InterContinental Athens – Luxury hotel with stunning views of the Acropolis

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Arrival in Athens: From the airport to the heart of the City

It takes me over an hour by taxi from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to reach my destination: the InterContinental Athens on bustling Syngrou Avenue, almost in the centre of the Greek capital. Athens welcomes me as always: chaotically charming, with ancient sights, modern buildings, and – yes – the infamous traffic.

The imposing, multi-award-winning hotel with 563 rooms is one of the best places to stay in Athens. 253 rooms have just been renovated, with the rest to follow by the end of 2026. The redesign, carried out in collaboration with the renowned Greek design studio Urban Soul Project, gave the hotel a fresh, modern style. The result? A luxury hotel that feels contemporary without losing its elegance.

The Lobby: Art gallery meets Hospitality

As soon as I enter the modern lobby, I am impressed by the art objects. There are around 350 in total (most of which can be admired in the Artlounge or Artbistrot while enjoying snacks and coffee), all created by contemporary Greek artists. Check-in for guests who have booked the Club Lounge on the 8th floor is quick and efficient.

My room: View included

My spacious room on the 7th floor offers everything you would expect from a luxury hotel. But the real highlight? The view of the Acropolis hill with the Parthenon – visible even from my bed. In the evening, when the Acropolis is illuminated, this panorama unfolds in all its splendour. Perfect for a moment of complete relaxation on the colourful sofa while I enjoy the little delicacies served to me by the hotel management as a welcome gift. It makes up for the fact that my room doesn't have a balcony.

Another plus: despite its location on a busy road, my room is quiet as a mouse at night – the best conditions for a restful sleep after a long day of travelling.

Club Lounge: The ideal Retreat

In the evening, I stayed for dinner in the Club Lounge – and it was the right decision. The private atmosphere, the small buffet, a good selection of wines, and, above all, the terrace with a view of the illuminated Acropolis create a magical setting. The attentive service of the staff rounds off the experience. This is no average hotel evening – it is pure relaxation.

Breakfast à la Greece

For breakfast in the Club Lounge, the charming receptionist proudly shows me the buffet: all the products come from Greece – bread, cheese, honey, etc. This obligatory Greek honey melts in your mouth. She also tells me that the tap water in Athens is safe to drink, and I expand my very rudimentary knowledge of Greek in passing. After two espressos, I am ready for my first exploration.

Exploration day 1: From the Acropolis through idyllic Anafiotika

First, the path leads me to the Acropolis – but not all the way to the top this time. It's early October, pleasantly warm, and the queues in front of the museum are still long. I prefer to climb the narrow steps through the Anafiotika district below the Acropolis, where I discover a completely different side of Athens: idyllic, narrow, as if time had stood still. It's hard to imagine that people live here – and yet it is one of the most charming places in the city.

The view of Lycabettus Hill is breathtaking. And then: my first cat! It is resting peacefully in the sun, letting me take its picture without any fuss. Greek cats are just so relaxed.

Changing of the guard at the parliament: Instagram-worthy

We continue on foot to Syntagma Square with the parliament building. A crowd has gathered – the reason: the changing of the guard. The interestingly costumed guards show off their choreographic skills. It seems bizarre, but it's absolutely fascinating and, of course, an excellent Instagram motif. Even on the pavement leading to the chic Kolonaki district, the uniformed guards celebrate their seemingly strenuous walk to the Parliament building – with police protection.

Lunch break in Kolonaki

Time for lunch! The small terrace at Mayor Restaurant looks inviting and is ideal for observing Athens' high society. The food selection – also suitable for vegetarians – and the charming service do not disappoint. I take an extended break to recover from the exertions of sightseeing.

Insider tip: taxis. Although a cab back to the hotel is inexpensive, some drivers take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. It's best to ask for the exact price and if credit cards are accepted before you start your journey – this will save you from any unpleasant surprises.

Psirri: the quirky neighbourhood with charm

In the afternoon, I decide to visit the quirky Psirri neighbourhood. The narrow streets, lined with small shops full of knick-knacks, antiques, old books, embroidery, and jewelry, remind me of an oriental market. 

From Plateia Avissinias, I arrive directly at Monastiraki Square with a fantastic view of the Acropolis. From there, it's only a stone's throw to Ermou Street, the main shopping street that leads directly to Syntagma Square.

On this Saturday afternoon, half of Athens seems to be out and about – cafés, restaurants, and shops are bursting at the seams. I walk back to Kolonaki and treat myself to an espresso in the chic Athenée. People-watching included—this is Athens at its best.

I end the evening in the Club Lounge of the InterContinental Hotel, enjoying Greek specialties with a glass of wine, and notice something interesting: I am so relaxed that I manage to ignore the news. A perfect sign!

Exploration day 2: Lycabettus Hill and ultra-modern Architecture

Sunday dawns with bright sunshine – perfect for Lycabettus Hill. A taxi takes me to the cable car station in 20 minutes 
A return ticket costs £13 (as of October 2025) – money well spent. In about five minutes, the cable car rattles through a tunnel to the 277-meter-high hill, the highest point in Athens. Finally, I climb a few steps, then take in a breathtaking view of the city with its four to five million inhabitants (the lack of a registration requirement means no exact figure is available).

The Acropolis immediately catches the eye, but I also recognise the ancient Olympic Stadium and the Parliament. The view stretches all the way to the sea – what a feast for the eyes! The small chapel of St. George is also worth seeing. Once again, my smartphone is almost bursting with photos.

Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre: Contrast to Antiquity

As a contrast to all the historical sights, I drive to the ultra-modern Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre at the other end of the city. This sustainable center for education, art, sport, and leisure houses the National Opera and the National Library. In the imposing rooms, filled with numerous books, people work on their laptops or read – a modern symbiosis of culture and everyday life.

Outside, too, there is a hive of activity. Athenians and tourists enjoy walks along the artificial canal and in the beautifully landscaped garden, which leads up to the centre's massive roof. From here, there is another incomparable view of the marina and even the port of Piraeus and the island of Aegina – and best of all, it doesn't cost a penny. Definitely my insider tip for anyone who loves ultra-modern architecture.

A visit to Plaka is a must!

At the end of my Sunday excursion, I enjoy a caffeine boost with a few little treats at the BBL Espresso Bar & Bakery in the lively Plaka, one of the oldest and most popular districts with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants galore. Plaka is located right next to the Athens city centre, probably the most popular district among tourists.

Relaxation at the hotel pool

The InterContinental Athens has a beautiful pool area with sun loungers, parasols, and lots of greenery – ideal for relaxing after a strenuous day of sightseeing. (Note: the pool is closed in winter.) I take a quick look at the chic I-Spa and the well-equipped gym (open 24 hours!). Once again, there's no time for a massage – unfortunately!

Première Restaurant: Art on a plate

Before continuing my journey to Monemvasia, I take a look at the award-winning Première Restaurant on the 10th floor. The sculptures by Greek artist George Lappas are real eye-catchers and fit perfectly into this gourmet temple. A terrace lined with olive trees and a breathtaking view of the Acropolis are included – perfect for a later visit.

Bonus: The InterContinental works with Bar Line, which ranked 8th among the 50 best bars worldwide for 2025. This ranking list has been determined annually since 2009 by 800 drink experts worldwide. The creative signature cocktails can also be enjoyed at the Première restaurant.

A brief guide to Athens – practical information

How do you get to Athens?

The international airport Elefterios Venizelos, located 33 km outside the city centre of Athens, is the largest one in Greece and the major hub for AEGEAN Airlines and Olympic Air. The airport offers many connections to major European cities as well as intercontinental flights. A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs around EUR 50 (as of October 2025). Alternatively, there are also inexpensive train and bus connections available.

The best time to visit Athens

The months of June to August are definitely too hot for me for a city break with lots of sightseeing. At the beginning of October, the weather was ideal with temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius. Tip: Athens also has a relatively mild winter climate – perfect for extended explorations without heat stress!

Getting around Athens

I saw most of the city on foot and discovered a lot along the way. Here and there, I took a taxi (inexpensive, but please note the information above). You can also use the convenient metro, which was inaugurated in 1869. If you want to be really comfortable, book excursions and transfers with specialised providers such as Greece Private Transfers – excellent service with comfortable vehicles. 

Shopping in Athens

Athens is a shopper's paradise. From unusual fashion and jewelry to top-quality Korres cosmetics, antiques, herbs, spices, and the best olive oil – you'll find everything here. Attica Department Stores easily compete with Europe's top department stores and offer fashion and jewelry from many trendy Greek and international designers. You can find more tips on the local tourism authority's website.

Culinary delights in Athens

Mediterranean Greek cuisine is generally considered to be relatively healthy. Greeks love their pies, which were already popular in ancient Athens. Cheese pies are particularly delicious and can be found in almost every bakery and restaurant – the best ones are said to be sold as street food at Ariston near Syntagma Square.

Excursion Tip: Limni Vouliagmeni

A natural thermal spring in beautiful countryside south of Athens. The lake's water temperature ranges from 22 to 29°C year-round – perfect for a quick dip. My tip from personal experience (2018):  Absolutely worth seeing and refreshing!

Further hotel recommendations

If you are looking for a smaller hotel for your stay in Athens, I recommend three other hotels of the Donkey Group. I will tell you more in my article about the NEW Hotel Athens.

From Athens to the Islands

You can reach numerous Greek islands by ferry from Piraeus. How about classics such as Mykonos and Santorini or Spetses, a lesser-known (and beautiful) island?

My Conclusion

I have just spent two exciting days in Athens at the InterContinental Athens. What remains are unforgettable moments: The Acropolis at dusk from my room, relaxed cats in the alleys, history around every corner, and a hotel that completely pampered me. The InterContinental Athens is not just a luxury hotel in Athens – it is the perfect retreat in the midst of the hustle and bustle of this wonderful city.

Have you also stayed at the InterContinental Athens? Or do you have favourite spots in Athens? Tell me in the comments!

The photographs showing me were taken by local photographer Panagiotis Mavrommatis. I have worked with Stavros on several occasions and am always delighted with the results.

Disclosure: My stay in Athens was supported by the Donkey Hotels Group. However, this has not influenced my reviews in any way.