Guide to Athens

Local Athenians share their top recommendations for exploring their ancient city

By Phil Butler

great C it Y, wh O se image dwells i N the memory of man, is the type of some great idea,” Benjamin Disraeli wrote in 1844. “Rome represents conquest; Faith hovers over the towers of Jerusalem; and Athens embodies the pre-eminent quality of the antique world, Art.”

Every year, more than 6 million travelers visit the sprawling city named for the mighty Athena. They come, sometimes without knowing, to discover the eternal soul of the place that poet and philosopher John Milton called “the mother of art and eloquence.”

One of the “must-see” Athens attractions is the Parthenon atop the Acropolis. The National Archaeological Museum adjacent is another “bucket list” attraction, housing unimaginable treasures. And for some, the best parts of the city lie at the stunning seaside that cradles the metropolis. Walk the colorful back alleys or shop near Monastiraki Square or Plaka. Along the way, be sure to embrace getting lost, finding your way, and discovering what life here is really like—taking cues from some of the Athenians who know the city best.

The Promoter: Cultural Masterpieces and Nightlife Hot Spots

Alex Tripodis is the founder and CEO of Efluencer Digital Marketing Agency. He’s also the founder and owner of GuestList.gr, the principal at Stigma Productions, and the former publisher of Nowitsdark Magazine.

Athens visitors should make an early start and explore Plaka and Monastiraki. In these areas, one masterpiece after another unfolds before you. The Ancient Agora, the Temple of Athena Nike, the mighty Acropolis, and the new museum are just a few.

I enjoy Plaka. You can shop for souvenirs, visit high-end galleries, and sample Greek foods and wine. Drop by Hircus at 16 Athinaidos Street at Agias Eirinis Square. In addition, it’s an excellent place for brunch.

I suggest you take in Gazi nightlife. For the 18- to 20-somethings, Dirty Blonde-loft at Persefonis Street is a hot spot. It’s one of the biggest multilevel nightclubs in town. For a different vibe, head to Juan Rodriguez Bar at 3 Pallados Street in Psiri. This speakeasy is classy, majestic, and seductive.

The Actress: Sophisticated Suburbs, Shopping Streets, and Day Trips

Eva Galani is a Greek film, theater, and TV actress and mother of three. She has appeared in Greek TV series, commercials, and movies and was co-host of the American show series “Europe After Dark.”

A visit to Athens would only be complete with a visit to the Acropolis, its Parthenon, and Plaka beneath. Here, you’ll feel the authentic energy of the city. But Athens is a massive city with lots more to do.

Athens has everything from cocktail bars to rooftops overlooking the Acropolis and courtyards reminding of the Greek Isles. The surrounding suburbs also have scores of sophisticated restaurants, clubs, and bars with good music and original menus. My favorite is a family-owned traditional Greek restaurant called Stis Ellis (which means “at Elli’s”) in the Agia Paraskevi neighborhood.

For shopping, visit pedestrian-only Ermou Street (and the surrounding areas). Afterward, snap some photos at Syntagma and Monastiraki squares. I recommend the MacArthurGlen outlet in Spata, near the airport.

If you’re up for a short day trip, I suggest visiting Lake Vouliagmeni, with its deep green ther- mal waters. It’s just under half an hour south of the city. A bit farther south, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is genuinely a “bucket list” attraction.

The Lawyer: Courts of Ancient Athens, Adventure, and Perfect Beaches

Nick Grammenos is a supreme court lawyer practicing civil, commercial, corporate, and criminal cases. He studied law and criminology in France and Greece and opened Grammenos Law Firm more than two decades ago.

Athens is a city full of energy that always offers something to explore. Like any local, I recommend the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum as the first places to visit. However, my tip as a lawyer is to see the Areios Pagos, where the courts of ancient Athens took place. The night views from here are unforgettable.

After the Acropolis attractions, you’ll be hungry. Luckily, some of the best places to eat are beneath the Acropolis. The Plaka, Thission, and Psiri neighborhoods have many great restaurants.

For the more adventurous, rent a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) to take in the coasts south and west of Athens. This is the best way to find perfect beaches, some hidden and deserted. Be sure to troll past the Temple of Poseidon and then disembark to dine at the Naos Cafe Restaurant just across from the temple.

If You Go

Fly: Athens International Airport (AIA) is the biggest airport in Greece. Seven U.S. cities offer direct flights, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, and Newark.

Getting Around: Most of the city’s major attractions are located within walking distance or can be easily reached by public transport. Athens has a fast metro system, trams, and buses.

When to Go: The best time to visit is late spring or fall, when the weather is comfortably warm and there are fewer tourists.