Add us on

Athens

Equal measures of grunge and grace, Athens is a master of reinvention, serving up an anarchic mash-up of architectural gravitas, urban grit and infectious creativity.
An ancient temple in the sunshine. People sit on rocks nearby enjoying the view. Smooth paths give access to wheelchair users.

Marco Argüello for Lonely Planet

Latest Stories
Book
Trip
12 Days in Greece: Athens and the Cycladic Islands
12 days / 11 nights

12 Days in Greece: Athens and the Cycladic Islands

View Itinerary
App
Lonely Planet App on a phone
Brand New!

Get the Lonely Planet App

Holafly advertisement
Trusted Partner

Stay connected in Athens

Holafly eSIM provides unlimited mobile data with no hidden fees, giving you peace of mind wherever you travel. Stay connected even after your plan ends with Always On. Use code LONELYPLANET for an exclusive discount.

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Book your Greece trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

See Greece how it's meant to be seen

Planned by local experts and tailored to you, Lonely Planet Journeys handles the logistics so you can just enjoy the trip. Tell us what you want and we'll build your Greece itinerary from scratch, or browse our bookable trips to get inspired.

Start planning Browse itineraries

Top places to visit in Athens

Discover the best attractions in Athens from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Travel Guides

Athens travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Athens offers unparalleled encounters with ancient history – and is a thriving 21st-century metropolis, too. Here are 16 ways to explore the city.

Read full article

Best Time to Visit

Whether you're after the beach or a bargain, here's when to go to Athens, Greece.

Read full article

Transportation

Tangled streets. Troublesome traffic. Athens can be tricky to navigate. This is how to get around.

Read full article

Free Things to Do

Roam Athens’ ancient streets, then take in cost-free museums, markets and art. Here’s our guide to the best free things to do in Athens.

Read full article

Day Trips

From ancient ruins to beaches a short boat ride away, here are nine ways to escape the bustle of Athens for the day.

Read full article

Traveling with Kids

From wandering ancient sites to catching waves at Kyma Surf School, here's how to see Athens with kids.

Read full article

Accessibility

The Acropolis in Athens is installing a new lift and updating walkways to better accommodate visitors in wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments. 

Read full article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Athens

Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.

Athens and beyond

View all