More and more people escape the Christmas routine and travel instead. We wanted to see how Athens feels in December, a city we knew from hot, crowded summer stopovers.

In winter the Greek capital is still much milder than most of Europe, and for the first time we could enjoy its monuments slowly instead of rushing through them.

We had visited Athens on earlier summer trips, once when I was expecting our first daughter. This list comes from a later December visit, when we spent several days only in the city.

Ancient Athens without the summer crowds

The Acropolis is the reason most people come, and in summer the heat and crowds can be exhausting. At Christmas it was calm enough to stand and look. Remember that the Parthenon was badly damaged in 1687, when gunpowder stored inside exploded during a Venetian siege; the scaffolding you see is part of a very long restoration. 1

  • The Acropolis: the Propylaia, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and views over the whole city. Book a timed entry slot on the official ticket site. 2
  • The Theatre of Dionysus, on the south-eastern slope of the Acropolis.
  • The Ancient Agora, with the Temple of Hephaestus and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos.
  • The Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds.
  • The Temple of Olympian Zeus, completed under Hadrian.
  • Kerameikos, the ancient cemetery of Athens.

Museums and the changing of the guard

  • The National Archaeological Museum, with the so-called Mask of Agamemnon and the frescoes from Thera. Read a little Greek history first; the objects mean much more when you know their stories.
  • The Museum of Greek Folk Art, a small museum with embroidery, costumes, shadow-theatre figures and paintings by Theophilos.
  • The changing of the Presidential Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Syntagma Square, worth seeing at least once.

Plaka, Anafiotika and Monastiraki

Plaka, the oldest neighbourhood, is largely car-free and full of small lanes. We went back to a restaurant there almost every evening for dinner with a view of the Acropolis.

Anafiotika, a cluster of small white houses on the slope below the Acropolis, feels like a Greek island in the middle of the city. Go in daylight for the panorama.

Monastiraki is the place for markets, souvenirs and cafés. For a real flea market rather than tourist stalls, go on a Sunday.

Food markets and Orthodox churches

We love olives, feta, grilled meat and marinated peppers, so Athens was a feast. Whenever you are near a food market, go in: it is where Athenians shop, talk and gossip.

Most Greeks belong to the Orthodox Church, and small churches are everywhere. Step inside quietly, dress modestly and watch the local customs.

Visiting Athens in winter with children

Winter is a kind season for families in Athens: shorter queues, mild days and less heat on the open archaeological sites. Opening hours are shorter in winter, so start early, and remember that the Acropolis paths are uneven and slippery marble in places; a carrier is easier than a pushchair.

Good to know

A couple of useful questions

Is Athens worth visiting in winter?

Yes. It is milder than most of Europe, the main sites are much quieter than in summer, and you can enjoy the museums and neighbourhoods at a slower pace.

Do you need to book the Acropolis in advance?

Entry works with timed slots, so book on the official ticket site before you go, especially at busy times.

Sources and useful links

References for the practical information in this article:

Information checked on 22 October 2026.