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Athens

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, a significant coastal urban area in the Mediterranean. This historic metropolis serves as the capital of the Attica region and is the southernmost capital on the European mainland.

Photo: dronepicr (CC BY 2.0)

Quick facts

Population
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Greek
Timezone
EEST (UTC+3)
Local time now
12:36:21

Hotels in Athens

Athens offers a diverse range of hotels to suit every traveler. From luxury properties like King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel and Athens Plaza to comfortable mid-range options such as Electra Hotel, visitors will find quality accommodation throughout the city. See all hotels →

Airports in Athens

Athens is served by several airports and aviation facilities. Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Αθηνών «Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος» (Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport) is the primary international gateway to the city, while other facilities including Στρατιωτικό Αεροδρόμιο Ελευσίνας, Marathon Kotroni Airport, and Αεροδρόμιο Μεγαρέων provide additional air transport options in the greater Athens region. See all airports →

Αεροπορική Βάση Δεκέλειας
15.5 km from centre
Στρατιωτικό Αεροδρόμιο Ελευσίνας
18.4 km from centre
Διεθνής Αερολιμένας Αθηνών «Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος»
19.3 km from centre

Car Hire in Athens

Athens offers several car hire options for visitors looking to explore the city and surrounding regions. Local providers including Evans Rent, InstaCar, Capital, Auto 365, and Μιχαήλ Στάμου offer vehicle rental services to suit different travel needs. See all car hire →

Evans Rent
432 m from centre
InstaCar
826 m from centre
Capital
854 m from centre
Auto 365
869 m from centre

Things to Do in Athens

We're still gathering things to do listings for Athens — check back soon.

Restaurants in Athens

Athens offers a diverse dining scene with restaurants ranging from contemporary to traditional cuisine. Visitors can choose from establishments like Tudor Hall, Chunxi, Grande Bretagne Roof Garden, Tarka, and Da Panda, each offering their own culinary experience in the Greek capital. See all restaurants →

Swimming Pools in Athens

Athens offers several swimming pool facilities for both recreational and competitive swimming. Options include Academia 8th. Floor Pool, Κολυμβητήριο, Μικρή Πισίνα, Σεράφειο Κολυμβητήριο, and ΚΛΕΙΣΤΟ ΚΟΛΥΜΒΗΤΗΡΙΟ Δ. ΒΥΡΩΝΑ, providing various venues across the city. See all swimming pools →

Academia 8th. Floor Pool
2.1 km from centre
Κολυμβητήριο
2.4 km from centre
Μικρή Πισίνα
2.5 km from centre

Spas in Athens

We're still gathering spas listings for Athens — check back soon.

Nightlife in Athens

Athens offers a vibrant nightlife scene with venues including Toy Room, Lido, Χοροστάσιο, 7 times, and Σφίγγα. Whether you're looking for late-night bars, dance clubs, or live music venues, the city provides diverse options for evening entertainment. See all nightlife →

Toy Room
238 m from centre
Χοροστάσιο
604 m from centre
7 times
858 m from centre

Bars in Athens

Athens offers a diverse bar scene for visitors and locals alike. Whether you're looking for a relaxed lounge or a lively spot, venues like Chrysalis Lounge, Brutal All Day Bar, 42, 7 Jokers, and Ermou 18 Beyond the Horizon provide various atmospheres to suit your evening. See all bars →

Chrysalis Lounge
175 m from centre
Brutal All Day Bar
198 m from centre
42
208 m from centre

Cafes in Athens

We're still gathering cafes listings for Athens — check back soon.

Shopping in Athens

Athens offers diverse shopping experiences across the city, from department stores like Attica and Hondos Center to international retailers such as Marks & Spencer. Whether you're looking for fashion, electronics, or everyday essentials, City Link and other shopping venues provide convenient options for visitors and locals alike. See all shopping →

City Link
198 m from centre
Attica
222 m from centre
Hondos Center
323 m from centre

Nature & Wildlife in Athens

Athens offers several natural retreats within the city, including the Εθνικός Κήπος (National Garden) and Κήπος Ζαππείου, where visitors can experience green spaces and outdoor areas. The city is also home to wildlife and plant collections such as Συλλογή Ζώων - Φυτών, providing opportunities to connect with nature in the heart of the capital. See all nature & wildlife →

Εθνικός Κήπος
320 m from centre
Συλλογή Ζώων - Φυτών
459 m from centre
Κήπος Ζαππείου
479 m from centre
Acropolis Garden
639 m from centre
Πλατεία Αθανάσιου Τσαλδάρη
661 m from centre
Πλατεία Δημοπρατηρίου
680 m from centre

Climate snapshot

Athens enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The coastal location moderates temperatures year-round, making it a pleasant destination across most seasons.

Interesting Facts About Athens — Weird & Wonderful

  • Athens is the eighth-largest urban area in the European Union, with over 3.6 million people in its urban area.
  • The Municipality of Athens is a relatively small administrative unit covering just 38.96 square kilometres despite the city's massive urban sprawl.
  • Athens is the southernmost capital on the European mainland, reflecting its strategic Mediterranean location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Athens

What currency is used in Athens?

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency of Athens, as Greece is part of the European Union.

What language is spoken in Athens?

Greek is the primary language spoken in Athens. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.

How large is Athens?

The Municipality of Athens had a population of 643,452 in 2021 within its official limits, while the broader urban area has over 3.6 million residents.

Is Athens on the coast?

Yes, Athens is a significant coastal urban area in the Mediterranean, making it an important port city.

What region is Athens in?

Athens is the capital of the Attica region in Greece and is the southernmost capital on the European mainland.

Map of Athens

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