Athens Isn’t for Everyone: Here’s Who Will Actually Love It

So you’re planning a trip to Greece but can’t decide if Athens is worth visiting. I get it. Everyone seems to say you have to go to Athens, right? Well, I might have a slightly different opinion.

I actually lived in Athens for a while, so I really got to know the city. I learned what’s amazing about it and what might make you wish you skipped it.

Athens has a lot to offer, but it’s not the right fit for every traveler. In this post, I’m sharing the honest pros and cons of visiting Athens, who’s going to love it, and who might want to spend their time somewhere else.

If you do decide to go, I’ll also share my insider tips on where to stay and what’s actually worth seeing.

You’ll Love Athens If

There really is no place like Athens. The history alone is incredible, and for the traveler who loves ancient sites and stories, there’s no question you should go.

Of course, there’s the Acropolis, but that’s just the beginning. You can also explore the Ancient Agora, the Roman Forum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos Cemetery, and the Panathenaic Stadium. It’s like walking through a living museum.

👉 Get this Combo Pass ONLY if you are planning to visit multiple sites.

Beyond the ruins, Athens has really stepped up its cafe game. This hasn’t always been the case, but in the last few years, the coffee culture has become one of the best in Europe. You’ll find cozy espresso bars and trendy cafes on almost every corner.

Another thing that might surprise you is the food scene. Athens is no longer just about cheap eats like gyros and souvlaki (though those are great too). The city now has a growing list of high-end restaurants and creative chefs doing amazing things with Greek cuisine. If you’re a foodie, Athens will absolutely impress you.

Top Athens Restaurants:

• Delta– This is the only 2-Michelin star restaurant in Greece.
• Pelagos-Pelagos is a one-Michelin star restaurant at the Four Seasons Athens.
• Spondi– A classic in Athens’ fine dining scene, Spondi is a French haute cuisine restaurant that has held Michelin star status.

You Might Want to Skip Athens If

Now, as much as I do love Athens, it can be a lot for anyone who gets anxious in crowds. Athens is busy, and I mean really busy.

There are tourists everywhere, especially during the peak summer months. Add in the motorbikes, honking cars, and general city chaos, and it can start to feel overwhelming fast.

If you’re someone who doesn’t love big cities, you might want to skip Athens and spend more time on the islands or in smaller towns instead.

If you do decide to go, it helps to stay in a quieter neighborhood like Kolonaki or Pangrati. These areas have fewer tourists, more local vibes, and the closer you are to Lycabettus Hill, the nicer and calmer it gets.

Quick Pros and Cons of Visiting Athens

Pros	Cons
Incredible ancient history and landmarks like the Acropolis and Ancient Agora	Very crowded, especially in summer
Amazing cafe and coffee scene	Busy traffic and loud motorbikes everywhere
Surprising high-end dining and creative food options	Can feel overwhelming if you don’t love big cities
Great base for taking ferries to nearby islands	Air quality isn’t great, especially on hot days
Lively local neighborhoods like Pangrati and Kolonaki	Tourist-heavy areas can feel chaotic and overpriced

Do You Need to Visit Athens to Go to the Greek Islands?

Depending on where you’re heading, you might not need to visit Athens at all. For some islands, like Rhodes, Crete, or Corfu, you can fly directly from other European cities without setting foot in Athens.

But for others, taking a ferry from Athens is the easiest or only option. These islands include Hydra, Poros, Aegina, Spetses, Kea (Tzia), Kythnos, Serifos, Sifnos, and even Santorini or Mykonos if you prefer a ferry over flying.

So if your plan is to explore the Saronic or Cycladic islands, spending at least a night in Athens before or after your ferry makes sense. If you’re flying straight to one of the larger islands, you can easily skip the city altogether.

Where to Stay in Athens

If you’re excited to visit Athens, picking the right neighborhood makes a big difference in how much you’ll enjoy it. Each area has its own vibe, so here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide what fits your travel style best.

Plaka

Plaka is the classic choice for first-time visitors. It’s charming, walkable, and right under the Acropolis. You’ll be surrounded by souvenir shops, restaurants, and postcard-perfect streets. Just know it’s very touristy and can get crowded fast. 👉 Check Out Electra Palace Athens.

Pangrati

One of my favorite neighborhoods in Athens. It’s local, laid-back, and filled with cute cafes and restaurants. You’ll get more of a real city feel without being too far from the main sights.

Kolonaki

If you like boutique hotels, good shopping, and quiet evenings, Kolonaki is a great pick. It’s a little more upscale and close to Lycabettus Hill, where you can catch one of the best sunset views in the city. This neighborhood is my Top Pick for Solo Travelers. My most favorite hotel is Coco-Mat Jumelle.

Koukaki

Trendy and walkable, Koukaki sits right below the Acropolis Museum and Filopappou Hill. It’s full of small wine bars, stylish Airbnbs, and easy access to all the big sites without feeling too hectic. I highly recommend staying at the Coco-Mat Athens BC.

Psiri

This area is lively, full of bars and nightlife, and great if you want to be in the middle of everything. It’s not for everyone though, it can be noisy late into the night. Best choice when traveling to athens on a budget. 

Exarchia

Best for travelers who like an artsy, alternative vibe. You’ll find cool street art, record stores, and edgy cafes. It’s not the most polished area, but it has character and energy.

If you are visiting in the warmer months, I urge you to book a hotel in Athens with a pool!

Where to Stay in Athens if You’re Only Visiting for the Islands

If Athens is just your jumping-off point for the Greek islands, you don’t need to stay right in the city center. You can save time and stress by staying closer to the port you’ll be sailing from.

Piraeus Port

Most ferries to the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands leave from Piraeus. Staying here means you can walk or take a short taxi to your ferry early in the morning. It’s not the most charming area, but it’s practical. There are plenty of hotels within a 5 to 10 minute walk from the terminals, and the metro or an airport bus makes it easy to get here.

Good to know: Ferries to islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Milos, Paros, Naxos, and Serifos all depart from Piraeus.

Rafina Port

Rafina is smaller and quieter than Piraeus. It’s on the Athens Riviera and much closer to the airport, which makes it a great option if you’re flying in late and catching an early ferry the next day. There are a few nice beachfront hotels and local tavernas, perfect for a relaxed start to your island trip.

Ferries from Rafina go to islands like Andros, Tinos, Serifos and Mykonos.

Athens Riviera

If you want a mix of beach time and easy access to the islands, stay along the Athens Riviera. Areas like Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, or Alimos are by the sea and within reach of both the city and the ports. This part of Athens feels completely different from downtown. Think palm trees, sunset cocktails, and seaside restaurants.

The Four Seasons is located in Vouliagmeni! If you can’t swing it to stay there for a night, I recommend having dinner at one of the many restaurants just to get the experience of the view at sunset.

It’s ideal if you want a short city stay before heading to the islands, but still want a relaxing vibe. If you stay in this area, check out Astir Beach! It’s expensive, but worth it if you plan to spend the whole day!

How Many Days Do You Need in Athens?

I actually wrote a full post about this, but here’s the short version. You really only need about two days in Athens if your main goal is to see the highlights and then head to the islands.

In that post, I break it down so you can spend one day exploring the old city and all the historic sites, and the next day checking out modern Athens with its museums, cafes, and local neighborhoods.

One thing to keep in mind if you’re flying home from Athens after visiting the islands is that ferries are often delayed, and the traffic to the airport can be a nightmare.

I always recommend giving yourself one extra night in Athens at the end of your trip so you don’t risk missing your flight.

So, Is Athens Worth Visiting?

For me, yes, Athens is worth visiting, but it really depends on your travel style. If you love history, good food, and the energy of a busy city, you’ll find plenty to love here.

If crowds, traffic, and noise are deal breakers, you might prefer to skip it and spend more time on the islands instead.

Either way, I think spending at least two days in Athens gives you a solid taste of the city without feeling rushed. Then you can hop on a ferry, grab a coffee, and start your island adventure.

Have more questions about Athens? Contact me here! I would love to help you!