Gateway City Guide:

Athens, Greece

Welcome to Athens, Greece – one of Parallel’s “Gateway Cities.” Athens is your gateway to our new Greece’s Andros Island trip.

What is a “Gateway City” at Parallel Adventures?

A Gateway City is a European hub with an international airport offering easy, efficient flight paths to and from the U.S. We choose our hiking destinations near these cities to minimize travel friction and maximize your adventure time. With Athens as your entry point, one just needs to hop on a ferry from the nearby port of Rafina and in 1-2 hours (with maybe a cold Mythos on the way), you will find yourself on the greenest of the Cyclades:  Andros. 

Taken by our own Laura B.

Ok, I’m headed to Greece with Parallel and flying into Athens, now what?

You’ve booked your flight to Athens International Airport (ATH). Amazing! Now let’s help you make the most of this ancient-meets-modern Mediterranean capital.

First things first: How do I get from the airport to the city center?

Athens International Airport is about 33 km from the city center, and getting downtown is straightforward. You’ve got several options – all easy and reliable.

Metro (Line 3 – Blue Line)

The metro is the best value and one of the fastest ways into central Athens. It runs from the airport to major hubs like Syntagma Square and Monastiraki.

• Cost: €9 one-way
• Time: ~40 minutes
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes

Hours: 6:30 AM–11:30 PM

Airport Bus (X95)

Perfect for late-night arrivals – it runs 24/7.

• Cost: €5.50
• Time: 40–60 minutes depending on traffic

Drops you at: Syntagma Square

Taxi / Uber

Yellow taxis queue outside Arrivals. Even if you call an Uber with the app it will be a yellow taxi.

• Cost: €40 daytime / €55 nighttime (flat rate)

Time: 35 – 40 minutes

Where to Stay in Athens?

Athens has many neighborhoods – here are a few of our favorites:

Plaka – The classic postcard Athens neighborhood, pedestrian streets, neoclassical buildings, and views of the Acropolis everywhere you look.

Taken by our own Laura B. from her AirBnB

Koukaki – Trendy, walkable, full of cafés and wine bars. Close to the Acropolis Museum and Filopappou Hill.

Pangrati – Local, lively, and full of great restaurants. A Parallel team favorite for its authentic feel.

Syntagma – Central, convenient, and well-connected – ideal if you want to be close to everything.

Nearby: Rafina – OK OK, we know this isn’t in Athens, but if you aren’t interested in the Acropolis crowds, you can always stay out by the water and mere steps away from the ferry to Andros! Great waterside restaurants, authentic neighborhoods, and far more relaxed than Athens.

How to Get Around?

• Metro: Clean, efficient, and covers most major sites.
• Walking: Athens is surprisingly walkable – especially around the historic center.
• Taxi/Uber: Easy and inexpensive compared to other European capitals (although traffic in and around Athens can increase your time in the cab).
• Tram: Great for reaching the Athens Riviera.

What to Do and See?

Here’s a mix of classics and Parallel-approved off-the-beaten-path picks:

• The Acropolis & Acropolis Museum – Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it. Go (very) early to beat the crowds and heat.

Anafiotika – A tiny Cycladic-style village tucked under the Acropolis. Whitewashed houses, narrow alleys – you’ll swear you’re on an island.

Monastiraki Flea Market – Vintage shops, antiques, leather goods, and great people-watching.

Mount Lycabettus – Hike or take the funicular for panoramic sunset views over the city.

Central Market (Varvakios Agora) – A sensory overload in the best way.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center – A modern architectural gem with a huge park, sea views, and free events.

A Free Walking Tour! Some of our guests highly recommended this one. And they especially recommended this tour guide Nick.

What to Eat + Drink?

FOOD!

Greek food is a Parallel favorite – it’s fresh, flavorful, and best enjoyed family-style.

• Souvlaki & Gyros: Cheap, delicious, everywhere.
• Dakos: Cretan barley rusk topped with tomatoes, feta, and olive oil.
• Saganaki: Fried cheese. Enough said.
• Moussaka: Comfort food at its finest. Think Greek lasagna without the pasta.
• Loukoumades: Greek doughnuts drizzled with honey.
• Seafood: If you head toward the coast, grilled octopus and fresh fish are musts.

TO DRINK:

• Ouzo – the classic. Not for the faint of heart – a strong spirit made from anise. Dilute with water (and watch the color change) and enjoy with food, preferably under an olive tree.
• Tsipouro – Greek brandy. Consume at your own risk.

• Mastika – a lovely liqueur made from the resin of the mastic tree 

• Retsina – a white wine infused with a hint of pine resin

• Mythos and Alpha beers – drink the crisp lagers like the locals!

Miscellaneous Tips + Tricks

• Athens is safe, but like any major city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
• The sun is strong – bring sunscreen.
• Many archaeological sites offer combined tickets – worth it if you’re seeing multiple ruins.
• Avoid dining right on the main tourist drags; wander a few blocks away for better food and prices.

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, with a recorded history that spans over 3,400 years and a tradition of continuous human habitation dating back at least 5,000 years – it’s like taking a stroll down one of the world’s oldest memory lanes. Wander, be in awe, and enjoy!