How to Plan a Trip to Athens
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Greece needs.
Your 4-step Athens plan
Step 1 — Book flights to ATH
Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) is the main gateway to Athens. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to ATHStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Plaka + Monastiraki Flea Market for the best first-time visit — Old town walking district under the Acropolis.
Where to stay in AthensStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Acropolis + Parthenon, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Athens.
Things to do in AthensStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Metro Blue Line 3 (to Syntagma / Monastiraki) is €9 single / €16 return and takes 40 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
ATH arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Greece is Schengen — visa-free for most Western passports up to 90 days. Athens airport has a separate landside terminal so transit-only passengers can stay airside without leaving immigration.