Magical, mythical, and magnificent are the adjectives that best describe Athens, the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Athens gets its name from Athena, the Greek goddess of inspiration, wisdom, and civilization, and Athens’ contribution to history boasts her patronage. Athens is the capital and the largest city in Greece. This archaeological and cultural heaven is also the seventh-largest city in the European Union. With a population of close to four million, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and was the intellectual beacon of the ancient world.
From the grand ruins, tall buildings, archaic museums, and treasured theatres to the quaint Monastiraki square, contemporary shops, and the unique Acropolis Temple, Athens has something for everyone.
What makes Athens in September special?
- September is a fantastic month to visit the beautiful city of Athens, known for its myriads of islands, museums galore, and flea markets. The weather is pleasant, and the tourists have mostly dispersed by this time of the year. There isn't much rain, and prices are reasonably low with additional amazing off-season offers which can be availed. However, as September progresses and colder weather begins to emerge, one needs to slip into light warm clothes.
If we talk in terms of the amazing weather, the thin crowds, and the low prices, all three combined make Athens in September a must-visit.
Athens in September weather
The average temperature hovers around 75°F (24°C) throughout September and the weather is warm but pleasant with clear blue skies and sunshine is not debilitatingly hot. If compared to August, the initial days of the month are as warm as August but gradually the cooler temperatures in September make the midday heat feel more bearable, offering conditions to comfortably stroll through the streets of Athens. Rainfall is scanty and relatively low, at around just 14mm across. The first half of the month sees almost no precipitation. As September comes to an end, moderate rains can be experienced. September gets only three days of rain in form of scattered showers, so the city can be explored without worrying about a rain shower. In September, the weather is pleasant, crowds are thinner as the schools re-open, the prices start to drop slightly, and a host of fun festivals and events take place throughout the city.
Must-do in September
1
The Acropolis
“Acropolis” refers to the fortified limestone hill. It is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, topped with the Parthenon. While Parthenon is most renowned, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theater of Dionysus are among the other attractions of great architectural and historical significance. Pre-book your tickets online to zoom through long queues and the best time to visit the Acropolis is the last two hours before closing if you are trying to catch the sunset from the Acropolis.
General Timings
Open daily from 8am to 7:30pm (Last entrance at 7pm)
Athens, 105 58
Greece
Getting There ›
2
Museum of Cycladic Art
If you are an art lover and love to marvel at timeless art pieces then this dynamic cultural institution in the center of Athens, the Museum of Cycladic Art is a must-visit for you. The museum promotes the ancient cultures of the Aegean and Cyprus while emphasizing Cycladic art of the third millennium BC. Permanent collections include 3000 Cycladic, ancient Greek, and ancient Cypriot artifacts while the temporary exhibitions focus on archaeology and modern and contemporary to familiarize the public with relations between ancient cultures and modern art.
General Timings
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10am to 5 pm
Sunday: 11am to 5pm
Thursday: 10am to 8pm
Tuesdays: Closed
Neofitou Douka 4, Athina 106 74
Greece
Getting There ›
3
National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens, founded at the end of the 19th century, is the largest archaeological museum in Greece. It displays the rich and ever-flourishing historical, cultural, and artistic value of Greece. This museum is one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art as it houses and protects antiquities from all over Greece.
General Timings
Tuesday: 1pm to 8pm
Wednesday to Monday: 8am to 8pm
28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82,
Greece
Getting There ›
4
Temple of Olympian Zeus
One of the key highlights of any Athens tour is the ancient Temple of Olympian Zeus in Olympia, Greece. As the name suggests, it is dedicated to the mighty god Zeus. This temple was built in the second quarter of the fifth century BC. Once a star of its time, now out of the hundred columns, only 15 remain intact today.
General Timings
Open daily from 8am to 3pm
Athens 105 57
Greece
Getting There ›
5
Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora, located northwest of the Acropolis, between the neighborhoods of Thission and Monastiraki is one of the most important sites of the Greek capital. The Ancient Agora was the center of Athens in the antiquity, where juries and political gatherings would be held. Today, the Agora is a collection of ruins, and temples but its glory and importance remain unchanged.
General Timings
September 1-15, 2024: 8am to 7:30pm
September 16-30, 2024: 8am to 7pm
Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55
Greece,
Getting There ›
6
Athens Street Food Tour
Greek cuisine is all about fresh vegetables and age-old recipes of Greek origin and diaspora. Athens Street Food Tour gives a sneak peek into the culture of Greece where one can observe, smell, touch and experience the best-quality ingredients that make up Greek cuisine. As you stroll through the Athenian streets, stop at a local eatery to enjoy some classic souvlaki, loukoumades, Greek salad, and meatballs, and do not forget to sample Greek coffee.
Νο68 Βαρβακειος Αγορα, Athina,
Greece
Getting There ›
7
Day trip to Meteora
When visiting Athens, dedicate an entire day to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora. Meteora in Greek means “suspended in the air” which is so apt for the remarkable Greek Orthodox monasteries. As you ride through the Greek countryside to the monasteries on the top of the cliff, from the plains of Thessaly, rise the enormous rocks of Meteora and reach a height of more than 600 meters. Meteora forms the most important monastic communities of Greece and is a great place to experience a breathtaking landscape and byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks that house priceless artifacts and wall paintings. Today only six monasteries and hermit caves are active with a small number of monks or nuns who reside on Meteora.
Athanasiou Diakou, Athina 117 43
Greece
Getting There ›
Athens in September: Events to look out for
Armata Festival
September 2-8, 2024
Spetses Island hosts the Armata Festival every September, the dates may vary. In the early 19th century, Spetses and Kosta were engaged in a naval battle. Armata is a festive celebration to commemorate the naval battle between the two where boatbuilders gather a week before the festival to make a remarkable wooden boat effigy for the battle reenactment on the final day.
Athens Coffee Festival
Septemebr 28-30, 2024
All the coffee lovers say aye!! Between 28th and 30th of September, in the Gazi Technopolis region of the city, this coffee festival takes place to celebrate coffee, Greek’s favorite commodity. One can not only learn about how coffee is made but also sample coffee from all parts of the globe while enjoying live performances from local bands.
Athens September essentials
LanguageGreek
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+30
Socket Type C & F
CurrencyEuro (€)
Athens Weather in Septemebr
The average temperature is around 75°F (24°C) throughout September and the weather is warm but pleasant as compared to the scorching August heat. Rainfall is relatively low, at around just 14mm across. The first half of the month sees almost no rainfall. However, as we inch towards mid-September, some rainfall can also be experienced. September is a transitional season and experiences fewer tourists with excellent weather, making it ideal for a visit.
Athens Accommodation In September
Athens offers multiple alternatives to choose from when it comes to accommodation be it in terms of budget or the area where you want to put up. Syntagma Square, in the heart of the city, is well connected to all the modes of public transportation be it a railway station, bus stop, or the metro. Plaka and Syntagma are great for a first-time visitor to get acquainted with the city while Gazi can be considered when on a budget trip.
- Luxury Hotels
1. Cocomat Athens: Cocomat Athens, a 5-star hotel, offers a luxurious experience with its lavish sauna, restaurant, swimming pool, and top-notch healthcare services for the guests with the nearest Elefthérios Venizélos Airport being 19km from Coco-mat Athens BC.
2. Niche Hotel Athens: Niche Hotel Athens is within 1km of the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and Odeum of Herodes Atticus and is in the City Centre of Athens. This 4-star hotel is closest to all the key attractions in Athens.
3. Elia Ermou Athens Hotel: With gorgeous interiors, Elia Ermou is just 800m from the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum and is located in the center of Athens. This 4-star hotel is preferred by most tourists as it is the closest stay to the world-renowned Acropolis. - Economy Hotels
1. Acropolis Museum Boutique Hotel: With great services and affordable prices, this hotel is located in a very beautiful neighborhood of Athens, a short distance from the Acropolis and Plaka. The rooms are elegant with free Wi-Fi and come with a view of the Acropolis.
2. Adrian Hotel: The Adrian Hotel overlooks the hills near the bustling Monastiraki Flea Market and is 1.2km away from Acropolis and just 350m from Ancient Agora.
- Budget Hotels
1. Metropolis Hotel: The hotel has classic and comfortable accommodations with spacious rooms, modern bathrooms, and rainfall showers. All these are fully equipped with TVs, hairdryers, bathroom amenities, WiFi, and telephones. The cherry on the cake is the friendly staff and soothing atmosphere.
2. The Nefeli Hotel: The family-run Nefeli Hotel is located amid the foothills of the Acropolis in the beautiful Plaka. It is quite a hit amongst international tourists and this quaint hotel has its set of loyal guests who have been coming here for years.
What to pack
The Greek sun is harsh and hot. Whichever month you visit Greece, do not forget to carry your sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. In September the weather is pleasant. It is comfortably warm in the daytime but in the evening, layering becomes crucial as the temperature starts to drop. A few warm pieces for the evenings are required to stroll in Athens in the evening. A light jacket, breathable socks, hiking shoes, walking shoes with a good grip if you do not want to fall on slippery pavements in the rain, and an umbrella.
Getting Around Athens in September
The public transportation system in Athens connects most of the city and suburbs. Though the tickets are modestly priced, the best part is that the ticket which costs around €1.40 can be used for all modes of public transportation, valid for 90 minutes/per ticket. In case you do not want to opt for a means of public transport and want to travel at your own pace and in comfort, Hop-On, Hop-Off tours are the best.
Taxis - Taxis in Greece charge the customer per kilometer traveled and follow the meter system. While Uber, Radio Taxi, Taxiplon, and Ikaros are also available, TaxiBeat is the prime app-based yellow taxi service in Athens.
Metros - Metros are the quickest and the most affordable mode of transportation in Athens. The metro usually runs from 5am to midnight and is made up of three lines that connect to the tram, bus routes, and suburban railway.
Train - The trains run every day from 4:30am to 11pm and connect the port of Piraeus with Athens International Airport. The suburban railway also acts as a link between Athens to Evia's Halkida and the Peloponnese's Kiato and Corinth.
Buses/ TrolleyBuses - The extensive bus and trolleybus networks in Athens provide buses that run every day from 5am to midnight. Make sure to double-check the route's schedule.
Airport - Athens is 20km away from the international airport and the metro is the best for a quick arrival. The Airport Express buses link Athens International Airport to the city center (Syntagma Square), the port of Piraeus, and the Intercity Bus Terminal (KTEL Kifissos) and are available 24x7.
The Tram - The tram timings are- 5:30am to 1am every day, and on Fridays and Saturdays until 2:30am. It connects Athens with the Faliro and Voula beach neighborhoods.
Athens in September: Seasonal delicacies
Greek cuisine reflects the passion for food and the simplicity inherent in the Greek ethos and diaspora. The focus is on authentic ingredients of high quality and locally grown products which are executed to perfection.
Souvlaki or grilled meat is available in different variations in different parts of Athens but what remains constant is that it serves the Greeks as an instant and filling meal. It is made of finely chopped pork or gyros, then packed into pita bread along with chips, freshly picked tangy tomatoes, finely chopped onions, parsley, and tzatziki.
Try this dish here: Kostas
Moussaka is one of the most delectable dishes in Greek cuisine and cannot be missed. Also known as the layered oven casserole dish, it is made with succulent aubergines (eggplants), well-cooked potatoes interleaved with minced pork or lamb, and topped with bechamel sauce and grated rusk.
Try this dish here: Olympion
Taramasalata, a true Greek delicacy is usually consumed during the fasting periods on Clean Monday, the first day of Lent as it does not contain any dairy products. The Taramasalata made to sell commercially is dyed pink in color but the high-quality taramasalata is beige.
It is made of fish roe mixed with olive oil, dry bread, potato, onion, and lemon.
Try this dish here: Psipsina
Horiatiki, is what the locals refer to a Greek Salad as. It is made by tossing in fresh tomatoes, cucumber, olive oil, oregano, and salt and enriched with feta cheese, olives, onions, and green pepper.
Lastly, it is glazed with vinegar are garnished with generous amounts of parsley.
Try this dish here: Ramon
Meatballs make the ultimate delicacy for meat lovers. Soft balls of minced beef, fried in fresh olive oil, flavored with herbs and spices with a hint of spearmint, and traditionally washed down with a glass of ouzo are to die for.
Try this dish here: Keftes kai…the ftes
Tips for visiting Athens in September
- It is advisable to carry a Greek-to-English dictionary, to avoid any kind of language barrier.
- In September, the days are warm and pleasant, but the evenings can be quite chilly. Do pack some warm clothes and an umbrella to explore the city at night.
- September to November offer fewer crowds, better deals and the opportunity to explore Athens in peace. To avail of early bird offers and get discounts on flights and stays, it is best to do bookings in advance.
- The first Sunday of each winter month is termed an Open Day, with free entry to all the archaeological sites, monuments, and museums in Greece. Make sure you grab the opportunity if you plan to visit in winter
- The timings for monuments, transportation and tours differ from season to season, it is important to double-check the timings and schedule beforehand to avoid the last-minute hassle.
- On International Tourism Day (September 27th) and during the European Days of Cultural Heritage (the last weekend of September), most sites and museums can be visited for free.
- It's advisable to dress soberly while visiting churches, museums, or other places of worship instead of casual shorts, skirts and T-shirts.
- A tip to save money when in Athens- Advance bookings on accommodations and flights save a lot of money, buy tourist cards and opt for public transportation especially the metro, and feast at the local restaurants to experience the real flavors of Athens.
Athens September itinerary
Even if you're in Athens for only 24 hours, you can still cover all of the major attractions! Take a look at our Athens in 24 Hours Itinerary.
FAQs
September is the best time to visit Athens.
Here’s why-
The weather is warm and pleasant approximately 20-23°C. September also experiences lesser tourists compared to the crowded months of July and August. A lighter crowd brings with itself deflated prices, so flight tickets, hotel bookings, and even bookings for luxury cruise lines are lower.
Also, on September 27th (International Tourism Day) and during the last weekend of September (European Days of Cultural Heritage), most sites and museums can be visited for free.
Athens is neither too hot nor freezing cold in September, just perfect to explore the city comfortably. The average temperature hovers around 75°F (24°C) throughout September and the weather is warm but pleasant with clear blue skies.
3 days in Athens is enough to explore the city, the key historic highlights, the local Greek delicacies, the high-end restaurants, and the culture of Athens as it is the major gateway into Greece.
Summers are usually crowded in the capital city. However, in September the crowds are thinner as schools reopen and the weather is pleasant.
From Athens, Santorini is a 4.5-hour to 6-hour ferry ride by highspeed ferries and catamarans, while it takes about 7 hours to 9 hours by the overnight ferries and slower car ferries. Also, most of the ferries from Athens to Santorini stop in Naxos and Paros en route.
