Top 10 Things to Do in Athens Greece

Ancient capital and modern city at the same time, there are endless experiences waiting for you in Athens, and it is often a hard task to choose what to see during your visit. I’ve tried to make the task easier for you by presenting some of the best things to do in Athens.

To make things even easier, I have also included some of the most convenient hotels, unmissable places to eat local staples, and other useful details that will prove helpful resources when it’s time to board that plane headed to Greece!

Are you ready? Let’s check together the most fantastic things to do in Athens!

In This Article:

General information about Athens

Located in the Attica region of Greece, Athens is not only the capital of the country but also the largest city in the country. In this vibrant European capital, centuries of history and imposing archaeological sites blend with modern graffiti and amazing culinary experiences.

Considered one of the world’s oldest settlements, Athens boasts a past spanning more than 3400 years.

Reaching its cultural peak during the classical times, this once powerful city-state was the birthplace of important artists and philosophers, as well as political concepts that still dominate the modern world.

In fact, Athens was not just the cradle of Western civilization but also the birthplace of democracy.

Characterized by concentrating a huge population, the city boasts a very well-planned transport network and a mild Mediterranean climate, two things that make it easy and pleasant to visit almost any time of the year.

Moreover, the city is home to the Piraeus Port, one of the largest ports in the world and a popular gateway to visit the magnificent Greek Islands.

If you’re still not certain as to why a trip to Athens is something you should do at least once in your life, then read on and discover some truly unique things to do in Athens.

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How to Get to Athens

Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, is located about one hour from the city of Athens. Athens airport receives flights from all over the world and connects the mainland to many islands as well.

The best way to travel from the airport to the city center is by metro (the ticket is €10 one way and €18 return), although the bus provides a cheaper alternative even if the journey tends to last much longer (X95 bus, the ticket is €5).

Where to Stay in Athens

The city offers hundreds of accommodation opportunities in different areas; I recommend staying in a central district such as Plaka or Monastiraki to access the major landmarks in town on foot.

From here, it is also easy to access the metro if you want to reach the port, the airport, and more distant neighborhoods or the southern coast, known as the Athens Riviera.

Located in Plaka, Adrian Hotel is a comfortable and affordable three-star hotel featuring a fantastic rooftop terrace with Acropolis views and easy access to interesting Athens places, such as the Monastiraki Flea Market or the Ancient Agora. As a plus, the hotel is only meters from Monastiraki Metro Station.

Syntagma is another great place for a stay in Athens, which gives easy access to the fantastic shopping area of Ermou Street but is also perfect to check Athens’ Parliament building and the iconic changing of the guard.

Hotel Lozenge is located close to Syntagma Square, providing easy access to several important places in town, including the Parliament, the Acropolis, Monastiraki Square, and the historic Plaka neighborhood. The hotel is only minutes from the high-end neighborhood of Kolonaki, a local favorite when it comes to amazing designer shops.

If you are ready to travel to the islands and your visit to Athens is bound to be a short one, it’s a good idea to consider spending the night near the port, especially if you must board an early ferry. Although the Piraeus is not the best area to stay because it’s not really close to the center of Athens, it is also possible to get to the center of town with a short metro ride.

Phidias Piraeus Hotel is a modest but super well-rated 2-star hotel in Piraeus offering modern and well-appointed facilities as well as convenient amenities only minutes from the port. The venue also offers a paid airport shuttle service, which will certainly make your life easier if you don’t really have a lot of time available to spend in town.

Things to Do in Athens

1. Explore Ancient Sites in Athens

If you had only one thing to do in Athens, the Acropolis would certainly be it. This world-famous ancient site is located atop a rocky hill and is the highest point in the city, making it visible from anywhere in town.

Inside the complex, you will be able to discover the marvelous Parthenon but also other temples and monuments, including the Theater of Dionysus, the imposing Propylaea, which once served as the entrance gate to the Acropolis, or the outstanding Odeon of Herodes Atticus, where even today, it is still possible to attend concerts and other music shows.

On top of the Acropolis, minor temples of extreme beauty include the Erechtheion and the beautifully preserved Temple of Athena Nike.

In the nearby area, it is also possible to visit the imposing columns that remain from the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as the Arc of Hadrian, a Roman Emperor whose legendary love for Athens can be seen all over the town.

For instance, if you head to the Ancient Agora, located fairly close to Monastiraki Square, you will not only see the beautiful colonnades of the Stoa of Attalos but also a unique statue of Hadrian and the magnificent Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in town.

LEARN MORE: 10 Best Day Trips From Athens

Parthenon Athens among must-see ancient sites in Greece.

Famous archaeological sites in Greece – the Acropolis is where you will get to see many of the ancient buildings of Athens

2. Visit the Acropolis Museum

There is a lot more than climbing the Acropolis when in Athens, and the magnificent Acropolis Museum is living proof. This is the perfect place to visit right after a tour of the Acropolis, as it allows you to check unique statues and other interesting objects found during the excavations of the Acropolis.

This modern museum, the most important in the country and one of the richest museums in the world, offers modern displays and intelligent ways for you to get a real close-up to what life used to be in Athens during the classical times.

Booking a tour that combines both a visit to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum on the same day is nothing but a perfect and enriching experience.

3. Shop in Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki is a central focal point in town and a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Home to hundreds of souvenir shops, the area also hosts a fantastic flea market where you can go hunting for one-of-a-kind antiques, old books and original music records, vintage furniture, and war memorabilia.

In the center of Monastiraki Square, you will also find Tzisterakis Mosque and an Ottoman building erected during the eighteenth century (now closed to the public), with tiled-domed roofs and distinctive columns.

Always in the same area, some of the most traditional places in Athens for the favorite local street food, gyros and souvlaki. Over here, it’s easy to grab cheap eats to keep exploring the city without wasting much time.

4. Walk your Way Around Plaka

One of the most charming districts in town is the beautiful neighborhood of Plaka, with dozens of Neoclassical buildings, a good selection of restaurants and tavernas, and quaint cafés where locals usually gather for a cup of Greek coffee, a drink, and hours of chat.

Over here, you will also find interesting shops selling traditional crafts, including jewelry, leather products, and cosmetics made with local olive oil.

For a unique Plaka experience, head to Bretto’s, one of the oldest distilleries in Europe. Here you can either savor one of the many delicious liquors and spirits or simply take a photo of the myriad of colorful bottles that decorate the walls of this legendary bar.

5. Feel Like an Islander in Anafiotika

A few meters from Plaka towards the Acropolis stands a secret gem that you certainly should visit. Anafiotika, a neighborhood that grew under the shadow of the imposing Acropolis rock, is a unique maze of enchanting alleys full of Cycladic flair and a relaxing vibe.

Built by inhabitants of the island of Anafi, who at the turn of the century moved to Athens to build the Royal Palace (now the Hellenic Parliament), Anafiotika features small whitewashed alleys with small square homes, shady trees, plants, and flowers.

A perfect place for photography fans, Anafiotika is an oasis in the center of chaotic and noisy Athens that you certainly have to visit at least once in your life.

Anafiotika neighborhood has houses with red shutters and red tile rooftops, it is among the best places to see in Athens.

Narrow streets and charming houses in the historic Anafiotika neighborhood of Athens

6. Climb up Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus is one of the best places in town to get a panoramic view of Athens that is not from the Acropolis Hill and therefore includes it in the snapshot.

Try to hit this landmark just before sunset in order to enjoy the city dressed in stunning golden shades.

Once at the summit of the hill, choose one of the panoramic terraces to order a drink and enjoy the refreshing view, far from the noisy and chaotic streets, perfect to relax and soak in the majestic panorama.

The hill stands about 985 feet (300 meters) above sea level, but do not worry; you can catch the funicular if you don’t feel like climbing all the way up on foot.

Acropolis of Athens best sites in Greece.

Best things to do in Greece – the Acropolis of Athens is a must-see historical site

7. Witness the Change of the Guard at the Parliament

Head to Syntagma Square in order to admire the changing of the guard right opposite the Greek Parliament.

Here, right by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, every day and every hour, on the hour, no matter the weather or the time of the year, the Evzones, an elite unit of the Greeks, will be on guard.

For a more impressive ceremony, try to visit on Sunday at 11 am, when the official changing of the guards ceremony takes place, involving many more soldiers.

8. Pay a Visit to the Panathenaic Stadium

This impressive marble building, unique in its type all over the world, was built during the sixth century BCE, when it served as a venue for track events only for male athletes.

This place is famous also for hosting the revival of the modern Olympic Games, which took place in 1896.

You can enjoy a guided visit of the stadium with a private tour in order to visit areas otherwise restricted to the public and discover unique secrets of the Olympic Games. Many locals enjoy buying a monthly pass, which allows them to access the venue to run and train on a regular basis.

9. Get Acquainted with Athens Street Art

During the last few years, street art has exploded in the cities of Athens following some turbulent political events and the famous economic crisis.

Today, the city counts with famous murals and colorful neighborhoods that, in their own way, tell the story of modern Athens in a creative and original way.

You can either check these murals on your own or sign up for a private guided street art tour in order to discover the story behind every painting.

The sort of bohemian district of Psirri, just steps from Monastiraki Square, is a great place to admire the most bizarre pieces of street art that Athens has on display.

Traditional Greek Salad with large piece of feta cheese on top.

Enjoy the best foods in Greece – the delicious gastronomy of the Mediterranean diet

10. Taste Delicious Greek Food

As I have already discussed in another post dedicated to the best foods in Greece, the country is home to the most authentic display of the Mediterranean diet.

There are dozens of delicious restaurants to try in Athens; there are tons of street food stalls selling pastries and baked products; roasted chestnuts during winter; and ice cream in summer.

If you’re interested in discovering some of the best views in town, you can include a fantastic variety of mezedes (small dishes with tasty bites) in one of the many rooftop bars in the capital. Most of them come with a fantastic view of the Acropolis and a selection of cocktails and refreshing drinks.

If you are wondering where to start from, head to the Herodion Hotel on Roberto Galli Street; their rooftop bar, Point A, serves creative cocktails paired with mouthwatering bites and finger food and unique views of the Acropolis hill.

For a taste of the most authentic local cuisine, it’s always a good idea to explore Athens Central Market. Known as Varvakios Agora, this is the perfect place to discover fresh food, including meat, fish, cheeses, fruits, greens, herbs, and spices.

And if you really like the place, enhance your visit with a stop in one of the many cafés and restaurants inside the market for a tasty and economical lunch.

In Athens, there are also many possibilities to learn how to cook like the locals when you join a cooking class. You will have an entertaining time getting to know the locals and then enjoying the dishes that you cooked yourself too. What better souvenir of Athens to take home a tried and tested local recipe?

Final Thoughts

Athens is a marvelous European destination with surprising things to do and enchanting places to discover. Filled with historical sites and important monuments, the city will certainly leave everlasting memories.