Flights to Athens

Want to explore the roots of modern civilisation? Take a city break in Athens to discover the ancient centre of democracy. Book flights to Athens from the UK with Airinme.com. 

Athens is a walking museum that's littered with the landmarks of Ancient Greece. Feast your eyes on the iconic Parthenon at the Acropolis or take a day trip to Delphi and Olympia to see more captivating ruins. Unwind in a taverna to taste classic Greek cuisine or take a stroll around the lovely neighbourhood of Plaka to hit the shops. Everywhere you go in Athens, you'll find sights and activities to enchant you. Book flights to Athens with Airinme.com today. 

Things to do in Athens 

1. The Acropolis is Athens' crowning glory. Walk through this monument to Ancient Greece and you'll see the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike. The nearby New Acropolis Museum is a great place to see more of the ruins and artwork found at the site.
2. Of course, Athens is dripping with ancient sites everywhere you look. Be sure to visit the magnificent Ancient Agora and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, once the largest in Greece.
3. Since Athens' major roads became a car-free zone, walking around the city is like wandering around an outdoor museum. Take a walk around Plaka, a picturesque neighbourhood near the Acropolis, and stroll up to the parliament building at Syntagma Square.
4. Check out the National Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum for an overview of ancient Greek art, while the Cycladic Art Museum and the Benaki Museum are also fantastic. For something unexpected, the Hellenic Motor Museum is a charming attraction for passionate car lovers.
5. Want a bird's eye view of this magnificent city? Get to the top of Mount Lycabettus by foot or funicular for fabulous vistas of the Parthenon and the glistening Aegean Sea.
6. Take a day trip to Olympia, one of Greece's most important ancient sites. Just four hours away from Athens, Ancient Olympia hosted the classical Olympic Games from the 8th-4th century BC. Explore the archaeological site and its museum to discover more.
7. Back in Athens, complete your sporting journey by visiting Panathinaiko, the stadium that hosted the first modern Summer Olympics in 1896. Designed in a horseshoe shape, this huge stadium is made from white marble and hosted the archery competition in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
8. If the heat and crowds are starting to take their toll, retreat to the National Gardens of Athens. Located near Syntagma Square, this tranquil outdoor space is the ideal place to escape from the hubbub of the city.
9. Day trips from Athens to Delphi are also popular with travellers. Set amidst stunning mountains on the slope of Mount Parnassus, Delphi's ancient sites include the Temple of Apollo, the ancient Delphi theatre and many athletic statues.
10. When you've had your fill of ancient sites, it's time to go island hopping. Take a day-long excursion to the Saronic Islands or stay in Santorini or Mykonos for a few days for a taste of Greek island life.

Shopping in Athens

Athens' main shopping areas are an enticing blend of souvenir stalls and high-end designer stores. So whatever kind of shopping trip you're in the mood for, Athens will deliver. 

Where to shop in Athens

Head to Plaka for souvenirs, antiques and leather sandals to help you survive the hot climate. Also nearby is Monastriki Flea Market, which pops up every Sunday. Elsewhere, Kolonaki is the place to go for designer labels. 

Athens Central Market

Athens Central Market is the pride and joy of local food lovers. Housed in a beautiful 19th century building, you'll find row after row of fresh fruit and vegetables, gleaming fish, olives and cheeses. 

Eating in Athens

Greek food is among the most heralded cuisines in the world, but it's also one of the simplest. Expect fragrant herbs, fresh seafood, juicy tomatoes and succulent meat dishes – all cooked with the world's best olive oil. 

Greek dishes

Athens is the perfect place to try typical Greek dishes like calamari (crispy fried squid), spanakopita (spinach pie) and souvlaki (grilled meat, vegetables and yoghurt sauce wrapped in a pita bread). Local olives, keftedes (meatballs) and saganaki (fried cheese) are great snacks. 

Tavernas in Athens

In Greece, restaurants are known as tavernas and Athens is home to some real gems. Plaka and Kolonaki are the prime places to eat in the city. Varoulko is the place to go for the best seafood in Athens, while Strofi boasts a stunning view of the Acropolis. 

Insider's Tips 

Call 112 for emergency police, medical and fire services in Greece. You can also call 171 for the tourist police. 

Athens is hot and humid in the summer so many tourists prefer to visit in the spring and autumn, when temperatures are warm but manageable. 

There's an extensive public transport system in Athens, with the metro, buses, trams and trains making it easy to get around. However, major streets in the city centre are now pedestrianised so getting around the city on foot is simple too. 

Combined tickets for Athens' main archaeological sites are the norm here. So if you buy a ticket for the Acropolis, you can also use it to see the Agora, Kerameikos and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. 

Getting there from Athens Airport 

Public transport

The easiest way to get from Athens Airport to the city centre is via Metro Line 3. You can also take the express bus to the city centre and the port area of Piraeus. Alternatively, take the suburban train line to Athens Central Railway Station. 

Athens airport transfers and taxis

There is a designated taxi area at the Arrivals Hall, at Exit 3. Flat fares between Athens Airport and the city centre are €35 during the day and €50 at night. Pre-booked airport transfers are also available.