Visiting Athens in October is a treat, as you can enjoy still warm weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant cultural events.
As a Greek living near the heart of Athens, I can share firsthand why this is an ideal time to visit.
With most of the tourists gone, I find the city feels so much more genuine and residential, giving me a real taste of Athenian everyday life. And the best part? October in Athens buzzes with life, filled with festivals, events, and national celebrations I can fully enjoy.
I’ve put together this guide to the best things to do in Athens in October to help you make the most of your visit. Read on and get ready to experience Athens like a local!
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My Latest Video on Athens
My friend Pati and I went hiking to the top of Lycabettus Hill (Λυκαβηττός), where we enjoyed breathtaking 360° views of Athens stretching all the way to the sea.
But the real highlight was witnessing a unique spectacle: the Lowering of the Greek Flag by two soldiers at sunset.
Weather in Athens in October: What to Expect
There wasn’t any rain in Athens this October, which isn’t great because crops are struggling, and lake levels are down all over Greece.
Up until the 15th, daytime temperatures were pretty warm, around 24–28°C (75-82 F), even hitting 30°C (86 F) on the 12th, but it dropped back to 27°C (80 F) the next day. Evenings were a bit chilly, between 18–20°C (64-68 F).
The second half of the month was cooler, with daytime temps around 20–24°C (64-75 F) and nights closer to 16°C (60 F). It was mostly sunny, with just a few cloudy days here and there.
Top Things You Absolutely Can’t Miss in Athens in October
Discover Ancient Athens
If it’s your first time in Athens and you can only see one thing, make it the Acropolis Hill, home to the Parthenon and other iconic temples.
Acropolis Hill is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s the most striking and well-preserved ancient Greek monumental complex still standing today.
The Acropolis is a rocky hill in the center of Athens, rising 156 meters high, and home to temples dedicated to the goddess Athena, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the small Temple of Athena Nike.
Plan to spend at least an hour to 90 minutes at the Acropolis, and it’s best to go with a licensed guide who can explain the monuments around you.
It’s also essential to book your ticket in advance, especially in summer, as this is a very popular site and the tickets are quickly sold out.
The tickets from the official Acropolis website are NOT refundable, nor can the date be changed.
If you think that your plans may change, you should book your tickets through GetYourGuide or Viator.
Where to Stay & Eat in Athens: The Ultimate Travel Guide!
My Ebook on the best areas in central Athens and the riviera!
Athens Oktoberfest – Feast Like a German!
Oktoberfest is the world’s largest traditional beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany since 1810.
It attracts more than 6 million visitors every year and various cities around the world participate in the celebrations under the auspices of the official Oktoberfest, Athens included!
Athens Oktoberfest is housed in an old train depot in Gazi neighborhood in central Athens. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy four days of endless proper German beer straight from the barrels of Munich.
But what makes it really special are the traditional German cuisine, traditional German costumes, lively musical accompaniment by popular radio hosts, stand-up comedians, and many more surprises! Hey Ho, don’t miss this beer party!
More about the Athens Oktoberfest here.
Celebrate the National Day of 28th October | “Ohi” Day
“Ohi Day” is a National celebration of Greece’s bold “No” to Italy’s demands on October 28, 1940. The Italian ambassador gave an ultimatum to Greek leader Ioannis Metaxas, but Greece refused, leading the country into World War II and starting the Greco-Italian War.
Now, every year on this day, we celebrate it as a national holiday, honoring the courage and resilience shown back then.
If you’re in Athens, you can watch the colorful school parade, while Thessaloniki hosts the impressive military parade. Watching the parade is a lively and fun experience, with crowds cheering, flags waving, and a sense of pride filling the air!
All public offices, shops, banks, and similar establishments will be closed, except for cafes, restaurants, and public transport. As a bonus, entrance to archaeological sites and museums will be completely free for the day.
Wine Tasting At Queen’s Tower
Next to the largest Metropolitan Park in Athens, Tritsis Park stands the Queen’s Tower—a historic former royal estate covering an area of 200 hectares (494 acres).
The estate was originally purchased by King Otto, the first king of modern Greece, who built a small neo-Gothic castle for his wife, Queen Amalia.
Today, the current owners have beautifully restored the estate, transforming it into an organic farm, museum, event hall, diner, and winery.
The vineyard produces exceptional wines from both Greek and European grape varieties, including Malagouzia, Roditis, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.
You can book a fascinating tour of the estate that includes:
- A visit to the winery and vineyard.
- A guided tour of Queen Amalia and King Otto’s Tower, a national heritage site of modern Greek history, as well as its picturesque gardens.
- A stop at the stables to meet the horses.
- Wine tasting paired with delicious cheeses and homemade Greek pies.
How to get there: The estate is just 7.5 km from Syntagma Square. You can drive there with your rental car, as there’s parking available outside the park, or you can easily take a taxi. They have certain days that they organize the tours so you better check the availability and nook your tour here.
Explore High-End Restaurants in Athens
I love treating myself to an expensive meal every now and then—after all, hard work deserves a reward! I have a few favorite restaurants in Athens that I’d highly recommend you check out and book a table at while you’re in town.
One is Tudor Hall, located in the luxurious King George Hotel at Syntagma Square. The other is Nikolas Tis Schinousas, a fantastic fish restaurant by the Athens Riviera in Glyfada.
Tudor Hall – Michelin Awarded
Tudor Hall is on the 7th floor of the King George Hotel with an indoor diner and a terrace with a stunning Parliament and Acropolis view.
It serves the finest and most sophisticated modern Greek cuisine with an extensive Greek and international wine list, which I highly recommend you taste.
Each dish might seem small at first, but be warned—they’ll bring out a variety of extras alongside your order, including multiple appetizers, bread with spreads, and post-dinner desserts and drinks.
I usually share everything with my companions to sample it all. My favorites are the scallop appetizer, the monkfish entrée, and rhubarb desserts.
King George Hotel is at 3 Vasileos Georgiou A’ Street, Syntagma Square, between the Hotel Grande Bretagne and the NJV Athens Plaza Hotel.
The restaurant is open daily from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am. Cost: Nine-course tasting menu with four glasses of wine pairing, €120-€150 per person (dress code elegant and smart). You can book your table here.
Nikolas Tis Schinousas
Nikolas tis Schinoussas is a delightful restaurant right in front of Glyfada Beach on the Athens Riviera specializing in fish and seafood cuisine. Here you can enjoy a bright, stylish ambiance with stunning sea views, especially at sunset.
The menu features a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood dishes, complemented by friendly staff and excellent service. Due to its popularity, especially for seafront seating, I suggest you make a reservation.
The restaurant is at Diadochou Pavlou 48 St. open daily from 12:00 am to 12:00 pm. Cost: €45 per person without the drinks. You can book your table by calling them here: +30 21 0894 9550.
Visit the National Historical Museum
You have probably heard of the Acropolis or the National Archaeological Museums in Athens but what about the Historical Museum?
The museum is in a beautiful neoclassical building that used to house Greece’s first Parliament founded in 1858 by Queen Amalia.
In 1935 the Parliament moved to the Former Palace on Syntagma Square, where it is still housed today. In 1962, the former parliament opened its doors to the public as a National Historical Museum.
The museum tells the story of modern Greece, covering the period of Ottoman and Latin rule, the Greek War of Independence in 1821, the struggles for freedom, the creation of the independent Greek state, and the political, social, and cultural development of Greece through to today.
How to Get there: Old Parliament Building on Stadiou Street (Kolokotronis Square) 5 minutes walk from Syntagma. It’s closed on Mondays but open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on other days, with an entrance fee of €10.
You can find more info about the museum here.
Where to Stay & Eat in Athens: The Ultimate Travel Guide!
My Ebook on the best areas in central Athens and the riviera!
Day Trips from Athens in October
If you’re looking for a perfect day trip from Athens in October, Poros, Spetses, Aegina or Hydra islands are fantastic options.
October is a great time to visit because the summer crowds are gone, the weather is mild, and you can truly enjoy the island without the chaos. If it is early October you could easily swim as well.
If you would like to see a highlight of the islands then I suggest you book the 3 Islands One Day Cruise With Live Music Dancing & Buffet Lunch. If you have more time on your hands, then I suggest you visit each island on its own and ideally spend a night there too.
Packing List: What to Bring
I suggest you bring a combination of summerish clothes and layers for cooler evenings, including a warm cardigan or jacket if you’re traveling after mid-October.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially for exploring cobblestone streets or hiking trails.
And, of course, bring a small backpack or tote for day trips and ferry rides. Lastly, a power bank for your phone and a reusable water bottle will keep you connected and hydrated during your adventures!
Where to Stay in Athens in October
When deciding where to stay in Athens, you can’t go wrong with neighborhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki, Thisio, or Syntagma.
These areas are some of the safest areas in central Athens, close to top attractions like the Acropolis, with metro stations, plenty of shops, restaurants, and great vibes.
If you want something quieter, check out Koukaki or Pagrati, Mets, or Gazi for a more local feel.
Where to Stay & Eat in Athens: The Ultimate Travel Guide!
My Ebook on the best areas in central Athens and the riviera!
How to Get Around Athens
Athens has an excellent public transportation system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.
The metro runs from 5 am to midnight on weekdays and until 2 am on weekends, with three lines that link directly to the tram, bus routes, and suburban railway.
There are several metro ticket options:
- 3-Day Tourist Ticket: Costs €20 and includes unlimited travel on all transport plus one trip to or from the airport.
- Airport Ticket: One-way costs €9, or €16 for a round trip.
- Single Ticket: Costs €1.20 for 90 minutes of travel and can be used on the metro, buses, trolleys, and trams (excluding the airport and X80 bus). For example, to reach Paleo Faliro, you can take the metro to Syntagma, and from there, take the tram to Faliro using the same ticket as long as it is within the 90-minute timeframe.
- Day Pass: Unlimited travel on all transportation (excluding airport and X80 bus) for €4.10.
- 5-Day Pass: Unlimited travel on all transportation (excluding airport and X80 bus) for €8.20.
The Hop-On, and Hop-Off buses for Athens, Piraeus, and the Coastline are also great choices.
Taxis – Taxis in Greece charge customers based on the distance traveled, using a meter system. Although services like Uber and Ikaros Radio Taxi are available, the Free Now app is also widely used.
FAQs
What is the weather like in Athens in October?
October in Athens is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F.). It’s a great time for sightseeing.
Can I still visit the Greek islands from Athens in October?
Yes, ferries still operate, but some routes may have fewer departures. The islands are quieter, and some tourist services may start to close for the season.
Is it warm enough to swim in October?
The sea is still warm from summer, so swimming is possible, especially in the first half of the month.
Will I need to book accommodations in advance for October?
While it’s not as busy as summer, booking in advance is still recommended for the best choices and prices.
Wrapping Up: Athens in October
There is so much to do and see in Athens whenever you choose to visit this colorful and dynamic city, full of history and modern ambiance.
And if you choose to do so in October, you will love the local festivals, mild weather, and fewer crowds, making it the perfect time to experience Athens’ unique charm and vibrant culture.
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