Accessible Luxury in Athens, Greece

Where to stay: Our favorite luxury hotels

• Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
  If you want to feel like you've escaped to a private Greek island without actually leaving Athens, this is your place. Perched on the Athens Riviera in Vouliagmeni, about 30 minutes from the city center, this palatial resort offers a stunning beachfront experience that's hard to beat. The accessible rooms come with roll-in showers, the pools are wheelchair-accessible, and they've got dedicated beach access with ramps and beach wheelchairs. We love that the accessibility extends throughout the restaurants, spa, and all three private beaches—it's rare to find a resort where you don't have to think twice about getting anywhere you want to go. Important to know: this property is really a bit outside Athens, so it's perfect for relaxing in luxury, but if it's your first time in Athens, you'll want to stay somewhere more central to make the most of exploring the city.

• Ergon House Athens
  Right in the heart of the city near Syntagma Square, this boutique hotel is a food lover's dream. The whole concept celebrates Greek culinary heritage with a modern twist. The ground floor has this amazing agora (marketplace) where you can buy artisan products and eat at the restaurant. Their sister property, Ergon Bakehouse, is right next door and has the most amazing bakery—seriously, don't miss it. They've designed the place with accessibility in mind from the start, with accessible rooms on lower floors featuring wide doorways and roll-in showers. Everything feels effortlessly accessible while still being stylish and intimate. The small ramp at the entrance is a bit steep, really the only accessibility flaw we found. We also found the Ergon staff to be so genuinely hospitable, and the location couldn't be better for exploring Athens on foot.

Accessible room at the Ergon House Athens

• Hotel Grande Bretagne
  This is Athens royalty, literally. Since 1874, this landmark hotel on Syntagma Square has hosted everyone from heads of state to honeymooners. The building itself is a piece of history, but they've modernized beautifully with wheelchair-accessible rooms, adapted bathrooms, and elevators throughout. Because of the age of the building, it’s not fully accessible, but it’s worth it to stay in this much history. And the rooftop restaurant, which is fully accessible, gives you the Acropolis views that you’ve seen in all the photos.

• One&Only Aesthesis
  Another stunning option on the Athens Riviera, this contemporary resort feels like a serene coastal sanctuary. They've done a good job with accessibility—there are ramps throughout the grounds, accessible rooms, and wheelchair-accessible beach areas with staff who are genuinely helpful. The multiple restaurants and private beach clubs welcome everyone comfortably. Like the Four Seasons, it's worth noting that this property is also not in central Athens but closer than the Four Seasons. It's still not the best pick for a first-time visit when you want to be immersed in the city, but it could be a perfect spot for the end of a trip in Athens when you want to unwind by the sea.

What to do: Our favorite accessible experiences

• The Acropolis and Parthenon
  Standing in front of the Parthenon never fails to take my breath away, no matter how many times I've seen photos of it. The good news is that they've made significant improvements to accessibility. There's now a dedicated pathway with gentle slopes that allows wheelchair access to the summit, bypassing those ancient stone steps. An accessible elevator is available near the Theatre of Dionysus entrance, and you can borrow wheelchairs free of charge at the main entrance. The site has paved pathways around the monuments, though some areas are still uneven. We highly recommend booking a private guided tour; they know the best accessible routes and bring the history to life in ways that make the whole experience so much richer.

View of Athens from the Acropolis

• The Acropolis Museum
  This museum is absolutely stunning and a masterclass in accessible design. Everything from the ramps to the spacious elevators to the wide galleries just works beautifully. The glass floor revealing ancient ruins beneath is positioned perfectly for viewing from wheelchair height, which shows real thoughtfulness in the design. The top-floor Parthenon Gallery, with those incredible panoramic views, is fully accessible. Even if you're not usually a museum person, this one is absolutely worth your time.

• Ancient Agora
  Walking through the Ancient Agora, where Socrates and Plato once debated philosophy, is one of those experiences that connects you to history in a visceral way. The Temple of Hephaestus can be reached through the entrance at Thiseion Square (Apostolou Pavlou Street). The paths leading to the temple area from this accessible entrance are generally wide and relatively flat, though the path to the temple itself is not paved but earthy with gravel, which can be challenging for some wheelchairs, so assistance may be needed. The Stoa of Attalos, a beautifully reconstructed ancient building that houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. To reach the Stoa of Attalos, use the main entrance to the agora at Adrianou 24. The museum is accessible via ramps, and both levels are wheelchair accessible with an elevator available for the upper floor. There is an accessible restroom within the building as well, which is great. While the Stoa building itself is accessible, keep in mind that the surrounding Ancient Agora site has a mix of paths, including some dirt paths and areas with gravel and ruins.

The Temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora

• National Archaeological Museum
  If you love history and art, you could easily spend half a day here. One of the world's greatest museums, it houses treasures from every period of Greek history. The whole place is wheelchair-accessible with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout. They offer wheelchairs for loan, and the galleries are wide enough that you never feel cramped, even when it's busy.

• Cape Sounion Private Tour
  The drive along the Athenian Riviera to Cape Sounion is one of those journeys that's just as beautiful as the destination. You can arrange a private accessible van tour, and while the Temple of Poseidon sits dramatically atop cliffs, there are viewing areas accessible by car that offer those famous sunset views over the Aegean. The site has improved pathways, though reaching the temple itself does involve some uneven terrain.

• Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
  This place is a revelation. Renzo Piano designed this architectural marvel, and it's a triumph of accessible design. The complex houses the National Library and Greek National Opera, and it's completely barrier-free throughout. The roof garden has panoramic city views and wide ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms everywhere. The surrounding park is entirely accessible with paved pathways. It's honestly a perfect example of what inclusive modern design should look like.

Ancient Agora of Athens

Where to eat: Dining experiences we love

While I've included some wonderful fine dining options below, I have to say that some of our most memorable meals in Athens were at the casual cafés on Makrygianni Street, directly across from the Acropolis Museum (our favorite was Liondi). This pedestrian street is lined with charming spots offering everything from traditional Greek coffee to fresh salads and grilled meats, all served with incredibly warm hospitality and perfect views of the Sacred Rock. The casual, welcoming atmosphere of these neighborhood cafés captures the true spirit of Athens—accessible, authentic, and deeply hospitable. Don't skip these in favor of only fancy restaurants; sitting outside as the sun goes down is so memorable.

Random beautiful side street in Athens

• Tudor Hall at Hotel Grande Bretagne
  We have to admit, we love this restaurant partly because we think it's named after us! But seriously, the rooftop setting with front-row views of the illuminated Acropolis is spectacular. The hotel's accessibility means everything flows seamlessly from the moment you arrive, and the refined Mediterranean cuisine paired with impeccable service makes for an unforgettable evening.

• Estiatorio Milos
  This celebrated Greek seafood restaurant has about a dozen locations worldwide, and we've eaten at several of them, but there's something genuinely special about dining at the one in Greece, where it all began. Located in Kolonaki near the American Embassy, the space is modern and wheelchair-friendly. The display of fresh fish on ice is always impressive. You choose your fish and they prepare it simply and perfectly, letting the quality speak for itself. It feels like coming full circle to enjoy Milos in its homeland.

• Hytra
  This Michelin-starred restaurant on the sixth floor of the Onassis Cultural Centre offers innovative Greek cuisine with Acropolis views that rival Tudor Hall's. The building is fully accessible with elevators, and the restaurant's modern space and creative approach to traditional flavors make it worth seeking out. The way they reimagine classic Greek dishes with contemporary technique is really something special.

• Cookoovaya
  Located at the Four Seasons Astir Palace, this beachfront restaurant celebrates authentic Greek flavors in a stunning setting. The restaurant's accessibility matches the hotel's high standards, and there's something magical about dining with your feet practically in the sand while enjoying creative Greek cuisine. It's casual luxury at its best.

A leisurely Greek lunch

• Smile Restaurant
  Located right across from the Acropolis Museum in the Makrigianni area, this family-run gem has been serving authentic Greek home-cooked food since 2002. What we love about Smile is how it perfectly captures that genuine Greek hospitality—it's the kind of place where you're treated like family. The restaurant features both indoor seating and a lovely outdoor terrace with views toward the Acropolis. The menu includes everything from traditional moussaka and Greek salads to fresh seafood and their famous homemade baklava made from their mother's special recipe. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. It's easily accessible at ground level with outdoor seating that's perfect for people-watching in one of Athens' most charming neighborhoods.

• Peacock Roof Garden Restaurant
  Perched atop the Hera Hotel in the Plaka area, this rooftop restaurant delivers one of the most enchanting Acropolis views in Athens. Dining here feels like a fairytale, with panoramic vistas of both the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum spread out before you. The menu features homemade Greek dishes and Mediterranean cuisine prepared with fresh, natural ingredients. What makes Peacock special is that you can enjoy this spectacular setting year-round thanks to the covered rooftop space. The restaurant is accessible via the hotel's elevator, making it easy to reach this magical perch above the city. Service is attentive and friendly, and the combination of delicious food, reasonable prices, and that unforgettable view makes it a must-visit. Reservations are recommended, especially for sunset dining.

Dinner with good friends, what the Greek lifestyle is about

Accessibility: What we've learned

The city's commitment to welcoming all travelers shows in the improvements made to major archaeological sites, museums, and public spaces. We found accessible restrooms pretty easily at museums, archaeological sites, modern shopping centers, and many cafés and restaurants, though it's still worth checking with older establishments before assuming they'll have facilities.

The Athens Metro surprised us with how accessible it is compared to other European cities. Most stations have elevators and tactile paving, and Lines 2 and 3 are particularly wheelchair-friendly. All trains have designated spaces for wheelchair users and level boarding. That said, not every station has elevator access yet, and some older stations require alternative routes. Line 1 (the Green Line) is the oldest and has fewer accessible stations. We found it helpful to plan routes in advance using the Athens Transport website, which shows accessible stations and provides detailed information.

The city's bus and tram networks include accessible vehicles, though not all routes have adapted buses yet. Taxis in Athens are plentiful and reasonably priced. While not all are accessible, there are specialized wheelchair-accessible taxi services you can pre-book. For maximum comfort and flexibility, especially for day trips outside the city, we'd recommend arranging a private accessible van service.

Walking around Athens is a mixed experience. Modern areas like Syntagma Square, Ermou Street (the main shopping boulevard), and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center are well-paved and accessible. But historic neighborhoods like Plaka and Anafiotika feature cobblestones, steep inclines, and narrow streets that can be challenging for wheelchair users. Many archaeological sites have uneven ancient pathways, though major sites have created accessible routes where possible. We learned to be strategic about which neighborhoods to explore by wheelchair versus viewing from accessible vantage points.

Greek people are genuinely warm and eager to help. We experienced this over and over: strangers going out of their way to assist without being asked, restaurant staff rearranging tables to make room, museum guards showing us the easiest routes. While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels, it's less common among older generations. But Greeks are expressive communicators, and we always found ways to understand each other. The country's aging population has driven improvements in accessibility, and that progress continues.

The Parthenon on the Acropolis

Greece embodies the concept of philoxenia—love of strangers—and it's not just a saying. We experienced genuine warmth and generosity throughout our time in Athens, from hotel staff to café owners to random people on the street. Combined with improving infrastructure, it makes Athens increasingly welcoming to all travelers.

For flights, Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is modern, efficient, and fully accessible. We arranged special assistance when booking, and everything went smoothly. The airport connects to the city center by Metro (Line 3), which is accessible, though the journey takes about 40 minutes. We found private transfers more convenient for hotel arrivals and departures with luggage, but the metro is definitely doable if you prefer it.

Getting around Athens is manageable with some planning. The Athens Transport Organization offers multi-day passes covering metro, buses, and trams, which is convenient. While Greece has embraced technology in many ways, cash is still important. We needed it for smaller tavernas, street vendors, and some taxis. ATMs are everywhere, especially around Syntagma Square and throughout residential neighborhoods. Credit cards work at most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but we kept euros on hand for smaller purchases.

The weather in Athens deserves consideration, as it can be brutally hot in summer (July-August), which matters when you're doing extended outdoor exploration. We visited in the fall, and the temperatures were perfect for sightseeing without being overwhelmed by heat or crowds. We've heard it's equally lovely in the spring (April-May).

Embrace the Greek pace of life. Dining is leisurely—meals are meant to be savored over hours, not rushed. Service may feel more relaxed than you're used to, and the afternoon siesta is still observed by many establishments. We found this slower rhythm to be part of Greece's charm, creating space for genuine connection and memorable experiences. Athens isn't about checking boxes on an itinerary; it's about soaking in thousands of years of history while enjoying the warmth of people who genuinely care about making your experience special.

Finally, we have to tell you about Mastiha (or Mastika)! We stumbled upon this Greek liqueur that has quickly become our new favorite discovery. It’s made from a unique, tear-shaped resin that only drips from the mastic trees on the island of Chios. The flavor is unlike anything I’d ever tasted: a beautifully clear, slightly sweet spirit with aromatic hints of pine and herbs. We vividly remember sipping it, served perfectly chilled, after several amazing dinners. It was the absolute perfect finish to the meals. We immediately loved it—it’s the true taste of Greek tradition and sunshine in a glass and an absolute must-try when you visit!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Greece page.