Is Athens Worth Visiting?

Most known for its ancient history, Greece is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. Its capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities globally with origins dating back to 3,000 BC. 

But if you are eager to visit the islands, you may ask, is Athens worth visiting and whether you should add it to your Greece travel itinerary. 

So why visit Athens? It can be argued that the largest city in Greece is more than a jumping-off spot to visit the Greek islands. 

It is a city known for its ancient treasures and its modern charms. History, culture, food, nightlife, and even shopping are just a couple of reasons to visit Athens. 

But, the question remains is Athens worth visiting, and should you include it in your trip?

Let’s look at both the pros and cons of visiting Athens so that you can decide if it’s worth adding to your Greece bucket list.

Reasons To Visit Athens: The Pros

Athens is one of the oldest named cities in the world, and according to Greek mythology, the city is named after the goddess Athena. 

During ancient times Athens was known as a powerful city. As a result, two gods fought to become its patrons, the Goddess of Wisdom, Athena, and Poseidon, the God of the Sea.

At the top of the Acropolis, each God offered the citizens of Athens a gift. Poseidon promised safety at sea while Athena created the first olive tree. 

Proclaimed as the winner, Athena gave her name to the city of Athens. And if you look closely, you’ll be able to find an olive tree in the heart of the Acropolis along with several temples dedicated to Athena. 

Mythology aside, the city of Athens is an incredible place to visit. Here are some other reasons to visit Athens: 

The Culture & History

As the capital of the classical world, Athens should be a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves culture and history.

Although Athens is known as the home of the Parthenon, which was built as a homage to the Goddess Athena, there are hundreds of other historical sites waiting to be explored in this ancient city. 

So if you are looking to geek out on some Greek history, we recommend travelers visit ancient Agora, explore the temple of Olympian Zeus, watch the changing of the guards at the Greek Parliament, and head on over to Panathenaic Stadium, the home of the first modern Olympic Games.  

The Architecture

If you didn’t already know Athens is home to millennia of different architectural styles, from Greco-Roman to Neoclassical to modern.  

The world’s greatest ancient cultural monuments can be found in the center of Athens and include the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysus, and The Temple of Hephaestus. 

Neoclassical buildings can also be found in the center of Athens, such as the Parliament, while neighborhoods like Exarchai and Koukaki are home to Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.

Finally, travelers can find several iconic Byzantine churches and remanents of Ottoman rule, such as iconic mosques, and the famous Bathhouse of Winds. 

All of this beautiful architecture makes for a stunning photography background for any traveler looking to snap iconic photos in the city. 

The Food

Who doesn’t like Greek food? From Michelin-starred restaurants to street food, Athens is a foodie’s paradise.

Greek food, in general, is known to be one of the healthiest in the world.

The Mediterranean Cuisine diet emphasizes whole grains, seafood, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. So, no matter what you order, you can do so guilt-free. 

If you are looking to eat on the go, Athens is known for its simple yet delicious street food.

For breakfast ask for a spinach pie or a koulouri (a sesame-covered ring of bread), and for a late afternoon snack, make sure to order souvlaki or a gyro with a heavy helping of tzatziki. 

If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, then there are also plenty of mid-range and high-end restaurants that offer Greek and fusion-style cuisine.

Quick fact: Athens is home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants. 

Last but certainly not least, make sure to stop by a local taverna also known as koutoukia. These backstreet basement tavernas serve traditional food and drink with a side serving of Athenian history.

Known for feeding local hungry workers, these tavernas often serve a small yet fresh selection of dishes for a budget-friendly price. Make sure to look for ones with live music and dancing.

A quick tip: If you are looking to stop by a local taverna, we’d recommend visiting Diporto, a real, underground koutouki that first opened its doors in 1887.

The Nightlife

Athens is a city that doesn’t sleep. Its nightlife is not only diverse and vibrant but it also can be quite legendary. 

Whatever the vibe, Athens has something for you. 

Club-hoppers can head on over to Gazi and Monastiraki to find huge venues that often host international DJs and streets teeming with partiers.

Music lovers can visit Koukai to find live music venues and chill bars that are popular with the young locals. And those seeking a trendier hotspot can head on over to Exarchia known for its small bars and growing food scene.

Make sure to explore the Athens bar scene as each location is unique in its own right. The most famous of them, however, is “Vrettos” the city’s oldest distillery and bar that opened its doors back in 1909.

Whatever the location, remember that the Athens nightlife starts late, so don’t expect to head out until at least 10 pm. 

Shopping

Downtown Athens is a shopper’s paradise. Besides, Plaka and Monastiraki, which are known for their tourist shops, central Athens is full of shops made for every type of shopper and budget. 

Make sure to head on over to Ermou Street, known as the fashion street. This street stretches for 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers), connecting Syntagma Square with the Karameikos archaeological site.

And, if you are looking for a bargain, make sure to head on over to the shopping street of Eolou and Agiou Markou. 

Affordability 

Is Athens expensive? Athens is not cheap, but it isn’t expensive either. 

It all depends on the type of traveler you are and what you want to experience. If you want luxury, then Athens does cater to that type of traveler.

The city has luxury hotels, unforgettable experiences, and Michelin-Starred restaurants that will amaze and delight any type of luxury traveler. 

On the other hand, there are also budget-friendly options in the city. For example, street food or dishes from a local taverna can cost you as little as three euros per meal. 

In the end, Athens is as expensive or cheap as you want it to be. So whether you want to save or splurge, you can definitely do either in the city.

Reasons To Visit Athens: The Cons 

Although the pros may seem to outweigh the cons, there are a couple of things to know when traveling to Athens as these particular cons may heavily influence your Athens travel plans.

Petty Crime & Scams

Is Athens safe to visit? Yes.

However, unlike many of the Greek islands, the risk of petty crime is more common in the capital city.

This is especially true ins specific neighborhoods, like Omonia, Exarchia, Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Patissia —especially during the nighttime.

Nevertheless, most of these petty crimes are limited to pickpocketing and purse snatching. 

Another common problem is tourist scams. Scams like taxis overcharging, restaurants not showing prices, being short-changed or con artists offering you something and then demanding money. 

Remember to always watch your belongings, don’t flash cash, and ensure that you have travel insurance just in case.

Also make sure to be aware of which neighborhoods you are visiting and if in doubt, make sure to ask a local. 

The Heat 

Athens is the hottest capital city in mainland Europe, it even has a chief heat officer.

During the summer months, the heat in Athens can become unbearable as it becomes sweltering hot, and dusty.

Temperatures in August, for example, can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

The sun and heat make it incredibly difficult to do anything during the daytime. Athens is also a hilly city, especially if you plan on visiting the Acropolis. 

If you do plan on coming to the city during the summer, make sure to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and breathable fabrics.

If you can’t beat the heat, then make sure to bring along the essentials that will help it be a little more bearable. 

The Crowds

In 2021, roughly 3.79 million tourists visited Athens. In addition, cruise ships port in the nearby port of Piraeus.

Many of these tourists end up flocking to the main sites, which are the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Crowds not only mean long queues in the sweltering heat but overcrowded attractions that are often more pricey than normal due to the high season. This can be a deal-breaker for some travelers. 

If it is, then maybe consider visiting Athens during the shoulder seasons (April-June & September-October). These months still have pleasant weather but they often have smaller crowds and lower prices.

The Final Verdict: Is Athens Worth Visiting?

So is Athens worth visiting? Definitely!

Athens should not be seen as just a quick stop-over before visiting the Greek islands. 

The city of Athens is the perfect mix of old and new. A city steeped in history and culture.

The birthplace of democracy and the playground of ancient Gods. A city that is renowned for its cuisine and picturesque viewpoints and that caters to every type of traveler, from budget to luxury. 

If you are still asking yourself should I go to Athens, then let’s end with this statement.

In Athens, you’ll never run out of things to see and do, whether you are exploring ancient ruins, partying the night away, admiring the Acropolis, shopping until you drop, or enjoying its delicious food. 

As a result, Athens should be on your bucket list but maybe just limit your time to around 3-4 days to capture enough of its magic without too much of the cons.

Learn more by reading our guide to figure out how many days in Athens you’ll need.

Visiting Greece soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Backpacking Greece itinerary
• Is Santorini worth visiting
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