Athens

Acropolis views, souvlaki joints & Psiri nights

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Athens is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Vrahakia (Areopagus Rocks), Acropolis & Parthenon and Acropolis Museum. Food lovers should not miss Elvis Souvlaki and Panellinion Chess Coffee-House. Below you will find 49 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Athens at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Vrahakia (Areopagus Rocks) and Acropolis & Parthenon
Where to stay: Kerameikos and Monastiraki
Local picks: 49 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Athens

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

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Where to stay in Athens

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Exarchia

Ama Laxei stis Nefelis

Set in a leafy courtyard of a former school in Exarchia, this is a gorgeous spot for modern mezedes – gourmet sausages, walnut-crusted fish, mussels with ouzo and clever vegetarian plates. Book for the courtyard on a warm night.

★ 4.6

Psiri

Atlantikos

One of central Athens’ most-loved seafood spots, a creative little meze taverna where the menu changes daily with the catch. Democratic, buzzy and genuinely inventive – book, as it’s tiny.

★ 4.7

Psiri

Avli

A tiny, rustic taverna hidden in a Psiri courtyard, running since the 1980s on simple, honest cooking – keftedes, spetzofai and a rotating board of mezedes. Loud, cheap and full of life; cash is king.

★ 4.5

Plaka

Brettos

Athens’ oldest distillery, running in the heart of Plaka since 1909, its back wall stacked with a glowing rainbow of bottles. Come for a shot of house ouzo, mastiha or brandy in one of the city’s most photogenic bars.

Kerameikos

Cabezon

A relaxed, arty all-day bar in up-and-coming Kerameikos, good for coffee and a bite by day and drinks with a laid-back local crowd by night. A neighbourhood favourite off the tourist trail.

Psiri

Cantina Social

A hidden bar tucked inside an old lodge, beloved by fans of alternative music from techno to indie rock. The tiny interior is a proper dancing den that goes until dawn, while the larger courtyard is perfect for a laid-back drink. There’s no sign from the street, so follow the map to find it.

★ 4.4

Centre

Diporto

A legendary unmarked cellar taverna by the central market with no sign, no menu and barrels of wine – just a handful of daily dishes like chickpea stew and grilled fish, served to market workers and in-the-know locals since the 1880s. A true time capsule.

★ 4.5

Kerameikos

Elvis Souvlaki

An Elvis-themed souvlaki joint where the grill does things differently – skewers served with fresh fried potatoes, lemon and bread rather than wrapped in pita. Relaxed, cheap and open late, it’s the go-to after a night out in Kerameikos, best eaten on the square right outside. Go for the pork.

★ 4.6

Centre

Karamanlidika tou Fani

Part delicatessen, part meze house near the central market, celebrating the cured meats, cheeses and recipes of the Greeks of Asia Minor. Graze pastourma, sausages and small plates with a glass of wine at the counter.

★ 4.6

Centre

Klimataria

A century-old taverna on Theatrou Square serving hearty Greek classics with live rebetiko music most nights – the kind of joyous, singing-and-dancing evening that turns dinner into a party. Book and stay late.

★ 4.5

Koukaki

Lotte Cafe-Bistrot

A vintage cafe-bistro on a quiet Koukaki corner, Lotte feels like stepping into an old European living room — mismatched furniture, jazz and retro Greek records, and art on the walls. The homemade cakes are the draw: the orange cake and daily desserts are baked by the owner’s mother, and there are handmade savoury pies if you want something more substantial. In the evening it shifts to cocktails and spritzes. Tip: it’s just a few blocks from the Acropolis Museum, so come for coffee and cake after your visit.

City centre

Panellinion Chess Coffee-House

Time seems to have stopped in this coffee-house of well over a century, where regulars nurse a Greek coffee and hunch over the chessboard set out on every table. The walls are lined with photos of famous players; strike up a game (Karpov once played here in 1992) and ask owner Yiannis for a plate of meze.

★ 4.5

Exarchia

Rakoumel

A warm, family-run Cretan spot in Exarchia with big-hearted food, flowing raki and rebetika live-music nights. Great small plates and a proper local atmosphere – exactly the kind of place you linger in for hours.

★ 4.5

Monastiraki

Six d.o.g.s

A sprawling all-day cultural hub near Monastiraki – café and leafy garden by day, buzzing bar, club and gig venue by night. One of the anchors of central Athens nightlife and creativity, open year-round.

Koukaki

Skoubri

A Koukaki favourite that grew from a neighbourhood fish joint into a smart little seafood meze spot – chargrilled sardines, octopus and the day’s fish done simply and well. Local, warm and reasonably priced.

★ 4.6

Before you go

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Athens travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Athens?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Athens at a relaxed pace. See our Athens itinerary guide for a day-by-day plan.

Where is the best area to stay in Athens?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit. Our where to stay in Athens guide breaks down the best neighbourhoods.

What are the best things to do in Athens?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay.

What is the best time to visit Athens?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Athens is worth visiting year-round.