Athens is Greece’s capital. It is also the largest city in the country. Well known for its historic landmarks, Athens is a lovely place to travel to. The magnificent city is certainly a cultural and social hub. Creativity also runs freely here, Athens has become one of Europe’s most noted spots for street art. Whilst here, uncover the captivating history and set your sights on the incredible attractions. There is so much to see in the city considered the birthplace of Western civilization.
Get the most out of Athens with these 19 things to do …
Acropolis
The Acropolis is Athens’ ancient citadel. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on a hill and can be seen from most places in Athens. This is one of the most visited ancient sites in the whole of Greece. At the top of the Acropolis, you will find the Parthenon. This temple was built during the 5th century B.C and was dedicated to the Goddess Athena. It is made entirely of marble and weighs about 20,000 tons! You will also find the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theater of Dionysus all at the Acropolis.
This major historical landmark is famous throughout the world, you do not want to miss it!
P.S. Climbing to the top of the Acropolis takes a while, so make sure to wear some comfortable shoes.
Monastiraki Area
The Monastiraki area in Athens is very close to the Acropolis (just a short walk away). This district is located right in the centre of Athens, and it is a place where lots of tourists and locals generally interact. Here you will find many narrow alleys with several small shops of all kinds on the corners.
Monastiraki square is bustling with life and is a great place to find your perfect souvenir from Greece for you to take back home. Apart from the permanent shops, there is a flea market that happens in Monastiraki, which occurs every Sunday. Taking place on Avissinia Square, here you can buy many antique and second-hand goods. This may range from vintage clothing to ancient books or leather goods.
Go to the Monastiraki area and take your time whilst exploring the area – there’s lots to see!
Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens is also known as Mētrópolis. This is the largest cathedral in all of Athens and is the headquarters of the Archbishop of Greece (the head of the Greek Orthodox Church). Construction of the Cathedral began in 1842, with the laying of the cornerstone by King Othon and Queen Amalia. marble from 72 demolished churches was used to build the Cathedral’s grandiose walls.
Inside the church, you will find that it is decorated with works of well-known artists of the 19th century. You will also find the tombs of two highly revered saints of the Greek Orthodox Church. Saint Philothei and Gregory V, the Ethnomartyr.
This elaborate cathedral is not one to be missed! Marvel at the beauty which took three architects and 20 years to complete.
Numismatic Museum
The Numismatic Museum is one of Greece’s most important museums. The museum houses an impressive ancient and modern coin collection. With more than 500,000 coins and medals, some of them even being more than 3,000 years old, this museum is one of the oldest public museums in Greece. On the first floor, visitors will be shown how coins were minted in the ancient Greek world. It also depicts the archaeological investigations that were carried out after discovering the coins. The second floor is dedicated to how the coins were minted in various parts of the world and throughout history.
The museum itself is housed in the former mansion of Heinrich Schliemann, the famous archaeologist. It is certainly an interesting exhibition to explore!
Plaka Neighbourhood
The Plaka Neighbourhood is also known as the “neighborhood of the gods”. This is the oldest neighborhood of Athens, and it is located at the foothill of the Acropolis. This beautiful neighborhood stretches from the Acropolis to Syntagma Square. A visit to Plaka is an enchanting trip back in time with its narrow alleys, cobbled streets, and neoclassical architecture. Plaka is also a great place to do some shopping. There are many family-run shops, on Ermou Street you can also find upscale shops like Sephora and H&M.
The Anafiotika neighborhood located in the Plaka district is particularly picturesque. The white houses with blue shutters are a sight to digest.
Slip away from the bustle of crowds and wander down the ancient paths of the city – your breath will be taken away.
Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is consistently rated as one of the best museums in the world. It is located in the historical area of Makriyianni, southeast of the Rock of the Acropolis. The location of the museum is perfect as it provides you with constant views of the Parthenon through the large glass panes. On display at the museum are nearly 4,000 ancient objects and artifacts found on the site of the Acropolis. Join a tour of the museum and have a licensed guide lead the way through Greece’s history.
The museum was designed by architects Bernard Tschumi and Michael Photiadis and remains one of Athens’ most dazzling attractions.
You can choose to visit the Acropolis Museum either before or after you visit the Acropolis.
National Gardens
The National gardens is a huge public park in Athens. It is located directly behind the Greek Parliament building. There are a lot of beautiful plants and trees in the garden and whilst walking around you will come across a number of statues. There is also a big shaded playground for kids so they can also enjoy the serenity of the gardens. Zappeion Park will also be found in the gardens. Here you will find Zappeion Megaron, also known as Zappeion Palace. The building is generally used for meetings and ceremonies, both official and private.
Stroll around the gardens and enjoy your fair share of greenery. This is an amazingly free activity to do!
Indulge in Greek Cuisine
Greek cuisine is exquisitely tasty! You cannot leave Athens without trying the “Green Treasures” of Greece, such as olive oil, wines, mushrooms, herbs, and traditionally made pasta and salamis. Souvlaki is also another famous food, arguably the most famous Greek fast food. Also known as Kalamaki, Souvlaki is a simple dish that consists of small chunks of meat (and sometimes vegetables) grilled on a skewer. You can either eat it straight from the skewer or let it be served with potatoes and pita bread. Take a food tour whilst here and see how you will discover Athens through its food culture.
Experience the vibrant flavors and simultaneously explore Athen’s food markets – it is a win-win!
Street Art Tour
Street art is big in Athens, so naturally, a tour of it is the best way to experience the range of art readily available. Athens is relatively considered to be the mecca of street art. Street artists from all over the world have brought their different styles and techniques to different spots in the city. There is a combination of social, political, and economic factors which have encouraged the work of several street artists, and for this reason, you will see that each area has its own style of street art. The best places to look for street art are in the neighborhoods of Exarcheia, Metaxourgeio, Psyrri, and even Plaka.
Experience first-hand the flourishing art scene in Athens on a street art tour.
Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art houses one of the most complete private collections of Cycladic Art. The museum which was inaugurated in 1986, features a 5,000-year-old artwork collection from the Cyclades Islands. These are islands such as Santorini, Mykonos, Delos, Paros and Antiparos.
Spread out over four floors, the museum displays the artwork by theme – Cycladic culture, Ancient Greek Art, Cypriot Art, and Scenes of daily life during Ancient times. The antiquities from Cyprus found in this museum represent one of the largest collections in the world outside of Cyprus. There are over 3,000 works of art from the Cyclades, Cyprus, and Ancient Greece that can be found at the Museum of Cycladic Art houses. Apart from the permanent exhibitions, the Museum of Cycladic Art also features temporary exhibitions which focus on archaeology and modern and contemporary art.
Open-air Cinema
An open-air cinema is one of the loveliest things that you will experience in Athens. Especially during summer, this is one of Athens’ greatest pleasures. Therina sinema (open-air cinemas) has long been around, Athens’ oldest open-air cinema opened in 1903 – it is called Aegli.
Relax under the sun in a comfy lounge chair, with some smooth popcorn and a refreshing beverage whilst you view a classic on the big screen.
The most rated outdoor cinemas to try are Cine Paris, Dexameni, Cine Thision, and Vox.
Lycabettus Hill
Lycabettus hill is the highest point in Athens. The 278 meters high mount is also called “Hill of the Wolves”, as a recognition of the wolves (‘lycos’ in Greek) that used to live there. This is considered to be one of the most romantic places in Athens. Once you get to the top of the hill, you will find the Church of Agios Georgios (St. George). It is open for all to enter. You will also find a cafe that has spectacular views across Athens.
You can reach the top of Lycabettus Hill by the funicular or choose to walk up there. Whichever one you decide on, climb the hill for the most panoramic views of Athens. Enjoy these views also at sunset and see Athens glisten as it becomes encapsulated by the dark.
Note: Unlike the Acropolis, this is free to climb on foot!
Traditional Dancing
Greek traditional dancing is known around the world. The syrtaki dance is particularly popular, dating back to the 1960’s. Other traditional Greek dances include the hasapiko, the Kalamatianos, the pentozali, and the tsamiko. All of the dances, though they may vary in movement, aim to embody the very spirit of the art of music.
You can take in traditional Greek dancing at the 860 seat open-air Dora Stratou theatre which is located on Philopappou Hill, right opposite the Acropolis. Apart from watching the dance, you can also get private lessons to teach you how to navigate the moves for yourself.
Sway to the rhythm of Greek folk music and either watch or learn to dance!
Benaki Museum
Benaki Museum is the oldest museum in Greece. The museum which was founded by the art collector Antonis Benakis in 1930 is home to 40,000 pieces of art, ranging from the ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century. Benaki Museum is separated into three floors. As you cruise through the floors, you will be able to see how Greece has absorbed foreign influences and ideas to create its unique culture. Look out for various works of art by the painter and sculptor El Greco. The museum is interactive, thus a fun way to explore Greece’s history,
The extensive collection of Greek culture found here at Benaki Museum is truly inspiring. Get a deeper knowledge of Greek History and ethnicity whilst walking through the museum.
Diomedes Botanical Gardens
The Diomedes Botanical Gardens is a hidden paradise in Athens. Located in the Haïdari district, it is just a 20-minute ride from the city centre. The gardens though are rarely as visited compared to the National Park. The green space spans an area of 460 acres, making it the largest botanical garden in Greece and in Eastern Mediterranean. The garden houses over 3000 plant species, both wild and cultivated species. The gardens see the cultivation and development of plants, trees, and flowers.
A trip to Diomedes Botanical Gardens is recommended as it is the most ideal destination for long walks and delightful picnics. Breathe in the glorious aroma of the plants as you tour the gardens.
Peace and quiet are a promise fulfilled when you get to the botanical gardens.
Beach time
Athens has many beaches for you to unwind and relax at, and luckily, the weather is great mostly all year round. Varkiza Resort Yabanaki Beach is a very popular destination. Located on Varkiza beach, it is just under 50 minutes when driving from Athens. The sandy beach and clear waters are perfect conditions for swimming.
Other beaches to explore in Athens are Bolivar Beach Bar, Eden Beach, Aegeon beach, Asteras Glyfadas, and Karavi Schinias.
Go to one of Athens’ many beaches and enjoy a refreshing time!
Watch the sunset at Vrahakia
You will find Vrahakia at the top of the Areopagus hill, near the Acropolis. The literal meaning in Greek is ‘little rocks’ and it is fitting as the view from here is stunning. See how the city of Athens stretches and spot the mountains surrounding the Attica Basin.
Climbing up to Vrahakia is a great way to start your day. Not only is it easy and quick, but you can feell stimulated as you take in the cool air in the morning. Alternatively, climbing to the top of Vrahakia is great at other times during the day. Vrahakia is great to watch the sunset. The magnificent view is one that you will surely cherish forever.
This is a great activity to do that is free and also fun!
Night Life
Athens’ nightlife is very lively! Although others normally associate the greatest nightlife with islands like Mykonos and Zante, you should not sleep on what Athens has to offer! There are many rooftops, squares, and sidewalks bustling with life. For those who love club-hopping, you should hit up the areas of Gazi and Monastiraki. If you would like to discover more bars and try some tasty food to try out, Exarchia would be more up your street.
For live music lovers, Koukaki is for you.
Enjoy striking interiors, quality food, and the best of DJs – you will never be short of things to do at night whilst in Athens.
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is Athens’ central square. Also known as “Constitution Square”, the square is a very popular place to go in Athens. The square houses Athens’ House of Parliament, which has been located here since 1935. The royal palace in the center of Greece’s political life. At Syntagma Square you will find an Evzone. This is a guard wearing the traditional Greek uniform of skirts, tights, and pom pom shoes! The guards are there to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, right in front of the Parliament House.
Make sure to take at least one picture standing next to the guard, don’t be disheartened if you receive no reception from them as they are strictly forbidden to engage with anything civilians say.
Note: Try and catch the changing of the guard which takes place every hour.
