Athens Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

Athens

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About Athens

20℃

Recommended length of visit

2-4 days

Local currency

EUR

Must-visit attractions in Athens

Looking for things to do in Athens? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

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Best Things to Do

Family-friendly

Must-try food in Athens

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Athens dishes and foodie spots.

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Western cuisine

Coffee shop

Bars/bistros

Recent events and experiences in Athens

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Athens itinerary ideas

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Athens 2-Day Trip: Ancient Ruins, Lively Market Moments

2 Days
  1. DAY01Acropolis of AthensTemple of Olympian ZeusPanathenaic StadiumAthens National Garden
  2. DAY02National Archaeological MuseumSyntagma SquareRoman Forum of AthensMonastiraki Flea Market
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Athens 3-Day Trip: Ancient stone stages and Lycabettus sunsets

3 Days
  1. DAY01Hadrian's LibraryAncient Agora of AthensTheatre of Dionysus EleuthereusAcropolis of AthensOdeon of Herodes Atticus
  2. DAY02Acropolis MuseumTemple of Olympian ZeusArch of HadrianSyntagma SquareAthens National Garden
  3. DAY03National Archaeological MuseumMount Lycabettus
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Athens 4-Day Trip: Where Ancient Athens Still Echoes

4 Days
  1. DAY01National Archaeological MuseumAthens National GardenPanathenaic Stadium
  2. DAY02Hellenic ParliamentSyntagma SquareAcropolis of Athens
  3. DAY03Temple of Olympian ZeusArch of HadrianAcropolis MuseumTheatre of Dionysus EleuthereusOdeon of Herodes Atticus
  4. DAY04Roman Forum of AthensHadrian's LibraryMonastiraki Flea MarketAncient Agora of Athens
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Traveler photos and experiences

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Great amenities and friendly staff, just bring earplugs! — traveler post in Athens

Great amenities and friendly staff, just bring earplugs!

Loved our stay here. The rooms are really clean and come with great little amenities like complimentary conditioner, a microwave/kitchenette, and a Nespresso machine which was a lovely treat. The area outside can feel a bit dodgy at night, but the 24/7 reception made us feel completely safe when arriving after 9 PM, and the staff are always friendly. It does get quite noisy at night, so my top tip is to bring earplugs. Would stay again!

Athens First-Timer Stay Planner: Syntagma, Plaka / Monastiraki—or Koukaki? — traveler post in Athens

Athens First-Timer Stay Planner: Syntagma, Plaka / Monastiraki—or Koukaki?

Your Athens base should fit the day you want, not just the neighbourhood name on a booking page. For airport-led convenience, start your search near Syntagma. For historic lanes and evening wandering, compare Plaka / Monastiraki. For Acropolis-side days and neighbourhood meals, compare Koukaki. These are search areas, not a promise that every property has the same walk, access or atmosphere. Before booking, trace the exact hotel pin from your arrival stop and back from dinner. Check steps before the lift, legal drop-off, late check-in and recent room-noise reviews. If heat or tired legs could shorten your day, weigh the return journey as carefully as the morning start. Airport rail normally serves both Syntagma and Monastiraki. Current evening engineering works can interrupt through airport trains. Check STASY notices for your travel date and time before relying on the route. Keep one city base unless changing hotels genuinely improves your onward journey after check-out and luggage are counted. Save this guide before booking. Share it with your travel companion. #Athens #AthensTravel #WhereToStayInAthens #Syntagma #Plaka #Monastiraki #Koukaki #GreeceTravel

Check out the Corinth Canal! Take a boat through the strait—a must-visit hidden gem in Greece — traveler post in Athens

Check out the Corinth Canal! Take a boat through the strait—a must-visit hidden gem in Greece

📍Attraction snapshot The Corinth Canal in Greece is a long, narrow man-made canal connecting the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea. With steep canyon walls on both sides and blue water flowing through, it is perfect for a boat tour! 🚢 The water sparkles on sunny days, and every photo you take looks like a stunning shot 📸 🚗Transportation There is no direct metro access. From Athens, you can: · Take an intercity bus to Corinth town, then take a taxi to the canal · Book a local day tour for a hassle-free experience · Driving is the most flexible option! Parking is available right near the canal observation deck, which is super convenient 🚙 🍜Dining There are not many shops by the canal, so I recommend eating in Corinth town! Recommendations: ✔️ Gyros - Juicy and flavorful meat with chewy pita bread ✔️ Fresh grilled octopus - Full of seafood flavor, perfectly charred over charcoal ✔️ Greek salad - Refreshing and light, a perfect match with yogurt desserts 🍧 💰Money-saving tips The observation deck is free to visit. Boat tours require a separate ticket; I recommend comparing prices from local travel agencies. Driving is more budget-friendly than a day tour! ☀️ The sun is very strong during the day, so be sure to bring a sun hat 🧢. There are occasional rain showers, so remember to carry an umbrella ☔ In short, the Corinth Canal is definitely worth a visit! Taking a boat through the canyon and feeling the awe of the two seas meeting makes it a top choice for hidden gems in Greece! 💙

The Ultimate Guide to the Acropolis of Athens! A stress-free first visit — traveler post in Athens

The Ultimate Guide to the Acropolis of Athens! A stress-free first visit

☂️ Quick tips: The summit is very exposed and windy. Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and an umbrella for shade ☂️. Wear comfortable shoes, as the path up is a bit steep! You know how it is—the Acropolis is no joke! 🚶‍♀️ ① 📍 The Acropolis of Athens is located on a hill in the city center and is a landmark of ancient Greece. The famous Parthenon is right here! If you come to Athens and don't visit the Acropolis, you haven't really been to Athens! 🏛️ ② 🚗 Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 (Red Line) to Acropoli Station. It's a 5–10 minute walk from the exit to the entrance. You can also take bus 230 or 041 to Makriyianni Station. A taxi from the city center costs about €5–10. Driving is not recommended; parking spaces nearby are extremely scarce, and you might spend forever looking for one 🤯. ③ 🍜 Food: There are tons of local eateries in the old Plaka district at the foot of the Acropolis! You must try a Greek Gyros, Greek salad, Moussaka, and honey donuts (Loukoumades)! An affordable meal costs about €15–25. No need to hunt for "viral" spots—if it's crowded with locals, it's good! You can't go wrong following the locals 👀. ④ 💰 Money-saving tips: Buy tickets on the official website in advance to avoid long lines! A single ticket is about €20. You can also buy a combo ticket for archaeological sites, which is valid for 5 days and covers 7 sites. There are discounts for EU citizens under 25. Try to go at 8:00 AM when it opens—it's less crowded, not as hot, and better for photos 📸. Water is expensive at the attraction, so it's more cost-effective to bring your own bottle! 🏛️ The Parthenon is absolutely stunning! I was instantly blown away when I visited the museum during the day! It's hard to put into words that feeling of traveling back through thousands of years 😭. Girls, just go for it! ✨

Meteora, Greece | A real-life "Castle in the Sky," ancient monasteries on cliffs — traveler post in Athens

Meteora, Greece | A real-life "Castle in the Sky," ancient monasteries on cliffs

📍Attraction overview Kalabaka, Greece, a World Heritage site, where ancient monasteries sit atop giant cliffs⛪️ This is the real-life "Castle in the Sky," named by National Geographic as one of the most breathtaking cultural landscapes! 🚗Transportation guide No subway🚇 You can take an intercity train/bus from Athens to the town of Kalabaka. Taking a taxi up the mountain from town is super convenient, or you can book a local day tour. Driving yourself offers the most freedom! Highly recommend driving; the scenery along the way is absolutely stunning🛣️ 🍜Food recommendations Dining options on the mountain are limited, so we recommend heading back to the town of Kalabaka to eat~ Recommendations: · Moussaka (eggplant meat pie)🍆 · Greek meat wraps🌯 · Feta cheese with honey yogurt🥛 Local small restaurants offer great value; you can eat your fill for an average of €15 per person! 💰Budget tips ✓ Scenic roads and observation decks are free🆓 ✓ Each monastery has a separate admission fee of €5/person, cash only💶 ✓ The sun is very strong on the mountain☀️ Bring a sun hat ✓ Occasional showers in the mountains, carry an umbrella☂️ ✓ Multiple monasteries take turns closing; check opening hours in advance ✓ Buy water and snacks in town, as prices on the mountain are higher 💕Must-see for couples At sunset, hold hands while standing on the cliffside observation deck, watching the sunset paint the monasteries red as the sea of clouds rolls beneath your feet~ It's truly an unforgettable, romantic scene! We suggest wearing light-colored clothing for better photos📸

Don't miss out! Acropolis Museum guide! You have to visit after reading this — traveler post in Athens

Don't miss out! Acropolis Museum guide! You have to visit after reading this

☂️ Quick tip: The AC inside is really strong, but it's very sunny outside, so everyone, remember to bring sun protection and an umbrella! 📸 Note: Flash photography is not allowed inside~ ①📍 The museum is right at the foot of the Acropolis, housing tons of artifacts excavated from the Acropolis. It echoes the temples on the hill—it's truly breathtaking! You'll regret it if you come to Athens and don't visit this place! ✨ ②🚗 Transportation tips: · Take Metro Line 2 to Acropoli Station, then walk 3–5 minutes. · Take bus 230 or 041 to Makriyianni Station. · It's only a 10-minute walk from the main Acropolis site, but remember to protect yourself from the sun! · Friendly reminder: Parking is limited nearby, so driving is not recommended 🚫 ③🍜 Food guide: The museum has its own café for light meals, and there are tons of options in the surrounding Plaka old town! Gyros 🥙, feta salad 🥗, and grilled seafood 🦐 are all must-tries! Money-saving tip: Don't fall for the tourist traps right at the entrance; walk into the alleys for cheaper, more authentic local spots! 💰 ④💶 Ticket saving tips: · Book online in advance to skip the line; tickets are about €10. · Discounts are available at certain times; students, remember to bring your ID! · We recommend coming in the morning when it's less crowded and the lighting is better. · Bring your own water and snacks, as drinks inside are a bit pricey. 📸 Pro tip: Come in the evening—the sunlight hitting the museum is beautiful! You can even catch the sunset after you're done exploring! I happened to visit on a sunny day, and seeing so many people strolling leisurely through the museum really set the perfect mood! 🥰

Athens: The City Named After a Goddess | Greece — traveler post in Athens

Athens: The City Named After a Goddess | Greece

As one of the world's oldest cities, Athens boasts a history stretching back over three thousand years. As you wander through the city, you will occasionally see bits of history. Athens: The City Named After a Goddess | Greece As one of the world's oldest cities, Athens boasts a history stretching back over three thousand years. Wandering through its streets, you'll frequently stumble upon architectural marvels and ruins left behind by ancient civilizations. Far from being stagnant or somber, however, the city is bathed in sunshine and vibrant colors—a truly lively ancient metropolis. Whether you're a history buff or just passing through on a short layover, its unique charm is undeniable. This is Athens, the city that bears the name of the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena.

Santorini, the land of freedom in Plato's writings — traveler post in Athens

Santorini, the land of freedom in Plato's writings

Santorini—the land of freedom in Plato's writings. Some call it the "purest fairy-tale world," others call it "the place closest to heaven," and still others call it "the most romantic honeymoon destination."    🔥If it's true that heavenly beauty can only be formed after enduring hellish trials, then that description fits Santorini perfectly. This island has endured thousands of years of volcanic eruptions and massive collapses, ultimately forming the beautiful landscape we see today. 🚶🏿‍♀️🚶Itinerary: Day 1: Fly from Athens to Santorini (Thira) Airport in the morning, take a bus to your homestay in Oia, explore the town, and head to Oia Castle in the evening to watch the sunset. Day 2: Explore Oia again in the morning, check out at noon, take a bus to Fira, and spend the afternoon exploring Fira and watching the sunset. Day 3: Walk the cliffside trail in the morning, join a "sunset cruise" at noon, or rent a car for a self-driving island tour to visit the Red, White, and Black beaches. Must-visit attractions: · Oia: ✔️[Oia Sunset Viewpoint]: (Free) A brown castle ruin that offers an unbeatable view of Oia and is a classic spot to watch the world's most beautiful sunset. ✔️[Famous Blue Dome Church]: (Free) This is the symbol of Santorini—blue domes, white walls, cliffside stairs, and the Aegean Sea in the background. You'll need to queue for photos no matter when you go, but this landmark can actually be photographed from several different angles. · Fira: ✔️[Cliffside Trail] (Free): Fira – Firostefani – Imerovigli. The cliffside trail connects these three towns. The path is about 3 km long and concentrates almost all of Santorini's most beautiful highlights. ✔️[Thera Church, Santorini] (Free): Famous for appearing on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1997. It's right next to the cliffside trail, though the location is a bit hidden; you can find it by using the location for the Mama Thira restaurant. · Red Beach, Black Beach, White Beach: ✔️Due to volcanic eruptions, different minerals formed different colors at different temperatures. This resulted in the various colored beaches on Santorini—Black Beach, Red Beach, and White Beach. You can view them from the sea by boat or rent a car for an island tour to visit them in person. [Best time to visit] April to May and September to October each year offer clear weather and pleasant temperatures. There are fewer tourists than in July and August, and flights and hotels are relatively cheaper, making it the best time to travel. [Transportation on the island] 1. Taxis on the island are scarce and expensive, but buses are very convenient. There are buses from the airport to Fira for €2.20 per person; buy your ticket at the door before boarding. Fira serves as the island's transit hub, with other buses available to take you to most places you want to go. Of course, you can also rent a car to explore the island on your own. [Food] Greek cuisine is primarily Mediterranean. Moussaka, Greek salad, grilled octopus, gyros (pita), and Greek yogurt are the classics. However, in addition to these, the local wine, frozen yogurt, and tomato fritters are also excellent. If you want to experience the island vibe, you can choose a seaside restaurant and slowly enjoy a glass of wine... However, prices in Santorini are higher than in other Greek cities. If you aren't specifically looking for that dining atmosphere and ambiance, there are pita fast-food shops at the entrances to both Fira and Oia, which are the best options. [Accommodation on the island] If you are only visiting Santorini for 1 or 2 days, you can choose to stay near the Fira bus station, where transportation is convenient, the commercial atmosphere is vibrant, and daily life is very easy. If you are staying for 3 or 4 days, you can also spend a day or 2 in Oia, where the scenery is even better. If you have a sufficient budget, you can choose a cave hotel in Oia facing the sea, with prices ranging from 2,000 to 10,000.

“What we once saw in history books is now unfolding right before our eyes.” ​ — traveler post in Athens

“What we once saw in history books is now unfolding right before our eyes.” ​

🏛️✨ 📖🇬🇷 One day in Athens, Greece’s capital, is more than just a sightseeing tour of an ancient city—it’s a voyage back to the very roots of Western civilization, democracy, and philosophy. 🗺️🕰️ Stepping onto this land, every corner whispers stories that have shaped the world we inhabit today. 🌍💫 1. The Acropolis: The hilltop citadel and symbol of democracy. 🏔️👑 Our journey begins at the Acropolis 🏛️, an ancient fortress perched high on a hill, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of Athens. 🔭 Historically, this wasn't just a military stronghold for defense 🛡️; it was a religious and political hub dedicated to the goddess Athena 🦉, the city's protector. Climbing its ancient marble steps, you can feel the sheer grandeur and the unwavering resolve of the ancients who built this masterpiece without the help of modern technology. ⚙️💪 2. The Parthenon: 2,500 years of architectural perfection. 🏛️💎 Venture deeper into the Acropolis to find the Parthenon 🏛️, a temple of pure white marble built during the Golden Age of Pericles. 📜 This temple stands as the ultimate pinnacle of ancient Greek architecture. Its Doric columns were subtly curved to correct optical illusions, and its design utilized the Golden Ratio ✨, reflecting a profound mastery of mathematics and art. 📐🎨 Despite weathering 2,500 years and surviving countless wars ⚔️, these ruins still radiate a powerful sense of beauty and historical authority. 🔥🏛️ 3. The Ancient Agora: The political heart of Ancient Greece. 🏛️🗳️ Descend the hill to the Ancient Agora 🌳, a sprawling area that once served as the central marketplace and the beating heart of Athenian life. 🛍️ This is the birthplace of "participatory democracy," 🤝 where citizens gathered to meet, cast their votes 🗳️, and debate the affairs of the state. 🗣️ It was also the stomping ground of world-renowned philosophers like Socrates and Plato. 📜✍️ Standing amidst these foundations, you can almost hear the echoes of ancient debates and the footsteps of those who came before. 👣🏛️ 4. Plaka: The vibrant historic neighborhood beneath the Acropolis. 🏘️🌸 Wrap up your day with a stroll through Plaka 🏘️, Athens' oldest neighborhood nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. ⛰️ With its narrow cobblestone alleys 🪨, neoclassical buildings draped in vibrant flowers 🌺🌿, and charming local shops 🛍️, Plaka offers a stark, lively contrast to the ancient ruins. It doesn’t just preserve history through stone and mortar; it keeps the "breath" of Greek tradition alive 🇬🇷☕, seamlessly blending the essence of the past with the rhythm of the present. ⏳✨ Visiting Athens makes you realize that history is no longer just words or images in a textbook. It is the story of humanity etched in stone, art, and time—standing defiant and magnificent to this very day. ✨🏛️📜💫

Heading to Greece for the first time? Don't book your tickets just yet! See which cities are perfect for your trip. — traveler post in Athens

Heading to Greece for the first time? Don't book your tickets just yet! See which cities are perfect for your trip.

🇬🇷✈️ For anyone planning their first trip to Greece, the most popular and balanced dream route is Athens → Santorini → Mykonos. 🏛️🌊 These three classic destinations offer a complete experience of history, romance, and seaside nightlife. Here is a breakdown of which city suits your style, how long to stay, and the top highlights to help you plan your perfect itinerary! 🎒✨ 1. Athens: The Cradle of Ancient Civilization 🏛️🏺 Best for: History buffs, lovers of ancient ruins, and those who enjoy wandering through the atmosphere of a historic capital. Recommended duration: 2 days ⏱️ Highlights: Home to the world-renowned Acropolis and Parthenon, massive World Heritage sites that reflect the glory of Ancient Greece. 🌟 The Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods at the base of the hill are filled with local markets, chic cafes, and vibrant street food that buzzes all day long. ☕️🛍️ 2. Santorini: The Romantic Getaway with Million-Dollar Views 🌅💙 Best for: Couples, honeymooners, photography enthusiasts, cafe hoppers, and sunset chasers looking for the world's most stunning vistas. 📸🥂 Recommended duration: 3–4 days ⏱️ Highlights: Iconic pure white houses contrasting with blue-domed roofs and steep cliffs offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea (the Caldera view). 🌊 Oia is the most famous and romantic sunset viewing spot in the world. Enjoy cliffside dining or a sunset yacht cruise. ⛵️ 3. Mykonos: The Chic Party Island and Coastal Paradise 🛞🌴 Best for: Fashionistas, party lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and anyone who loves exploring narrow alleys filled with whitewashed buildings and vibrant blue doors. 💃🍹 Recommended duration: 2–3 days ⏱️ Highlights: The historic Windmills, the island's iconic landmark, and Little Venice, where houses sit right at the water's edge—perfect for evening cocktails. 🪟✨ Renowned for its world-class nightlife and beach clubs, as well as upscale brand shopping and trendy boutiques hidden in its charming alleys. 🛍️🎉

What people are saying about Athens

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Acropolis of Athens

Beautiful and magnificent. Wear comfortable shoes and take a hat. I wasn’t well prepared for the amount of walking.

Hannah CompionHannah Compion

Acropolis Museum

Amazing museum full of treasures. I highly recommend. There is also the excavation at the bottom. Amazing.

D44***67D44***67

Parthenon

This was taken on the Acropolis: Temple of Victory (Figure 3), Parthenon (Figure 5. Still under renovation), Erechtheion (Figures 4 and 5), Dionysus Theatre, Atticus Theatre. The guided tour I bought a day in advance was very good. We set off at 5pm, just as the sun was about to set. It was not hot at all, and there were not many tourists. The tour guide was a historian, and the content he introduced along the way was very detailed. Including the story behind the construction of the Acropolis Museum, the trees on the Acropolis Hill, the Acropolis has experienced several disasters and historical changes, Athens' efforts in the field of international recovery of cultural relics (to the British Museum), the story of Dionysus, the god of medicine, the goddess of war, the goddess of wisdom, and the three main gods Poseidon. Another surprise is that there are so many cats in the Acropolis! They are the only guests who can enter and exit the temple at will. The staff will regularly put cat food for the stray cats.

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National Archaeological Museum

It was cheaper to purchase the tickets at the location, it also came with free audio tours. If you need Chinese I am sure this app offered it but if English or another European language was okay it was better to do it in the museum. Upside museum itself was wonderful and pre bought tickets shipped the line!

Anonymous userAnonymous user

Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square in Athens is a lively, vibrant spot rich in history and culture. It sits at the heart of the Monastiraki district, known for its Sunday flea market where visitors can find everything from antiques and souvenirs to clothing and local crafts. The square features historic landmarks like the Panagia Pantanassa church and the Ottoman-era Tzisdarakis Mosque, now a museum.The atmosphere is bustling with street vendors, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to experience Athenian life. From nearby rooftop bars, beautiful views of the Acropolis can be enjoyed. Its central location offers easy access to major ancient sites like the Ancient Agora and Hadrian’s Library. Monastiraki is appreciated for its blend of ancient history and lively modern culture, making it a must-see for visitors

AlexizzzAlexizzz

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Although it is a site under restoration, you can still feel the weight of history. The ticket inspector did not immediately recognize the admission voucher. He looked at it for a long time and asked why there was no price displayed. We explained and finally got in.

Anonymous userAnonymous user

Syntagma Square

This is a must-see event of the change of guards every morning at 8 am. This is really a spectacular galore of the past & that is most exciting to foreign visitors. It's normally packed with bus loads of tourists and foreigners alike, so be ready for crowds, all trying to capture the best photo and video angle of the 'guards' change. The guards in full ancient military costumes are really mesmerising!

SHARMIN KSHARMIN K

Ancient Agora of Athens

The location of the Roman market is very unique and is well worth a visit. There are still some traditional arts and crafts shops to visit. It is necessary to experience the Roman culture here. It is best if the market has free visiting hours.

小思文小思文

Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus is also a very beautiful place. The structure of the entire mountain top is quite unique. You can also see a lot of facilities here. The fun content on the top of the mountain is also diverse and uniquely structured.

小思文小思文

Athens National Garden

🌳 Athens National Garden – A Breath of Fresh Air Beside HistoryTucked beside the bustling heart of Athens, the National Garden feels like a peaceful escape into nature and time. Shaded pathways, towering palms, and hidden corners filled with birdsong offer a refreshing contrast to the city’s ancient ruins nearby. Whether you’re strolling past small ponds, relaxing under centuries-old trees, or simply enjoying the cool breeze after exploring Syntagma Square, the garden provides a calm and charming retreat. Perfect for families, solo travelers, or anyone needing a quiet pause, Athens National Garden beautifully blends natural serenity with the timeless spirit of Greece.

Traveltheworld@bdTraveltheworld@bd

Athens FAQ

How many days should I spend in Athens?

Based on Trip.com user data, Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 day(s), allowing you to cover the main attractions while enjoying shopping, dining, and other experiences.

What currency is used in Athens?

The standard currency in Athens is EUR

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