The Caryatids - Acropolis, Athens
Athens is a well-rewarding destination for those who plan their trip well.
In just 1, 2, or 3 days (more is better of course!), Athens offers an unforgettable blend of history, vibrant street life, and delicious Greek food. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, beach goer, or an art lover, Athens truly has it all — for those who plan their layover well. Before or after heading to Ikaria or other the Greek islands, use our tips to design an amazing itinerary in Athens.
Airport tip! - If you have a very tight layover in Athens, the only hotel at the airport is the Sofitel Athens Airport hotel. Hopefully you’ll have more time to venture into Athens, though.
Travel to the center of Athens by taxi. You can also book a taxi through Uber. There is a fixed fee from the airport. There are public buses and trains from the airport too, but Beware of professional pick pockets on public transportation.
Key Tip 1 - Stay in One of these Athens Hotels or Apartments:
To do Athens in a quick layover, stay in one of the wonderful hotels listed below (book ahead as they sell out in high season!). This way, you’ll base yourself in the center, close to the Acropolis, the Plaka, the Greek and Roman Agoras and amidst Athens’ great restaurants and shops.
Electra Palace Hotel
The Electra Palace Hotel is right in the center of Athens, yet has a rooftop pool and offers a high level of quality and service.
The Herodion Hotel in Athens is steps from the Acropolis, in a lovely Athenian area that’s a bit removed from the touristy trinket streets. The hotel has an amazing rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking the Acropolis.
The IPELHOME in the Plaka area offers boutique apartments right in the heart of the Plaka area.
A special neighborhood: If you prefer to experience a lovely Athenian neighborhood walking distance to the center, stay in Kolonaki! Book the 20nty apartment. It has 3 bedrooms, is near local restaurants and steps from people watching in Kolonaki square. You can walk up Lykavitos Hill and enjoy panoramic views across the whole city.
Changing of the Guard, Parliament, Athens
Key Tip 2 - Book a Tour
Tour Athens’ Ancient and Modern Sites
Athens is bubbling all over with ancient temples, walls and other fragments of ruins. The stones don’t speak for themselves, though. Taking one or more tours is an excellent way to pack a lot of culture into your visit. A walking tour is priceless in Athens for learning about the city’s ancient and modern history. Many of the tours are given by trained archaeologists, and many sell out for good reason. Definitely book ahead. Here are some great ones:
Acropolis monuments & Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis Museum (4 hours)
*To Visit the Acropolis book your tickets ahead of time and go early in the morning, if traveling during the high heat of summer on your own.
You can book Acropolis tickets direct here (tickets are available a few months ahead), and tickets for the Acropolis Museum here.
Do a Foodie Tour
Why eat just one Greek dish, when you can indulge in many? Athens’ food tours take you to places locals go, and give you a deeper taste into local cuisine and food culture. Since so much of Greek culture is tied to its healthy Mediterranean diet, you’ll undoubtedly learn a lot about life and living on such a tour. Food tours have become my favorite kind of tour, because I always learn things about a city that I wouldn’t have even known to ask about. The Great Food Walking Tour in Athens has high ratings and sells out.
Key Tip 3 - Indulge in Athens’ Artistic and Night Life
Athens has an amazing street art culture and lots to choose from in its nightlife, which often starts late and goes well into the morning. Check out the neighborhoods of Gazi and Psiri. Also check out the city’s traditional Rebetiko music venues, and its street art.
Key Tip 4 - Take a Tour to Delphi and/ or Meteora
Delphi and Meteora are two UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece that are exceptional to visit. They resemble nowhere else in the world. Both have a spiritual and universal quality to them. If you only have one day to see Delphi or Meteora, then choose one and join a tour that departs and returns to Athens. If you can do a combination tour, all the better. These places you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Hop on a day tour from Athens to Delphi! Check out the popular Delphi, Thermopylae, Corycian Cave 300 Spartans Tour, which often sells out.
Delphi is an incredible ancient Greek city, famous for its archaeological site and its role as the center of the world in Greek mythology. It was home to the Oracle of Delphi, where the priestess Pythia was believed to deliver prophecies from the god Apollo.
We love Delphi so much that we wrote an ebook (available on Amazon) to showcases hikes around Delphi: “Hiking Around Delphi: The Navel of the Earth”. Not too many people know these hikes and they are absolutely divine!
Combine Delphi with a visit to Meteora! Meteora is one of the places in Greece that can spark a truly transformative experience. The name "Meteora" means "suspended in the air," which reflects the breathtaking monasteries perched atop towering rock pillars. These monasteries were built by Eastern Orthodox monks starting in the 14th century, seeking solitude and spiritual enlightenment.
Key Tip 5 - If you aren’t a city person, head to the “Athens Riviera” instead
The Athens Riviera is where Athenians go to experience the finer side of dining, beach fun and a gorgeous coastline. It’s easy to reach by taxi from Athens airport or Piraeus port. I often stay in this area during July or August and enjoy the slice of luxury that this area has to offer. If Athens is experiencing a heat wave, choosing to stay in this area is a smart choice!
The EverEden Beach Resort Hotel (in Saronida) is an amazing find. It has a path to the beach and a dedicated hotel seaside area with crystal clear waters, outdoor restaurant and bar. The hotel’s infinity pool and sushi restaurant are divine. The breakfast buffet will nourish you up for a pre-flight day.
Upscale hotels and Apartment in Vouliagmeni offer a special taste of refinement and luxury.
Also check out the Grand Resort Lagonissi for a mini vacation all of its own!
While in this area, visit the Poseidon’s Temple, sail along the coast, visit beaches, and also go to the famous Vouliagmeni Lake.
If you ever wanted to sail on a catamaran, check out the sailing tour to the Athens Riveria below that leaves from Marina Alimos port — a short taxi ride from the center of Athens. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is located close by
