Flights to Athens

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Greece for tourism or business purpose under 90 days. For other nationalities, please check the Schengen Visa Info website.

Things to do and places of interest in Athens

Athens is so rich in history that if you were only here for a weekend, you will not have enough time to explore all the attractions and soak up the history. Regardless of how much time you have here, put these attractions at the top of your list:

• You do not have to be a history buff to appreciate the immaculate ruins of Greece. Visit the Parthenon and climb the steps to relive the mystery and mythology of the ancient Greeks.
• Go over to the National Archaeological Museum to see ancient Greek pottery, jewelry, and even the 2,000-year-old computer-like device from Greek history.
• Stroll through the Agora-Athens Central Market where you find fresh fish, produce, and items to take home. The market is located between Athinas Street and Aiolou Street.
• Walk around to see the views and greenery from the top of Mount Lycabettus. The sights are breathtaking and you feel as though you are the king (or queen) of the city.
• The oldest neighbourhood in Athens, known as Plaka, is home to quaint little shops, ruins, and amazing eateries to try.
• At the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, you sit on top of a hill that overlooks the ocean and the Attiki Peninsula.
• The Monastiraki Flea Market is a must-see. Here you find everything from African bootleg movies to jewelry stores and unique finds you can take home.

Tips and tricks for visiting Athens

As with any big city and tourist attraction, you want to stay safe while you explore the wonders of Athens. Keep in mind that the temperatures fluctuate here, especially with the closeness to the water. It is best to bring along light layers so that you can add or decrease as needed to stay comfortable. Do your best to fit in and not look like a tourist. That will decrease the likelihood you run into problems in the city too. Greece is not a liberal city; therefore, it is not a LGBTQ-friendly area. You can, however, find bi-sexual and gay bars in the area just south of the Acropolis. Lastly, be cautious about taxi drivers. While most are honest, there are a few that will try to add on to the meter or even stop running the meter to estimate the fare in their favour.