Greece
Athens
Our notebook to help you plan your trip to Athens: the right season, where to stay and our ideas to make the most of it.
A city of hills and open-air ruins, where the Acropolis watches over the rooftops. You can explore everything on foot, and the metro links the neighbourhoods easily.
Best weatherIn spring and early autumn: pleasant weather for sightseeing.
A question?
Wéa answers about this destination: neighbourhoods, seasons, ideas.
When to go
Every season has its charm. Here's how to choose yours, depending on what you want to experience.
Greek spring
It's mild, the hills are in bloom, and Orthodox Easter, the biggest celebration of the year, comes with candlelit processions.
Summer evenings
You sightsee early, swim in the afternoon on the Athens Riviera, and in the evening enjoy the Athens and Epidaurus Festival performances.
Warm sea
The heat eases, the sea stays nice until October and the ancient sites are peaceful again.
The Acropolis to yourself
Around 13 to 15 °C during the day: few people at the sites, quiet museums and low hotel prices.
Where to stay
The right neighbourhood depends on what you're after. Here are our favourite places to stay.
Plaka
At the foot of the Acropolis, with its lanes and tavernas. Perfect for discovering everything on foot.
Monastiraki and Psyri
Markets, bars and nightlife: a lively area, right next to the main sights.
Koukaki
Residential and lively, 10 to 15 minutes' walk from the Acropolis. A real neighbourhood feel.
Kolonaki
Elegant, with its boutiques and cafés. Athens-style chic.
Our favourites
What we love there: its history, its landscapes, its flavours and its festivals. Take your time, it's all there to enjoy.
The Acropolis
The Parthenon has watched over the city for almost 2,500 years, and the site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go up early in the morning to enjoy the light and the cool air.
Ideal for history lovers
The Acropolis Museum
At the foot of the rock, this modern museum displays the treasures found on the site. Its glass floor reveals the remains of an ancient neighbourhood right under your feet.
Ideal for completing the visit
Plaka and Anafiotika
Cobbled lanes, bougainvillea and little tavernas: Plaka is the oldest neighbourhood in Athens. Just above it, Anafiotika looks like a Cycladic village, with its white houses.
Ideal for strolling
Cape Sounion
About 1 h 30 by road, the Temple of Poseidon stands on the clifftop, facing the Aegean Sea. The sunset there is unforgettable.
Ideal for a lovely day trip