Athens

Why Athens

Athens hits differently when you're standing on the Acropolis and realize you're looking at 2,500-year-old columns that literally shaped Western civilization. But the city isn't a museum — Plaka's winding alleys are packed with tavernas serving grilled octopus and cheap retsina, Psyrri has an art and nightlife scene that rivals Berlin's, and Exarchia's anarchist cafes give the city an edge you won't find in most European capitals. Athens is also the gateway to the Greek islands, making it a perfect first stop before hopping a ferry to Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete.

Top Experiences

• Acropolis Skip-the-Line Tour — The Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike with a guide who makes ancient history feel immediate. Skip-the-line saves at least an hour in peak season.
• Athens Food Tour in Plaka & Central Market — Taste your way through olives, feta, souvlaki, loukoumades, and local wines in the oldest neighborhood in Athens.
• Aegina Island Day Trip — A 40-minute ferry from Piraeus to a quiet island with pistachio groves, Byzantine churches, and a Temple of Aphaia that predates the Parthenon.

Where to Stay

Plaka is the classic choice — charming, walkable, and right below the Acropolis. Hotels run $70-130/night. Monastiraki is cheaper and more central with great rooftop bars. Koukaki is the local's pick — quiet residential streets, excellent restaurants, and a 10-minute walk to the Acropolis at $50-80/night. Avoid Omonia unless you're on a tight budget.

Flight Tips

Fly into Athens International Airport (ATH). Direct flights from NYC and Philadelphia operate seasonally (May-October). Year-round connections through major European hubs. Book 5-7 weeks ahead for the best prices. Late April through June and September-October are ideal — warm but not the 40°C heat of July-August.