Athens is having another moment, and this time it feels built to last. Along the Riviera, the Ellinikon megaproject is hitting visible milestones: Riviera Tower is rising to be the tallest building in Greece at 50 stories; the first coastal park sections and marinas are advancing for a 2026 reveal, and the Riviera Galleria retail/dining hub is slated to follow by mid‑2027. In Glyfada, One&Only Aesthesis has settled in, anchoring a steady uptick in high‑end stays across the coast. Wellbeing is more than marketing here; Athens ranks an astonishing #3 in our Health subcategory.
Closer to the Acropolis, the landmark Hilton Athens has been reimagined and reborn as The Ilisian Athens, with a Conrad hotel and branded residences. The Olympia Municipal Music Theatre Maria Callas is now a notable cultural anchor (helping with the #36 Theaters & Concerts ranking). Tourism numbers set records in 2024 (nearly eight million visitors), with 2025 pacing strong amid new air capacity, a sure boost to the #66-ranked airport – and a challenge for balancing short-term rentals with housing.
Mobility is the quiet revolution; Athens ranks #27 for Walkability and #20 for Biking. Metro Line 4 advancements and Line 7 tram and pedestrian upgrades promise to ease congestion.