The still-under-restoration Parthenon on the famous Acropolis

When Glenn first visited Athens as a teenager, the city left a lasting mark. Returning years later, we were thrilled to find that while the city has evolved, it has stayed wonderfully unchanged in the ways that matter most. The ancient monuments still command the skyline, the Aegean light still bathes everything in gold, and, most importantly, the warmth of the Greek people remains as genuine as ever.

But there is one major difference we noticed this time around: the ease of travel.

Today’s Athens is a city where you can stand where Socrates once taught, dine overlooking 2,500-year-old temples, and experience a modern capital that honors its past, all with a level of infrastructure and comfort that makes it welcoming for everyone. Here is our in-depth look at experiencing Athens in style.

Check In: The Hotels

Ergon House Athens (The Foodie Favorite)

The Vibe: A sanctuary for the culinary obsessed. Located steps from Syntagma Square, this industrial-chic boutique hotel sits atop a spectacular modern agora (marketplace). It isn’t just a hotel; it is a living celebration of Greek gastronomy. The energy here is buzzing, aromatic, and undeniably cool.
The Experience: The location is unbeatable for walking to the major sights, but the real draw is downstairs. The ground floor market is a sensory delight for picking up artisan gifts (think small-batch olive oils and honey), and their sister property, Ergon Bakehouse, is right next door, their pastries are dangerous in the best way.
Comfort Note: The design here is modern and open. We found the rooms on the lower floors particularly well-designed, featuring wide doorways and spacious layouts that feel effortlessly inclusive rather than clinically "adapted."

Four Seasons Astir Palace (The Seaside Sanctuary)

The Vibe: If you want to feel like you’ve escaped to a private Greek island without leaving the mainland, this is it. Perched on the Athens Riviera in Vouliagmeni (about 30 minutes from the center), the property exudes palatial, Riviera glamour. It is serene, exclusive, and arguably the most luxurious address in Greece.
The Experience: This is where you go to decompress. The service is world-class, featuring three private beaches and distinct "zones" that cater to both families and couples. It is rare to find a resort where movement flows so seamlessly, ramps and wide, paved paths connect the restaurants, pools, and beaches, ensuring no part of the resort feels off-limits.
Good to Know: Think of this as a "vacation within a vacation." If your primary goal is daily sightseeing at the Acropolis, the 30-minute commute might feel tiring. We recommend splitting your stay: a few nights in the city, followed by a few nights here to unwind.

Hotel Grande Bretagne (The Historic Icon)

The Vibe: This is Athens royalty. Since 1874, this landmark has hosted everyone from heads of state to honeymooners. Entering the lobby feels like stepping into a gilded age. It is old-world in the best way with soaring columns, polished marble, and service so intuitive it feels like they were expecting you.
The Experience: You are staying in a piece of living history, but they have modernized beautifully. The High Tea in the Winter Garden is a non-negotiable ritual, even if you aren't staying here.
Comfort Note: While it is a historic building, the updates are excellent. We found elevator access to all main areas to be seamless. The crowning jewel, the rooftop restaurant with the city's most famous view of the Acropolis, is fully accessible via elevator, ensuring everyone gets the "money shot."

Eat This: Culinary Highlights

Liondi (The Casual Classic)

The Vibe: Sometimes the best meals are the simplest. Located on the pedestrian-friendly Makrygianni Street, right across from the Acropolis Museum, this spot captures the true spirit of Athens. We could not have asked for more friendly service, the hospitality here is unmatched. Sitting on the terrace as the sun sets, enjoying fresh Greek salads and grilled meats with a view of the Sacred Rock, is the quintessential Greek summer dream.

Tudor Hall (The "Royal" View)

The Experience: Perched atop the King George Hotel (right next door to the Grande Bretagne), this is our top pick for a fine-dining evening—and not just because it shares our last name! The rooftop setting offers front-row views of the illuminated Acropolis. The service is white-glove but never stuffy, and the refined Mediterranean cuisine makes for an unforgettable night out.

Estiatorio Milos (The Seafood Icon)

The Scoop: You may know Milos from its international locations in New York or Las Vegas, but dining at the original in Kolonaki is special. It is located in an upscale neighborhood that feels distinctively local rather than touristy. The ritual here is legendary: you select your own fresh catch from the ice display, and they prepare it simply and perfectly. The space is airy, modern, and incredibly comfortable.

Smile Restaurant (The Family Secret)

The Vibe: A family-run spot near the Acropolis Museum that has been serving home-cooked comfort food since 2002. It is accessible at ground level, and the outdoor terrace is perfect for people-watching. The Dish: Even if you just stop for coffee, you have to try the baklava. It uses the mother's secret recipe and may be the best versions in the entire city.

Another wonderful meal somewhere in Athens

Step Out: Culture & Sights

The Acropolis & Parthenon (The City’s Anchor)

The Experience: Standing in front of the Parthenon never fails to take your breath away; it is the undeniable anchor of the city. We strongly recommend going early (8:00 AM) to beat both the cruise ship crowds and the rising heat.
Insider Tip: While most visitors hike the slippery marble steps, there is a dedicated elevator located near the Theatre of Dionysus entrance. It is a game-changer for anyone with mobility challenges or those simply looking to save their energy for the summit. We recommend booking a private guide who knows these smoother routes to make the logistics invisible.

The Acropolis Museum (The Modern Masterpiece)

The Vibe: Consistently voted one of the best museums in the world, this sits right at the base of the Acropolis and is essential context for what you see on the hill.
Design Note: The museum is spacious, airy, and a masterclass in accessible design. The top-floor Parthenon Gallery is rotated to exactly match the orientation of the actual temple visible through the windows. We loved the glass floors that reveal ancient ruins beneath the museum, they are positioned perfectly so you can view them from any height, whether you are walking or rolling.

The Ancient Agora (The Living History)

The Experience: This is where the daily life of ancient Athens actually happened, where Socrates taught and Plato debated. It feels more intimate and far less crowded than the Acropolis.
Heads Up: The on-site museum (The Stoa of Attalos) is a fully reconstructed ancient building with elevators and excellent air conditioning (a lifesaver in summer). However, the surrounding grounds are earthy gravel. Wear your most comfortable shoes; the path up to the Temple of Hephaestus can be uneven and challenging.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation (The "New" Athens)

The Vibe: This place is a revelation. Designed by Renzo Piano, it houses the National Library and Opera and is a triumph of modern architecture. It is the perfect counterpoint to the ancient ruins.
The Experience: Come here in the late afternoon. Walk the park paths, check out the "Dancing Fountains," and head to the roof garden for panoramic views of the city and sea. It is completely barrier-free and effortless to navigate.

Cape Sounion (The Sunset Drive)

The Experience: The drive along the Athenian Riviera to Cape Sounion is as beautiful as the destination itself. You visit to see the Temple of Poseidon, perched dramatically on a cliff edge, arguably the best sunset spot in Greece.
Logistics: We recommend arranging a private van for this trip. While the temple terrain itself is rugged, there are accessible viewing areas reachable by car that offer those famous, dramatic views over the Aegean without the struggle of hiking the cliffside.

The Erechtheion with the famous Caryatids statues to the right of us

The Essentials: Logistics, Accessibility, & our Favorite Discovery

Travel Notes: Things to Keep in Mind

When to Go Timing is everything in Athens. July and August can be punishingly hot (often 100°F+), making the exposed ruins difficult to enjoy. We visited in the fall and found the temperatures perfect for outdoor exploration. Spring (April–May) is considered equally lovely and we are told offers the bonus of blooming wildflowers across the archaeological sites.
Transfers & Taxis Taxis are yellow and plentiful, but for total peace of mind, especially for airport runs or day trips to the coast, we highly recommend pre-booking a private car or van. It completely removes the stress of luggage logistics and navigating foreign streets.
- Money Note: While credit cards and Apple Pay are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants, you will want Euros (cash) for taxi drivers, small "periptero" (kiosks), and tips.
The Water Unlike many of the Greek islands where bottled water is mandatory, the tap water in Athens is safe and delicious. Most restaurants will serve bottled water by default, but you can ask for tap water without worry.
Tipping Etiquette Greece is not the US. Tipping is appreciated but not aggressive. In restaurants, leaving a 5–10% cash tip is typical for good service. For taxis, simply rounding up the fare is the local custom.

Accessibility: The Good & The Reality

The Terrain: Old vs. New Athens is a city of contrasts. Modern areas like Syntagma Square and the shopping district of Ermou Street are excellent—smooth, wide, and paved. However, the historic Plaka and Anafiotika neighborhoods are charmingly chaotic, defined by uneven cobblestones, narrow alleys, and steep inclines. They are essential to see, but they demand sturdy shoes, a slower pace, and perhaps a strong companion if you are using a manual wheelchair.
Getting Around We were pleasantly surprised by the public infrastructure. The Athens Metro (specifically Lines 2 & 3) is modern, clean, and notably accessible, featuring elevators and level boarding at most major stations. It is often faster than sitting in surface traffic.
The "Philoxenia" Factor Greece is known for philoxenia (hospitality), and practically speaking, it is a major asset for accessibility here. We consistently found that where the infrastructure fell short, the people stepped in. Waiters were quick to rearrange tables for clearance without being asked, and locals were generally helpful with directions and assistance. The structural challenges are real, but the human element helps bridge the gap.

Our Favorite Discovery: Mastiha

We have to tell you about Mastiha. We stumbled upon this Greek liqueur (obviously no secret to Greeks!) and it became our new favorite ritual. It’s made from a resin that only drips from mastic trees on the island of Chios. The flavor is unique, slightly sweet with aromatic hints of pine and herbs. Sipping it chilled after a long dinner was the perfect finish to our meals. It tastes like Greek tradition in a glass, don't leave without trying it!

View of Athens from the elevator going up the Acropolis

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Athens, Greece