Athens, the capital of Greece is one of the world’s oldest cities, with the earliest human presence dating all the way back to 11th century BC. A powerful city state in its prime, it was a center for learning, arts, and philosophy, and is often called the birthplace of democracy.
The heritage of the ancient city is still evident throughout Athens, represented by its works of art and its ancient monuments. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora seeing millions of visitors every year.
What makes Athens in April special?
April is considered one of the best times of the year to visit Athens since it is the middle of Spring. The daisies and poppies bloom throughout the city, giving it a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The weather is warm and sunny, and is perfect for exploring the city’s numerous attractions. Average temperatures are around 20℃, and it's rarely overcast.
Although crowds are lesser than in the peak season, there are more tourists than during the winter.
Athens in April: Weather
Athens' weather in April is warm and sunny. The average temperature during the day is about 20℃. In the evenings and nights, temperatures can get fairly low, and averages around 11℃. Be sure to bring some warm clothes if you plan to explore the city at night. There is about a 15% chance of rain during the month, although it's rarely gray and overcast.
Athens in April: Things to do
1
The Acropolis
April is a great time to visit the ancient ruins of Acropolis. With fewer tourists than during summer, you can explore the Acropolis and its monuments in peace. On top of the hill, the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike are a must-see.
April timings
Daily from 8am to 7:30pm
Athens, 105 58
Greece
Getting There ›
2
National Archaeological Museum
The largest archeological museum of Greece, The National Archaeological Museum is home to some of the biggest and most important items having artistic, cultural, or historic significance. Set aside about 3 to 4 hours to explore the museum. An early morning visit topped off with a delicious lunch at the museum cafeteria is a great choice.
April timings
Tuesdays from 1pm to 8pm
Wednesday to Monday from 8;30 am to 3:30pm
28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82,
Greece
Getting There ›
3
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Located just a walking distance away from the Acropolism is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, an important sanctuary in Athens. Springtime is great to visit since you won't see the summer tourists yet.. Although it was reduced to ruins just about a 100 years after its construction, a good chunk of the monument continues to stand tall today. Of the 104 columns of the temple, sixteen were preserved until 1852. One was blown down by a terrible storm that year.
April timings
Daily from 8am to 8pm (last entry is at 7:40pm)
Athens 105 57
Greece
Getting There ›
3
The Kotsanas Museum
The Kotsanas Museum is home to some incredible models of Greek inventions. The museum is located in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, and has a total area of 700 square meters. The ‘Hi-Tech Inventions of Ancient Greece’ is an excellent exhibit that includes reconstructed inventions such as the Hydraulic Clock of Ktesibios, the robot servant, the Antikythera Mechanism, and more!
April timings
Daily from 10am to 6pm
Pindarou 6, Athina 106 71
Greece
Getting There ›
5
Ancient Agora of Athens
Learn about the birth of democracy at this historic location. Located to the northwest of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora of Athens is a space where some famous Athenian individuals such as Socrates, Aristedesm and Pericles engaged in debates. You can learn more about them, while enjoying audio tours as well as skip the line entry for a hassle-free experience.
April timings
Daily from 8am to 5pm (last entry at 4:40pm)
Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55
Greece,
Getting There ›
6
Athens food tour
Enjoy a delicious Greek breakfast of koulóuria (sesame bread rings), in a quaint, century old cafe and sample sweet loukoumades and custard-filled filo squares for dessert. The guide will take you through the meat and fish market and speciality shops to buy fresh fruit, olives, cheese, ham, aromatized vinegar, Greek yoghurt, and other deli produce.
April timings
Depends on the chosen tour
Pl. Mitropoleos, Athina 105 56
Greece
Getting There ›
7
Go on a cruise trip to the Saronic Islands
If you have time to spare on your trip to Athens, make sure to book a cruise to Poros, Hydros, and Aegina! Visit the Temple of Aphaia on Aegina, stroll under the red tiled roofs of Hydra, and enjoy shopping on Poros. The April weather is perfect for a cruise, and is great for a swim in the crystal clear water as well. You can enjoy a relaxed day out with your loved ones, and soak in the spring sun.
April timings
Daily from 8am (10-hour cruise)
28is Oktovriou 42-44, Athina 106 82
Greece
Getting There ›
8
Take a day trip to Mycenae
Enjoy a day trip to Nafplio-Mycenae-Epidaurus along with a visit to the ancient ruins of the kingdom of Mycenae. With the onset of spring, you can see daisies and poppies blooming all around Athens, and make the most of the lush greenery as you explore the historic sites.
April timings
Tuesday to Sunday from 8am onwards
Athanasiou Diakou, Athina 117 43
Greece
Getting There ›
Athens in April: Events to look out for
Dimitris Papaioannou: INK
April 22-26, 2024
Dimitris Papaioannou, the great Greek stage director, choreographer, and visual artist is back in Athens with five performances, before the INK tour concludes in Paris. Interestingly but not surprisingly, INK doesn't stray away from Dimitris love for natural elements and naked bodies. Buy your tickets soon because they sell out like hot cakes!
International Monuments Day
April 18, 2024
On this day all the city’s archaeological sites and certain museums are free to visit. This year, it's on the Monday following Easter Sunday. Also celebrated as World Heritage Day, the event is internationally observed and was first approved by UNESCO in 1983.
Athens in April: Essentials
LanguageGreek
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+30
Socket Type C & F
CurrencyEuro (€)
Where to stay in Athens in April?
- Luxury stays: Hotel Grand Bretagne Athens, The Grand Hyatt
- Economical stays: Elia Ermou Athens Hotel, Athens Utopia, Athens Gate Hotel
- Budget stays: NLH Fix, InnAthens, Cosmpopolit Athens, Hotel Syngrou Fix
What to pack for Athens in April?
Although the weather is warm during the day, the night can get fairly chilly. It is recommended you bring a couple of warm layers so you can explore the city easily at night as well. There is a small chance of rain during April. Carrying an umbrella or raincoat would be a good idea, although you most likely would not need it.
Getting around Athens in April
Athens offers a range of public transport options to travel around the city including buses, trolleybuses, the suburban railway, the tram network, and the metro.
- The metro: The fastest way to travel around Athens is on the Metro. There are 3 lines, and they connect to the tram, bus routes, as well as the suburban railway. The metro runs from 5am until midnight. Lines 2 and 3 run until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
- The tram: The tram connects central Athens with the suburbs of Voula and Faliro. It also connects to the metro and overground train at four different locations, which makes switching easy.
- Bus & trolley: The bus network along with the trolleybus is extensive in Athens. The Airport Express buses also operate throughout the day.
Athens in April: Seasonal delicacies
A specialty during Easter, the red represents the blood of Christ. The shell symbolises Christ’s tomb, and cracking it symbolises his resurrection from the dead.
Where to eat: The Rooster's Egg
Tsoureki is a type of bread that is traditionally prepared during Easter. It features 3 braids, which symbolizes the Holy Trinity. The soft and fluffy bread with its stringy texture and semi soft crust is a delicacy that you shouldn’t miss!
Where to eat: Belle Vue
One of the most popular dishes during April, lamb chops, also known as paidakia are a version of lamb ribs. They are typically marinated with mustard, garlic, lemon, zest, olive oil, and peppercorn.
Where to eat: Sin Athena
This is a soup made with lamb offal during Easter. It is flavored with dill, butter, onions, and sometimes, vegetables as well. Rice is added at the end and avgolemono is used to thicken the soup.
Where to eat: Oinomageireio Epirus
This dish is traditionally served during Easter, and is typically eaten as an appetizer. It consists of goat or lamb intestines wrapped around offal, and is served with sweetbread. The dish is usually grilled on a griddle.
Where to eat: Mandrakis
Athens in April: Visiting tips
- In order to make the best of your visit, book visits to indoor sites such as art galleries and museums on rainy days.
- Although the days are warm and sunny, the nights can be pretty chilly. Be sure to bring along some warm clothes and an umbrella to enjoy the city at night as well.
- International Monuments Day is celebrated on April 18, when you can avail entry to certain attractions and archeological sites for free. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
- Be sure to cross-check the opening timings of the various attractions, since it varies throughout the year.
- This tip is applicable year-round: Don't flush your toilet paper, instead bin it.
- Athenians love their coffee. So be sure to drink several cups during your stay.
FAQs
Is April a good time to visit Athens?
Is Greece warm enough in April?
Can you swim in Greece in April?
What do people wear in Athens in April?
