There are such a lot of thrilling issues to do in Athens, it may be laborious to resolve what to do. Athens is an iconic vacation spot, steeped in historical historical past and crammed with scrumptious meals choices. But, regardless of all this, many individuals solely spend a day or two in Athens earlier than heading to one of many Greek Islands.
This record will make it easier to resolve what to do in Athens throughout your time there — regardless of how lengthy your go to is. I’ve been to Athens a number of instances and love town, that is positively the most effective places to visit in Greece.
Listed here are the 32
greatest issues to do in Athens, Greece.
1. Climb to the Acropolis
Devoted to the goddess Athena, the Fifth-century Acropolis is the preferred factor to do in Athens.
In fact, because of this everybody needs to go there, together with guests from cruise ships. My recommendation is to get there early. The archaeological website itself opens at 8 am and the cruise ship passengers arrive round 10 am.
Most individuals go to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon however there are a number of different issues to see on the hill, together with the Erechtheion, the Arrhephorion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
From the Acropolis, you possibly can see a lot of Athens and may see all the way in which to the ocean. The doorway charge is €20 ($23.25).
To study all of vital websites and the unbelievable historical past, be part of a personal strolling tour. The tour can even take you to the museum (beneath). There are just a few several types of excursions you possibly can take, click here to study extra a couple of highly-rated, skip-the-line tour.
2. Go to the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is among the most lovely museums I’ve ever been to. I beloved my expertise right here! It’s crammed with pure mild, which highlights the artifacts effectively.
There are different works that spotlight Greek Mythology.
Right here you may get an in depth have a look at the Parthenon frieze replicas on show, and far more historical Greek artwork. The cafe balcony additionally affords nice views of historical ruins in Athens. You possibly can study extra concerning the Acropolis on my blog.
Both earlier than or after you go to the Acropolis, you need to go to the Acropolis Museum. It’s not removed from the doorway of the Acropolis and the doorway charge is €5 ($5.80) within the winter and €10 ($10.50) within the two summer season months.
Line-ups right here might be big, to skip the road, buy your ticket forward of time here. Alternatively, you should buy an all-inclusive ticket for each the museum and the Acropolis here.
3. See Hadrian’s Library
This library shouldn’t be a library within the sense we all know it as we speak, it was a spot of research, not a spot the place books had been lent.
In Greek Antiquity, Hadrian’s Library was constructed round 132 AD for housing paperwork and studying rooms. There’s not a lot left however you possibly can clearly see the structure of the library and there may be wonderful signage.
The doorway charge is €4 ($4.70). Hadrian’s Library is a small museum positioned within the Monastiraki neighborhood not removed from the Acropolis and the Monastiraki flea market, and is a part of many Greek Mythology Excursions.
4. Go to Edem Seaside
Going to the seashore is among the lesser-known issues to do in Athens as most individuals suppose you must go to the islands to take pleasure in some seashore time. Though it’s not one of many best beaches in Greece, it’s nonetheless an incredible place to loosen up and benefit from the sea and see what fashionable Greece is all about.
Take your personal towel and umbrella if you’d like one, as there are none accessible there. You will get an incredible meal on the Edem Taverna positioned on the seashore.
To get to Edem Seaside, take the Inexperienced Line tram at Syntagma Sq. and take it within the path of Askllipiio Voulas, and get off on the Edem cease. The 24-hour tram ticket is €4.50 and there’s no charge for the seashore.
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5. See The Decorations at Little KooK
I found Little KooK on my most up-to-date journey to Athens. Every vacation season it’s embellished inside and outdoors the restaurant. After I was there it was embellished for Halloween.
Little KooK is principally a dessert cafe, however the prime attraction is the decorations. That is most likely probably the most Instagrammable place in Athens in addition to the Acropolis!
6. Take a Road Artwork Tour
Road artwork is straightforward to seek out in Athens and ranges from basic graffiti artwork to fashionable road artwork.
Whereas yow will discover a lot of it by yourself within the Plaka space, this tour reveals you round 5 cool neighborhoods which are lesser identified to vacationers.
This alternative tour is very rated and a variety of enjoyable. Plus, the time for the tour isn’t strict — if everyone seems to be having an excellent time and are wanting to proceed, you possibly can hold exploring extra road artwork and discovering hidden gems.
Have your digital camera or cellphone able to take pictures. Click here to learn more about this expertise and to guide.
7. Go Bar Hopping (Greatest Factor To Do in Athens at Evening)
For such a enjoyable metropolis, it’s no shock that the most effective issues to do in Athens at evening is to go on a meals and booze tour. With this fun, local experience, you’ll discover the funky Psirri neighborhood, and go to 3 completely different rooftop bars there, whereas having fun with drinks, meals, and nice dialog with new associates.
A bar hopping tour is among the funnest methods to take pleasure in Athens nightlife.
All the tables are reserved forward of time, so that you gained’t have to attend in line in any respect. If you happen to’re in search of cool issues to do in Athens at evening, this can be a good choice. Discover out extra here.
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8. Eat The Greatest Yogurtlu and Souvlaki
O Thanasis is among the hottest locations to eat in Plaka. It’s so standard that even Greeks eat right here. The perfect factor to eat is the Yogurtlu, which is a beef kebab coated in yogurt on a mattress of pita bread.
The Yogurtlu is giant sufficient to separate with somebody and it’ll solely set you again round €10. The individuals at O Thanasis are pleasant and never pushy. The souvlaki can be the most effective on the town.
You can even get some scrumptious Souvlaki at lots of a flea markets and market on the town.
(Editor’s Be aware: a Greek reader has suggested us that Agrafa restaurant has the most effective souvlaki in Athens. Perhaps strive them each?!…)
9. Go to the Benaki Museum
Visiting the Benaki Museum is among the greatest cultural issues to do in Athens.
The Benaki Museum is a nationwide museum of Greek tradition starting from prehistory to the twentieth century. The gathering affords rooms from homes, giant sculptures, and smaller gadgets like swords and historic paperwork.
The museum is a brief stroll from Syntagma Sq.. It’s positioned in a phenomenal Neo-classic constructing and you’ll take pleasure in a espresso and the view from the cafe. Skip-the-line tickets to the museum might be bought forward of time, here.
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10. Smash Issues at Limba Rage Room
Feeling just a little wired? Must get some rage out? Limba Rage Room is the place to just do that.
You buy a bundle (which might embody plates, bottles, a tube TV and glasses), and also you smash them! It’s an incredible stress reliever and one of the distinctive issues to do in Athens.
There are a selection of packages for each finances. They vary from €10 to €100. Don’t fear, they provide you protecting gear to put on. It’s positioned simply down the road from Little KooK.
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11. Drink a Greek Espresso
Sampling a freddo cappuccino is among the must-do issues in Athens. This is only one of three basic Greek coffees, there may be additionally a frappe and a freddo espresso.
The frappe shouldn’t be like a Starbucks frappe however as an alternative is made with on the spot espresso, water, and sugar (when you select).
The freddo cappuccino is espresso topped with frothy milk.
The freddo espresso is simply swirled espresso over ice. All of those coffees pack a critical caffeine punch however since they’re all served chilly, it’s nice on a scorching day in Athens.
Coffee culture in Greece is a really massive deal. Not solely do locals drink espresso (scorching or chilly) quite a few instances all through the day, however as legend would have it, your fortune might be informed by studying the dregs of espresso left on the backside of your cup.
The subsequent time you’ve completed ingesting your espresso in Athens, make certain to ask somebody to point out you the way to learn your fortune.
12. Go to the Museum of Cycladic Artwork
The Museum of Cycladic Art is dwelling to one of the full personal collections of Cycladic Artwork. That is particularly nice to see when you gained’t be visiting one of many Cycladic islands in your journey to Greece.
A lot of the artifacts on show are marble items together with bottles, plates, and requirements, in addition to different historical Greek artwork. There are some metallic objects as effectively. The items of marble are largely white making them beautiful of their simplicity.
This museum in Athens is open Μonday – Wednesday – Friday – Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, Thursday from 10:00 to twenty:00, Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. The doorway charge is €7.
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13. Store in The Plaka
The Plaka is a neighborhood positioned beneath the Acropolis. A lot of this space has been closed off to visitors, though supply vans nonetheless are allowed via and a few streets are open.
The chain shops and extra upscale retailers are on Ermou Road — the place yow will discover retailers like Sephora and H&M.
Then there are vacationer retailers, a flea market, and lower-end retailers, that are additional down previous Monastiraki Sq.. Right here yow will discover souvenirs you may wish to deliver dwelling on your family and friends. Plus, this can be a nice space for people-watching.
14. Watch the Altering of The Guard
This is among the greatest free issues to do in Athens. To catch this weekly occasion, you should be in Athens on a Sunday. The Changing of the Guard takes place on the Parliament Constructing at Syntagma. It takes place at 11:00am and is free to look at.
Whereas the guards do change hourly, on Sundays at 11:00 there are extra guards than ordinary, they’re dressed within the conventional Greek uniform and the ceremony is extra advanced.
Sundays are the most effective day to see the altering of the guards in Athens. And whereas they might look just a little uncommon, they’re extremely skilled troopers known as the Evezone. This is among the greatest free issues to do in Athens.
15. Go to Monastiraki Sq.
If you happen to sit in Monastiraki Sq. lengthy sufficient, I swear you will note everybody in Athens stroll by. That is the place to look at vacationers and locals work together.
It is usually a historic website with a Ninth-century church, a Nineteenth-century mosque, and within the subway station are antiques discovered throughout the constructing of the primary metro station.
This is among the most bustling locations in Athens and chilling out right here is among the greatest issues to do. When you’re right here, try the Monastiraki flea market.
16. Get Customized Made Greek Sandals
While you’re procuring within the Plaka, make sure to cease at Pantelis Melissions The Poet Sandalmaker for a pair of custom-made Greek sandals. This store has been round since 1920 and has been handed down from technology to technology.
You will get a basic pair in primary leather-based or get a flowery pair with decorations or metallics. The costs vary from €40 to €50.
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17. Eat Loukoumades
Loukoumades are Greek donuts. It’s a small puff pastry that’s soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. I had one with sesame seeds as soon as too. They’re scrumptious.
The perfect place in Athens to get loukoumades is on the aptly named Lukumades. It’s not removed from O Thanasis so after consuming your kebab you possibly can have a donut for dessert!
18. Watch the Sundown at Lycabettus Hill
Watching the sundown from Lycabettus Hill is among the greatest issues to do in Athens. Not solely is the sundown beautiful, however you get wonderful views of Athens from right here. You can even see the Acropolis all lit up for the night.
Earlier than you head out to benefit from the Athens nightlife, think about climbing Lycabettus for a pleasant sundown and perhaps even a picnic.
There’s a funicular to take you up and down when you don’t wish to climb the hill. The fee for the funicular is €7.50 return or €5 for a one-way ticket.
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19. Go to the Nationwide Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum has many artifacts starting from prehistory to late antiquity. The artifacts are from throughout Greece and the traditional world itself. It additionally has an Egyptian assortment.
The museum is north of the Acropolis. You possibly can take the metro to the Victoria station and stroll from there. The doorway charge is €10.
That is probably the most effective archeological museum within the metropolis.
20. Be a part of a Strolling Meals Tour (One of many Greatest Issues To Do in Athens for Foodies)
Not all of the excursions in Athens are about historical past. For a enjoyable, informative, and engaging tour, you gained’t wish to miss this experience! It’s one of many highest-rated excursions in Athens.
Meet up together with your information and uncover some unbelievable road meals distributors and native markets, all whereas strolling off the meals and studying about Athens and Greece alongside the way in which. You’ll eat your approach via bakeries, cheese and meat retailers, fish market, espresso retailers, and plenty of shops providing world-famous Greek yogurt, natural olive oil, honey and wine.
Included within the tour are many tasty Greek delicacies, so come hungry! If you happen to’re in search of non-touristy issues to do in Athens, this can be a nice choice — it’s additionally the most effective worth experiences within the metropolis. Discover out extra and reserve your spot here on Get Your Guide, or here on Viator.
There’s a multitude of strolling excursions to soak up Athens. Since I like Greek meals, I all the time search for good meals and excursions with a facet of strolling. Whether or not you’re all for wine, historical past, or meals, it’s all the time enjoyable to satisfy up with an area and spend a while collectively whereas studying concerning the metropolis, and the native way of life.
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21. Take a Day Journey to Hydra
You possibly can nonetheless go to a Greek island whereas in your journey to Athens!
Hydra is a small island that enables no vehicles. A lot of the issues to do are positioned proper within the port together with eating places and procuring. There’s even a swimming spot a five-minute stroll away.
Hydra is about an hour’s ferry trip away when you take the quick ferry. The fee is about €80 return. You catch the ferry at Piraeus port. Spend the day in Hydra and be again in Athens for dinner. Search the ferry schedule and newest costs here.
Another choice is to affix a full-day tour that takes you to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina islands aboard a luxurious cruise ship. Click here to study extra.
22. Go to Parliament Constructing
Even when you don’t see the Altering of the Guard, the Parliament building is price a go to. It was constructed between 1836 and 1842 and was dwelling to the primary fashionable King of Greece.
It turned the Parliament constructing in 1935 after the monarchy was abolished in 1929. I recommend seeing it at evening when it’s superbly lit.
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23. Eat Gyros
You can not come to Athens and never have a basic gyro. They’re accessible virtually all over the place and you’ll have enjoyable looking for the most effective one. A seek for your favourite gyro is among the greatest issues to do in Athens for foodies.
The gyro consists of hen or lamb, french fries, onions, and tomatoes all wrapped up in delicate pita bread. Typically you possibly can get them organized open-faced on a plate. They’re fairly massive, so when you’ve accomplished tons of strolling that is the meal for you. Try Kostas or Delicious Souvlaki for tasty gyros.
24. Take a Day Crusing Journey
One in all my favourite things to do in Greece is to sail to the Greek Islands. You possibly can be part of a crusing journey that lasts all day, or take a half-day tour. You possibly can even sail to a few of the islands.
Most of those sails are on catamarans making it simpler for the non-sailor to regulate their sea legs. This is among the greatest methods to loosen up in Greece. Click here for a top-rated crusing journey (on an precise sailboat) that takes you to Agistri, Moni & Aegina.
Or, when you’d favor a catamaran journey in Athens that features meals and drinks, click here for particulars.
There’s no higher strategy to discover many Greek Islands on a fast journey to Greece.
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25. Go to the Temple of Poseidon
The beautiful historical Temple of Poseidon sits on the Aegean Sea and was constructed within the Fifth century. An inscription on the temple confirms that it was constructed for Poseidon.
It’s best to attempt to be right here early within the morning or for sundown. You possibly can typically see a number of islands on a transparent day from the temple.
Technically this can be a day journey from Athens because it’s 70kms south of town. There’s a bus from Athens from the Mavromateon Terminal and you too can get it from Syntagma Sq.. Search for the bus going to Sounio. The bus fare one-way is €6.90.
If you happen to’d reasonably join a tour and never have to fret about transportation, try this highly-rated half-day tour to Poseidon.
26. Stroll By way of the Historical Agora
Historical Agora is an historical cemetery positioned proper down the hill from the Acropolis. It was constructed as a market after Athens turned a part of the Roman Empire within the 1st century.
After I was on the Roman Agora, it was very empty making a pleasant change from the crowds of the Acropolis. It’s a pleasant place to discover. Nonetheless, there may be not a lot signage on the Historical Agora so you could have to look issues up after you go. The doorway charge is €6.
27. Discover the Athens Central Market
That is the basic out of doors market with shouting distributors and all of the smells that come together with it. I found it once I stayed in a lodge proper out there. The fruits in Greece look and scent wonderful so even when you don’t purchase something it’s nonetheless an incredible place to go to.
The opposite factor to notice is that many of the distributors don’t converse English, however you possibly can level to gadgets that you just’re all for and use signal language (or a translation app).
There’s additionally meat and fish if you’re in self-catering lodging. I beloved this flea market as a result of it felt like such an authentically Greek expertise. Click here for a enjoyable market tour in Athens.
If you happen to don’t wish to eat on the market, there are additionally some good eating places close by.
28. Donate Your Time: Volunteer in Athens
If you happen to’re an animal individual, there are just a few volunteer choices so that you can assist out with deserted and stray animals. Take a look at ZEIL, SGS or SCARS the place you possibly can help with strolling and caring for canines and cats.
This is probably not one of many extra touristy issues to do in Athens, however when you have some further time, or if you want to assist out, it’s positively one of many extra rewarding actions within the fashionable metropolis anyway.
29. Go to the Panagia Kapnikarea Church
Constructed within the eleventh century, this is among the oldest church buildings in Athens. The attention-grabbing factor about this Greek Orthodox church is that it’s surrounded by fashionable buildings! You could find it here on the map.
30. Be a part of a Cooking Class with Rooftop Dinner
Learn to make some conventional Greek meals throughout this enjoyable cooking class. You’ll make (and eat), a starter, major dish, salad, dessert, and native dips. Plus, wine is included.
Chat with the chef and your new associates whereas eating on tasty meals that you just ready, and having fun with the view from the rooftop of the Acropolis. Discover out extra about this highly-rated cooking expertise in Athens here.
31. Get Misplaced in The Athens Metropolis Heart
The Metropolis Heart of Athens is energetic, bustling, and a bit tough across the edges, nevertheless it’s a incredible place to get misplaced amongst the traditional websites.
By foot, you possibly can simply discover the middle by beginning across the historical websites of the Acropolis and Plaka, then strolling to Monastiraki Sq. on the foot of the Acropolis, then persevering with to Psirri district and Ermou road earlier than ending at Kolonaki.
Additionally, don’t miss the Historical Greek Nationwide Gardens and strolling down a few of the lesser-known attention-grabbing streets within the metropolis heart.
32. Go to The Panathenaic Stadium
See the birthplace of the primary fashionable Olympics on the Panathenaic Stadium. That is the unique Olympic Stadium and is a enjoyable place to discover.
There isn’t a skip the road ticket, however GetYourGuide has some cool tours that embody a go to right here and the nationwide museum.
FAQs About Athens
Listed here are solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting town.
What Ought to I Keep away from in Athens?
In relation to areas of Athens, Omonia, Exarcheia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares have excessive crime charges and needs to be averted at evening, if not altogether. Be certain that to regulate your purse and pockets when visiting Athens in addition to there are pickpockets.
Becoming a member of a strolling tour with an area while you first arrive in Athens is a good way to get a rundown of town and the do’s and don’ts.
Are you able to Do Athens in 3 Days?
Sure! You possibly can positively go to Athens on two day journeys, a weekend, or in 3 days. You’ll be capable of cowl the entire major highlights in simply a few days, and on the third day, you possibly can be part of a enjoyable expertise (cooking class, wine tasting), or take a day trip by ferry or bus.
The place to Keep in Athens
You’ll wish to keep central when visiting Athens, and goal to be inside strolling distance of the Acropolis, Plaka and Syntagma Sq.. Whether or not you select a lodge or house is as much as you — some individuals favor lodges with a easy room, whereas others favor flats with a dwelling space and a kitchen.
This apartment has wonderful critiques and views of the Acropolis, whereas this apartment is in Plaka and likewise has unbelievable views plus numerous pure mild. For lodges, the Electra Metropolis is a very fashionable choice and it contains breakfast, a rooftop bar, and wonderful views.
What’s the easiest way of getting round Athens?
One of the best ways to get round Athens is to make use of Google Maps. Google Maps can present you native bus and metro instances, strolling instructions, and even has a function to order rideshare like Uber and Lyft.
How a lot does it price to enter the websites in Athens?
Entrance charges in Athens typically price between €8-€10 for the preferred websites.
What’s the greatest lodge with a rooftop pool in Athens?
Electra Hotel has the nicest rooftop pool in all of Athens with an incredible bar, beautiful views, and loads of areas to take a seat and loosen up.
What’s the smartest thing to do in Athens on a wet day?
The perfect factor to do in Athens on a wet day is to go to one of many many museums, like The Warfare Museum. Or try one of many many Byzantine church buildings, eat at a few of the nice eating places with a tremendous view, or go to throughout the Summer time months when rain is much less probably.
Now You Know What To Do in Athens
As you possibly can see there are such a lot of issues to do in Athens. You possibly can even make a theme for every day you might be there — exploring all of the meals choices, seeing all of the archaeology and historical archaeological websites round, and aimlessly exploring and seeing what you possibly can uncover! I all the time love spending time in Athens, and I’m certain you’ll as effectively.
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