Greece

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Athens

Ancient stones, modern pulse

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Athens Plan a trip around Greece

Best time to visit: Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Currency: EUR
Time zone: UTC+2
Country: Greece

Photo: A.Savin, CC BY-SA 3.0

Athens is the capital of Greece and one of the world's oldest cities, where classical monuments like the Acropolis sit beside a lively modern metropolis. Visitors come for the archaeology, museums, food and nightlife, and as a gateway to the Greek islands.

Largest cities

Athens
Thessaloniki
Patras
Heraklion
Larissa

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Greece
Capital: Athens
City population: 643,452
Population of Greece: 10.5M
Country area: 131,957 km²
Official language
Currency: Euro (EUR) · 1 USD ≈ 0.8926 EUR
Time zone: UTC+2
Calling code: +30
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 92 m
Plugs: C / F · 230V
Emergency numbers: 112 · 166 · 100 · 199
Best time to visit: Apr, May, Sep, Oct

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	13°	13°	16°	20°	25°	31°	35°	33°	29°	23°	19°	15°
Low	6°	6°	8°	11°	16°	21°	24°	23°	19°	15°	12°	8°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$48
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$112
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$280

Plan a trip to Athens

Top things to do

≈ $22
Acropolis and Parthenon
Walk up the sacred rock to the Parthenon and enjoy sweeping views over the city; go early to avoid heat and crowds.
- Half day
- Central Athens
- Good for kids
≈ $12
Acropolis Museum
See the sculptures and finds from the Acropolis in a modern glass building with a view of the ruins; the ground-floor excavation is visible under glass.
- Half day
- Central Athens
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $10
Ancient Agora
Stroll the ruins of the ancient marketplace and the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus; the site is shady in parts and quieter than the Acropolis.
- Half day
- Central Athens
- Good for kids
≈ $12
National Archaeological Museum
Explore the world's largest collection of ancient Greek antiquities, from the Mask of Agamemnon to bronze statues; allow at least two hours.
- Half day
- Central Athens
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Plaka and Anafiotika walk
Wander the neoclassical lanes and the island-style Anafiotika quarter under the Acropolis; stop for a drink in a shaded square.
- Half day
- Plaka
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Syntagma Square and Changing of the Guard
Watch the Evzones in their ceremonial uniforms at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; the changing happens hourly and is free.
- Half day
- Central Athens
- Good for kids
Free
Piraeus port and marina
See the busy ferry port and the Zea Marina, with seafood tavernas along the water; it is a short metro ride from the centre.
- Half day
- Piraeus
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $10
Cape Sounion day trip
Travel along the coast to the Temple of Poseidon perched above the sea; the sunset from the headland is the highlight, so check bus times.
- Full day
- South Athens
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Greece is in the Schengen area, so many visitors from the Gulf, India, Spain and Latin America can enter visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, while others need a Schengen visa applied for in advance; check your nationality's rules before booking. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being introduced, and travellers may need to register fingerprints and a photo at the border, with no fee. Always confirm current requirements with the Greek embassy or consulate and the official EU travel site.

Official website

From the airport

Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is the main gateway, about 20 km east of the centre. The metro Line 3 and the suburban railway run to Syntagma and Monastiraki in roughly 40 minutes, while taxis take 30–50 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting around

The metro, tram, trolleybus and buses cover the centre and coast, with a single ticket valid across modes for 90 minutes.

Local tips

Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries; shoulders and knees covered.
Carry some cash for small tavernas, kiosks and taxis, though cards are widely accepted.
Tap water is safe to drink in Athens; refill a bottle to cut plastic waste.
Summer heat can be intense, so sightsee early, use sunscreen and stay hydrated; spring and autumn are milder.