Athens
Athens is one of the cheapest capitals in the EU and it shows in the best way — €2 gyros on every corner, €4 for a big Greek salad, and you can eat like royalty for under €15 per person. The historic center is compact and walkable, with the Acropolis visible from basically everywhere. Plaka is touristy but still charming, Monastiraki has the flea market and great street food, and Psyrrí/Exárcheia have the edgy street art and nightlife. Summers are brutal — 40°C is not uncommon in July/August — so visit the Acropolis at 8am or suffer. The metro is modern, clean, and €1.20 per ride.
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Athens travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Athens?
2–3 days for Athens itself, plus extra if you want island day trips. Day 1: Acropolis first thing in the morning (€20, buy the €30 combo ticket if you want to see the Ancient Agora and other sites — it's worth it), then walk down through Plaka, lunch in Monastiraki. Day 2: National Archaeological Museum (one of the best in the world, seriously), Psyrrí for street art, rooftop bar at sunset with Acropolis views. Day 3: Cape Sounion for the Temple of Poseidon at sunset, or start your island hopping from Piraeus port.
When is the best time to visit the Acropolis?
Right when it opens at 8am — and this is non-negotiable in summer. By 10am it's a sea of tour groups and the heat is already punishing. The south slope entrance is usually less crowded than the main west entrance. Buy tickets online at etickets.tap.gr to skip the line (€20 single, €30 combo). In spring/fall you have more flexibility, but mornings are still better for photos without crowds. One more thing: wear proper shoes with grip — the marble paths are genuinely slippery, especially when polished by millions of feet.
Can I do a day trip to the Greek islands from Athens?
Yes, but only the Saronic Islands are realistic as day trips. Aegina is the easiest — 40 minutes by ferry from Piraeus (€9–15), has a great temple (Temple of Aphaia), and pistachio everything. Hydra is car-free and gorgeous, about 1.5 hours by fast ferry (€30–40). Poros is another easy option at about 1 hour. For Santorini, Mykonos, or Crete — don't even think about it as a day trip, they're 5–8 hours by regular ferry. You'd need to fly (45 minutes to Santorini, around €50–100 one way) and stay at least one night. Buy ferry tickets on ferries.gr or directferries.com.