Millions of visitors come to Athens every year to see the ancient sites like the Parthenon and other temples and ruins atop and around the Acropolis. But monument-hopping isn’t all you get in the bustling Greek capital. Definitely make a point of seeing the historic centre and all of its imposing archaeological wonders, but also make time to explore the city’s array of interesting neighbourhoods, all with their own personality and unique offerings. Athens is also home to some stellar museums, great food, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many festivals worth checking out depending on when you visit. If Athens is on your must-visit list, here’s a rundown of everything you need to know before you go and once you arrive.
Getting to and from ATH [Athens International Airport]
Metro
Route: The easiest and fastest way to get to the city center is by taking the metro.
Line: Metro Line 3 (Blue Line).
Direction: Travel towards “Monastiraki” or “Syntagma” stations.
Duration: Approximately 40 minutes.
Cost: Around €10 for a one-way ticket.
Ticket Purchase:
Tickets can be bought at the airport metro station.
Ensure to validate your ticket before boarding.
Public Bus
Route: Several bus lines connect the airport to the city center.
Bus Line X95: Direct to Syntagma Square, which is a central point in Athens.
Duration: Approximately 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Cost: Around €6 for a one-way ticket.
Ticket Purchase:
Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at the airport bus station or from the driver.
Taxi
Route: Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport.
Cost: The fare to the city center is approximately €38-€55 during the day (05:00-24:00) and slightly higher during nighttime (24:00-05:00).
Duration: Around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Booking: Taxis can be found at the designated taxi queue outside the arrivals terminal.
Make sure the meter is running, or confirm the fare before starting your journey.
Additional Tips:
Metro is usually the fastest and most cost-effective option.
Bus offers a direct route and is economical but may be slower due to traffic.
Taxi provides convenience, especially if you have heavy luggage or are traveling in a group, but it is the most expensive option.
Getting around Athens
Getting around Athens is quite convenient with various transportation options. Here’s a comprehensive guide to using metro, buses, and taxi apps in the city:
Metro Overview:
Lines: Athens Metro consists of three lines:
Line 1 (Green Line): Connects Piraeus to Kifisia.
Line 2 (Red Line): Connects Elliniko to Anthoupoli.
Line 3 (Blue Line): Connects the airport and Doukissis Plakentias to Agia Marina.
Frequency: Trains run frequently, usually every 5-10 minutes.
Operating Hours: Generally from 05:30 to 00:30 (midnight), with extended hours on weekends.
Tickets:
Purchase: Tickets can be bought from ticket machines or counters at metro stations.
Cost: A single journey ticket is about €1.40, while a 90-minute ticket that covers metro, buses, and trams is €2.00.
Public Buses Overview:
Network: Athens has an extensive network of buses covering all major areas of the city.
Frequency: Buses run frequently, especially on major routes.
Operating Hours: Most buses operate from early morning until late at night, though some lines may have reduced service in the evenings.
Tickets:
Purchase: Tickets can be bought from kiosks, metro stations, or directly from the driver.
Cost: A single bus ticket is approximately €1.40. The 90-minute ticket also covers buses, trams, and metro and costs €2.00.
Routes:
Information: Bus routes and schedules can be checked on the official website of the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) or through various mobile apps.
Taxi Apps Overview:
Taxi Services: Taxis are readily available in Athens, and several apps can help you book them easily.
Popular Taxi Apps:
Beat: A popular app for hailing taxis. It allows you to book rides, see fare estimates, and track your driver.
Taxiplon: Another reliable app that offers similar services, including ride tracking and fare estimates.
Uber: Available in Athens, although it operates differently than traditional taxis and may only offer certain types of rides.
Cost:
Taxi Fare: Taxis in Athens have a starting fare of about €3.50, with an additional cost per kilometer and extra charges for luggage and nighttime rides.
Trams Overview:
Network: Athens has a tram network connecting the city center to the southern coastal areas.
Operating Hours: Generally from 05:30 to 00:30 (midnight).
Tickets:
Purchase: Tickets can be bought at tram stops or from kiosks.
Cost: A single tram ticket is approximately €1.40, or €2.00 for the 90-minute multi-use ticket.
Cycling and Walking
Bikes: Athens has some bike lanes and bike-sharing services like “BikeLane” that offer an alternative way to explore the city.
Walking: Many of Athens’ main attractions are within walking distance of each other in the city center.
Additional Tips:
Smartphone Apps: Using apps like Google Maps or Citymapper can help you navigate the public transport system effectively.
Language: While many signs and information are in English, knowing a few Greek phrases can be helpful.
Safety: Athens is generally safe for tourists, but always be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
If you like walking, much of what you’ll want to see is in Athens’ city center, making getting around on foot an easy option for hitting major sites. In particular, a large section of the city’s historic center has been converted into a three-kilometer pedestrian zone, which takes you to many of the must-see archaeological sites.
Things to do in Athens
Start with the historical center of Athens because you can’t come to Athens without seeing its major archaeological sites. Well, you can, but that would be a shame. The Acropolis and surrounding sites are all easy to see on foot and you can actually walk an entire circuit of the Acropolis and ancient Agora via that pedestrian zone we mentioned. From there, on and around the Acropolis you’ll see the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the ancient Theatre of Dionysos, and, once you reach the summit of the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena Nike, the awe-inspiring Parthenon, as well as the gorgeous views over the city. You’ll want to start this journey either very early (by 8 am) or after 5 pm to avoid the crowds.
Don’t miss a visit to the architecturally stunning Acropolis Museum. As you walk in, don’t forget to look down. Below your feet, you’ll see a plexiglass floor through which are the ruins of an ancient Athenian neighbourhood. Three floors are home to numerous ancient statutes and Greek antiquities.
If you need a few more museums to add to your itinerary, several worthwhile culture-hopping stops include the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, and the Benaki Museum, all of which can be found in the upmarket Kolonaki neighbourhood.
Take a break from history and culture with a wander through the winding streets of Pláka, the oldest district in Athens. Here you’ll find tons of bars, cafés, and restaurants along with the chance to do some shopping.
Athens is also home to many festivals, many of which take place in the summer. One of the most popular is the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, which takes place from the beginning of June through the end of August. The world-famous cultural event combines music, dance, opera, and theatre. Another great option for festival-goers is the Athens Open Air Film Festival, which takes place from June to September. Films are screened all summer in historical sites across the city and best of all, entrance is free.
Athens on the big screen
Athens has served as a captivating backdrop for various films over the years, showcasing its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Here are some notable movies that feature Athens or use it as a setting:
1. The Bourne Identity (2002)
Director: Doug Liman
Plot: This action thriller, starring Matt Damon as Jason Bourne, includes a thrilling sequence set in Athens. The city’s streets and landmarks are showcased during a high-stakes chase scene.
2. Before Midnight (2013)
Director: Richard Linklater
Plot: The third film in the “Before” trilogy, starring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, is set in the picturesque Peloponnese region of Greece. While not in Athens specifically, the film captures the essence of Greek landscapes and culture.
3. The Lost City of Z (2016)
Director: James Gray
Plot: Based on the true story of explorer Percy Fawcett, the film includes scenes set in various locations. Athens appears briefly, reflecting its role as a point of interest in the journey.
4. My Life in Ruins (2009)
Director: Donald Petrie
Plot: A romantic comedy starring Nia Vardalos, set around Greece, including Athens. The film showcases various Greek landmarks and explores the cultural heritage of Athens.
5. Skyfall (2012)
Director: Sam Mendes
Plot: James Bond’s adventure includes a brief but impactful sequence set in Athens. The city provides a dramatic backdrop to some key scenes in the film.
6. The Athens Murders (1965)
Director: Phaedon Georgitsis
Plot: This crime thriller focuses on a series of murders taking place in Athens. The film highlights various parts of the city as part of its investigation narrative.
7. The Big Blue (1988)
Director: Luc Besson
Plot: While primarily set in the Mediterranean, this film showcases some of Athens’ coastal beauty and reflects its vibrant maritime culture.
8. Mamma Mia! (2008)
Director: Phyllida Lloyd
Plot: Although most of the film is set on a fictional Greek island, some of the locations used for the film, including Athens, help convey the picturesque and idyllic setting.
9. Zorba the Greek (1964)
Director: Michael Cacoyannis
Plot: Based on the novel by Nikos Kazantzakis, the film is more focused on Crete, but Athens serves as a backdrop for some scenes, reflecting Greek culture and history.
10. A Touch of Spice (2003)
Director: Tassos Boulmetis
Plot: This Greek film tells the story of a Greek family living in Istanbul and their connections to Athens. It highlights both the city’s cultural essence and its importance in Greek heritage.
These films offer a glimpse into Athens’ role in cinema, showcasing its diverse landscapes, historical significance, and cultural vibrancy
Athens in books
Athens, with its rich history and vibrant culture, has been featured in numerous books spanning various genres. Here are some notable books that either focus on Athens or use it as a significant setting:
Historical and Non-Fiction
“The Rise and Fall of Athens: Nine Greek Lives” by Paul Cartledge
Overview: This book provides a comprehensive history of Athens through the lives of nine notable figures, offering insights into the city’s political, cultural, and social development.
“Athens: A History” by Michael Llewellyn-Smith
Overview: This historical account explores the development of Athens from ancient times to the modern era, covering its evolution and significance throughout history.
“The Parthenon: The Story of the World’s Most Iconic Building” by Mary Beard
Overview: Mary Beard’s book delves into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the Parthenon, an essential symbol of Athens.
“Athens: City of Wisdom and Beauty” by Michael P. Frank
Overview: A detailed exploration of Athens’ rich historical and cultural legacy, highlighting its contributions to philosophy, art, and architecture.
Fiction
“The Last of the Wine” by Mary Renault
Overview: Set in ancient Athens, this historical novel follows the life of a young Athenian during the Peloponnesian War. Renault’s novel vividly depicts the cultural and political atmosphere of Athens.
“The Athenian Murders” by José Carlos Somoza
Overview: A mystery novel set in ancient Athens, blending elements of historical fiction with a gripping detective story.
“The Greek Escape” by A.L. Becker
Overview: This contemporary novel combines romance and adventure, set against the backdrop of modern Athens and its ancient landmarks.
“Zorba the Greek” by Nikos Kazantzakis
Overview: Though not solely set in Athens, Kazantzakis’s novel features Greek culture and philosophy, with Athens playing a role in the broader context of Greek life and traditions.
“Murder in the Metropolis” by Patricia Hall
Overview: A modern mystery novel featuring Athens, offering a blend of suspense and cultural exploration.
Travel and Culture
“Rick Steves’ Athens” by Rick Steves
Overview: A travel guide that provides practical tips and cultural insights for exploring Athens, including recommendations for sightseeing and local experiences.
“Athens: The City and Its Past” by Alan P. Lloyd
Overview: This book offers a detailed account of Athens’ historical and cultural development, providing context for understanding the city’s past and present.
“The Rough Guide to Athens” by Rough Guides
Overview: A comprehensive travel guide covering everything from major landmarks to practical travel tips, with a focus on experiencing Athens like a local.
Classic Literature
“Euripides’ Plays” (Various)
Overview: Plays by the ancient playwright Euripides, many of which were first performed in Athens, offer insights into the city’s cultural and dramatic traditions.
“Plato’s Dialogues” (Various)
Overview: Works by the philosopher Plato, set in Athens, explore philosophical ideas and discussions that shaped Athenian intellectual life.
These books provide a wide range of perspectives on Athens, from its historical and cultural significance to its portrayal in fiction and travel literature. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, modern culture, or literary settings, Athens offers a rich backdrop for exploration through these texts.
