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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Athens, Greece, According to Travel Experts Like Rick Steves

The ancient Greek city delivers one memorable vacation.

Cavan Images/Getty Images

There’s not much that hasn’t been written about the perks of visiting Athens, Greece. The ancient city has long been a popular travel destination, thanks to its bountiful historical sites, distinct architecture, and oh-so fantastic food. But just because it’s all been said doesn’t mean it isn’t worth repeating. So, we’ll say it one more time: Athens is, without question, one of the world’s greatest travel destinations, especially for those famed attractions. And we’re not the only ones who share this sentiment. 

“The Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world, is crowned by an architectural masterpiece: the mighty Parthenon,” Rick Steves told Travel + Leisure . “I visit in the cool of the early evening, when the crowds are gone and the setting sun turns the marble golden.”

But Athens' appeal goes far beyond its history lessons. “Athens has a vibe. The restaurants and bars feel intimate, and visitors can either indulge in the city's vibrant nightlife scene or simply go for a stroll at night — the city is second to none during the evening,” Alys Colayera, the lead travel expert for Greece at Black Tomato, shared with T+L. Colayera also called out the city's shopping scene, noting, "The boutique shops have tons of local artisans selling high-quality Greek crafts, jewelry, and clothing.”

Ready to start plotting your own Athens adventure? Here’s how to plan the perfect trip. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Don't miss Greece's most recognizable landmark — the Acropolis. Get there early to experience it with fewer crowds.
• Spend a night at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, T+L readers' favorite hotel in 2023 World's Best Awards.
• Head to Syntagma Square to watch the official changing of the guard every hour on the hour.
• Grab a souvenir or a snack in the famed Plaka neighborhood.
• Order a coffee at Minu, arguably the coolest cafe in Greece, and then sit in its garden or take it to go to explore the antique shops nearby.

Courtesy of The Four Seasons

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Four seasons astir palace hotel athens.

The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens — a T+L reader favorite in 2023 — holds a prime location along the Athens Riviera, providing ocean views while remaining just a short drive from all the city's major attractions. It also sits on 75 private acres, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a bit of solitude. 

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

“My all-time favorite [hotel] is the Grande Bretagne , a landmark right in the heart of the city that celebrates 150 years of history this year,” said Christos Stergiou , a T+L A-List Advisor and founder of TrueTrips . “From its rooftop restaurant to its elegant lobby and rooms, it epitomizes class and culture.” Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this property is consistently a top choice in T+L’s World’s Best Awards, coming in second for our readers’ favorite hotels in Athens in 2023. When only the best accommodations will do, this property ticks all the boxes.

Gatsby Athens

For a truly central stay in the city, there's no better place than the Gatsy Athens . Located right outside the Plaka neighborhood, the property makes for a fantastic home base for those looking to walk just about everywhere in the city. Inside, guests will find a playful space filled with art deco touches and a fantastic food and beverage program. Just don’t miss the guest-only rooftop, which provides spectacular views of the city. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Best Things to Do 

Visit the acropolis..

As Steves alluded to, no trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis . And it’s a sentiment Colayera agrees with. “The Acropolis is the epitome of ancient Greek architecture and a symbol of Athens. It houses several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon,” said Colayera. The best time to go is early morning or late evening, when the crowds are thinner, though you should always expect other tourists hanging around. Want to make the most of your visit? Colayera also suggested checking out the Acropolis Museum, home to a collection of artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations of the Acropolis. “The exhibits offer insights into the daily life, rituals, and artistry of the people who lived in Athens during different periods,” Colayera added. 

See Hadrian’s Library.

Another fantastic historic landmark to visit while in Athens is Hadrian's Library. The building, built in 132 A.D., was used as an entertainment space, lecture hall, and, yes, an actual library. Today, just a few columns and sections remain, but visitors are welcome to walk through and imagine what used to be. Tickets are only $3 or can be purchased as a combination with the Acropolis. 

Watch the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square.

Looking for a fun free activity in the city? Visitors to Athens can watch the changing of the guard in front of the Parliament building at Syntagma Square every hour on the hour. And every Sunday at 11 a.m., the official event takes place in full regalia. Just plan to arrive a little early to snag a front-row seat. 

Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

For something a little more new school, head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art . The museum’s mission is to preserve contemporary works by Greek and international artists across disciplines. It includes both permanent and rotating collections, so check its website before going to know what to expect. 

Ken Welsh/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Best Shopping 

It’s hard to ignore the Plaka neighborhood of Athens. It is, after all, at the base of the Acropolis. But really, there’s no need to ignore it, especially if you want to go home with a memorable souvenir or two. Explore the area by simply allowing yourself to wander its streets, popping into any shop that catches your eye and perhaps grabbing a frappe along the way on a hot day, too. 

Find yourself in one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods with a visit to Psirri. Located about a 15-minute walk from Plaka, Psirri offers travelers the chance to admire some of the best street art in the world ( book a tour with Kalliopi for the ultimate insider experience), peruse unique stores, step into a few third-wave coffee shops, and eat plenty of local Greek cuisine. 

Anthologist

For those seeking an all-around shop, where you can pick up everything from high-end goods to more affordable trinkets curated from around the globe, look no further than Anthologist . The store, owned by travel tastemaker Andria Mitsakos, is a visual paradise, filled with goodies you’ll want to stuff in your suitcase. 

RUBEN RAMOS/Getty Images

Best Restaurants 

Begin a day in Athens by mixing fantastic food with shopping at Minu , a third-wave coffee shop and boutique. The space is gorgeous — find a back corner to settle into, go all the way up to its loft area, or sit outside on the patio when the weather is right. Order a coffee and a bite to eat (menu items include smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and more).

Enjoy another delicious alfresco meal in Athens at Soil , a sustainably focused, Michelin-starred restaurant. The ingredients here are grown in the chef’s private garden, providing flavors you can’t taste anywhere else. Book a table (preferably outside) and don’t even worry about ordering, as you can opt for the seasonal tasting menu and enjoy every bite. 

Don’t leave Athens without digging into some tasty Greek desserts. When I was a child, my Greek grandmother would make loukoumades , so it’s a personal favorite, and in Athens, you can get a taste of the same at Lukumades . Smothered in honey and cinnamon, the dough balls are small enough to pop in your mouth one after another — and you won't be able to stop at just one.

Starcevic/Getty Images

Best Time To Visit

There's no bad time to visit Athens, but according to Steves, the spring shoulder season is particularly lovely. “I was last in Athens in April 2022, and it was a great time to visit. The weather was cool and pleasant, and the city wasn’t crowded,” he said. “It just felt good.” Indeed, both the spring shoulder season (April to mid-June) and the fall (September through October) offer visitors the chance to explore the city in milder weather. Summer is the peak period, and with it comes sweltering temperatures . So, if you don’t tolerate heat (or crowds) well, try to book your stay outside of July and August.  

How to Get There

By Air: Travelers from around the world can make their way to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). It’s serviced by every major airline, including Delta and American, which offers direct flights from the U.S. 

By Sea: Athens is an ultra-popular port for cruises, including MSC Cruises , Crystal Cruises , Seabourn , Royal Caribbean , and more.  

How to Get Around

By Rental Car: Rental cars are readily available in the city, at the airport, and at the ferry terminal. Just make sure to book an automatic as early as possible if you can’t drive a manual, as they tend to be in short supply.  

By Taxi: Both yellow cabs and Ubers are plentiful around Athens. Simply open the app or hail the next one you see. Prices are about €1 per kilometer .

By Metro: Athens has a robust metro system to get you around the city with ease. There's also a metro line directly to and from the airport. Pick up a rechargeable Ath.ena ticket , which starts at €1.20. 

By Foot: Athens is a walkable city. If you enjoy slowly taking in the sights and popping in and out of shops and cafes, this is the way to go. You never know what you may find along the way.

Related Articles

The Best Time Of Day To Visit The Iconic Acropolis In Greece, According To Rick Steves

W hen you think about an image of Greece, it's likely that you envision the Acropolis. The famous hill in Athens with the ruins of the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 2023, brought in around 23,000 visitors per day. In fact, it's so popular that there is now a daily visitor cap of 20,000.

On his website , travel pro Rick Steves praised it by calling the Acropolis "the most important sight in the Western world, where Athenians built their architectural masterpiece, the Parthenon." He has a specific time that he recommends visiting this crowded historic place for the best experience. Steves says, "I like to visit late in the day, as the sun goes down, when the white Parthenon stone gleams a creamy golden brown." The thought of that beauty framed by the sunset makes the heart pound a bit in anticipation, doesn't it?

The Acropolis was built in the late 5th century BCE, and Steves says, "Led by the visionary architect/sculptor Pheidias, the Athenians built this complex of supersized, ornate temples worthy of the city's protector, Athena." It's absolutely worth a visit, as is  the iconic Athens  Acropolis Museum , which has many artifacts taken from the temples atop the hill to keep them safe. 

Read more: Unsettling Reasons You May Want To Avoid Taking A Cruise

Why Rick Steves Visits The Acropolis In The Evening

The Acropolis is a very busy place, as you can see above. Tourists are packed in, and getting a peaceful moment to really stand and ruminate on the history and all that these stones have witnessed over millennia is tough. Early in the day can be crowded. In 2023, Greek culture minister Lina Mendoni told a Greek radio station that morning was the most popular time to visit. While the new rules have entrance times spaced out more, almost half of the people coming to the Acropolis visited between 8 a.m. and noon. 

The afternoon isn't the best time either, as Athens gets very hot. The average high temperature in Athens from June through September ranges from around 83 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit. With sunburn more of a risk at higher altitudes, and little shade to be had on the Acropolis, it can be too much for some travelers. 

The evening is ideal for a picturesque visit, as it's less crowded and cooler. While a first-time visitor may need a bit more time (around three to four hours is recommended), the site does have opening slots up to half an hour before closing. At the time of this writing, the closing time ranges between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., depending on the time of year, so make sure you have time to see it all. Visit the Acropolis Museum first, since that's indoors. 

How To Get Tickets For The Acropolis And Going Beyond Athens

You can get tickets on the official website for the Acropolis, where you'll book your entrance time. Some tickets allow you to skip the line, and others include additional historical sites in Athens. It's recommended that you get there at least 30 minutes before your time slot. Among the things you'll be able to see are the Parthenon, which is the main building you'll recognize from books and movies.

It still has its lovely and simple Doric columns, and once there was a huge ivory and gold statue of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, and the patron of Athens, that drew people from distant lands. The Erechtheion temple was dedicated to several deities, and features the famous Caryatids, or statues of women that hold up the building. The pretty Temple of Athena Nike has columns only on two sides, and in the museum, you'll see part of its original frieze and a relief. It's breathtaking, but after your visit, remember that there are other destinations in Greece not to skip on your trip.

Steves recommends ancient sites nearby like the ruins of Delphi, the Lion Gate of Mycenae, and the incredibly well-preserved amphitheater of Epidavros. In fact, they're all within three hours of Athens, meaning you could spend a few days without even leaving the mainland. No matter what else you end up visiting, no matter how crowded it is, take a moment to remember how wonderful it is that we have these places in existence. 

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Read the original article on Islands .

This Is The Most Exciting Country In All Of Europe To Explore, Per Rick Steves

Despite being around just 4% larger than the United States, the continent of Europe is home to over 40 countries. This delightful diversity makes for countless tourism hotspots, from historic castles to amazing cuisine and plenty of excitement in between. Europe has long fascinated travelers worldwide, none more so than travel expert Rick Steves. While Steves has traveled all over the world, he loves Europe so much that he has dedicated much of his career in the travel industry to this continent.

Steves has enjoyed what Europe has to offer to the extent that most of us can only dream, but he reserves some of his strongest praise for France. "France is Europe's most diverse, tasty, and, in many ways, most exciting country to explore," he stated on his website . Steves credits the country's "delightful blend of natural and man-made beauty" as major factors in his excitement. "Romantic hill towns and castles, meandering river valleys, and oceans of vineyards carpet this country's landscape," he explains. With so much to see, it may be hard to narrow down the perfect itinerary. Thankfully, Steves has some favorites within this iconic country. 

Follow the Seine to take in iconic spots in Paris

Of course, Paris is a must on any French itinerary. To see a solid handful of the capital city's attractions, simply follow the Seine River. This famous waterway takes you from the postcard-worthy destinations of Paris's historic birthplace , like Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Conciergerie, all the way to the Eiffel Tower. In between, you'll get close to the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde, Musée d'Orsay, and elegant bridges like Pont Alexandre III. Venture north from the river to find more quintessential Parisian scenes at the Arc de Triomphe and in Montmartre, a district that was once a hangout for artists like Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

France's Normandy region is synonymous with the 1944 D-Day invasion during World War II. The beaches and coastal towns here pay homage to the soldiers who fought in this famous battle through the profoundly moving Normandy American Cemetery and by preserving military equipment along the beaches. To learn more about the incredible impact this event had on the war, head to the Museum of the Battle of Normandy in Bayeux and the neighboring Bayeux War Cemetery. The town of Bayeux is also the perfect home base for exploring all of Normandy's World War II history.

Visit former royal residences in the Loire Valley

To see some of France's fairytale-like castles, head south to the Loire Valley. Steves recommends staying in Amboise for easy access to this region's many magnificent mansions, starting in the town itself with Château Royal d'Amboise. While past kings of France called this home, Leonardo da Vinci is buried here, and the views of the surrounding beauty can't be beaten. There are many opulent homes elsewhere in the Loire Valley, but one of the largest is Château de Chambord. Complete with a moat, gardens, and a massive park with wildlife, visitors are transported back to the 16th and 17th centuries at this three-story former royal residence.

Among France's underrated tourist destinations  (for wine in particular) is the Alsace region — the vibrant colors of Colmar are quite otherworldly. Drive or take a bus tour along the Route de Vin (Wine Road), which takes you to Kaysersberg, which Rick Steves describes on his website as "one of the most charming" on the route. There are plenty of wine-tasting options, but Domaine Paul Blanck stands out. Its variety of local grapes makes for an authentic, home-grown experience.

Explore medieval towns and rolling green hills in Dordogne

When visiting popular destinations like France, Rick Steves makes a point of traveling off the beaten path. An awe-inspiring place to follow suit is Dordogne, somewhere that Steves says is one of the prettiest areas in France . This lesser-known region's small towns nestled among rolling hills are as historic as they are picturesque. If you're not tired of castles, check out Château de Beynac, where visitors can travel through five centuries of regional history. The surrounding medieval town of Beynac-et-Cazenac is just about as romantic as this most romantic nation gets.

The grandeur continues along the French Riviera, and the beaches in cities like Nice and Antibes are lined with upscale hotels and yacht docks. According to Steves' online guide of the region, "some of France's most stunning scenery" is found along this coast. Relax on the beaches or seek out history around the Musée du Palais Lascaris, a 17th-century palace with painted ceilings in one of the historic sections of Nice. In Antibes, visit the imposing castle where Picasso lived and worked, now called the Musée Picasso. Truth be told, you can't go wrong anywhere on the French Riviera, and you can't really go wrong anywhere in France.