Worth Your Time

Athens rewards even a short stopover. A few local favourites, if you have time:

Sights

• The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum: the one must-see. Go early or late to avoid the worst of the crowds. The museum below the rock is outstanding.
• Plaka: the old neighbourhood at the foot of the Acropolis, good for a morning or evening wander.
• The Ancient Agora: quieter than the Acropolis and full of history.
• Philopappos Hill: a short walk from Plaka, with some of the best views of the Acropolis.
• Dionysiou Areopagitou: the pedestrianised walkway that connects the main ancient sites. Pleasant at any hour.
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus: a well-preserved Roman theatre. Check if anything is playing during your visit.

Museums

• Acropolis Museum: among the best archaeological museums in Europe.
• Museum of Cycladic Art: a world-class collection, and very relevant if you are heading to Kea.
• Goulandris Foundation: modern and contemporary art in a beautiful building in Kolonaki.
• National Archaeological Museum: for a deeper dive into ancient Greek art and artefacts.

Food and Coffee

• Souvlaki: Kostas (near Syntagma) and Kalyvas are both local institutions. Simple, fast, and very good.
• Street food: Tuk Tuk Thai and Feyrouz are popular spots for something different.
• Coffee: Little Tree Books and Coffee, a bookshop cafe that does excellent espresso.
• Bakery: Takis is a traditional Athens bakery worth stopping at for breakfast.
• Fish: Atlantikos, for fresh fish and a relaxed meal.