A for Athens, it is also the name of one of the most popular rooftop bars in this historic capital city. Whilst the allure of the Greek islands is why many tourists end up here, it should not be overlooked it’s a destination in its own right.
Named after the God of Wisdom Athena, this is the oldest capital city in Europe and where democracy was born. A is also for it’s famous ancient landmark of the Acropolis and where philosopher Aristotle wrote many of his works. But you don’t need to be a history buff or into mythology to enjoy this city, with it’s picturesque villages, fairy-tale cafes and some of the most incredible rooftop bars, it has something for everyone.
Discover Athens: Where to stay and what to do
Should I stop in Athens on my way to the Greek islands?
The short answer is yes. If you are using Athens to fly in and out of internationally then book a night either side. The winds around the islands are notorious for cancelling ferries and flights, so to meet connections it’s wise to as a practical reason. But that’s not the only reason. This capital city is so full of rich culture and the rooftop bars are incredible that it’s almost a crime to skip past it.
How far is the airport from Athens centre?
Athens airport is a 40 minute taxi ride away from the city centre, for as many euros. The metro was just 9Euros if you are heading straight to the centre (Monastiraki). The M3 line takes you direct but depending on where you are staying you may need to change and it takes deceptively longer than google tells you!
I got a taxi from the airport as we were tight on time for dinner plans but going back to to the airport decided the metro was more economical especially as it seemed quite simple. It was not so simple.
My metro station didn’t have a lift and I had a giant suitcase, the metro was slow. It took us nearly 2 hours and nearly missed our flight along with a lot of other people who had made the same mistake. So if you get the metro – allow heaps of time. Or there is an even cheaper and slower option – to bus it! More on that and the options here.
How long should I stay in Athens?
The million dollar question if you are passing through versus a destination is how long to stay in Athens. I was passing through at the end of our trip to the Greek Islands and we did a couple of nights. That was enough for me! I wonder if the stark contrast of this busy city from the serenity of the islands was too much. If I was to recommend exploring Athens then I would go before the islands and I feel it would a better experience. Otherwise I would say that it is the perfect place for a long weekend in its own right.
Where should I stay in Athens?
Athens city is actually pretty small but it is popular. I happened to be going the same time as a big concert so any affordable, decent accommodation was limited. I stayed at Wyndham Grand opposite it’s sister hotel and by a metro so it seemed ok. It wasn’t great. We had problems with the hotel and the area wasn’t advised at night on foot. So whilst I can’t recommend accommodation names I would advise not staying in this area – just a short walk away we saw people with needles on the street and just didn’t feel that safe – mid morning! But if you have budget then I would have loved to have stayed at The Dolli.
What is there to do in Athens?
Visit the Acropolis
Can you even come to Athens and not see this memorising site? The Acropolis, meaning “high city,” stands majestically above Athens and is an essential stop for any visitor to the city. Initially constructed as a fortress, it is also referred as the sacred rock of Athens. However, the most sacred area within is undoubtedly the Erechtheion, so for my spiritually inclined readers, be sure to prioritize that area.
As this is the most popular attraction to see, in 2023 a cap had to be put in place at 20,000 people per day! So this means one thing. Book ahead and get there early. Though turned out you can be too early to book! I was trying to book for June in March and the skip the line basic tickets weren’t avaiable yet. It was super confusing as some agents had some tickets that were more experience others had nothing! So it wasn’t clear if those type of tickets weren’t available yet or ever! (and yes I emailed… bounced back!)
I ended up booking through Get Your Guide and went for a super early slot. Whilst that was punishing getting up early, it was so worth it. It was already super busy and just 45 minutes later it was rammed! I was a bit baffled by was how fast it was to climb up. Only about 15minutues. But I didn’t stop on the way up, I wanted to get up then leisurely wander back to take the photos.
If you are a theatre lover then make your way to the remains of Dionysus Theatre. Built in the 6th century BC, was the first theatre where plays were performed, making it a captivating destination for lovers of drama and history alike.
Being a second world geek I was deeply moved by the story of resilience surrounding the Acropolis during the Nazi occupation. The swastika flag was raised atop these ancient ruins and two brave individuals removed it one night. This act symbolized a glimmer of hope for the nation and then more acts like this followed. It is a truly remarkable experience.
You can also climb the Acropolis for sunset, which I heard was stunning, however I prefer my sunsets looking at the sites, with a good glass of Greek wine!
Visit the Acropolis museum
There is also a whole museum where you can learn more and understand the history if you are so inclined. I was more inclined to get a rooftop lunch! But for those interested you can get combined tickets again from Get your Guide.
Wander through Plaka
Plaka, the oldest neighbourhood in Athens full of cafe’s culture and no cars! This is where I knew my need for snow globes would be fulfilled! Lots of pottering shops and tourist tat! Perfect!
Eat Greek Food
This is true of anywhere in Greece but if this is your first time then choose between Greek salads to traditional moussaka. One speciality can be found at Stani and that is traditional Greek yogurt dating back to 1931.
Watch a concert at Kalimerio stadium
Sports fans will know the first Olympia games were in Athens in 1896 but as I am not a sports fan I admired it from afar – from a rooftop bar of course! It is now also home to concerts – certainly an impressive venue.
Archaeological Site of the Lyceum of Aristotle
If you are a philosophy fan then this is place is for you. There isn’t actually much to see but if you admire the great philosopher then this is where he once taught, so one to stop by.
Climb (or get the funicle) to the top of Lycabettus Hill
Don’t be fooled that getting the funicle will save you steps. Just getting to the funicle was all the steps – google maps did not make this clear at all. There were hundreds and it was almost 40 degrees!
Happily there are some cute bars on route if you need a rest but it was so far that I don’t know how anyone would then climb the hill! Maybe when the weather is cooler. If I had to go again, I would get a taxi!
The funicle runs every half hour – you arrive, pay and queue and then enter what feels like a weird tube carriage and stay in the dark as you slowly are taken up! Or you can walk!
At the top there is a chapel, restaurant and the most incredible views over the city. It really was worth all the steps for that moment.
I had booked the restaurant, Orizontes Lycabettus for dinner but seeing it and reading so many bad reviews I decided not to bother. There is also a Sky Bar but was packed as then that is all there is to see! So you want to go early so you can zip up, get a drink with a view and get back without hours of queuing.
Have coffee at Little Kook or Fairytale cafe
Little Kook café might be one of the weirdest places I have been when not in Disneyland. The theme turns over regularly – for my visit it was Snow White and the the dwarfs of course. Including Prince Charming’s wandering around who were a lot of fun for a photo.
There is also a all year round Christmas shop for your Santa wannabe’s. If you have children or an Instagram this is place should not be missed. Wander through it’s street, sip a coffee or dive into one of their cakes.
Fairytale café seemed pretty tame and understated in comparison! One for the girlies with its perfect pink décor and matching cakes and unicorn themed lattes!
Visit Green Park
Set further north (opposite a rather amazing rooftop bar!), here you will find café culture, Statue of Athena, Alsos Theatre and outdoor cinema at this park.
Rooftop Restaurants and Bars in Athens
This city is awash with rooftop bars and restaurants to choose from and it would sacrilege to not have one meal with the stunning Acropolis view! I obviously had a few and a lot of drinks, all in research purposes! For my full list click here but notably my favourite meal was at Stork Rooftop and Hyper Astro for sunset drinks.
Final thoughts on Athens
One of the most famous cities in the world, that I had longed to go to for so long but I did find it a bit of a disappointment. It was much busier, dirtier and I didn’t feel as safe as I was expecting. That said I do think coming from the idyllic islands totally spoilt me. Maybe if I had come in from London the contrast wouldn’t have been so big. However, I still highly recommend a visit to anyone. It is an incredible ancient city filled with so many stories and culture and thankfully the rooftop bars were everything I had hoped for. So cheers to them!