Athens Guide | The Greece Collection

Athens · at a glance

Much more than a gateway to the islands.

Most people treat Athens as a gateway to the islands. I think that's a mistake. Give yourself two or three nights and you'll discover one of Europe's most exciting food cities, incredible luxury hotels, and neighborhoods that feel completely different from one another. It's the perfect way to begin or end a trip through Greece.

Best For: First-Time Greece · City Breaks · Food Lovers · Luxury Travelers
Ideal Stay: 2–3 Nights
Best Months: April–June · September–November
Don’t miss: Private Acropolis Tour — Beat the crowds and bring ancient Athens to life with an expert guide. An Evening in Plaka & Anafiotika — Wander the winding streets after sunset when the neighborhood feels its most magical. Dinner at Delta or a Rooftop Cocktail — Experience Athens' thriving culinary scene with views of the illuminated Acropolis. A Day on the Athens Riviera — Combine the city with beach clubs, seaside restaurants, and luxury resorts just outside the center.
Getting around: Athens is best explored on foot around the historic center, while taxis are inexpensive for longer trips. If you're planning time along the Athens Riviera, renting a car isn't necessary unless you're continuing your journey beyond the city. For travelers heading onward to the islands, I can also arrange a private helicopter transfer directly from Athens through my partnership with Hoper.

5 Greek Ferry Rules Every Couple Should Know →The Athens Excursions Guide →Book Excursions & Tours Through My Link →Browse Greece Tours On Viator →

Where to stay

Pick your ground first

Syntagma

Luxury hotels within walking distance of Athens' major landmarks.

Plaka

Historic streets, charming boutiques, and lively restaurants.

Athens Riviera

Beachfront luxury with easy access to the city.

The hotels

My picks, with reasons

Athens

The Dolli

The city's most beautiful view

Few hotels have transformed Athens' luxury scene like The Dolli. Housed inside a restored neoclassical mansion overlooking the Acropolis, it blends residential elegance with impeccable service and one of the most spectacular rooftop pools in Europe. Every space feels thoughtfully curated, making it as much a design destination as it is a hotel.

Right for: Design Lovers, Couples, First-Time Athens, Luxury Travelers
Rate: From $900/night
Room I’d book: Acropolis Junior SuiteWake up to uninterrupted views of the Parthenon from one of the city's most coveted addresses.

Read the full review

Keith’s notes

Reserve a private guide for the Acropolis. Touring the ancient sites with an expert completely changes the experience, and you'll appreciate being able to walk back to the hotel afterward.

Take a taxi to Kallithea for lunch. I had my favorite gyros in all of Greece there, and it's a reminder that some of Athens' best food is found well beyond the tourist center.

Save one evening for the rooftop. Whether it's cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast the next morning, The Dolli's view of the illuminated Parthenon is reason enough to slow down.

The verdict

If someone asks me where to splurge in Athens, The Dolli is usually my first answer. Between the rooftop, the location, and the design, it's one of the most memorable hotel experiences in Greece.

Athens

Four Seasons Astir Palace

Where Athens meets the sea

Four Seasons Astir Palace proves Athens isn't just a city destination. Set along a private peninsula overlooking the Saronic Gulf, it combines world-class dining, multiple beaches, and resort-style luxury just thirty minutes from the Acropolis. It's the perfect balance of city access and a true seaside escape.

Right for: Families, Beach Lovers, Celebrations, Extended Stays
Rate: From $1,300/night
Room I’d book: Sea View Bungalow SuitePrivacy, generous outdoor space, and direct access to the Riviera lifestyle.

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Keith’s notes

Spend an afternoon at the beach club. Astir's private coves are one of the Riviera's biggest advantages and deserve more than a quick swim.

Reserve dinner at Pelagos. It's one of the best Michelin-starred meals in Greece and worth planning your evening around.

Explore Vouliagmeni. Walk to the lake or enjoy dinner in town before returning to the calm of the peninsula.

The verdict

Astir Palace feels like two vacations in one. Spend your mornings by the sea, your afternoons exploring Athens, and return each evening to one of Europe's finest urban resorts. Few hotels balance city and beach this effortlessly.

Athens · Three Perfect Days

How I'd Spend Three Days Here

How I'd spend three unforgettable days in Greece's vibrant capital.

01 Discover Start early with a private guide through the Acropolis before the crowds arrive, then continue to the Acropolis Museum. Wander the streets of Plaka and Anafiotika before spending the afternoon shopping in Kolonaki. End the day with rooftop cocktails overlooking the Parthenon followed by dinner at one of the city's standout restaurants. Stay: The Dolli
Dinner: Hytra or CTC

02 The Riviera Spend the day along the Athens Riviera. Relax at one of the city's beautiful beachfront resorts, enjoy a long seaside lunch, then stroll Astir Marina before dinner overlooking the Saronic Gulf. Don't Miss: Lunch or dinner at Pelagos or Manko while exploring the peninsula at Four Seasons Astir Palace.

03 Local Life Start the morning with coffee in Pangrati before browsing the boutiques of Kolonaki. Head to Kallithea for what ended up being my favorite gyros in Greece, then spend the afternoon wandering the National Garden or visiting the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center before one final dinner beneath the Acropolis.

Keith’s tip

Don't rush through Athens on your way to the islands. Give the city at least two full days and you'll discover some of Greece's best hotels, restaurants, and cultural experiences.

One question

Where and when?

“Athens in June” is a complete answer. I’ll take it from there.