Athens

Athens city breaks

Greece’s capital, Athens, is the beating heart of Ancient Greece. Be stunned by world-renowned sights such as the Acropolis and follow the trail of myths and legends who once called this place home. Today, clean, modern neighbourhoods meet time-worn treasures to showcase a city like no other. If you follow the Grand Promenade from the Acropolis to Plaka, you’ll get to uncover all the city’s historical highlights. The best part? Everything’s within walking distance.
The most beautiful backdrop

The most beautiful backdrop

From far and wide, you can admire the ancient Acropolis which watches over the city from a huge limestone hill. Drenched in Greek sunshine during the day or lit up at night, the views are out of this world. Team this with distant sea vistas of the glittering Aegean, and what more could you want?

Not-to-be-missed nightlife

Not-to-be-missed nightlife

Athens boasts an abundance of rooftop cocktail bars, so whether it’s sweet sundowners you’re after or live DJ sets until the early hours, it has it all. Monastiraki and Psiri are your best bets for superclubs while Plaka is more about chilled-out, open-air tavernas where you can reflect on the day’s adventures over a pint of something ice-cold.

Go history hunting

Go history hunting

Begin at the Acropolis where you’ll see the world-famous Parthenon ruins and get to visit the museum which houses hundreds of ancient treasures. Tick off impressive temples, grand squares and iconic sporting grounds along the way and you’ve got yourself a pretty busy day. Compile your sightseeing bucket list, throw on some comfy shoes, then get exploring!

Pallas Athena Grecotel Boutique Hotel
Jet2CityBreaks
from
£297pp
Based on
  • Manchester, Thu 12 Dec 2024
  • 3 Nights, Bed and Breakfast
  • 2 Adults, 0 Children

Pallas Athena Grecotel Boutique Hotel

Athens, Athens

Our rating

Based on 1362 reviews

  • Contemporary boutique hotel
  • Individual rooms full of character
  • Omonia area
  • 1.7km from Acropolis of Athens
  • Certified Sustainable Hotel
Moxy Athens City
Jet2CityBreaks
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£282pp
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  • Manchester, Thu 12 Dec 2024
  • 3 Nights, Bed and Breakfast
  • 2 Adults, 0 Children

Moxy Athens City

Athens, Athens

Our rating

Based on 9 reviews

  • 1.2km from Syntagma Square
  • 1.7km from Acropolis of Athens
  • Cool + colourful
NYX Esperia Palace Hotel
Jet2CityBreaks
from
£433pp
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  • Birmingham, Thu 13 Feb 2025
  • 3 Nights, Bed and Breakfast
  • 2 Adults, 0 Children

NYX Esperia Palace Hotel

Athens, Athens

Our rating

Based on 87 reviews

  • Modern décor
  • Rooftop bar and pool
  • Relaxing spa
  • 450m from Syntagma Square
  • Certified Sustainable Hotel
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Acropolis

Acropolis

Athens

If you see only one thing in Athens, make it the UNESCO-listed ancient Acropolis. This fortified citadel sits atop a limestone hill in the centre of the city. Here, you’ll find the world-famous Parthenon...
Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus

Athens

This limestone hill, just north of the city, is Athens’ highest peak. Head up Mount Lycabettus and you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views. To reach its summit, you can follow the circular...
Parthenon

Parthenon

Athens

This former temple dominates the Acropolis in Athens’ centre. Its construction dates back to around 447 BC where it was dedicated to the goddess of Athena, patron of the city. Today, you can explore this...

Language

Greek

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+2hrs

Local beer

£4.30

One way local transport

£1

Meal for two

£42.80

Kolonaki
Shop ‘til you drop in Kolonaki, one of the capital’s top spots for retail therapy. It’s a popular neighbourhood for the well-heeled folk of Athens thanks to its many designer boutiques, swanky café-bars and fine-dining restaurants. Its main shopping street is Voukourestiou which specialises in silverware and jewellery. It’s just north of the city and a few stops away on the Metro.
Monastiraki
Centred around a bustling square, the Monastiraki neighbourhood is one of Athens’ most popular. It’s a loved meeting place for locals to catch up over a coffee, before hitting nearby bars and souvlaki joints. It’s also home to Athens’ famous flea market and a handful of intricate churches alongside the awesome ancient Agora. Stay in this area and you’ll be just a few minutes’ walk from all the top sights!
Plaka
Bougainvillea-blanketed Plaka sits in the shadows of the amazing Acropolis and is Athens’ oldest neighbourhood. Its winding maze of pedestrianised streets has a unique village feel, with tiny shops selling handmade ceramics and ice cream parlours serving up the perfect remedy on a hot day. With the Acropolis just to the east, you couldn’t be better placed.
Psiri
If you’re looking for somewhere lively, Psiri should be top of your list. You’ll find it just north-west of the city, where swish restaurants and bars mix with trendy industrial warehouse conversions and modern workshops. Its narrow streets are a hive of activity after dark, so it’s just perfect for the night owls.
Syntagma Square
It doesn’t get much more central than Syntagma Square, so if you like to be right at the heart of the action, it’s the place for you. Within walking distance, you’ll have the National Garden, the Greek Parliament building and the areas of Monastiraki and Plaka. Plus, from here, you can watch the changing of the ceremonial guards which takes place daily. It’s a real spectacle!
Sightseeing
A visit to the Acropolis is an absolute must. Not only is it the city’s crowning glory but it’s also famed the world over. You can admire more relics from Greek times gone by in the National Archaeological Museum where art, jewellery and frescoes are just the start. Or why not escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the National Garden?
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Eating and drinking
Gyros, souvlaki, meze and tzatziki – Greek feasts don’t get much better than this. Street food stalls provide your sightseeing snacks and family-run tavernas are a local’s haunt for all things traditional. There are even quirky places for slabs of cake, like whimsical, sunflower-embellished Little Kook. When it comes to drinks, grab a stool in a rooftop cocktail bar or chic wine cellar and sample top tipples.
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Shopping
Stocking up on unique souvenirs is simple on Adrianou Street where it’s shops and independent boutiques galore. It’s considered one of the oldest shopping streets in the city, so you can expect to find plenty of traditional Greek products like handmade soaps and olive oil. If you’re more into designer names and high-street favourites though, Kolonaki will be your best bet.
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Getting around
The Metro is a handy way to get around the city, but you’ll see so much more on foot. And many of Athens’ main attractions are within easy reach if you’re walking. Buses are cheap and on hand along the main city streets and taxis are also popular, but these can be much more expensive.
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