1 - 8 of 8 Posts

nadellii

Active member
According to the forum, many people recommend that I don’t visit Athens during August, because many of the locals have gone on vacation and the city is pretty empty. That being said… when is the best time to visit? I am definitely interested in seeing the acropolis and the museums, but I am wondering when the best time of year is to see the city life.
 
Personally, I think June is a good month to visit. Not too hot and it's quite busy without being overcrowded (maybe the touristy areas are still quite busy). To be honest my daughter went in the middle of winter (Dec/Jan) and she said there were more activities/gigs/things to do at that time than during summer. I personally don't like late Sep and Oct because there are lots of rains at that time.
 
March to September is best, except for August. August is the month everyone returns to their village for Panigiri. Many stores will be closed during this time, but if you do decide to go in August then you'll be okay if you stick to the touristy areas
 
I would suggest spring or fall. Much nicer weather, fewer crowds. I would also suggest visiting other neighborhoods besides the historic center, like Pangrati, take a stroll around Koukaki and even further to Nea Ionia.
 
According to the forum, many people recommend that I don’t visit Athens during August, because many of the locals have gone on vacation and the city is pretty empty. That being said… when is the best time to visit? I am definitely interested in seeing the acropolis and the museums, but I am wondering when the best time of year is to see the city life.
I have been to Athens during this time and I loved it. Just to offer a contrary opinion. The city does seem to shut down a but, but all the stuff I needed was open. Restaurants, the local beaches, some of the shops. There was less traffic and noise. You can easily see the acropolis, museums, and other historical sites. Those don't seem to close.
 
Look, August is a beautiful time to visit if you have no issues with the heat. It's usually very hot in August. On the upside however, it is relatively traffic- and crowd-free and ideal for long strolls and photo ops in the center. August is usually when most Greeks go on holiday. I personally love August in Athens. There's a certain magic to the quiet.
 
  • Like
Reactions: efhernandez_
Look, August is a beautiful time to visit if you have no issues with the heat. It's usually very hot in August. On the upside however, it is relatively traffic- and crowd-free and ideal for long strolls and photo ops in the center. August is usually when most Greeks go on holiday. I personally love August in Athens. There's a certain magic to the quiet.
I'm with you, I definitely don't like when the city is very very busy. There is a small downside because there aren't many locals, but usually tourists go to see the sites anyways and don't interact much with the locals.
 
  • Like
Reactions: The Greek Vibe
My favorite is mid-May through mid-June. Weather is great, but not too hot. Beaches and tourist locations are less crowded because kids are not out of school yet.
 

Interesting Museums I Like in Athens

Athens is rich with museums but there are a few I keep visiting when I get the chance. I always learn something new! My favorite is the museum at the Acropolis, which has a lot of information and artifacts from the area. Here's my list:
  1. The Acropolis Museum: Dominating this list is The Acropolis Museum, built to house every artifact found on the sacred rock of the Acropolis, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. A splendid blend of modern and ancient architecture, it holds an incredible array of sculptures and artifacts, including the Caryatids and the Parthenon Frieze.
  2. The National Archaeological Museum: As the largest museum in Greece, this is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts. It boasts an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Greece, spanning several millennia—pottery, jewelry, sculptures, and the Mask of Agamemnon.
  3. Benaki Museum: Representing various periods throughout Greek history, the Benaki Museum is a private foundation, nestled in the heart of downtown Athens. It offers a comprehensive view of Greek culture from its prehistoric times to the 20th century, with an emphasis on art and everyday objects.
  4. Museum of Cycladic Art: A unique gem in Athens, this museum is home to an exceptional collection of Cycladic art, mostly dating from the Bronze Age. These prehistoric sculptures, with their distinct minimalist aesthetics, are a fascinating window into the ancient Aegean world.
What museums do you like to visit in Athens?

Visiting the Cycladic Museum

Though I will be in Mykonos for a while when I come to Greece (soon!) I will have some time in Athens.

I will be tied up with wedding festivities on Mykonos, but I will have some time. So, I want to learn about the history and culture of the island. I know there has to be more to it there than all the parties and the beach scene.

I plan to visit the Cycladic Museum in Athens to get ready. Is there anything I should keep in mind while I explore the museum?

Should you come to Athens in the winter?

I have never been to Greece in winter and I was considering it. I found this video - it was very informative! Thought I'd share:

Athens Nightlife Questions

I'm currently planning a trip to Athens, Greece, and I've heard so much about the nightlife there. I know that there is great nightlife here, I've just never done it.

Given the vast array of options, I'm reaching out to this community for personal recommendations and insights. What are your favorite nightlife spots in Athens? I'm interested in hearing about places that offer unique experiences, whether it's a bar, club, etc.

If you've had an unforgettable night out in Athens, please share:
  • Name of the place
  • What makes it stand out (music, drinks, crowd, view, etc.)
  • Any tips for newcomers (like dress code)
Also, if there are any must-know cultural etiquettes or tips for enjoying Athens' nightlife responsibly, I'd appreciate learning about those as well.

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

Ancient Eleusis Archaeological Site

I have been to Athens several times, and I didn't know this place existed. Ithas caught my interest due to its rich mythology and pivotal role in ancient Greek religious life.

I understand that Eleusis was a significant center for religious practices, most notably the Eleusinian Mysteries—secret ceremonies held in honor of Demeter and Persephone. However, my knowledge barely scratches the surface, and I’m eager to learn more before my visit.

Has anyone visited it? I don't know much about it and I am trying to figure out if it is worth it. I love Ancient Greek history and mythology and this has the potential to be interesting to me on a lot of different levels.
Share and discuss your Athens photos, questions and experiences!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top