monuments, Athens offers family-run tavernas, locally-owned boutique hotels, and neighborhoods where modern Greek life thrives.
Where to Stay in Athens
Forget the big hotel chains—Athens has a growing collection of locally-owned boutique hotels and guesthouses that blend Greek design with warm hospitality.
- Niche Hotel Athens: For a hotel that is steps away from the essential landmarks in Athens, Niche Hotel is a great option. It’s a locally-owned boutique with chic interiors and rooftop Acropolis views.
- Electra Metropolis Athens: The Electra Hotel is one of the most stunning hotels I’ve ever seen, not just in Athens, but in the world.
- Coco-Mat Athens BC: This hotel is part of a Greek-owned brand. I love that they’re an eco-conscious hotel that uses natural materials. You’ll have the stunning Acropolis views and a rooftop pool fit for a luxury, world-class brand, but without skimping on sustainability.
What to Eat in Athens
Athens is one of my favorite cities for food, and it’s not just because I love Greek cuisine. There is such a huge emphasis on high-quality dishes of a wide variety.
It’s one of the few places where you can find a 5 Euro gyro within walking distance to a Michelin-starred restaurant, and both are great.
- Tivoli: This was the absolute best meal I had in Athens. It’s lovingly known as the place where you can eat a meal as if you had a Greek grandma. The dishes are filling and flavorful. I highly recommend the Greek salad!
- FILIPPOU: It’s hard to know if a restaurant you’re visiting is truly a local joint, but I think Filippou makes it easy. Upon entering, you’re likely to see mostly other Athenians—perhaps a few travelers here and there—dining in the main area. The dishes are upscale, remixed Greek classics.
- Mikrolimano: Although not officially in Athens, but in the nearby coastal town of Piraeus, Mikrolimano is one of the most quaint and, honestly, adorable, hole-in-the-wall restaurants in Greece. You’ll find lots of grilled meat and fries, but be sure to taste the fresh calamari too.
- Central Market (Varvakios Agora): Although this isn’t a restaurant, you absolutely must visit Athens’ traditional market. This is a lively market where locals shop for produce, spices, and meats.
- Stay in Athens: This was by far my favorite bar for an end-of-the-night cocktail. Although it’s located centrally, you’d be amazed at how many people pass by this place without coming inside.
What to Do in Athens
Beyond the obvious landmarks, Athens is not all old stuff and ruins! You’ll find the incredible structures of ancient Greece displayed throughout the city, but you’ll also find that Athens did not peak two millennia ago.
Athens is full of cultural and artistic neighborhoods and has a refreshingly young vibe in some of its streets. If you choose to take the slow travel route, you’ll find everyday experiences that are worth exploring.
- Areopagus Hill: Of course, one cannot write an Athens city guide without mentioning a visit to the Parthenon, but I do have to let you in on the locals’ secret: Areopagus Hill has the most stunning view of the Parthenon in the evening. Come here during sunset and watch the city and the temple come alight.
- Anafiotika & Plaka: Squeezed under the Parthenon and the other modernized parts of the city is this white-washed neighborhood. If you wander through narrow lanes early in the morning, it feels more like a remote Greek island than a capital city.
- National Archaeological Museum: I suggest taking a small guided tour of the Parthenon first for contextual information, and then plan your trip to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. It’s where many of the ancient Greek ruins are on display now.
- Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center: If you want a view of Athens’ contemporary side, be sure to check out the Cultural Center. It’s a green space located right by the coast, which makes it great for exploring on foot or even for a small picnic. The cultural center also hosts concerts and performances.
- Hellenic Parliament: If you time your visit just right, you can watch the ceremonial changing of the guards every afternoon outside the Hellenic Parliament.
