Capital and largest city of Greece
“Wander through historic corners filled with character, traditions and places that have preserved their unique identity.”
Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. A significant coastal urban area in the Mediterranean, Athens is also the capital of the Attica region and is the southernmost capital on the European mainland. With its urban area's population numbering over 3.6 million, it is the eighth-largest urban area in the European Union (EU). The Municipality of Athens, which constitutes a small administrative unit of the entire urban area, had a population of 643,452 in 2021, within its official limits, and a land area of 38.96 square kilometres. Athens joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2016.
What it’s like to be here — and what to go and see.
Pleasant days and fresh blossoms make wandering the streets a pleasure.
Warm evenings and vibrant energy make for lively nights out and about.
Cooler days and thinner crowds make it easy to explore at your own pace.
Festive lights and low-key crowds bring a calmer charm to sightseeing.
A rough, general read — not a precise guide.
Sights are a little more spread out, but still easily walkable.
Getting around by metro, trams and buses is easy, and a car is rarely needed.
Narrow historic streets and limited parking make self-driving a hassle, though taxis remain easy to use.
Pick a category to see what’s there.
