Athens in Winter: Complete Guide + 12 Things to Do in Athens

Are you thinking about traveling to Athens in winter? 

The winter months of December through March are actually a great time to visit Athens. The weather is mild, and tourist attractions throughout the city are significantly less crowded than in the summer months. That means you can see the Acropolis without having to fight through crowds of people and eat at the best tavernas in the city without making a reservation. 

There are also a few winter-specific activities that you can enjoy while you’re there, such as ice skating and fireworks, and even Christmas-themed cafes. 

The comprehensive guide has everything you need to know for a winter holiday in Athens, Greece, including the weather, how to get around, and 12 different things to do in the city! 

How is the Weather in Athens in Winter?

The weather in Athens is very comfortable throughout the winter, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10ºC (50ºF). So while you do have to bring warmer clothes, you won’t need to bundle up like in other European countries.

One unfortunate thing about the winter is that gray skies and rain are expected. Therefore we recommend budgeting an extra day or two in your Athens itinerary in case something gets rained out. 

What to Expect from Athens in Winter 

We visited Athens the week before Christmas, and it was awesome! The city was decorated for the holidays, the atmosphere was lively, and we could explore some of the most remarkable monuments in human history without worrying about long lines and excessive crowds. 

Whilst in winter you may not take the ferry to Santorini, spend time sunbathing in Santorini, or relax on a beach in Chania, Athens remains a vibrant place to spend a weekend or even an extended holiday in Europe!

As we discussed above, this ancient city of Athens has nice weather throughout the winter, so you won’t have to deal with the heat, humidity, or crowds of the peak travel season. 

And you will save a lot of money since the prices of attractions, flights, and souvenirs drop 30-50%!

How to Get Around Athens in Winter

Public transportation in Athens is reliable, efficient, and inexpensive. The metro system is the most popular and convenient way to get around, taxis are readily available, and bus lines and trams lace the city. 

Here is a quick overview of each transportation method: 

Taking the Metro in Athens: The Athens Metro has four lines (Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue). All four lines meet near Syntagma Square/Monastiraki, so it’s easy to get anywhere in the city with just one or two transfers. 

Trams in Athens: The tram lines in Athens are one of the best ways to get around, especially if traveling from Syntagma Square to the Saronic Gulf. It’s quick and efficient but only travels to specific parts of the city.

Buses in Athens: In full transparency, the metro was always more convenient than buses in Athens, so we never needed to take one. But there are public buses throughout the city, and you can find their timetables and routes using Google Maps. 

Taxis in Athens:  Taxis are the most expensive option in Athens, but sometimes it’s necessary for convenience. You can easily hail a taxi at Syntagma Square or just look for the yellow cabs on any of Athens’s main streets.

Tickets for public transportation in Athens cover the Metro, tram, and buses all in one ticket. The fare is €1.20 for 90 minutes, €4.10 for a 24-hour ticket, and €8.20 for a 5-day ticket (excluding the metro to Athens Airport, which is €9)

What to Pack for Athens in Winter

We often wore a long sleeve shirt or a jacket with pants while visiting Athens in December. This was enough during the day, but some extra amenities were specifically helpful to pack for winter weather. 

• Warm Jacket – Something lightweight that will keep you warm in the evenings (NOT a winter coat)
• Hat and Gloves – you may not need these, but if the temperature drops below 10ºC (50ºF), you may wish that you had packed them. 
• Scarf – You can buy one when you arrive or bring one with you.
• Compact Umbrella – It does rain in Athens during the winter, so always have an umbrella just in case. 
• Comfortable shoes – Most of the best things to do in Athens require walking, such as the Ancient Agora, Philopappao Hill, and other monuments.

Top Things to do in Athens in Winter 

These are all the best things to do in Athens throughout the winter. Most of them overlap with things to do in the summer, but there are also some winter-specific activities and special events to be a part of in Athens.

See the Acropolis Without the Crowds

The Acropolis is the most popular tourist attraction in Athens and the main reason Athens is on everybody’s bucket list. 

The ancient temple to the gods is VERY crowded in the summer. During the winter, however, you can enjoy the Acropolis without navigating hordes of people!

The Acropolis is actually a collection of different sites. Most people will recognize the Parthenon, but other ruins are also worth seeing, including the Propylaea, the Erechtheon, and Athena Nike.

The Acropolis is very close to the center of Athens and easy to get to from Syntagma Square, Psiri, Plaka, or even directly from Athens Airport. We recommend planning at least 2-3 hours to enjoy the entire complex.

Tickets to the Acropolis are €12 for adults and €6 for students (ages 6-18). Children under six years old are free. A number of combined tickets offer discounts if you plan on visiting multiple archaeological sites.

Go Shopping in Monastiraki

Monastiraki is the city center of Athens. It’s a vibrant neighborhood where there is always something going on. The streets are narrow and busy, which adds to the lively atmosphere.

The main walking street has storefronts of major international brands, markets, street performers, and other vendors all the way from Syntagma Square to the Holy Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary.

As you peer down the side streets in Monastiraki, you will find tons of jewelry shops, local Greek restaurants, and unique pubs/bars. Although it’s popular all year round, Monastiraki is especially enjoyable in the winter when the temperature is a bit cooler and Christmas lights are everywhere. 

Walk Below the Acropolis in Plaka

If you’re looking for a charming and historic neighborhood in Athens, Plaka is the place for you. 

The main attraction in Plaka is its picturesque architecture which is set at the foot of the Acropolis. You’ll find several museums and churches here and some excellent shopping along the narrow cobblestone streets.

The are tons of hidden gems in Plaka, even though it is generally viewed as the touristy district of Athens. Just be prepared for some tourist shops and restaurants with inflated prices.

Climb Philopappou Hill

Philopappou Hill (sometimes spelled ‘Filopappau’) is home to the most iconic view of the Acropolis, and it’s one place you shouldn’t miss while visiting Athens. 

The viewpoint is very popular, even in the winter, so come early for peace and solitude. 

One of the best parts of Philopappou Hill is how accessible it is from the city center. The climb is not difficult. From Thissio Park, it will take roughly 1 hour to hike up and down the hill. 

Take your time, though, to see the many monuments and historical landmarks covering Philipappou Hill. 

See Little Kook Decorated for Christmas

One of Athens’s most beloved landmarks, Little Kook, is a seasonally-themed cafe located in the heart of the Psyri neighborhood in Athens. 

The cafe goes all out for numerous holidays, and the Christmas decorations in December are nothing short of extravagant! Most people come just to see the lights and take photos, but you can also sit and eat at the cafe. The menu is full of fairytale-themed coffee, cocktails, and desserts!

Syntagma Square Christmas Tree

Syntagma Square is at the center of Athens, and during the winter months, it is decorated with a massive 50-foot (15-meter) Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations. 

In addition to the giant Christmas Tree, you can see many entertainers and street performers playing live Christmas music.

Locals love to grab a snack and drink at a nearby convenience store, then spend the evening hanging out in the square. 

Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus is the highest peak in Athens at 277 meters and another great viewpoint to visit. 

It’s home to a small chapel dedicated to Saint George, a cafe, and an upscale restaurant with stunning panoramic views of the Acropolis and cityscape. You can even see Pirieas and the Saronic Gulf on a clear day. 

This hill is much higher than Philopappos Hill, and the hike is much more challenging. If you don’t want to hike up the mountain, a cable car can take you to the top in just ten minutes. 

Enjoy Authentic Greek Food and Drink Rakomelo

No trip to Athens is complete without trying some delicious local cuisine. 

There are classic Greek dishes like moussaka and gyros and tasty seafood at almost every restaurant. If you are looking for a lesser-known dish to try, you should look for beef stifado (beef stew cooked in wine) or our personal favorite, lamb kleftiko. Then make sure to add baked feta as an appetizer. 

Interested in something even more offbeat? At some restaurants, you can try kokoretsi, a dish of grilled lamb intestines wrapped around herbs!

The great thing about traveling to Athens in the winter is that the well-known tavernas will still have seats available during peak hours of the evening. We found the best restaurants on Adrianou Street, just off Monastiraki Square.

In the winter, one drink you have to try is Rakomelo. It’s a warm traditional winter drink that combines Raki and Tsipouro (two traditional grape liquors) with honey and spices.

Prices can vary depending on the restaurant, but we were always able to find a nice dinner for two under 25 euros. 

Visit the Museums

You probably already know that Athens is full of museums. And no matter when you travel to Athens, you should take some time to learn more about Greece’s rich history and culture. 

Two that should definitely be on your three days in Athens itinerary are the National Archaeological Museum and the National Historical Museum, both of which contain an extensive collection of artifacts and historical documents from Ancient Greece. 

There are also places to learn about the modern culture of Greece, like the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, which is home to Greek’s National Library, National Opera House, and Stavros Niarchos Park. The park is an amazing feat of architecture with carefully planted flora, a canal, and architectural wonders.

Prices can vary depending on the museum or gallery, but the good thing is that many museums offer reduced ticket prices in the winter! 

Go Ice Skating

A few festive ice skating rinks open in Athens from December to February. Consider spending the afternoon sipping hot chocolate and ice skating with your family or friends.

The best ice skating rink in the city center is at Athens Concert Hall. The price is €10 per person, including rental equipment. If you can travel outside the city, ice skating is free at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center! 

Ancient Agora and Roman Agora

The ancient Greek and Roman Agoras are two of Athens’s most important archaeological sites. The Greek Agora was the commercial, political and social center of classical Athens, while the Roman Agora is a smaller version that dates back to the 2nd century AD. Both sites offer visitors a glimpse into the life and culture of ancient Greece. 

Spend a few hours exploring the ancient city centers. There are several monuments to see, such as the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and many more.

Entry is reduced by 50% for the winter. So tickets to the Greek Agora cost €5, and tickets for the Roman Agora are €4.

See Fireworks in Athens on New Years’ Eve

Athens is known for being an incredible place to spend New Year’s Eve. There are multiple fireworks displays across the city, from the Acropolis district to Syntagma Square and Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. 

After the fireworks display, you can enjoy an all-night party in Syntagma Square with DJs, live music, and other performances.

Admission is free, but be aware that there will be A LOT of people there!

FAQ: Athens in Winter 

Although Athens is a beautiful city to visit any time of year, a few common questions come up while planning a trip to Athens in winter.

Is Athens Worth Visiting in Winter?

Yes, Athens is definitely worth visiting in winter! The city offers many great activities and attractions to explore, such as museums, historical monuments, holiday celebrations, ice skating rinks, and more. 

Plus, you will explore the city without overwhelming crowds or the uncomfortable summer heat.  

Are all the attractions and Museums open in the winter?

Almost all attractions and top tourist spots in Athens stay open for the winter. The one downside of visiting these monuments in the winter is construction. 

Historical sites like the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Ancient Agora need consistent maintenance, and the city plans these projects for the winter. So, don’t be surprised if you find scaffolding on certain monuments. 

Is Athens cold in Winter?

Athens is not as cold as other European cities in winter, with average temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. 

But it can get pretty cold after sunset, so it’s a good idea to pack a few warm outfits just in case. 

Are there any special events or festivals taking place in Athens during winter?

Yes, there are several events and festivals taking place in Athens during the winter season. 

The most notable include Christmas at Syntagma Square and the New Year’s celebration at the Acropolis, but you can also find smaller cultural activities and events around the city. 

Conclusion

The winter months are a unique but rewarding time of the year to visit Athens. It’s a chance to see the rich cultural heritage of Greece and vibrant local life in a very different light than what summer tourists experience. 

Visiting Athens in the winter allows you to slow down and enjoy each part of the city and thoroughly experience all of the monuments and museums without feeling like you are at an amusement park. 

We really loved traveling to Athens in December and hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

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