Top Attractions in Athens
Ah, Greece. Ancient ruins, bustling cities, boat trips over crystal blue seas. Also, some of the friendliest locals you could ever wish to meet. What’s not to like? The finest activities and things to do in Athens are listed here, regardless of whether you only have one, two, or three days in a city.
Greece is a country full of history and culture. Its capital, Athens, is like a gateway to a whole new world. Sitting on the stunning Aegean Sea and one of the oldest cities in the world. The capital city of Greece was once the heart of an empire.
Today, perfectly located in the spot where East meets West, Athens is the ideal destination. Whether you want a city break, a lazy, luxurious beach stay, or an action-packed, historical adventure.
With so much to consider from such a fantastic city, it’s easy to be split for choice. But don’t worry, because you’ve come to the right place to find out the best things to do in Athens.
Visit the Acropolis
It’s the most iconic location in the whole of Greece, and is today considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Not that it’s new!
The Acropolis was built nearly 2,500 years ago, in 447 BC, and was dedicated as a palace to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.
It’s the symbol of democracy and stands proudly on a rocky platform, looking high over the city.
It’s fascinating, beautiful, and here’s a sneaky secret: it’s always best seen first thing in the morning. Watching the sunrise over the Acropolis is a stunning, moving experience you must have, and is one of the best things to do in Athens.
It can get very busy and very hot in the height of summertime, so go early in order to fully appreciate the views and avoid the crowds. A great idea is to book a half-day tour of the Acropolis, so you skip the queues, see the sights and then get to stroll around the air-conditioned museums.
See Athens on a Tuk Tuk!
This is a perfect way to get a real feel of the city and it only takes around an hour. By booking a private sightseeing tour by tuk tuk you get to enjoy the must-see locations without sitting on a stuffy bus or in a cab.
An eco-friendly tuk tuk can whizz you down the narrow streets as the friendly drivers show you the hidden gems of this beautiful city.
Don’t forget to tip your driver after enjoying one of the newest, most modern, and yet most fun things to do in Athens!
Take a Trip to Delphi or Meteora
Knowing what to do in Athens is also about what to do around Athens, too. Two of the must-see locations of Greece lie outside of the city.
Delphi, 200km to the west of Athens, is a UNESCO-listed archaeological site and home to an ancient stadium and theater. It’s also the location of the Temple of Apollo.
By now, you’ll have learned so much after your Acropolis tour that you’ll be on first-name terms with the Greek gods!
Further north in Greece is Meteora, which literally means “middle of the sky” in Greek. You’ll understand when you get there: these 400-meter rock formations are home to old monasteries that perch on top of the rocks like little nests.
Both of these locations are uniquely beautiful and set in spectacular surroundings with panoramic views and lush green scenery. You might want to make it a two-day tour with a package that includes a hotel so you can do both fabulous trips before returning to Athens.
Get on a Boat to Wherever You Like
Did you know that Greece is home to over 6,000 islands?
Only 227 of those islands are inhabited, but even that’s more than enough for you to have your pick of some of these jewels of the Mediterranean.
By getting on a three-island day cruise you can explore the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Egina directly from Athens.
If you want something a little more adventurous with more of a personal touch, why not consider a unique sailing experience? Not only could you make this a romantic trip for two, but you get your own Greek captain who will literally show you the ropes.
Take your sailing ship out onto the open sea, the way the Ancient Greeks did thousands of years ago. Drop the anchor whenever you please and dive into the turquoise waters to swim and snorkel to your heart’s content.
And when you’re back on board, you’re sure to be ready for the delicious Greek lunch onboard the ship, which is included in the price.
Try Healthy Greek Food
The Greek kitchen is one of the most beloved in the entire world. Even doctors swear by the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables, olives, fish, and a splash of olive oil mean you’ll be in foodie heaven.
Whenever you visit a new country you should always check out the local cuisine. But we’re going to let you in on the best-kept secrets in Athens when it comes to food.
Avoid the Seafront Tavernas
They look pretty and yes, you’ll have beautiful views while you eat. But you’ll pay through the nose and the quality will never be as good.
Real Greeks will never eat in these kinds of places because they value good quality food over a pretty view. So, if good food is what you’ve come for, you’ll be sure to find it with a few handy tips.
For example, go where the locals go. Check out the busiest backstreet places that have high numbers of Greek patrons. You’ll know who they are: they’ll be chattering in Greek, gesticulating animatedly with their hands. Also, sipping tiny little glasses of a cloudy spirit called tsipouro.
The areas of Keramikos and Petralona are particularly good for dinner and drinks, and afterward, check out the local open-air cinemas for a movie in the evening heat. Be sure to take mosquito spray!
If you’re out at night and fancy a delicious sandwich, look for a local gyros place. For just a couple of euros, you’ll get yourself the tastiest pita bread filled to the brim with pork slow-cooked on a spit, served with fries, mustard and ketchup.
Take your sandwich and go for a stroll along the seafront for a fraction of the price of what it would cost to sit in a restaurant.
Even if pork isn’t what you fancy, you’ll find an abundance of meats, fish, and seafood, along with delicious Greek salads and, of course, feta cheese!
Become a Greek Culinary Master
If you want to know how to recreate the delicious food you’ve been trying in Athens back home, then you’ll want to take a cooking masterclass!
In one of the top things to do in Athens, you’ll learn the history and traditions of Greek cooking. Then a walk around the local market with an experienced chef will teach you how to shop Greek-style for the freshest ingredients.
Finally, back in the kitchen, along with a glass of wine. As you’ll learn how to prepare some of the tastiest Greek dishes you can imagine. Make this one of the top things to do in Athens that your friends back home will love you for. Once you’ve recreated these meals for them.
Chill on the Beach
Not a problem. Athens might be a bustling metropolis but if you want nothing but sand, sea, and an ice-cold glass of Mythos beer, we’ve got you covered.
Didn’t we say the locals know best? Sure, you could head down to a local beach only a stone’s throw away from the city center. But by pushing the boat out a little (literally) you could get yourself a speedboat to the Bay of Islands.
On this day trip, you’ll whizz to the secluded Bay of Islands where the boat will stop and you’ll get some peaceful beach time all to yourself. You can snooze, read, go and explore and snorkel to your heart’s content.
Parthenon
In addition to being the finest accomplishment of the Doric and the most important structure from Classical Greece to survive into the twenty-first century, the Parthenon is a symbolic of western civilization with Athenian democratic.
Built between 447 BC, and is devoted to the Parthenon divinity Athena. It was the centerpiece of the Athenian Empire’s dominance over the Aegean.
This structure, which was co-designed by Ictinus and Callicrates. It was first used as a municipal treasury before being converted into a chapel in the 6th century as well as finally into a mosque in the 1460s.
A few of the Parthenon’s statues were infamously looted either by Earl of Elgin at the beginning of the 18th century. Subsequently sold to that same British Museum, where they are still on display today.
The Museum of Acropolis
The museum was intended by Swiss architect and built on the southeastern hill of the Acropolis. It opened its doors in 2009 to display the various thousands of artifacts that have been found on the archaeological excavation of the Acropolis.
The museum, which is cleverly positioned to provide you with continuous views of the Parthenon, is constructed over old ruins. Most of the bottom floor is covered with glass panels as well as open areas.
On three floors, visitors are taken on a historical journey through the ages. Beginning with the archaic finds made on the hill, which are shown in a huge trapezoidal hall. It also contains artifacts from of the Erechtheion, the Propylaea entrance, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
Once you’ve done that, you may ascend to the Parthenon’s frieze as well as pediments. They house in a hall with the same proportions, column spacing, and orientations as the temple itself.
Erechtheion
A temple dedicated to Athena and Poseidon, constructed in the Ionic order. In the centuries after antiquity, this structure was used for a variety of purposes. Including a Byzantine church, a palace during the Frankish era, and a home for the Ottoman commander’s harem.
The Porch of the Maidens, located on the southern side of the Erechtheion, is a must-see. It serves as the building’s distinguishing image.
This structure is supported by six beautiful caryatids, which were carved by Callimachus and Alcamenes and serve as roof supports.
National Archaeological Museum
It’s only appropriate that Athens’ National Archaeological Museum should have one of the biggest and most comprehensive collections of ancient art in the world.
For centuries, academics have been enchanted by the exhibitions in the galleries, and this year is no exception.
Take, for example, the artifacts recovered from the wreck of the Atikythera. It was revealed in 1900 as well as behind the times of 4th century BC. This resulted in the Atikythera Complex, the world’s earliest analogue computer. As well as the meditative Philosopher’s Head, which is now in the British Museum.
After that, there’s a gold funeral mask dating from the 16th century BC that was most likely created for Mycenaean kings. But it was too late for Agamemnon to be buried with him.
Temple of Hephaestus
The Temple of Hephaestus, located atop the 65-metre-high Agoraios Kolonos hill on the northwest side of the Agora of Athens, is a Doric peripteral temple that has been preserved in astonishing condition.
Its completion was prolonged for three decades and built in 5th century BC while money and labor were diverted to the building of the Parthenon in Athens.
Built by Ictinus and dedicated to Athena and Hephaestus, the ancient deity of fire, metallurgy, forges, sculpting and stone masonry. It features six fluted columns on its west side and thirteen on its southern side. As well as a neoclassical design.
Sculpted features can be seen on the east side, including the Labor of Hercules on the meotopes, pronaos, and opisthodomos. It depicts Theseus with the Pallantides as well as the fight of Centaurs as well as Lapiths, respectively.
Cycladic Art Museum
Late 1960s, the family Nicholas & Dolly Goulandris gathered the world’s largest collection of ancient art from the Cycladic Archipelago in the Aegean. It is now on display at the British Museum.
The collection had grown large enough by the 1980s to warrant the institution of museum, which was opened in 1986. The museum has more than 3,000 items of Cycladic, Ancient Greek, and Cypriot art. They date from 3,000 BC to the 4th century BC and are on display. However, it is the Cycladic marble figures that have received the greatest attention.
If you are a fan of contemporary art, you may discover eerie parallels between their simple, abstract lines. The works by artists such as Giacometti as well as Henry Moore can be seen there.
Plaka
It’s a neighborhood of narrow, winding alleyways with 19th-century buildings that are festooned with blooming bougainvillea in the summer months.
Plaka is densely filled with family-run businesses. Each of which offers something unique and enticing. Ranging from pottery to musical instruments to handcrafted jewelry to specialized food shops. High with olives and spices to specialty clothing boutiques. Take hold of a gyro or settle down to some meze, Plaka is the place to be for eating and nightlife.
Anafiotika is a steep whitewashed neighborhood located below the rocky north-eastern slope of the Acropolis. It was established during the 19th-century reign of Otto of Greece when workmen were sent here for the restoration of King Othon’s Palace.
Benaki Museum
The Benaki Museum, which has a nearly full the art by art historian Antonis Benakis developed a timeline of Greek history and culture in 1930 to house his collection. He established the organization in honor of his father, Emmanuel. He died the previous year and was a major figure in the country.
You may trace the development of Greek art over three levels, beginning with ancient periods and ending with the present. The bottom level has a remarkable number of complex Neolithic vases. Also archaic pottery and information, as well as Classical art and architecture. The first level journey through the late Byzantine era and Ottoman control. It is richly decorated with religious icons and samples of peasant dress.
After passing through the cafe on the third level, visitors will reach the top floor. It has paintings, papers, and weaponry from the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. It lasted from 1821 to 1829.
Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium is a replica of a historic stadium constructed in 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games. 200 years later, the Athenian Roman senator Herodes Atticus would recreate the old monument in marble.
The Panethenaic Stadium, with its U-shaped plan, is a near-exact copy of the 2nd century BC structure and, like its forerunner, is entirely made of marble.
It was a global attraction during the 2004 Athens Olympians, when it hosted archery competitions and served as the finish line for both the men’s and women’s marathons.
The stadium can hold 45,000 spectators and from its highest tiers you can see the Acropolis and the National Garden.
Try Tiropita
If you’re in a hurry to go to the next temple or museum, Athens offers a variety of options that are open from early in the morning to late at night.
Early in the morning, bakers offer pastries such as tiropita as well as spanakopita. Other breakfast favorites include koulouri, circular bread covered with sesame seeds and eaten right out from the oven, with bougatsa, another filo pastry filled with minced meat, semolina custard, or cheese in the afternoons and early evenings.
Searching for incredible a little bit extensive, there’s always the tried and true souvlaki, which is often made with pig meat and topped with onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki before being wrapped in a pita.
Patsa, a soup prepared with pig’s offal and served in dedicated pasta restaurants around the city, is a cheap and joyful old-school favorite.
National Garden
The National Garden is a pleasant green oasis between ancient Athens and the contemporary sea.
The Royal Garden was opened out to the southwest of the Old Royal Palace. It was established by Amalia of Oldenburg at the end of 1830s, and was previously known as the National Garden. You may come for a few minutes of relaxation, loitering under the pergolas and palm Tree Avenue. As well as, take children to the two ponds where they can interact with the turtles as well as ducks.
Additionally, the park has a wildlife park with peacocks, small birds, wolves, other monkeys, in addition to a botanical museum.
Psiri
Although Plaka is an enormous place for sightseeing as well as shopping, Psiri has risen to the top of the list as the finest nightlife district in Athens, having streets packed with revelers until the early hours of the morning on weekends.
After 20 years of development, Psiri now offers an unending variety of music taverns, bars, restaurants, cafes, as well as nightlife to cater to visitors of all ages and preferences.
The Hadrian’s library
Hadrian’s Library has been built during the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. It is the largest library in the world. It was constructed in order to store rolls of parchment books
The Monastiraki square
This is a lively, crowded neighborhood in Athens. It is situated in the heart of Athens, close to Hadrian’s Library, and Ancient Agora, and the Acropolis. Also, presently a short stroll away from the hotel.
A Greek Orthodox Church, a mosque, a metro station, the pillars of Hadrian’s Library, can be found here. Not to mention, many businesses may all be found on this plaza together. During Sundays, the plaza is completely taken up by a flea market.
The Ancient Agora
Follow the lead of Socrates and his various political as well as philosophical companions. The Agora is for everyone interested in ancient Greece as well as its history. A collection of unique artifacts from ancient everyday life is on exhibit in the Agora Museum. It is housed in the majestic Stoa of Attalos (a retail arcade architectural model that may be seen throughout contemporary Athens).
Are You Ready for Your Trip?
By now you’re fully prepared and you know exactly what to do in Athens!
Whether it’s taking in the historical culture, sitting by the sea, getting out on a sailing boat, or simply finding places to enjoy delicious local cuisine, you won’t be bored for a moment.
Say kalimera to Greece and have a fabulous time in Athens!
