Athens Travel Guides

There’s nothing quite like watching the Acropolis glow golden at sunset while sipping wine on an Athens rooftop. It’s the quintessential Athens experience — ancient history meets modern dining. Here are the best rooftop restaurants and bars in Athens for 2026, from splurge-worthy fine dining to casual sunset drinks. Quick Overview # Venue View Vibe Price Best For A for Athens Direct Acropolis Trendy €€€ Sunset drinks 360 Degrees Panoramic Upscale €€€€ Special occasions Couleur Locale Side Acropolis Artsy €€ Casual evening GB Roof Garden Sweeping Elegant €€€€ Fine dining Sense Rooftop Direct Romantic €€€ Date night Price guide: € = Under €20 | €€ = €20-40 | €€€ = €40-70 | €€€€ = €70+

Greeks are serious about coffee. They spend hours at cafes, turning a simple freddo into an all-afternoon social event. Athens has everything from century-old kafeneia to cutting-edge specialty roasters. Here’s your guide to Athens coffee culture and the best cafes in the city. Understanding Greek Coffee # Before diving into the best spots, let’s decode the menu: Coffee What It Is How to Order Ellinikos Traditional Greek coffee (like Turkish) “Sketo” (no sugar), “Metrio” (medium), “Glyko” (sweet) Freddo Espresso Iced espresso, shaken frothy Order with sugar level preference Freddo Cappuccino Iced cappuccino with cold foam The quintessential Greek coffee Frappe Instant coffee shaken with ice Classic but fading in popularity 💡 Pro tip: The freddo cappuccino is Greece’s gift to coffee culture. Cold espresso topped with thick, creamy cold foam — perfect for hot Athens days. Order one and you’ll understand why Greeks sit at cafes for hours. Best Specialty Coffee # 1. Taf Coffee (Multiple Locations) # Athens’ pioneering specialty roaster. Serious about beans, unpretentious in vibe.

Athens is incredible, but Greece’s real magic often lies beyond the capital. Within a few hours, you can explore ancient oracle sites, clifftop monasteries, idyllic islands, and medieval villages. Here are the best day trips from Athens — organized by how far you’re willing to travel. Quick Overview # Destination Distance Travel Time Best For Cape Sounion 70 km 1 hour Sunset, temple Delphi 180 km 2.5 hours History, culture Meteora 350 km 4 hours Monasteries, views Hydra 65 km (ferry) 2 hours Island escape Aegina 27 km (ferry) 1 hour Quick island trip Nafplio 140 km 2 hours Charming town Mycenae 120 km 1.5 hours Ancient ruins Epidaurus 130 km 2 hours Ancient theater Within 2 Hours of Athens # 1. Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon # The most accessible day trip from Athens — and one of the most stunning, especially at sunset.

Three days in Athens is the sweet spot — enough time to see the highlights, explore beyond the Acropolis, and absorb the city’s energy without feeling rushed. Here’s your perfect 3-day Athens itinerary, designed for first-time visitors who want to see the best of ancient and modern Athens. Itinerary Overview # Day Focus Highlights Day 1 Ancient Athens Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Plaka Day 2 Neighborhoods & Culture Monastiraki, Psyrri, museums, rooftop sunset Day 3 Day Trip or Deeper Exploration Delphi/Sounion OR local neighborhoods Day 1: Ancient Athens # Focus: The Acropolis and surrounding archaeological sites

Athens packs 3,000+ years of history, world-class food, and vibrant neighborhoods into one compact city. Whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks, here’s everything worth doing. This guide covers 35 things to do in Athens — from bucket-list sights to hidden gems. Top 10 Must-Do’s # If you’re short on time, don’t miss these: Acropolis — The iconic ancient citadel Acropolis Museum — World-class collection Sunset at Areopagus Hill — Best free view in Athens Monastiraki Flea Market — Antiques, souvenirs, chaos Souvlaki at Kostas — Legendary street food Ancient Agora — Where democracy was born Plaka wandering — Athens’ oldest neighborhood Rooftop drinks — Acropolis views with cocktails Central Market — Real Athens, real food Day trip to Delphi — The center of the ancient world Ancient Sites & History # 1. The Acropolis # The most famous ancient site in the Western world. Home to the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and stunning views.

The Acropolis is the #1 attraction in Athens — and the lines can be brutal, especially in summer. A good tour saves you time, skips the crowds, and brings ancient history to life with expert commentary. After researching dozens of options, here are the 7 best Acropolis tours for 2026, from budget-friendly skip-the-line tickets to premium small-group experiences. Quick Comparison # Tour Duration Group Size Price Best For Skip-the-Line Ticket Self-paced N/A €20 Budget travelers Guided Walking Tour 2 hours 15-20 €45 First-time visitors Small Group Tour 2.5 hours 8 max €65 Better experience Acropolis + Museum Combo 4 hours 12 max €89 History lovers Private Tour 3 hours 1-4 €180+ Families, VIPs Our Top Pick: Small Group Guided Tour # Acropolis Small Group Tour with Skip-the-Line ★ 4.9 (3,240 reviews) The best balance of value and experience. Maximum 8 people, licensed archaeologist guide, early morning departure to beat crowds. Includes skip-the-line entry.