Ultimate Athens Honeymoon Guide

The cradle of Western civilization, where ancient ruins rub shoulders with bustling cafés, and where the sun seems to shine a little brighter.

In our book Athens is one of Europe’s most underrated capital cities and you should 100% plan an Athens honeymoon stop either side of your tour of the beautiful islands of Greece.

It’s a little gritty, but what city isn’t? This isn’t just a city of history, it’s a city of the here and now with beautiful boutique hotels and the most delicious dining scene.

Classical romance meets contemporary flair, with cobblestone streets and, of course, the golden glow of the Acropolis, looming large over the city.

Let’s help you plan a trip to this ancient city with our Ultimate Athens Honeymoon Guide!

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In July and August, the city is busy with visitors, and the temperatures are baking. Athens and more widely in Greece, have been victim to forest fires during the summer months in recent years.

To be blunt, if you can travel outside of these peak months, you’ll be doing yourselves and the locals a favour!

Picture yourselves waking up to views of the Acropolis, stepping out into narrow lanes lined with bougainvillaea, and discovering quaint cafes perfect for a cosy breakfast. Anafiotika is reminiscent of a Cycladic island village.

A bustling blend of old and new, nearby Monastiraki is your go-to for eclectic flea markets and vintage finds with marvellous views of the Acropolis.

Kolonaki gives you high-end chic boutiques, rooftop bars and chic cafés, and there are plenty of honeymoon hotels around here. Psiri (or Psirri or Psyrri) is a bit more of a bohemian vibe with its street art and music venues. This is the place for nightlife lovers.

City Center is the bustling epicentre of Athens, a hive of shops, eateries, and cultural spots, making it the pulse of modern Athenian life.

Syntagma is the political centre of Athens, Syntagma Square is where grand hotels meet important landmarks, and where the Changing of the Guard ceremony draws crowds.

There are other neighbourhoods. Makriyanni at the foot of the Acropolis, Koukaki and Thiseio have a more local vibe. Akadimia is home to the University of Athens and nearby is Exarchia known as the anarchist neighbourhood.

You could also opt for the Athens Riviera for a coastal hotel with easy access to the city.

Our top pick for delicious down to earth Greek meal is Lithos in Psiri. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s really fantastic.

For vegetarians, try Feyrouz. Vezené offers a modern twist on Greek classics, while Nolan combines Japanese and Greek flavours. Ama Lachei takes you on a culinary journey through traditional recipes, but with a contemporary edge. Simul Gastronomic Situ is another gem that focuses on a farm-to-table approach.

Mavros Gatos, known for its hearty meat dishes, and Café Avissinia, a spot that captures the essence of old Athens with its eclectic menu and live music are worth checking out.

Delta, located inside the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, which also houses the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, has two Michelin stars, so is a must for gastronomes planning an Athens honeymoon!

When it comes to bars, The Clumsies is an award-winning bar that offers inventive cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere. Baba au Rum transports you to a tropical paradise.

These are just a handful of our Athens honeymoon favourites.

Visit at dawn to sidestep the tourist throngs and capture the perfect photos – the best start to your day and, without a doubt, one of the top picks for things to do on an Athens honeymoon.

Athens is teeming with cool rooftop bars. From the gastronomic haven of the Metropolis Roof Garden to the chic vibes at Ciel Athens, there are so many rooftop bars, so little time.

Check out Couleur Locale, Art Lounge at New Hotel, NYX Rooftop, and Olympias Rooftop Bar (to name a few!)

Psyri and Exarchia are our favourite areas, a kaleidoscope of colour and political commentary, offering a fresh perspective on modern Greek culture.

Why not take a break from the city to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon? Or head to Delphi or the monasteries of Meteora – these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are worth the journey outside of the city.

With its cobblestone streets, pretty bougainvillaea, and charming boutiques, tavernas and cafes, a walk through Plaka is one of our top picks for things to do on an Athens honeymoon. 

Don’t miss Anafiotika, like a Greek island in the city. Plaka is in the heart of the centre of Athens, just under the Acropolis hill.

Discover the spiritual artistry of the Byzantine era at the Byzantine & Christian Museum. Try the Museum of Cycladic Art. Learn about the history of money at the Numismatic Museum.

The Benaki Museum complex is one of the best things to do on an Athens honeymoon with its vast collection that narrates Greek history from ancient times to the mid-20th century.

Make time for the fascinating Museum of Islamic Art, part of the Benaki network.

For something fun, check out the quirky and interactive Museum of Illusions where you can trick your senses!

Jump into the Saronic Gulf, drink Greek wine and eat a delectable Greek Mezze. Honeymoon heaven!

From tzatziki to dolmadakia, you can make them when you get home to take you back to your just-married bliss! Put a cooking class on your short list of the top things to do on an Athens honeymoon!

Kick off your food journey in Omonia with Greek yoghurt, traditional pastries, and a cup of Greek coffee.

Explore Varvakios food market. Get the inside track on the best places to find Cretan cheese and meats, olive oil, olives and Greek wine at charming, historic delis.

A street food tour is one of the best things to do on an Athens honeymoon for foodies.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a casual sipper, it’s a delightful way to spend an evening and one of our favourite things to do an Athens honeymoon.

Float above the Attica and capture the Thebes sprawling beauty from a bird’s-eye view of the ancient ruins and mountains.

It’s one of the most unique things to do on an Athens honeymoon!

Hop on a ferry for a day trip to islands like Hydra. Crystal-clear waters, quaint villages, and a serene escape from the city hustle.

A quick boat ride for a day of exploring is one of our favourite things to do in on an Athens honeymoon!

Some of our favourite Athens shops include The Naxos Apothecary, where you can pick up beautiful skincare, bodycare and perfumes. Korres Cosmetics is Greece’s premier make up brands.

At Daphnis & Chloe you can pick up ancient herbs to toss into your dishes at home.

Ancient Greek Sandals make the most beautiful footwear. Kalliope is our favourite affordable jewellery company.

For couples who love to shop or just browse, the shops of Monastiraki are full of antiques and quirky shop fronts, too!

Or maybe a mosaic workshop might be up your street? You can learn about Byzantine history along the way.

You can opt for the oldest in the city, Cine Aegli. It’s worth checking out the listings for Cine Dexameni and Cine Thision, too. A truly authentic Athens honeymoon evening!

Opt for the rooftop bars with Acropolis views or sunset hikes to Mount Lycabettus.

You’ll find hilltop views from Areopagus, Filopappou Hill and the Acropolis itself. The seafront vistas at Flisvos Marina are a worthy spot with lovely waterside restaurants.

There is nothing quite like an Athens sunset!

Yet, the essence of its rich past is never far away — with the silhouette of the Acropolis the most iconic landmark.

But what truly sets Athens apart is its people. Athenians are warm, passionate, and fiercely proud of their city and its heritage.

However, over tourism during the summer is an issue for Athenians, but you’ll find a taxi driver sharing a favourite beach or island or a restaurant owner explaining why they have the best tzatziki!

• Over Tourism: Like all major European cities, in the peak travel months from June to August. Popular sites like the Acropolis can get extremely crowded, which can detract from the experience.
  
  
• Weather: The summer months can be particularly hot, with temperatures often rising above 30°C (86°F). Greece has suffered from fatal forest fires.
  
  
• Maintenance: Some tourists find that parts of Athens, including major tourist areas, can be less well-maintained than other European cities.