Athens Tripadvisor (2024)

FAQs

Is 3 days in Athens too much? ›

“How many days in Athens” is a tricky question. There's certainly enough to do in Athens to keep you occupied for weeks, but if you're only interested in seeing the highlights, two to three days are likely enough.

How many days in Athens should you spend the first time you visit Athens? Around 3-4 days is the perfect amount for first-timers and this detailed guide covers all the essential Athens sites. Here's how to see the major sights in central Athens, the most important ancient sites, and the must-see museums.

Peak season is summer, when Athens is packed with tourists, and hotel prices can be high. July and August are the hottest. The best time to visit is late spring (May) and fall (Sept–Oct). It's pleasant, with comfortable weather, no rain, and smaller crowds (except during holiday weekends).

Yes, Athens is worth visiting. It is an incredible city that if full of vibrant culture, thousands of years of history, delicious food, and best of all- wonderful and friendly people. Most people that visit other destinations in Greece, such as Santorini or the Greek Islands, will do so by way of the Athens airport.

Standard Visit (2-3 hours): For a more comprehensive experience, including exploring the interior of some of the monuments and taking your time to appreciate the history and architecture, plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours at the Acropolis.

Santorini is best known as a romantic island with one-of-a-kind views, whereas Mykonos is more about sandy beaches and spirited partying. Depending on the vibe you seek, both islands suit holidays à deux. Solo travellers and groups of friends will also find both appealing, though Mykonos offers more in terms of edge.

On Saturdays, the shops close at 6pm. Usually, the smaller and more traditional shops in Athens close at lunch time, from approximately 2:30pm to 5:30pm. On Sundays, shops are normally closed in Athens, except for the souvenir stores like Adrianou, Mitropoleos, Pandrosou, among others.

November to March is the rainiest time in Greece. Up to 2.4 inches (60mm) falls in December, the wettest month, which could see 11 days on which it rains. On higher ground, in the mountains to the north and even in Crete, precipitation may fall as snow.

Santorini's popularity puts it near the top of many travelers' lists of where to go in Greece for the first time. Chances are, you've seen the island's whitewashed cliffs more than a few times on your Instagram feed.

Athens is one of the most walkable cities in Greece, and similar to most European cities, the best way to see the sites of Athens is on foot. You may see "more" by hopping around to the most famous sites, via car or subway, but you'll miss out on immersing yourself in the city and its unique culture.

What is the most important thing to Athens? ›

The Acropolis, which I'd consider the main tourist attraction in Athens, is a must-visit. The citadel contains several ancient buildings, most notably the Parthenon.

Athens has been ranked the cheapest location for a city break on the continent, ahead of traditional budget-friendly eastern European destinations. Analysis of a dozen typical tourist costs for UK visitors in 20 popular cities by Post Office Travel Money found prices in the Greek capital have fallen by 15% since 2021.

How many days you need in Athens depends, naturally, on what you want to do. I would say that you need 3-4 days to discover the most crucial parts of Athens without stressing too much.

How Many Days in Athens? I would budget two full days in Athens to see the sights and two more days to explore around the city as day trips or side trips for four days total. I think four days in Athens is the perfect amount to see the city and nearby sights as well.

With four days, you can spend a day and a half at the capital's famous sights, spend an afternoon wandering its neighborhoods, and still have time time to explore the beaches and ancient ruins of the Athenian coastline for a day or two.

You might be questioning whether 2 days is enough time in Athens. I think 2 days is a great way to introduce yourself to the city, get a feel for it, and maybe even visit the surrounding area; which is exactly what this itinerary will do for you.