There are such a lot of thrilling issues to do in Athens, it may be arduous to resolve what to do. Athens is an iconic vacation spot, steeped in historical historical past and full of 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 instances and love town, that is undoubtedly probably the greatest locations to go to 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 most well-liked factor to do in Athens.
After all, which means that everybody needs to go there, together with guests from cruise ships. My recommendation is to get there early. The archaeological web site 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’ll be able to see a lot of Athens and may see all the way in which to the ocean. The doorway payment is €20 ($23.25).
To study all of necessary websites and the unbelievable historical past, be part of a non-public strolling tour. The tour may also take you to the museum (beneath). There are just a few several types of excursions you’ll be able to take, click on right 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 stunning museums I’ve ever been to. I beloved my expertise right here! It’s full of pure gentle, which highlights the artifacts nicely.
There are different works that spotlight Greek Mythology.
Right here you will get an in depth take a look at the Parthenon frieze replicas on show, and rather more historical Greek artwork. The cafe balcony additionally gives nice views of historical ruins in Athens. You possibly can study extra concerning the Acropolis on my weblog.
Both earlier than or after you go to the Acropolis, it’s essential 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 time months.
Line-ups right here may be big, 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 is just not a library within the sense we all know it right this moment, 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’ll be able to clearly see the format of the library and there may be wonderful signage.
The doorway payment is €4 ($4.70). Hadrian’s Library is a small museum situated 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 Seashore
Going to the seashore is among the lesser-known issues to do in Athens as most individuals assume it’s a must to go to the islands to get pleasure from some seashore time. Though it’s not one of many greatest seashores in Greece, it’s nonetheless a fantastic place to loosen up and benefit from the sea and see what fashionable Greece is all about.
Take your individual towel and umbrella if you need one, as there are none accessible there. You may get a fantastic meal on the Edem Taverna situated on the seashore.
To get to Edem Seashore, take the Inexperienced Line tram at Syntagma Sq. and take it within the route 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 out of doors the restaurant. After I was there it was adorned for Halloween.
Little KooK is principally a dessert cafe, however the prime attraction is the decorations. That is in all probability 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 traditional graffiti artwork to fashionable avenue artwork.
Whereas you’ll find a lot of it by yourself within the Plaka space, this tour reveals you round 5 cool neighborhoods which might be lesser identified to vacationers.
This various tour is extremely rated and loads of enjoyable. Plus, the time for the tour isn’t strict — if everyone seems to be having a superb time and are desirous to proceed, you’ll be able to hold exploring extra avenue artwork and discovering hidden gems.
Have your digital camera or telephone able to take pictures. Click on right here to study extra about this expertise and to e book.
7. Go Bar Hopping (Greatest Factor To Do in Athens at Night time)
For such a enjoyable metropolis, it’s no shock that probably the greatest 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 buddies.
A bar hopping tour is among the funnest methods to get pleasure from Athens nightlife.
The entire tables are reserved forward of time, so that you received’t have to attend in line in any respect. In case you’re on the lookout for cool issues to do in Athens at evening, it is a good choice. Discover out extra right 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 fashionable that even Greeks eat right here. The most effective factor to eat is the Yogurtlu, which is a beef kebab lined 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 probably the greatest on the town.
It’s also possible to get some scrumptious Souvlaki at a lot of a flea markets and market on the town.
(Editor’s Observe: a Greek reader has suggested us that Agrafa restaurant has the perfect 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 gives rooms from homes, giant sculptures, and smaller objects like swords and historic paperwork.
The museum is a brief stroll from Syntagma Sq.. It’s situated in a gorgeous Neo-classic constructing and you’ll get pleasure from a espresso and the view from the cafe. Skip-the-line tickets to the museum may be bought forward of time, right here.
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10. Smash Issues at Limba Rage Room
Feeling a bit stressed? Have to get some rage out? Limba Rage Room is the place to do exactly that.
You buy a package deal (which may embody plates, bottles, a tube TV and glasses), and also you smash them! It’s a fantastic 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 offer you protecting gear to put on. It’s situated 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 traditional Greek coffees, there may be additionally a frappe and a freddo espresso.
The frappe is just not like a Starbucks frappe however as a substitute is made with on the spot espresso, water, and sugar (in case 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 sizzling day in Athens.
Espresso tradition in Greece is a really large deal. Not solely do locals drink espresso (sizzling or chilly) quite a few instances all through the day, however as legend would have it, your fortune may 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, be sure 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 Artwork is house to one of the full non-public collections of Cycladic Artwork. That is particularly nice to see in case you received’t be visiting one of many Cycladic islands in your journey to Greece.
Many of the artifacts on show are marble items together with bottles, plates, and requirements, in addition to different historical Greek artwork. There are some steel objects as nicely. The items of marble are largely white making them gorgeous 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 situated beneath the Acropolis. A lot of this space has been closed off to visitors, though supply vans nonetheless are allowed by way of and a few streets are open.
The chain shops and extra upscale outlets are on Ermou Road — 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 would possibly wish to carry house in your family and friends. Plus, it is 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 have to 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 look at.
Whereas the guards do change hourly, on Sundays at 11:00 there are extra guards than regular, they’re dressed within the conventional Greek uniform and the ceremony is extra advanced.
Sundays are the perfect day to see the altering of the guards in Athens. And whereas they might look a bit uncommon, they’re extremely skilled troopers referred to as the Evezone. This is among the greatest free issues to do in Athens.
15. Go to Monastiraki Sq.
In case you 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.
Additionally it is a historic web site 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 among the most bustling locations in Athens and chilling out right here is among the greatest issues to do. When you’re right here, take a look at the Monastiraki flea market.
16. Get Customized Made Greek Sandals
When you are purchasing 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 may get a traditional pair in primary 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 most effective place in Athens to get loukoumades is on the aptly named Lukumades. It isn’t removed from O Thanasis so after consuming your kebab you’ll be able to 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 gorgeous, however you get superb views of Athens from right here. It’s also possible to 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 possibly even a picnic.
There’s a funicular to take you up and down in case you don’t wish 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 possibly can take the metro to the Victoria station and stroll from there. The doorway payment is €10.
That is seemingly the perfect 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 wish to miss this expertise! It’s one of many highest-rated excursions in Athens.
Meet up along with your information and uncover some unbelievable avenue 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 by way of 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! In case you’re on the lookout for non-touristy issues to do in Athens, it is a nice choice — it’s additionally probably the greatest 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 really like Greek meals, I at all times search for good meals and excursions with a facet of strolling. Whether or not you’re excited about wine, historical past, or meals, it’s at all times 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 automobiles. Many of the issues to do are situated proper within the port together with eating places and purchasing. There’s even a swimming spot a five-minute stroll away.
Hydra is about an hour’s ferry experience away in case 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 study extra.
22. Go to Parliament Constructing
Even in case 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 house to the primary fashionable King of Greece.
It turned the Parliament constructing in 1935 after the monarchy was abolished in 1929. I counsel seeing it at evening when it’s superbly lit.
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23. Eat Gyros
You can’t come to Athens and never have a traditional gyro. They’re accessible virtually in all places and you’ll have enjoyable looking for the perfect 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 smooth pita bread. Generally you’ll be able to organize them open-faced on a plate. They’re fairly large, so in case you’ve achieved tons of strolling that is the meal for you. Take a look at Kostas or Scrumptious Souvlaki for tasty gyros.
24. Take a Day Crusing Journey
One in all my favourite issues 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 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 among the greatest 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, in case you’d want a catamaran journey in Athens that features meals and drinks, click on right here for particulars.
There’s no higher solution to discover many Greek Islands on a fast journey to Greece.
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25. Go to the Temple of Poseidon
The gorgeous 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.
You must 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 it is a day journey from Athens because it’s 70kms south of town. There’s a bus from Athens from the Mavromateon Terminal and you may also get it from Syntagma Sq.. Search for the bus going to Sounio. The bus fare one-way is €6.90.
In case you’d slightly 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 situated 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 might have to look issues up after you go. The doorway payment is €6.
27. Discover the Athens Central Market
That is the traditional outside market with shouting distributors and all of the smells that come together with it. I found it after I stayed in a lodge proper available in the market. The fruits in Greece look and scent superb so even in case you don’t purchase something it’s nonetheless a fantastic place to go to.
The opposite factor to notice is that a lot of the distributors don’t converse English, however you’ll be able to level to objects that you simply’re excited about 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 on right here for a enjoyable market tour in Athens.
In case you don’t wish to eat on the market, there are additionally some good eating places close by.
28. Donate Your Time: Volunteer in Athens
In case you’re an animal particular person, 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’ll be able to help with strolling and caring for canines and cats.
This might not be one of many extra touristy issues to do in Athens, however in case 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 among the oldest church buildings in Athens. The fascinating factor about this Greek Orthodox church is that it’s surrounded by fashionable buildings! Yow will discover 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, most important dish, salad, dessert, and native dips. Plus, wine is included.
Chat with the chef and your new buddies 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 full of life, bustling, and a bit tough across the edges, nevertheless it’s a unbelievable place to get misplaced amongst the traditional websites.
By foot, you’ll be able to 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 avenue 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 middle.
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 here are solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting town.
What Ought to I Keep away from in Athens?
In the case of areas of Athens, Omonia, Exarcheia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares have excessive crime charges and must be prevented at evening, if not altogether. Be sure 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 an effective 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 undoubtedly go to Athens on two day journeys, a weekend, or in 3 days. You’ll be capable of cowl all the most important highlights in simply a few days, and on the third day, you’ll be able to 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 wish to keep central when visiting Athens, and purpose 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 want accommodations with a easy room, whereas others want residences with a dwelling space and a kitchen.
This house has wonderful evaluations and views of the Acropolis, whereas this house is in Plaka and likewise has unbelievable views plus numerous pure gentle. For accommodations, the Electra Metropolis is a very fashionable choice and it consists of 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 instances, strolling instructions, and even has a characteristic to order rideshare like Uber and Lyft.
How a lot does it price to enter the websites in Athens?
Entrance charges in Athens usually price between €8-€10 for the most well-liked websites.
What’s the greatest lodge with a rooftop pool in Athens?
Electra Lodge has the nicest rooftop pool in all of Athens with a fantastic bar, gorgeous views, and loads of areas to sit down and loosen up.
What’s the smartest thing to do in Athens on a wet day?
The most effective factor to do in Athens on a wet day is to go to one of many many museums, like The Conflict Museum. Or take a look at one of many many Byzantine church buildings, eat at a number of the nice eating places with an incredible view, or go to through the Summer season months when rain is much less seemingly.
Now You Know What To Do in Athens
As you’ll be able to see there are such a lot of issues to do in Athens. You possibly can 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’ll be able to uncover! I at all times love spending time in Athens, and I’m certain you’ll as nicely.
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