Athens, Greece

Athens travel guide

The Acropolis and the gateway to the islands

Find flights to Athens See fares from $371

Airports: ATH Athens International Airport
Region: Europe
Best time to visit: April–June and September–October are warm and manageable; the sea is swimmable May–October.
Shortest flight: 9h 20m from Boston
Round trips from: $371 (live)
Time zone: Europe/Athens

About Athens

The Acropolis dominates a center that's smaller than it looks: Plaka and Anafiotika's lanes below the rock, Monastiraki's flea market and rooftop bars, the Ancient Agora and Kerameikos, and the National Archaeological Museum to the north. Koukaki and Pangrati are the neighborhoods where visitors now eat and stay; the Athens Riviera beaches are 30–40 minutes south.

Getting in: Athens International is 20 miles east. The Metro Line 3 reaches Syntagma in about 40 minutes (€9); the X95 express bus is €5.50; taxis charge a flat €40 by day and €55 at night. Ferries to the islands leave from Piraeus, 20 minutes from the center; Aegean and Sky Express flights to the islands take 45 minutes.

US citizens need a passport valid three months beyond departure; no visa for 90 days (ETIAS expected). Cards are widely accepted, though tavernas may prefer cash. Tipping 5–10% is customary. A souvlaki costs €3–€4, a taverna dinner €15–€25 per person. Summer heat is serious — the Acropolis is best at 8am.

Best time to visit

April–June and September–October are warm and manageable; the sea is swimmable May–October. July–August is very hot (100°F+) and crowded; winter is mild, quiet and cheap.

Where to stay

Neighborhoods our travelers like: Plaka, Monastiraki / Psiri, Koukaki, Kolonaki, Pangrati.

Flights to Athens: typical round-trip fares

What economy round trips to ATH usually cost from major US cities, alongside the lowest live fare we can see in the next 90 days. Prices are per traveler and include taxes.

From	Flight time	Typical fare	Lowest live fare	Actions
New York (JFK)	9h 40m	$598	$446 · Wed, Oct 14	Search dates →
Boston (BOS)	9h 20m	$648	$371 · Tue, Dec 1	Search dates →
Chicago (ORD)	10h 40m	$728	$514 · Tue, Nov 17	Search dates →
Washington (IAD)	10h 10m	$698	$493 · Tue, Nov 17	Search dates →
Atlanta (ATL)	11h	$748	$485 · Tue, Dec 8	Search dates →
Los Angeles (LAX)	13h 40m	$848	$516 · Tue, Oct 6	Search dates →

Typical fares are editorial estimates for economy round trips booked 3–8 weeks out. Live fares refresh several times a day and are shown for the cheapest departure date we found.

Airports in Athens

Athens International Airport (ATH)Athens · Large hubATH

What to do in Athens

The places our editors send first-time visitors.

1
The Acropolis and Parthenon
Timed tickets (€30 in high season) with an 8am slot beat the heat and the cruise crowds; the Acropolis Museum below is superb.
2
Ancient Agora and Plaka
Where Socrates taught, then lunch in the lanes of Plaka and the whitewashed alleys of Anafiotika.
3
National Archaeological Museum
The Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera mechanism and the best classical bronzes anywhere.
4
Island hopping
Hydra (no cars) and Aegina by day trip from Piraeus; Santorini, Mykonos and Crete by 45-minute flight.
5
The Athens Riviera
Beaches at Vouliagmeni and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, 40 minutes by coast road.

Athens weather by season

Average highs and lows in °F, with what each season means for fares and crowds.

Winter

56° / 44°

Mild, some rain; museums are empty.

Spring

70° / 54°

Warm, wildflowers, Easter celebrations.

Summer

92° / 74°

Very hot and dry; heat waves common.

Fall

74° / 59°

Warm sea, thinner crowds — ideal.

Travel tips for Athens

Book Acropolis timed tickets online and go at 8am; afternoon summer heat is dangerous on the rock.
Metro Line 3 from the airport connects directly to Monastiraki and Syntagma.
Combine Athens with one or two islands rather than five — ferry days eat time.
Ferries to Santorini take 5–8 hours; the 45-minute flight is worth the extra $40–$60.
Most sites close by 3pm in winter; check hours before planning a day.

Athens flights: frequently asked questions

How do I get from Athens airport to the city?

Metro Line 3 runs to Syntagma and Monastiraki in about 40 minutes for €9. The X95 bus costs €5.50 and takes 60–90 minutes. Taxis charge a fixed €40 (day) or €55 (night) to the center.

Can I visit the Greek islands from Athens?

Yes — flights to Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes take 45–60 minutes from the same airport, and ferries leave Piraeus and Rafina daily. Hydra and Aegina make easy day trips.

Is Athens safe?

Generally yes; the main issues are pickpockets on the Metro and around Monastiraki, and scams near Omonia at night. Stick to lit, busy streets after dark.