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 assist you 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 occasions and love the town, that is undoubtedly among the finest locations to go to in Greece.
Listed below are the 32
finest issues to do in Athens, Greece.
1. Climb to the Acropolis
Devoted to the goddess Athena, the Fifth-century Acropolis is the most well-liked factor to do in Athens.
After all, which means everybody desires 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 might see all the best way to the ocean. The doorway payment is €20 ($23.25).
To find out about all of essential websites and the unimaginable historical past, be part of a non-public strolling tour. The tour will even take you to the museum (beneath). There are a number of several types of excursions you possibly can take, click on right here to be taught extra a couple of highly-rated, skip-the-line tour.
2. Go to the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is likely one of the most lovely museums I’ve ever been to. I beloved my expertise right here! It’s crammed with pure gentle, which highlights the artifacts nicely.
There are different works that spotlight Greek Mythology.
Right here you will get a detailed take a look at the Parthenon frieze replicas on show, and far more historical Greek artwork. The cafe balcony additionally provides nice views of historical ruins in Athens. You’ll be able to be taught extra concerning the Acropolis on my weblog.
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 payment is €5 ($5.80) within the winter and €10 ($10.50) within the two summer season months.
Line-ups right here will be large, to skip the road, buy your ticket forward of time right here. Alternatively, you should buy an all-inclusive ticket for each the museum and the Acropolis right here.
3. See Hadrian’s Library
This library shouldn’t be a library within the sense we all know it at present, it was a spot of examine, not a spot the place books have 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 payment 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 likely one of the lesser-known issues to do in Athens as most individuals suppose it’s a must to go to the islands to get pleasure from some seashore time. Though it’s not among the finest seashores in Greece, it’s nonetheless a terrific 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 need one, as there are none out there there. You will get a terrific 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 payment 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 adorned inside and outdoors the restaurant. After I was there it was adorned for Halloween.
Little KooK is especially a dessert cafe, however the high attraction is the decorations. That is most likely probably the most Instagrammable place in Athens moreover the Acropolis!
6. Take a Road Artwork Tour
Road artwork is straightforward to seek out in Athens and ranges from traditional graffiti artwork to fashionable road artwork.
Whereas you will discover a lot of it by yourself within the Plaka space, this tour exhibits you round 5 cool neighborhoods which are lesser identified to vacationers.
This different tour is extremely rated and a whole lot of enjoyable. Plus, the time for the tour isn’t strict — if everyone seems to be having a very good time and are desperate to proceed, you possibly can maintain exploring extra road artwork and discovering hidden gems.
Have your digital camera or cellphone able to take pictures. Click on right here to be taught extra about this expertise and to e book.
7. Go Bar Hopping (Greatest Factor To Do in Athens at Evening)Â
For such a enjoyable metropolis, it’s no shock that among the finest issues to do in Athens at evening is to go on a meals and booze tour. With this enjoyable, native expertise, you’ll discover the funky Psirri neighborhood, and go to 3 totally different rooftop bars there, whereas having fun with drinks, meals, and nice dialog with new pals.
A bar hopping tour is likely one of the funnest methods to get pleasure from Athens nightlife.
All the tables are reserved forward of time, so that you received’t have to attend in line in any respect. If you happen to’re on the lookout for cool issues to do in Athens at evening, this can be a good possibility. Discover out extra right here.
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8. Eat The Greatest Yogurtlu and SouvlakiÂ
O Thanasis is likely one of the hottest locations to eat in Plaka. It’s so in style that even Greeks eat right here. The very best factor to eat is the Yogurtlu, which is a beef kebab lined in yogurt on a mattress of pita bread.
The Yogurtlu is massive 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 among the finest on the town.
You may also 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 attempt them each?!…)
9. Go to the Benaki Museum
Visiting the Benaki Museum is likely one of the finest 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 provides rooms from homes, massive sculptures, and smaller objects like swords and historic paperwork.
The museum is a brief stroll from Syntagma Sq.. It’s positioned in a wonderful Neo-classic constructing and you may get pleasure from a espresso and the view from the cafe. Skip-the-line tickets to the museum will be bought forward of time, right here.
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10. Smash Issues at Limba Rage Room
Feeling a bit of stressed? 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 a terrific stress reliever and one of the distinctive issues to do in Athens.
There are a number of packages for each finances. They vary from €10 to €100. Don’t fear, they offer 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 likely one of the must-do issues in Athens. This is only one of three traditional 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 instantaneous 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.
Espresso tradition in Greece is a really large deal. Not solely do locals drink espresso (scorching or chilly) quite a few occasions all through the day, however as legend would have it, your fortune will be instructed 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 sure that to ask somebody to indicate you the best way to learn your fortune.
12. Go to the Museum of Cycladic Artwork
The Museum of Cycladic Artwork is dwelling to one of the full personal collections of Cycladic Artwork. That is particularly nice to see when you received’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 nicely. 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 payment 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 vehicles nonetheless are allowed by and a few streets are open.
The chain shops and extra upscale outlets are on Ermou Road — the place you will discover outlets like Sephora and H&M.
Then there are vacationer outlets, a flea market, and lower-end outlets, that are additional down previous Monastiraki Sq.. Right here you will discover souvenirs you may need to deliver dwelling in your family and friends. Plus, this can be a nice space for people-watching.
14. Watch the Altering of The Guard
This is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Athens. To catch this weekly occasion, you should be in Athens on a Sunday. The Altering of the Guard takes place on the Parliament Constructing at Syntagma. It takes place at 11:00am and is free to observe.
Whereas the guards do change hourly, on Sundays at 11:00 there are extra guards than traditional, they’re dressed within the conventional Greek uniform and the ceremony is extra complicated.
Sundays are the most effective day to see the altering of the guards in Athens. And whereas they could look a bit of uncommon, they’re extremely skilled troopers known as the Evezone. This is likely one of the finest 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 notice everybody in Athens stroll by. That is the place to observe vacationers and locals work together.
Additionally it is a historic website with a Ninth-century church, a Nineteenth-century mosque, and within the subway station are antiques discovered through the constructing of the primary metro station.
This is likely one of the most bustling locations in Athens and chilling out right here is likely one of the finest issues to do. Whilst you’re right here, take a look at the Monastiraki flea market.
16. Get Customized Made Greek Sandals
When you are procuring within the Plaka, you’ll want 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 traditional pair in fundamental leather-based or get a elaborate 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 very best 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 likely one of the finest issues to do in Athens. Not solely is the sundown beautiful, however you get superb views of Athens from right here. You may also see the Acropolis all lit up for the night.
Earlier than you head out to benefit from the Athens nightlife, take into account 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 need to climb the hill. The associated 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 Nationwide 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’ll be able to take the metro to the Victoria station and stroll from there. The doorway payment is €10.
That is probably the most effective archeological museum within the metropolis.
20. Be 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 received’t need to miss this expertise! It’s one of many highest-rated excursions in Athens.
Meet up along with your information and uncover some unimaginable road meals distributors and native markets, all whereas strolling off the meals and studying about Athens and Greece alongside the best way. You’ll eat your approach by bakeries, cheese and meat outlets, fish market, espresso outlets, and lots 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 on the lookout for non-touristy issues to do in Athens, this can be a nice possibility — it’s additionally among the finest worth experiences within the metropolis. Discover out extra and reserve your spot right here on Get Your Information, or right here on Viator.
There’s a multitude of strolling excursions to absorb Athens. Since I like Greek meals, I at all times search for good meals and excursions with a aspect of strolling. Whether or not you’re eager about wine, historical past, or meals, it’s at all times enjoyable to fulfill up with a neighborhood and spend a while collectively whereas studying concerning the metropolis, and the native life-style.
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21. Take a Day Journey to Hydra
You’ll be able to 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 journey away when you take the quick ferry. The associated 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 right here.
An alternative choice is to affix a full-day tour that takes you to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina islands aboard a luxurious cruise ship. Click on right here to be taught extra.
22. Go to Parliament Constructing
Even when you don’t see the Altering of the Guard, the Parliament constructing 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 traditional gyro. They’re out there virtually in all places and you may have enjoyable looking for the most effective one. A seek for your favourite gyro is likely one of the finest issues to do in Athens for foodies.
The gyro consists of hen or lamb, french fries, onions, and tomatoes all wrapped up in gentle pita bread. Generally you possibly can get them organized open-faced on a plate. They’re fairly large, so when you’ve carried out tons of strolling that is the meal for you. Try Kostas or Scrumptious Souvlaki for tasty gyros.
24. Take a Day Crusing Journey
One among my favourite issues to do in Greece is to sail to the Greek Islands. You’ll be able to be part of a crusing journey that lasts all day, or take a half-day tour. You’ll be able to even sail to a number of the islands.
Most of those sails are on catamarans making it simpler for the non-sailor to regulate their sea legs. This is likely one of the finest methods to loosen up in Greece. Click on right here for a top-rated crusing journey (on an precise sailboat) that takes you to Agistri, Moni & Aegina.
Or, when you’d desire a catamaran journey in Athens that features meals and drinks, click on right here for particulars.
There’s no higher method to discover many Greek Islands on a fast journey to Greece.
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25. Go to the Temple of PoseidonÂ
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 is best to attempt to be right here early within the morning or for sundown. You’ll be able to generally 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 the town. There’s a bus from Athens from the Mavromateon Terminal and you may as well 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 be part of a tour and never have to fret about transportation, take a look at this highly-rated half-day tour to Poseidon.
26. Stroll By means 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. Nevertheless, there may be not a lot signage on the Historical Agora so you will have to look issues up after you go. The doorway payment is €6.
27. Discover the Athens Central Market
That is the traditional 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 odor superb so even when you don’t purchase something it’s nonetheless a terrific 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 objects that you simply’re eager about and use signal language (or a translation app).
There’s additionally meat and fish in case you are in self-catering lodging. I beloved this flea market as a result of it felt like such an authentically Greek expertise. Click on right here for a enjoyable market tour in Athens.
If you happen to don’t need 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 particular person, there are a number of 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 additional time, or if you need to assist out, it’s undoubtedly 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 likely one of the oldest church buildings in Athens. The fascinating factor about this Greek Orthodox church is that it’s surrounded by fashionable buildings! You could find it right here on the map.
30. Be 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, essential dish, salad, dessert, and native dips. Plus, wine is included.
Chat with the chef and your new pals whereas eating on tasty meals that you simply ready, and having fun with the view from the rooftop of the Acropolis. Discover out extra about this highly-rated cooking expertise in Athens right here.
31. Get Misplaced in The Athens Metropolis Middle
The Metropolis Middle of Athens is vigorous, bustling, and a bit tough across the edges, however it’s a improbable 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 number of the lesser-known fascinating 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 excursions that embody a go to right here and the nationwide museum.
FAQs About Athens
Listed below are solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting the town.
What Ought to I Keep away from in Athens?
With regards to areas of Athens, Omonia, Exarcheia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares have excessive crime charges and ought to be prevented at evening, if not altogether. Ensure to keep watch over your purse and pockets when visiting Athens in addition to there are pickpockets.Â
Becoming a member of a strolling tour with a neighborhood while you first arrive in Athens is an effective way to get a rundown of the town and the do’s and don’ts.Â
Are you able to Do Athens in 3 Days?
Sure! You’ll be able to undoubtedly go to Athens on two day journeys, a weekend, or in 3 days. You’ll have the ability to cowl the entire essential 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 journey by ferry or bus.
The place to Keep in Athens
You’ll need to keep central when visiting Athens, and intention 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 desire resorts with a easy room, whereas others desire residences with a dwelling space and a kitchen.
This house has wonderful critiques and views of the Acropolis, whereas this house is in Plaka and likewise has unimaginable views plus a lot of pure gentle. For resorts, the Electra Metropolis is a extremely popular possibility and it contains breakfast, a rooftop bar, and wonderful views.
What’s the easiest way of getting round Athens?
One of the simplest ways to get round Athens is to make use of Google Maps. Google Maps can present you native bus and metro occasions, strolling instructions, and even has a characteristic to order rideshare like Uber and Lyft.
How a lot does it value to enter the websites in Athens?
Entrance charges in Athens typically value between €8-€10 for the most well-liked websites.
What’s the finest lodge with a rooftop pool in Athens?
Electra Lodge has the nicest rooftop pool in all of Athens with a terrific 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 very best factor to do in Athens on a wet day is to go to one of many many museums, like The Struggle Museum. Or take a look at one of many many Byzantine church buildings, eat at a number of the nice eating places with a tremendous view, or go to through the Summer season 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’ll be able to even make a theme for every day you’re 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 at all times love spending time in Athens, and I’m positive you’ll as nicely.
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