Visiting Athens in November: A Cozy Fall Travel Guide
Visiting Athens in November is not the most common thing to do, as fall is considered shoulder season in Greece. However, there are many more things to do in Athens in November than you might expect. Free from the hordes of tourists who flock to it during the summer, the Greek capital is quieter and easier to explore in November than in July or August. After all, there’s something special about traveling outside the peak season, right?
In this travel guide, we will share with you all you need to know about visiting Athens in November, including weather conditions, activities, and useful packing tips!
Weather in Athens in November
The weather in Athens in November may not be as hot as in summer, but it is still milder than in summer. November experiences mostly sunny days, but there are also some rainy and gloomy days with temperatures hovering between 64°F (18°C) and 54°F (12°C). These weather conditions are perfect for exploration and outdoor activities, as well as cozy indoor activities, such as enjoying a cup of hot chocolate in a charming café or indulging in your favorite Greek pastries at a pastry shop!
Things to do in Athens in November
When it comes to things to do in Athens in November, the options are endless! Whether you love sightseeing or want to explore the city’s exciting food scene, there’s something for you. So, what are the best things to do in Athens in November?
Visit the Parthenon
No matter how many years pass, the Parthenon remains the dominant archaeological site in Athens! Set on the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the Parthenon is the ultimate symbol of Ancient Greece, captivating visitors for hundreds of years. You may have seen it on postcards and Social Media posts long before you go, but the real thing will leave you in awe. Even if you don’t manage to visit it during the day, you can marvel at it from afar at night, when it is illuminated by hundreds of twinkling lights!
Get lost in the National Garden
In the fall, the National Garden of Athens transforms into an autumn wonderland! While strolling through the National Garden, you will discover thousands of trees, bushes, and flowers, as well as animals like ducks, rabbits, goats, and birds that will make you feel as if you have entered Eden’s Garden. Visiting the National Garden is a must if you are staying in a hotel in Athens city center or a hotel in Kolonaki!
Shop at a farmer’s market
Every week, numerous farmers’ markets grace several locations throughout the city; every neighborhood has its own farmer’s market once a week! Shopping for fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers or just browsing the market stalls and chatting with the locals is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Greek culture. Some of the biggest farmer’s markets in Athens take place in Pangrati, Koukaki, Neos Kosmos, and Exarcheia. Make sure you won’t miss them!
Wander through the narrow alleys of Plaka
We have said it before: Plaka is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Athens! So, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city center, head to the quiet and quaint Plaka neighborhood. From the first moment you set foot in Plaka, you will feel transported to the middle of the Aegean! The whitewashed houses, the colorful wooden windows, and the courtyards embellished with bugambilias create a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere that will fascinate you!
Browse the city’s best museums
Athens is home to numerous museums, from archeological museums to modern art museums. No matter your taste, one thing is certain: you will discover several captivating museums in the Greek capital. Some of the best museums you should visit during your stay in Athens are the:
- Acropolis Museum
- Museum of Cycladic Art
- National Archaeological Museum
- Numismatic Museum
- Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
- Jewish Museum of Greece
- Goulandris Natural History Museum
- Athens City Museum
- National Gallery
- Hellenic Maritime Museum
- National Historical Museum
- Goulandris Museum of Modern Art
- Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments
- National Museum of Contemporary Art
- Byzantine and Christian Museum
- Museum of Ancient Greek Technology
Visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
If you are looking for a total cultural immersion, then a visit to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a must! While wandering the garden and testing your canoeing skills in the SNFCC canal might be typical summer activities, there are plenty of cozy experiences to be had here as well. Watch an opera at the Greek National Opera, read a book in the National Library, enjoy a warm cup of coffee at the cafeteria, and marvel at the view of the sea and the city from the observatory… A single visit will offer you a multitude of experiences!
What you should pack for your trip to Athens in November
As we said at the beginning of this article, the weather in Athens in November is mild, but it can still be unpredictable. That means you should cover all bases when it comes to clothing! Your luggage should include mostly light clothes, but you should also pack some warm clothes, like a cardigan and a light jacket. As for shoes, a pair of comfortable trainers is the best option, because you are going to walk a lot. Oh, and don’t forget to bring an umbrella with you!
So, this is all you need to know about visiting Athens in November! The key thing to remember is that even during the shoulder season, there are still so many exciting things to do in the Greek capital. Indeed, Athens is a city with many faces! Are you ready to embrace them?
