Athens holidays - Where history and modernity meet

Getting to Athens

Most UK holidaymakers opt to fly to Athens (although Greece happens to be a very popular cruise destination), with a short flight time of 3 hours and 40 minutes from London.

British Airways and Aegean Airlines offer direct flights to Athens, as do low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air. There are extra seasonal flights offered during the summer months, but you can generally fly direct to Athens from London, Manchester and Newcastle. You'll be able to catch indirect flights to Athens from most other UK airports.

Getting around Athens

Public transport in Athens is reliable, inexpensive and extensive. You can buy multi-day passes that offer unlimited use of all public transport options.

The Athens Metro is one of the most popular options; running from 5AM to midnight (with extended hours on Friday and Saturday nights for nightlife enthusiasts).

In addition, there are buses, trolleybuses, suburban trains and trams. A single ticket costs as little as €1.20, and this is valid for up to 90 minutes.

Plaka

Nestled at the base of the Acropolis, Plaka is considered the very best area to stay if you're a first-time visitor to Athens. This is especially the case if sightseeing is your biggest priority, with many of the city's most important historical and cultural attractions within walking distance. It's also a good base for exploring more of Athens, since many central neighbourhoods are so close by.

It's not just high-end hotels you'll find in Plaka; if you book far enough in advance, you can find a wide array of accommodation, even budget-friendly options. Once there, you'll find pedestrianised streets, loads of cafes and restaurants, and plenty of shops too.

Monastiraki

Another top contender for a first-timer's Athens holiday, Monastiraki is central while throwing in the additional benefit of being able to shop until you drop. Most famous for its flea markets, there's also the long, pedestrianised Ermou, which is considered to be the main shopping street of the city.

There are plenty of hotels here; if you want to splash out, opt for a hotel that has a rooftop view of the famous Acropolis. Monastiraki is also a top choice for families, thanks to its central location and general safety. After all, Athens' most famous attractions are only a few steps away.

Psyri

Located next to Monastiraki but home to a slightly different vibe, Psyri is a good neighbourhood for soaking up a more authentic Athenian experience - especially when it comes to nightlife and eating out! It's still central enough to enjoy the sights by day, but ensures that you'll also have plenty to do once the sun goes down.

Many of the older buildings here have been transformed into modern bars, hotels and galleries, but Psyri still manages to have a younger feel thanks to its wealth of colourful street art and murals.

Syntagma

Considered to be one of the most important squares in Athens - where it's even considered to be a landmark in itself - Syntagma Square is surrounded by a number of important monuments. In addition, it forms a hub for the city's public transport options, ideal for anyone who plans to explore Athens widely.

Located right next to Athens National Garden, a major green lung of the city, and Plaka, you're still centrally located. You can find some of the city's most luxurious hotels here, but you'll also find more affordable options in the area.

Kolonaki

For something a little bit different, base yourself in Kolonaki, a wealthy neighbourhood set on the slopes of Mt Lycabettus, the tallest of Athens' hills. It's right next to Syntagma, which means that you'll have access to all the public transport options you could possibly need - as well as the funicular that takes you up Mt Lycabettus.

This neighbourhood is where you'll find luxury brands for some upmarket shopping, as well as trendy cafes and restaurants, museums and galleries. If you've visited Athens before and are looking for a more luxurious experience, base yourself in opulent Kolonaki.

Piraeus

If your goal is to use the ferries for some island hopping, then Piraeus is a solid option. Known as the main port of Athens, this is where you'll catch ferries and boats to other islands and coastal locations. But there's more to this neighbourhood than its busy ferry port; there are cafes, restaurants and a handful of museums too.

Plus, if you do want to squeeze in some Athens sightseeing, the city centre is about 30 minutes away by Metro, but that shouldn't be the main priority for those basing themselves in Piraeus.