The Acropolis above a lively, sunlit city of tavernas and street art.
Athens is a big, energetic capital where ancient history sits alongside street art, rooftop bars and neighbourhood tavernas. The Acropolis is the star, but the best moments are often found in the lanes of Plaka and Monastiraki.
Approximate per person per day, including a share of a twin room, and excluding flights. Not live prices.
Acropolis
The ancient citadel above the city, crowned by the Parthenon, with views across Athens.
Daily, roughly 8:00–20:00 (earlier in winter)
Monastiraki
The ancient marketplace, with the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and shady gardens.
Daily, roughly 8:00–20:00
Zappeio
The giant columns of a Roman-era temple, once the largest in Greece.
Daily, roughly 8:00–20:00
Pangrati
A gleaming marble stadium built for the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Daily, roughly 8:00–19:00
Plaka
Winding lanes at the foot of the Acropolis, with cycladic-style Anafiotika hidden above.
Open-air; shops and cafés open daily
Monastiraki
A bustling square of souvenir shops, antiques and street food beside a tiny mosque.
Daily; busiest on Sundays
Sounion (70 km)
A clifftop Temple of Poseidon over the Aegean, a classic sunset trip from Athens.
Daily; site closes at sunset
Acropolis
A rocky outcrop next to the Acropolis, with a slippery marble path and one of the best free views of the Parthenon at sunset.
Open-air; always accessible
Well reviewed and fairly priced for what you get: not simply the cheapest.
Plaka, Athens
Rated 9.0/10, priced in line with similar 4★ hotels in Athens, in a central location.
Kolonaki, Athens
Rated 8.7/10, priced in line with similar 4★ hotels in Athens, in a central location.
Monastiraki, Athens
Rated 8.6/10, priced in line with similar 3★ hotels in Athens, in a central location.
A basement taverna with barrels for tables, serving no-menu home cooking to market workers since the early 20th century.
Known for: Whatever is on: soups, salads, grilled fish
Under about £13 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A souvlaki restaurant on Monastiraki Square, open since 1879, popular for its pork and chicken skewers.
Known for: Souvlaki, kebab
Under about £13 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A busy souvlaki and kebab place on Mitropoleos street, known for its juicy meat wraps.
Known for: Kebab and souvlaki wraps
Under about £13 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
A deli-restaurant serving cured meats, cheeses and meze from northern Greece.
Known for: Pastourma, cheeses, meze
About £13–25 per person
Local favourite Good for Families · Groups
Athens · Highlights
A balanced first-visit plan built from our Athens picks: the headline sights, a local favourite or two and time to breathe.
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