Plan your trip to

Athens, Greece

Discover Athens

One of the world's oldest cities blends ancient wonders with a modern, buzzing vibe

Athens seamlessly blends ancient history with modern life. One minute you’re walking past a 2,000-year-old temple, the next you’re sipping coffee in a buzzing square filled with street art and indie shops.

With its sun-soaked ruins and rooftop bars, the city feels like an open-air museum that doesn’t take itself too seriously. You’ve got world-famous sites like the Acropolis and Parthenon, but also off-the-radar neighborhoods like Exarchia and Koukaki where creativity thrives.

Café culture here is strong: iced coffees (especially freddos) are practically a lifestyle, and locals know how to linger. Whether it’s morning espresso or sunset drinks with an Acropolis view, Athens knows how to do chill.

The food? Amazing. From souvlaki stands and flaky spanakopita to modern Greek spots rethinking tradition, every meal feels like comfort food with a Mediterranean twist.

And somehow, for all its legendary past, Athens feels very alive, with nightlife that spills into the streets, flea markets full of surprises, and a scrappy, artsy energy that keeps the whole city buzzing.

Why we love Athens

Athens at a glance

When to go

springAvg temp79° / 44°
fallAvg temp85° / 50°

Visa information

U.S. State Department guidance

Safety

World Peace Index rankingEqualdex score

Getting There

The most direct and economical way to get to Athens is by plane, via Athens International Airport, which serves dozens of major and budget carriers from around the world. A handful of cruise lines, including Cunard, Holland America and Princess Cruises, make stops in Athens.

Athens airports

  • Athens International AirportATH
    30km / 19mito city center
    TaxiTrainMetroCity bus
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Athens flight trends

Analysis based on point.me exclusive flight data

Average fares

economy class

2¢/pointFare value

Typical cash

$1,376

Typical points

70,000pts

Lowest points

70,000pts
Average fares

business class

2.4¢/pointFare value

Typical cash

$7,224

Typical points

297,100pts

Lowest points

297,100pts

Recent award fares to Athens

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  • Atlanta (ATL)Athens (ATH)

    Jan 16, 2027business | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $4,377 Cashabout57,500 pts

  • New York (JFK)Athens (ATH)

    Aug 16, 2027business | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $3,572 Cashabout57,500 pts

  • San Diego (SAN)Athens (ATH)

    Dec 04, 2026business | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $4,128 Cashabout57,500 pts

  • Washington (DCA)Athens (ATH)

    Nov 07, 2026business | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $10,602 Cashabout57,500 pts

  • Washington (IAD)Athens (ATH)

    Aug 05, 2027business | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $6,651 Cashabout57,500 pts

  • New York (EWR)Athens (ATH)

    Nov 03, 2026economy | non-stop
    3d ago
    $774 Cashabout17,500 pts

  • Boston (BOS)Athens (ATH)

    Oct 22, 2026economy | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $1,200 Cashabout15,000 pts

  • Chicago (ORD)Athens (ATH)

    Oct 25, 2026economy | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $567 Cashabout15,000 pts

  • San Francisco (SFO)Athens (ATH)

    Apr 12, 2027economy | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $564 Cashabout21,000 pts

  • Miami (MIA)Athens (ATH)

    Sep 01, 2027economy | multi-stop
    3d ago
    $0 Cashabout21,000 pts

Explore Athens

Athens is packed with amazing things to see and do, but here are five top must-dos to get that true Athenian experience.

Metaxourgeio
Psyri
Flea markets
Varnava Square
Snack your way through the city

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Frequently asked questions

  • How many days is enough for Athens?

    Three to four days will give you a nice taste of Athens and allow time to see the top sights, but you could easily spend a week or more discovering less-popular attractions and taking a day trip or two.

  • When is the best weather in Athens?

    Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) have mild, sunny weather, with warm days and cool nights.

  • When is the cheapest time to go to Athens?

    Hotel rates and flight fares tend to be at their lowest in winter, from December to March.

  • How far is the Athens airport from the city?

    The city's main airport, ATH, is about 30kms (19 miles) from the city center, accessible via taxi, train, metro, or city bus in about 30 minutes.

  • Is Athens safe?

    Athens can be unsafe for tourists, with common reports of pickpockets on public transport and racially motivated harassment in nightlife areas. Exercise caution and keep your eyes on your valuables, especially on the metro, at night, and in crowded areas.

  • Do I need to rent a car in Athens?

    A car is more of a hindrance than a help in Athens; you might want one for day trips outside the city, but even then, the country is well-connected by trains and ferries. The Athens metro is well-connected throughout the city, and individual neighborhoods are generally compact enough to be explored on foot.

  • Is Athens expensive?

    As a major city and popular tourist destination, Athens is on the more expensive side, particularly for hotels. A four-star hotel in a popular neighborhood will generally run $200-$400 per night.