The Acropolis above a buzzing modern city, with ancient sites, rooftop bars and islands an hour away. Here's what Athens is like, when to go and how long to stay.
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Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
April, May and October are the best months, warm and sunny for walking between sites. June and September are hot but good. July and August are very hot, often over 33°C, and heatwaves can close the Acropolis in the afternoon. Winter is mild with short queues, though it can rain.
Book a timed slot and go at opening or late in the day to avoid the heat and crowds.
Statues from the Parthenon in a light-filled museum, with ruins under the glass floor.
Old lanes under the Acropolis, with tavernas and a tiny village of island-style houses.
The ancient marketplace, with the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus.
Walk or take the funicular to the city's highest point for sunset views.
The clifftop Temple of Poseidon, a short drive along the coast, best at sunset.
Two to three days covers the main sites. Add a day for Sounion, Delphi or an island like Aegina.
July and August are very hot. Visit sites early, rest in the afternoon and check for closures during heatwaves.
Yes. Ferries from Piraeus reach Aegina in about an hour and the Cyclades in a few hours.
Yes, a combined ticket covers the Acropolis and several other sites. Check the latest price and rules on the official site.
Put Athens on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.