Athens needs to be one of the crucial iconic locations I’ve visited! It’s steeped in historic historical past, full of scrumptious meals choices, and limitless issues to see and do. I’m a historical past buffs, so seeing the imposing Acropolis for the primary time was an unimaginable feeling!
Whether or not you’re into historic historical past or not, Athens is a enjoyable metropolis to go to. With its gritty vibe, and stark distinction between trendy and historic, Athens is a singular European capital.
This listing will allow you to resolve what to do in Athens throughout your time right here – regardless of how lengthy your go to is. I’ll share a mixture of historical past, meals, purchasing, nightlife & distinctive issues to do in Athens. I like this metropolis, that is undoubtedly among the finest locations to go to in Greece.
I’ve been to Athens quite a few occasions, and can most likely be visiting once more this 12 months! For those who’re flying in, Athens will probably be your first cease in Greece. Spend a few days having fun with the town earlier than heading to one of many dreamy Greek Islands.
Right here’s my listing of the very best issues to do in Athens, Greece.
1. Climb to the Acropolis
The primary time I noticed the Acropolis, my jaw dropped. Irrespective of what number of historic websites you’ve seen, seeing the Acropolis towering over the town is fairly particular!
To be clear, the Acropolis is your entire metropolis on the hill – not one explicit break. It’s devoted to the goddess Athena, and a go to to the Fifth-century Acropolis is the most well-liked factor to do in Athens – by far.
After all, which means that everybody desires to go there, together with guests from cruise ships. My recommendation is to get there early. The archaeological website itself opens at 8:00am 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 price is €30.
To study all of essential websites and the unimaginable historical past, I counsel becoming a member of a strolling tour. The tour can even take you to the museum (under).
There are a couple of several types of excursions you possibly can take, however click on right here to be taught extra a couple of highly-rated, skip-the-line tour. Plus, you possibly can reserve now and pay later, which is nice as solely a certain quantity of persons are allowed to go to the Acropolis every day. Cancellation is obtainable as much as 24 hours earlier than the tour. That is nice if you happen to’re not totally certain of your plans but.
2. Go to the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is among the most lovely museums I’ve ever been to. I cherished my expertise right here! It’s full of pure gentle, which highlights the artifacts effectively.
Right here you may get a detailed have a look at the Parthenon frieze replicas on show, and rather more historic Greek artwork. The cafe balcony additionally provides nice views of historic ruins in Athens. You’ll be able to be taught extra in regards to the Acropolis on my weblog.
Both earlier than or after you go to the Acropolis, you should go to the Acropolis Museum – test in case your guided tour contains the museum, most of them do.
It’s not removed from the doorway of the Acropolis and the doorway price is €20. BUT, if you happen to go to on one in every of today, it’s free: March sixth (Melina Mercouri Day), March twenty fifth (Nationwide vacation), Could 18th (Worldwide Day of Museums), October twenty eighth (Nationwide vacation).
Line-ups right here might be large, to skip the road, buy your ticket forward of time right here. Alternatively, you should purchase an all-inclusive ticket for each the museum and the Acropolis right here.
3. See Hadrian’s Library
This library is just not a library within the sense we all know it right now, it was a spot of examine, 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’s wonderful signage.
The doorway price 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. 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 out of doors the restaurant. After I was there it was embellished for Halloween.
Little KooK is especially a dessert cafe, however the high attraction is the decorations. This one of the crucial whimsical locations I’ve been, and might be probably the most Instagrammable place in Athens in addition to the Acropolis! Click on right here to seek out it on the map.
💡 Professional Tip: For those who’re in Athens for some time, you possibly can decide up a MegaPass Athens Metropolis Cross. With it, you possibly can skip the fluff and head straight to the highlights – the Acropolis, Parthenon, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, audio guides, and extra. It’s all included, no further charges. Only one cross for the complete Athens expertise.
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5. Take a Avenue Artwork Tour
It’s true, Athens is a little bit of a gritty metropolis, however with that, comes some unimaginable road artwork. I loved wandering across the Plaka space and snapping pictures of the artwork. And sure, the road artwork in Athens ranges from common graffiti tags, to some unimaginable items.
Whereas you’ll find a lot of it by yourself within the Plaka space, it’s finest to go together with an area who can present you round and clarify the story behind the artwork. This tour reveals you round 5 cool neighborhoods which are lesser recognized to vacationers.
Becoming a member of a road artwork tour is the easiest way to get off the overwhelmed path, and be taught extra in regards to the metropolis. That is my decide for one of many extra distinctive issues to do in Athens.
6. Go Bar Hopping
For such a enjoyable metropolis, it’s no shock that among the finest issues to do in Athens at night time is to go bar hopping. Try Psiri (Psyrri) for the general finest nightlife, Kolonaki for extra upscale nights out, and Gazi for golf equipment/partying.
You are able to do like I did and wander round, stopping in at locations that seemed busy, or if you wish to meet individuals and be taught a bit in regards to the metropolis, you possibly can be part of a meals and booze tour.
With this enjoyable, native expertise, you’ll discover 3 completely different areas of Athens, and go to 3 completely different bars there, whereas having fun with drinks, meals, and nice dialog with new pals.
A bar hopping tour is among the finest methods to take pleasure in Athens nightlife, particularly if you happen to’re on a fast journey.
All the tables are reserved forward of time, so that you received’t have to attend in line in any respect. For those who’re searching for cool issues to do in Athens at night time, this can be a good choice. Discover out extra right here.
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7. Eat The Finest Yogurtlu and Souvlaki
O Thanasis is among the hottest locations to eat in Plaka. It’s so well-liked 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 set you again round €15. The individuals at O Thanasis are pleasant and never pushy.
I feel the souvlaki can also be among the finest on the town. For those who don’t make it right here, you too can get some scrumptious souvlaki at lots of a flea markets and markets on the town.
8. Smash Issues at Limba Rage Room
Feeling a bit of wired? Have to get some rage out? Limba Rage Room is the place to just do that.
You buy a package deal (which might embrace plates, bottles, a tube TV and glasses), and also you smash them! It’s an excellent stress reliever and one of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Athens.
There are a selection of packages for each price range. 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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9. Drink a Greek Espresso
I like getting my freddo repair when in Greece! Sampling a freddo cappuccino is among the must-do issues in Athens. This is only one of three basic Greek coffees, there’s additionally a frappe and a freddo espresso.
The frappe is just not like a Starbucks frappe however as a substitute is made with immediate espresso, water, and sugar (if you happen to select).
The freddo cappuccino is espresso topped with frothy milk (which is my favorite).
The freddo espresso is simply swirled espresso over ice. All of those coffees pack a severe caffeine punch however since they’re all served chilly, it’s nice on a sizzling day in Athens.
Espresso tradition in Greece is a really massive deal. Not solely do locals drink espresso (sizzling or chilly) quite a few occasions all through the day, however as legend would have it, your fortune might be instructed by studying the dregs of espresso left on the backside of your cup.
The following time you’ve completed consuming your espresso in Athens, be certain to ask somebody to point out you learn how to learn your fortune.
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10. Store in The Plaka
The Plaka is a neighborhood positioned under the Acropolis with charming streets and outlets. Wandering round right here is an effective way to spend a couple of hours. A lot of this space has been closed off to site visitors, though supply vans nonetheless are allowed via and a few streets are open.
The chain shops and extra upscale outlets are on Ermou Avenue – the place you’ll find 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’ll find souvenirs you may need to convey dwelling on your family and friends. Plus, this can be a nice space for people-watching.
12. Watch the Altering of The Guard
For those who’re in Athens on a Sunday, you received’t need to miss the ceremonial Altering of the Guard. The army guards change each hour, however on Sundays at 11:00am, they placed on an elaborate present with conventional uniforms.
The Altering of the Guard takes place at Syntagma Sq. on the Parliament Constructing. The very best place to view it from is the Presidential Mansion. This is among the finest free issues to do in Athens.
I went on a Sunday and it was undoubtedly the very best time to see it. They could look a bit of uncommon, however belief me, they’re extremely educated troopers referred to as the Evezone. Don’t miss it!
13. Go to Monastiraki Sq.
For those who sit in Monastiraki Sq. lengthy sufficient, I swear you will notice everybody in Athens stroll by. That is the place to look at 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 in the course of the constructing of the primary metro station.
This is among the most bustling locations in Athens and chilling out right here is among the finest issues to do. Whilst you’re right here, try the Monastiraki flea market.
14. Get Customized Made Greek Sandals
If you are purchasing within the Plaka, make sure you 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 era to era.
You may get a basic pair in fundamental leather-based or get a flowery pair with decorations or metallics. The costs vary from €40 to €50.
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15. 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 (and tremendous extremely rated) Lukumades. It isn’t removed from O Thanasis so after consuming your kebab you possibly can have a donut for dessert!
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16. Watch the Sundown at Lycabettus Hill
Watching the sundown from Lycabettus Hill is among the finest issues to do in Athens. Not solely is the sundown gorgeous, however you get superb views of Athens from right here. You too can see the Acropolis all lit up for the night.
Earlier than you head out to benefit from the Athens nightlife, contemplate climbing Lycabettus for a pleasant sundown and perhaps even a picnic.
There’s a funicular to take you up and down if you happen to don’t need to climb the hill. The fee for the funicular is €13 return or €10 for a one-way ticket. Click on right here to seek out it on the map.
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17. Be a part of a Strolling Meals Tour
Not all of the excursions in Athens are about historical past. For those who love Greek meals like I do (and truthfully, who doesn’t?!), try this enjoyable, informative, and attractive tour! It’s one of many highest-rated excursions in Athens.
Meet up together 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 means via 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! For those who’re searching for non-touristy issues to do in Athens, this can be a nice choice – it’s additionally among the finest worth experiences within the metropolis. Discover out extra and reserve your spot right here.
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18. Eat Gyros
You’ll be able to’t come to Athens and never have a basic gyro. They’re out there virtually in every single place and you may have enjoyable looking for the very best one. A seek for your favourite gyro is among the finest issues to do in Athens for foodies.
I’ve eaten my fair proportion of gyro, which consists of rooster or lamb, french fries, onions, and tomatoes all wrapped up in delicate pita bread. Typically you possibly can organize them open-faced on a plate.
They’re fairly massive, so if you happen to’ve achieved tons of strolling that is the meal for you. Try Kostas or Scrumptious Souvlaki for tasty gyros.
19. Stroll By way of the Historical Agora
Historical Agora is a cemetery positioned proper down the hill from the Acropolis. It was constructed as a market after Athens grew to become 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’s not a lot signage on the Historical Agora so you might have to lookup the historical past once you get there. The doorway price has elevated over time and is now €20. Click on right here to seek out it on the map.
20. Discover the Athens Central Market
The Central Market (Varvakios Agora) is a basic out of doors market with shouting distributors and all of the smells that come together with it.
I found it after I stayed in a lodge proper out there. The fruits in Greece look and odor superb so even if you happen to don’t purchase something it’s nonetheless an excellent place to go to.
The opposite factor to notice is that a lot of the distributors don’t communicate English, however you possibly can level to gadgets that you simply’re enthusiastic about and use signal language (or a translation app).
There’s additionally meat and fish if you happen to’re in self-catering lodging. I cherished this market as a result of it felt like such an authentically Greek expertise. Click on right here for a enjoyable market tour right here which incorporates tastings and drinks.
Both means, a go to to the bustling market is among the stuff you shouldn’t miss in Athens. Discover it on the map, right here.
21. Volunteer in Athens
For those who’re an animal individual, there are a couple 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 canine and cats.
This might not be one of many extra touristy issues to do in Athens, however you probably have some further time, or if you need to assist out, it’s undoubtedly one of many extra rewarding actions in Athens.
22. Go to the Panagia Kapnikarea Church
Constructed within the eleventh century, this is among the oldest church buildings in Athens. The fascinating factor about this Greek Orthodox church is that it’s surrounded by trendy buildings! You’ll find it right here on the map.
23. Be a part of a Cooking Class with Rooftop Dinner
It’s all the time enjoyable to affix cooking lessons all over the world. You get to talk with the chef in regards to the nation and delicacies, and meet different travellers.
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 – truthfully, simply the view itself is value it! Discover out extra about this highly-rated cooking expertise in Athens right here.
24. 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 historic 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 fascinating streets within the metropolis middle.
25. Go to The Panathenaic Stadium
You most likely already know that Greece is dwelling to the unique Olympic Video games – so that you don’t need to miss the unique stadium!
The Panathenaic Stadium was inbuilt 330 BC and later expanded into a totally marble area that hosted the primary trendy Olympics in 1896 and once more in 2004.
Attempt to time your go to for the Athens Marathon, which follows he legendary 42 km route of Pheidippides. It will be unimaginable to look at runners cross the end line in such a historic setting. Click on right here for the dates of the Marathon.
Day Journeys from Athens
When you’ve got extra time within the metropolis, take a look at these enjoyable day journeys.
1. Hydra Island
You’ll be able to nonetheless go to a Greek island whereas in your journey to Athens!
Hydra is a small island that permits no automobiles. Many of the issues to do are positioned proper within the port together with eating places and purchasing. There may be even a swimming spot a five-minute stroll away.
Hydra is about an hour’s ferry journey away if you happen to 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 right here.
An alternative choice is to be part of a day tour that takes you to Hydra and features a information and 4 hours of free time on the island. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Crusing Journey
Certainly one of 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 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 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, if you happen to’d choose a catamaran journey in Athens that features meals and drinks, and two stops for swimming, click on right here for particulars.
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3. Temple of Poseidon
The gorgeous historic 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 typically see a number of islands on a transparent day from the temple.
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.
For those who’d reasonably be part of a tour and never have to fret about transportation, try this highly-rated half-day tour to Poseidon.
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?
In terms of areas of Athens, Omonia, Exarcheia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares have excessive crime charges and ought to be prevented at night time, if not altogether. Be sure to keep watch over your purse and pockets when visiting Athens in addition to there are pickpockets round.
Becoming a member of a strolling tour with an area once you first arrive in Athens is an effective way to get a rundown of the town and the do’s and don’ts.
Are you able to Do Athens in 3 Days?
Sure! You’ll be able to undoubtedly go to Athens in a day, 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 condo is as much as you – some individuals choose motels with a easy room, whereas others choose flats with a dwelling space and a kitchen.
This condo has wonderful opinions and views of the Acropolis, whereas this condo is in Plaka and in addition has unimaginable views plus a number of pure gentle. For motels, the Electra Metropolis is a highly regarded choice and it contains breakfast, a rooftop bar, and wonderful views.
What’s the easiest way of getting round Athens?
The easiest way to get round Athens is by foot utilizing Google Maps. If you should go outdoors of the principle areas, you possibly can catch a bus or seize a rideshare.
How a lot does it value to enter the websites in Athens?
Entrance charges in Athens typically value between €15-€20 for the most well-liked websites.
What’s the finest lodge with a rooftop pool in Athens?
Electra Resort has the nicest rooftop pool in all of Athens with an excellent bar, gorgeous views, and loads of areas to take a seat and loosen up.
What’s the neatest 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 try one of many Byzantine church buildings, eat at a few of the nice eating places with a tremendous view, or go to in the course of 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 historic 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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