Known for its rich history, traditions, culture, dedication to the arts and sciences, historic infrastructure, and beautiful beaches, Athens offers so much for tourists to do and see.
Since Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, great minds have been meeting and holding events in Athens. Why? Perhaps because Greece is conveniently located in the heart of the Mediterranean, allowing people from all over the world to easily visit. Today, Athens offers visitors a modern Athens International airport and hundreds of unique meeting and event venues.
Check out our planner’s guide to the best venues for meeting and event professionals in Athens, Greece.
Top 10 Venues Planners Should Consider
1. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Boasting nine unique venues that can accommodate 20 to 20,000 guests, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is an ideal venue for you to host your next event. Some of the Center’s most noteworthy venues are the Lighthouse (90-400 guests) and the Stavros Niarchos Park. Located at the top of the Greek National Opera house, the Lighthouse features 360-degree views of Athens, the Acropolis, the Saronic Gulf, and Piraeus. If you’re looking for a bigger venue, then the Stavros Niarchos Park is for you. Occupying 85 percent of the Center’s land, the Park features playgrounds, vegetable garden, a Labyrinth, a Great Lawn, and more. No matter what size your meeting or event is, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center has the space for you!
Photo Credit: SNFCC
2. Acropolis Museum
Rated the number one things to do in Athens, the Acropolis Museum also acts as a meeting and event space. The Acropolis offers planners three venue spaces: the Restaurant (300-400 guests), the Auditorium (204 guests), and the Café. The Restaurant is perhaps the most popular space because it features panoramic views of Acropolis with indoor and outdoor space. All three venues can be combined with private tours so your guests can experience all of Athens rich history while at your event. By hosting at the Acropolis you’ll give your guests an experience they’ll never forget.
Photo Credit: Acropolis Museum
3. Philippos Hotel
Steps away from the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, the Philippos is really one with Athens. In addition to being walking distance from the Acropolis, the metro station, the Odeon of Herodes theatre, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and more, the Philippos alsooffers planners three meeting spaces, equipped with everything that you need. In between meetings, your guests can explore the city or take a nap in one of the 50 guest rooms. If that’s not enough, the Philippos has a sister hotel, the Herodion, located steps away, which offers two memorable restaurants. Give your guests the opportunity to explore, by hosting your next meeting at the Philippos Hotel.
Photo Credit: Philippos Hotel
4. Megaron Athens International Conference Center
Regarded as one of the most technologically advanced conference centers in all of Europe, the Megaron offers planners four indoor auditoriums (400-1,900), one outdoor auditorium (1,000-2,000 guests), a Banquet Hall (630-1,000 guests), 12 smaller meeting rooms (25-200 guests), gardens (5,000 guests), and an exhibition hall. With beautiful aesthetics, cutting edge technology, and 1,539,239 sq. ft of event space, the Megaron can do more than handle your event, it will make it unforgettable.
Photo Credit: Maicc
5. Island Art and Taste
Located on the Athens Riviera, Island Art and Taste is more than just a beautiful venue. Island Art and Taste feature seven meeting and event spaces. Some of the most popular spaces are the Residence (1,000-2,000 guests), a garden overlooking the sea and the Grand Ciel (2,000-4,500 guests), the newest and largest addition to the Island. No matter what space you choose, Island Art and Taste will offer you and your guests a unique environment to host your event.
Photo Credit: Island Art and Taste
6. Zappeion Meagron
Part of Greek’s national heritage, the Zappeion Meagron has been the home of cultural events for over one hundred years. Planners have the opportunity to host their event in one of the 22 indoor halls (150-1,500 guests) or one of the two outdoor halls. If that wasn’t enough, the Zappeion also has 126,400 square meters of gardens which surround the mansions. Whether your guests are inside one of the beautiful halls or outside exploring the gardens and statues, they will be wowed by the Zappeion Meagron’s heritage and beauty.
Photo Credit: Zappeion
7. Eleon Loft
Looking for a fully equipped event venue with background views of Athens? Look no further! Located at Athens historic olive grove, the Eleon Loft offers planners a fully equipped kitchen and events team to ensure every element of your event’s success. Planners can customize 1,500 square meters of space to fit their events need. If you’re looking for a hands-on, customizable, unique venue space then Eleon Loft is the venue for you in Athens.
Photo Credit: Eleon Loft
8. Megaron
Also known as Athens’ Concert Hall, the Megaron was designed specifically for events and conference. The Concert Hall offers planners five halls (400 to 2,000 guests), 12 conference rooms (20-180 guests), and 4.5-acre gardens. The Megaron credits the Chirstos Lambrakis Hall as the “jewel in the crown of the Athens Concert Hall”. The Chirstos Lambrakis Hall can hold up to 1,961 guests, but the seats can also be reconfigured depending on the event, making this Hall ideal for large events. With modern architecture, state-of-the-art technology, onsite catering, and beautiful gardens, the Megaron will turn any event into a one of a kind, world-class experience.
Photo Credit: Megaron
9. Amaltheia
Specializing parties, caproate events, and weddings, Amaltheia is an ideal venue for those who are looking to give their event a relaxing, oasis feel. The Amaltheia offers planners three venue spaces: the Hall (500-900 guests), Mano Doro (80 guests), and the beach. Planners can add fireworks, custom decorated, DJ, light effects, cocktails, and in-house made cuisine, to all venues. With beachfront views and flexible venue space, Amaltheia will work with you to make every aspect of your event perfect.
Photo Credit: Amaltheia the Place
10. Electra Palace
Located in the heart of Athens, Electra Palace offers visitors a rooftop restaurant and pool, marble-tiled bathrooms, views of the Acropolis, and classical architecture. In addition to all of this, the hotel features two ballrooms (120-300 guests), the Alkioni (35-11 guests), Electra (30-90 guests), and the Lefktohea (50-60 guests) for meetings and events. All of Electra’s venues are flexible, equipped with audiovisual technology, and more. When your guests aren’t enjoying the hotel amenities or at your meeting or event, they can explore Plaka, the surrounding historic town. This 5-star hotel will ensure your guests’ experiences are nothing less than majestic.
Photo Credit: Centrol
Top 3 Things to Do in Athens
1. Parthenon
Regarded as one of the most magnificent creations for its time, the Parthenon is a must-see for first-time visitors. Although you cannot enter the Parthenon because of its fragility and on-going renovations, visitors are free to walk around and take pictures of this renown cultural landmark. One-day Parthenon tickets cost 20 euros, although most visitors recommend taking a tour, which start at 29 euros.
Photo Credit: Visit Greece
2. Acropolis Museum
Home to Acropolis’ archaeological findings, the Acropolis museum is a must-see for any visitor. In the museums, visitors can discover statues from the Erechtheion, in addition to artifacts from the Propylaia, Athena Nike, and more. Tickets cost between 5 to 10 euros (depending on the season) and can be purchased online.
Photo Credit: Acropolis Museum
3. Plaka
Also known as the district of “Gods”, Plaka is the oldest district in Athens that sits below Acropolis. Visitors can explore Plaka’s cafes, shops, bars, clubs, neoclassic architecture and more. The town is opened 24/7 to visit.
Pro Tip: Bring comfortable walking shoes, since no cars or motor vehicles are allowed on Plaka’s streets.
Photo Credit: Visit Greece
Have you ever hosted an event in one of these Athens venues? How did it go? What was your favorite thing to do inside and outside of Athens? Let us know by commenting below!
