Lonely Planet
How to Plan an Offseason Trip to Greece
The offseason in Greece trades hot days for quiet trails, uncrowded ancient sites and local festivals. This is why we love it.
Lonely PlanetAug 26
Europe in Shoulder Season: 11 of the Best Cities to See This September and October
See the dreamy bits of Europe, without the crowds and intense heat, by visiting in September or October.
19 things in this story
- AcropolisAttractionAncient site, better to climb in September.
- Elsewhere
- AlfamaNeighborhoodLisbon, PortugalNeighborhood with fado music.
- Roman ForumAttractionRome, ItalySite to visit in cooler September and October weather.
- Charles BridgeSightPrague, CzechiaIconic bridge offering great views.
- Budapest Wine FestivalFestivalBudapest, HungaryA Budapest Borfesztivál világviszonylatban is különleges, évente több száz kiállítót felvonultató és több tízezer…
- Alban HillsSightMarino, ItalyThe 950 m (3,120 ft) high Monte Cavo forms a highly visible peak in the centre of the caldera, but the highest point is…
- AlchemistRestaurantCopenhagen, DenmarkGastronomy, drama, art and spectacular visuals blend to create the Alchemist universe.
- MotelXFestivalLisbon, PortugalCult horror film fest.
- Caixa AlfamaFestivalLisbon, PortugalLive fado music festival.
- European Heritage DaysFestivalLisbon, PortugalFree tours of iconic buildings.
- Good Food FestivalFestivalDubrovnik, CroatiaKeeps things deliciously local in October.
- Széchenyi BathsSightBudapest, HungaryFamous thermal baths to sink into.
- OktoberfestFestivalBudapest, HungaryTakes place in October.
- Art Market BudapestFestivalBudapest, HungaryContemporary art fair in October.
- Dvořák Music FestivalFestivalPrague, CzechiaCultural highlight in autumn.
- Prague Signal FestivalFestivalPrague, CzechiaLights up the city with art and sound.
- Amsterdam Fashion WeekFestivalAmsterdam, The NetherlandsBoth established brands and starting designers show their collections.
- UdtrykGalleryCopenhagen, Denmark
- Jordaan FestivalFestivalAmsterdam, The Netherlands
Condé Nast TravelerAug 5
On an Impromptu Wellness Retreat in Athens, Redefining My Postpartum Identity
Taking time out of the busy, postpartum day-to-day ends up being a much-needed reset for writer Lauren Burvill.
3 things in this story
- The DolliHotelRooftop restaurant overlooking the Acropolis.
- Elsewhere
- Cape SounioHotelSounio, GreeceHotel within ancient archaeological grounds.
- Temple of PoseidonAttractionSounio, GreeceOverlooking the hotel.
Condé Nast TravelerJul 25
10 Athens Airbnbs With Views of the Acropolis
These modern digs offer impeccable views of the ancient ruins.
25 things in this story
- ParthenonAttractionIts decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of classical Greek art, and the Parthenon is…
- Panathenaic StadiumSightOne of the main historic attractions of Athens, it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.
- MakrygianniNeighborhoodNeighborhood in Athens.
- MonastirakiNeighborhoodLively flea market neighborhood in Athens.
- Acropolis MuseumMuseumThe museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age…
- KoukakiNeighborhoodVibrant neighborhood in Athens.
- PlakaQuarterHeart of Athens.
- AgoraSightThe literal meaning of the word "agora" is "gathering place" or "assembly".
- Acropolis of AthensSightIncludes the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike.
- Port of PeiraiasSightViews from a small balcony in a queen bedroom.
- Benaki MuseumMuseumThe museum houses Greek works of art from the prehistorical to the modern times, an extensive collection of Asian art,…
- National GardenSightIt is located between the districts of Kolonaki and Pangrati, directly behind the Greek Parliament building and…
- AreopagusSightThings to do nearby in Makrygianni neighborhood.
- Cine ParisPlaceThings to do nearby in Plaka neighborhood.
- Roman AgoraAttraction
- National Museum of Contemporary ArtMuseum
- Half Note Jazz BarRestaurant
- Filopappou HillPark
- Pnika HillsSight
- Benaki Museum of Islamic ArtMuseum
- Areopagus HillSight
- Temple of ZeusAttraction
- Monastiraki SquareSight
- National Historical MuseumMuseum
- Museum of the History of Athens UniversityMuseum
Lonely PlanetJul 24
6 Greek festivals worth traveling for
Annual festivals in Greece range from small village observances to internationally famous blowouts. These are six of the best ones.
14 things in this story
- AcropolisAttractionAn acropolis was the settlement of an upper part of an ancient Greek city, especially a citadel, and frequently a hill…
- Release AthensFestivalGreek entry on European rock festival circuit.
- Flisvos MarinaSightOpen space next to marina, hosts Release Athens.
- Ejekt festivalFestivalHeld at the Athens Olympic Stadium.
- Athens JazzFestivalHeld at Technopolis.
- Athens City FestivalFestivalMore than 200 events in public spaces every May.
- Athens Epidaurus FestivalFestivalWorld-class shows in theater, dance, opera, music.
- Holy WeekFestivalClimax of Lent, observed with reverence.
- EasterFestivalBiggest holiday of the year, observed universally.
- AgoraSightThe literal meaning of the word "agora" is "gathering place" or "assembly".
- ApokriesFestivalCarnival season tied to Christian calendar.
- Elsewhere
- RockwaveFestivalMalakasa, GreeceMusic festival in Terra Vibe, outside Athens.
- Theater of EpidaurusSightEpidaurus, GreeceAncient amphitheater for drama performances.
- Thessaloniki International Film FestivalFestivalThessaloniki, GreeceSignificant stop on the international film circuit.
Condé Nast TravelerJul 22
These 16 Affordable Hotels in Europe Are Buzzy, Beautiful, and Under $300 a Night
From boutique city breaks to seaside stays, these are the budget-friendly gems to know about in Europe.
16 things in this story
- Ace Hotel & Swim Club AthensHotelHomage to Greek Riviera's golden era with a French-American restaurant.
- Elsewhere
- The Hoxton, FlorenceHotelFlorence, ItalyOccupies a Renaissance palazzo and a modernist structure.
- BornetaHotelBarcelona, SpainCozy hotel in Barcelona's Born neighborhood with rooftop access.
- Hotel RochechouartRestaurantParis, FranceArt Deco relic with well-designed rooms and a nightclub.
- The VintageHotelLisbon, PortugalBoutique hotel with a chic midcentury theme and vintage bar carts.
- The July - Boat & Co.HotelAmsterdam, The NetherlandsFormer warehouse with open-plan bar, restaurant, and colorful rooms.
- Il Palazzo ExperimentalHotelVenice, ItalyBased in a former shipping company head office on Zattere promenade.
- Numo IerapetraHotelIerapetra, GreeceAdults-only retreat on a black-sand beach with a standout restaurant.
- Mama Shelter RomaHotelRome, ItalyBold, pop-art themed hotel with candy-colored decor and yellow bathrooms.
- Palacio de TaviraHotelTavira, PortugalRenovated palace and Moorish-style cubes with a restaurant serving seafood.
- The DeanHotelBerlin, GermanyPairs bold design with cultural connectivity and a food concept.
- Hotel OttiliaHotelCopenhagen, DenmarkHoused in a former grain storage building with a rooftop bar.
- Lopota LakeHotelLopota, GeorgiaSprawling resort with lake or mountain views and diverse dining options.
- Hotel AmourHotelNice, FranceNice hotel.
- Palazzo PreviteraHotelSicily, ItalySicily hotel.
- Savona 18 SuitesHotelMilan, ItalyMilan suites.
Lonely PlanetJul 15
The 8 destinations pro travelers say ruin all others
Sometimes a life-changing trip is just as damning as it is magnificent, ruining you for any trip you eventually take. These destinations are worth that sacrifice.
15 things in this story
- GreeceSightDestination that ruins all others.
- Aegean SeaSight
- Elsewhere
- Andes MountainsSightSantiago, ChileHigh mountains for skiing.
- Laguna del IncaSightSantiago, ChileCrystal blue lagoon below the high Andes.
- Maipo ValleyNeighborhoodSantiago, ChileBirthplace of Chilean wine.
- MontanaNeighborhoodHelena, United StatesSummer destination for outdoor adventures.
- YellowstoneSightGardiner, United StatesNational park in Montana.
- Yasuní National ParkSightCoca, EcuadorAmazonian Ecuador park that brings visitors to tears.
- Amazonian EcuadorNeighborhoodCoca, EcuadorEco-lodge with spider monkeys and paddle canoes.
- El Questro StationSightEl Questro, AustraliaWestern Australia station with reds, greens, waterfalls.
- Kimberley regionNeighborhoodBroome, AustraliaRegion in Western Australia with stark contrasts.
- Ngorongoro CraterSightArusha, TanzaniaWorld's largest unbroken volcanic caldera with abundant animals.
- CambodiaSightPhnom Penh, CambodiaAmazing people, food, and culture.
- SicilyNeighborhoodPalermo, ItalyBeautiful island with kind people and great views.
- Tonlé Sap LakeSightPhnom Penh, Cambodia
Lonely PlanetJul 9
10 of the best neighborhoods in Athens
Learn the difference between Kolonaki and Koukaki, Psyrri and Gazi, in this tour of central Athens’ most visited districts.
24 things in this story
- Ancient AgoraMuseumVast ancient site in Monastiraki
- Roman AgoraAttractionSmaller ancient site in Monastiraki
- MakrygianniNeighborhoodGood for early Acropolis access and hotels
- SyntagmaTrain stationCenter for bar crawls and markets
- MonastirakiNeighborhoodThe area is home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops and specialty stores, and is a major tourist attraction in…
- KolonakiNeighborhoodFor museum-lovers
- GaziNeighborhoodDraws nightclubbers
- ExarchiaQuarterSuits student budgets
- Acropolis MuseumMuseumNear Makrygianni, east entrance to the Acropolis
- KoukakiNeighborhoodQuintessential Athens neighborhood with bar-cafes
- Bel RayBarBar-cafe on Olimpiou pedestrian strip
- OmoniaTrain stationPart of the commercial triangle
- KolokotroniNeighborhoodArea with fabulously designed drinking holes
- Hadrian's LibrarySightSite west of which Adrianou street has cafes
- AnafiotikaNeighborhoodSmall patch of whitewashed island-style architecture
- AlphavilleBarConvivial nightspot in Metaxourgio
- Navarino ParkSightSelf-organized park in Exarchia
- Steki MetanastonRestaurantImmigrant-run cafe in Exarchia
- MetaxourgioNeighborhood
- PsyrriNeighborhood
- National Museum of Contemporary ArtMuseum
- Tomb of the Unknown SoldierSight
- Benaki Museum's modern art branchMuseum
- Keramikos districtPlace of worship
AfarApr 28
The Most Subversive Neighborhood in Athens Is Also Its Tastiest
At Oi Sympetheroi, owner Thanos Vrettakis selects international and Greek products, with an emphasis on small producers sourced from across the country. Athens may be one of the world’s oldest cities, ...
7 things in this story
- Oi SympetheroiDeliSells small-batch food items and local draft beer.
- Behold ThemanCaféOffers excellent coffee, vegan banana bread, and a spacious interior.
- The Black Salami MicrobakeryRestaurantKnown for limited sourdough loaves and seasonal moussaka sandwich.
- Taníni Agápi MouBarFeatures 100 by-the-glass Greek wine options.
- It’s a ShirtPlaceSells limited-edition unisex button-downs from Greek textiles.
- PoliteiaPlaceOne of Greece's largest bookstores with books in English.
- Park of the Torn StoneSightA peaceful, tree-filled park with views of the Acropolis.
Condé Nast TravelerMar 7
I Live in Athens and These Are the Places in Greece I Always Recommend
The ultimate travel bucket list for visiting Greece, curated by an Athens-based editor.
28 things in this story
- MilosHotelThe world-renowned estiatorio Milos proudly presents the very first luxurious gastronomy 5* hotel in the heart of…
- HydraSightEnhancing your spatial information assets…
- SifnosSightThe main town, near the center, known as Apollonia, is home of the island's folklore museum and library.
- Old Port of MykonosSightferries to Delos leave from here
- NafplioNeighborhoodfirst capital of Greece, blend of Venetian, Ottoman, Neoclassical architecture
- Palamidi FortressSight18th-century Venetian castle, one of the most well-preserved
- Bourtzi CastleSightformer Venetian fortress accessible by 10-minute boat ride
- MeteoraCafésix Byzantine monasteries atop 400-metre-high rock formations
- Holy Monastery of Agios StefanosPlaceeasiest monastery to climb to
- Monastery of the Holy TrinityPlacehardest monastery to climb to
- White TowerMuseumonce a prison, now a museum detailing the city's past
- DelosSightone of the most important archaeological sites
- AcropolisAttractionhome to the Odeon of Herodes and Theatre of Dionysus
- Theatre of DionysusAttractionIt is built on the south slope of the Acropolis hill, originally part of the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus.
- ParthenonAttractionIts decorative sculptures are considered some of the high points of classical Greek art, and the Parthenon is…
- Ancient AgoraMuseumIt is located to the northwest of the Acropolis, and bounded on the south by the hill of the Areopagus and on the west…
- Panathenaic StadiumSighthome to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896
- Delos IslandPlace
- Terrace of LionsSight
- Sanctuary of ApolloSight
- Four Seasons Astir Palace, Athens RivieraHotel
- One & Only AesthesisHotel
- The DolliHotel
- Alexander the Great StatueSight
- The UmbrellasSight
- Odeon of HerodesTheatre
- Roman AgoraAttraction
- Hadrian’s GateSight
The New York TimesJan 21
In Europe, the Allure of Summer Travel Keeps Dimming
A big shift to spring, fall or even winter vacations in touristy, hot-weather cities like Barcelona, Florence and Athens shows no signs of slowing down.
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Smithsonian MagazineJan 5
Coastal Cities of Europe
Explore the history, culture and natural wonders of the continent's most celebrated ports
9 things in this story
- ParthenonAttractionstill among the first places tourists go when they arrive
- Elsewhere
- Turner ContemporaryArts centreMargate, United KingdomThe title commemorates the association of the town with noted landscape painter J.
- SargassoRestaurantMargate, United KingdomWelcome to Sargasso – a coastal-inspired wine bar and restaurant nestled on the sea wall of Margate’s harbour arm,…
- Dory'sCaféMargate, United KingdomAngela’s is a small seafood restaurant with rooms serving delicious, local seafood, alongside simple, seasonal…
- Azulejo TileworkPlaceLisbon, Portugalexplore Portugal's tilework
- George & HeartPubMargate, United KingdomThe George & Heart House in Margate Old Town: a charming Grade II listed former coaching inn offering affordable…
- Hawley SquareParkMargate, United Kingdom
- Theatre RoyalTheatreMargate, United Kingdom
- Curve cafeCaféMargate, United Kingdom
Condé Nast TravelerNov 13, 2025
A Guide to Athens' Underrated Food Neighborhoods
Diane Kochilas, who just released a new cookbook called Athens, shares her favorite places to eat in the historic city.
24 things in this story
- MetaxourgioNeighborhoodKochilas currently lives here
- Agios PanteleimonasNeighborhoodtraditional and multiethnic area
- Plateia ViktoriasNeighborhoodAgios Panteleimonas is near here
- Ouzeri tou LakiRestaurantfamous ouzo-meze place
- KypseliSuburbhip and hopping area with young chefs
- KaisarianiSuburbworking-class neighborhood in foothills of Mt. Hymettus
- Agios Panteleimonas churchSightone of the largest Greek Orthodox churches
- O Spanos TavernaRestaurantfamous for its grilled meats
- Al ManlaRestaurantSyrian restaurant with shawarma and kebabs
- RoussikonRestaurantbest Georgian bakery
- NtylanCafétiny place with a daily changing menu
- Santo BeltoCaféplace for brunch with great cakes
- Bateau IvresRestauranttasty Athenian bistro with a great wine list
- DionysosRestaurantfavorite souvlaki place
- Plateia Agiou GeorgiouNeighborhoodone of the nicest piazzas in the city
- Mt. HymettusSightKaisariani is in the foothills of
- TrataRestaurantmost famous and oldest fish taverna
- Oinothera 1996Restaurantlocal secret for great fish and seafood
- Oinomageirion TsopanakosRestaurantplace for Greek-style meats
- DodoniRestaurantAthenian street food spot for kasseri pie
- KosmikonRestaurantproducing galaktoboureko since 1961
- GalifianakisRestaurantproduces galaktoboureko with kataifi crust
- Leloudas TavernaRestaurantcult taverna for Poor Man's Plate
- BotanikosGardenhome to Leloudas Taverna
Condé Nast TravelerNov 6, 2025
The Best Bars in Athens for Wine, Tapas, and Acropolis Views
The best Greek drinking dens to know about in Athens
22 things in this story
- Alexander’s BarRestaurantground-floor lobby of Grande Bretagne hotel
- The Bar in Front of the BarRestaurantstreet-side perch with tables across the road
- Rumble in the JungleRestauranthidden behind an unmarked door
- The 7 JokersRestauranthard-drinking, party-loving dive bar stays open late
- Grande BretagneHotelAn Athenian classic, whose resplendent interiors have presided over the city’s star-studded hospitality scene for 150…
- AvraRestaurantoverlooks the Athens Riviera’s section of the Aegean Sea
- The ClumsiesCaféspread across three stories of a refurbished townhouse
- Epta MartyresRestaurantpart tapas bar, part wine bar
- LineBarindustrial-chic bar set within a former art gallery
- Bar AmoreBarhomage to the Roman enoteca
- FalainaBartiny bar on a busy thoroughfare
- Baba au RumBarmash-up of mid-century modern, Tiki, and Tropicalia
- EprepeCafélively café-bar on a happening street
- Jazz in JazzBarjazz and whisky bar, speakeasy atmosphere
- GalaxyRestaurantsnug, leather-padded bar in a downtown arcade
- LatraacCaféopen-air skate bowl garden shed café-performance space
- BiosTheatrecultural center with phenomenal Acropolis views
- RomantsoCaféco-working community and events space
- Wine is FineRestaurantGallo-Greek wine bar with minimalist chic
- Au RevoirBaroldest bar in Athens, caters to a younger crowd
- Taratsa by LokaliRestaurantsecret terrace bar above To Lokali
- To LokaliRestaurantleafy courtyard bar famous for twisted G&Ts
Condé Nast TravelerSep 29, 2025
The Best Time to Visit Greece—and How Long to Stay
Whether you’re looking for buzzy beaches or a quiet coastal escape, here’s the best time to visit Greece.
13 things in this story
- AcropolisAttractionCultural site in Athens, perfect for hiking
- MonastirakiNeighborhoodThe area is home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops and specialty stores, and is a major tourist attraction in…
- PlakaQuarterPláka is the old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis,…
- Elsewhere
- Temple of Apollo at DelphiSightDelphi, GreeceCultural site, best visited in cooler weather
- Knossos PalaceAttractionHeraklion, GreecePalace on the island of Crete
- SantoriniSightThira, GreeceIsland known for iconic sunsets and volcanic beaches
- MeteoraSightKalabaka, GreeceMainland cultural site, good for day trips
- CreteSightHeraklion, GreeceIsland offering archaeological wonders
- PeloponneseSightPatras, GreeceIt is connected to the central part of the country by the Isthmus of Corinth land bridge, which separates the Gulf of…
- Akrotiri archaeological siteSightThira, GreeceWell-preserved Minoan ruins on Santorini
- Mykonos Grand HotelHotelMykonos, GreeceLocated on Ayios Yiannis beach, opposite the island of Delos, this "delightful and marvelous" 2001 hotel was built on…
- Mykonos BluHotelMykonos, GreeceΚάνουμε το ταξίδι της Ηλεκτροκίνησης πραγματικότητα, με το δίκτυο με τους πιο γρήγορους ταχυφορτιστές στην Ελλάδα!
- OiaSightThira, Greece