Athens

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Acropolis, Greece - May 2025.

Marco Argüello for Lonely Planet

Why visit 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.

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Dreams of Greece: 12 Days in Athens and the Cycladic Islands

highlights

  1. 1 Adventuring through antiquity on a guided visit to the relics and ruins of the Acropolis
  2. 2 Cruising on a catamaran to the saturated blue waters of Galazia Nera
  3. 3 Witnessing an ethereal Naxos sunset from the iconic Portara gate
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Top places to visit in Athens

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

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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

Piraeus is the largest Mediterranean port in terms of passenger traffic and commercial activity, and most of Athens' visitors simply consider it a transit…

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Best Time to Visit

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

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Things to Know

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

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Transportation

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

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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.

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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.

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Money and Costs

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.

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Traveling with Kids

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

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5 Shops

Spoiled for choice – that's likely how you'll feel with a mere day in Athens. The Greek capital is brimming with grand sights, celebrated cuisine and…

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Accessibility

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

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