There are such a lot of thrilling issues to do in Athens, it may be arduous to determine what to do. Athens is an iconic vacation spot, steeped in historic 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 listing will assist you determine what to do in Athens throughout your time there — irrespective of how lengthy your go to is. I’ve been to Athens a number of instances and love the town, that is positively among the finest locations to go to in Greece.
Listed below are the 25 greatest issues to do in Athens, Greece.
1. Climb to the Acropolis
Devoted to the goddess Athena, the Fifth-century Acropolis is the preferred factor to do in Athens.
After all, because of this everybody desires 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 possibly can see a lot of Athens and might see all the best way to the ocean. The doorway price is €20 ($23.25).
To find out about all of necessary 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 couple of various kinds of excursions you possibly can take, click on right here to be taught extra a few highly-rated, skip-the-line tour.
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 mild, which highlights the artifacts effectively.
There are different works that spotlight Greek Mythology.
Right here you may get a detailed have a look at the Parthenon frieze replicas on show, and far more historic Greek artwork. The cafe balcony additionally affords nice views of historic ruins in Athens. You may be taught extra in regards to the Acropolis on my weblog.
Both earlier than or after you go to the Acropolis, you could go to the Acropolis Museum. It’s not removed from the doorway of the Acropolis and the doorway price is €5 ($5.80) within the winter and €10 ($10.50) within the two summer time months.
Line-ups right here will be enormous, 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 as we speak, 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 possibly can clearly see the format of the library and there’s glorious 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. Go to Edem Seashore
Going to the seaside is among the lesser-known issues to do in Athens as most individuals suppose you need to go to the islands to take pleasure in some seaside time. Though it’s not among the finest seashores in Greece, it’s nonetheless an awesome place to calm down 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 out there there. You will get an awesome meal on the Edem Taverna positioned on the seaside.
To get to Edem Seashore, take the Inexperienced Line tram at Syntagma Sq. and take it within the course of Askllipiio Voulas, and get off on the Edem cease. The 24-hour tram ticket is €4.50 and there’s no price for the seaside.
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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 especially a dessert cafe, however the prime attraction is the decorations. That is in all probability probably the most Instagrammable place in Athens apart from the Acropolis!
6. Take a Road Artwork Tour
Road artwork is simple to search out in Athens and ranges from basic graffiti artwork to fashionable road artwork.
Whereas you will discover a lot of it by yourself within the Plaka space, this tour reveals you round 5 cool neighborhoods which can be lesser recognized to vacationers.
This different tour is very rated and a whole lot of enjoyable. Plus, the time for the tour isn’t strict — if everyone seems to be having time and are desirous to proceed, you possibly can hold exploring extra road artwork and discovering hidden gems.
Have your digicam or cellphone able to take images. Click on right here to be taught extra about this expertise and to ebook.
7. Go Bar Hopping (Greatest Factor To Do in Athens at Evening)
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 completely different rooftop bars there, whereas having fun with drinks, meals, and nice dialog with new mates.
A bar hopping tour is among the funnest methods to take pleasure in Athens nightlife.
The entire tables are reserved forward of time, so that you received’t have to attend in line in any respect. Should you’re searching for cool issues to do in Athens at evening, it is a good possibility. 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 well-liked that even Greeks eat right here. One of the 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 folks at O Thanasis are pleasant and never pushy. The souvlaki can be among the finest on the town.
You too can 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 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 affords 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 good looking Neo-classic constructing and you’ll take pleasure in 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 little bit stressed? Have to get some rage out? Limba Rage Room is the place to do exactly that.
You buy a bundle (which may embrace plates, bottles, a tube TV and glasses), and also you smash them! It’s an awesome stress reliever and one of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Athens.
There are a number 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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11. Drink a Greek Espresso
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 shouldn’t be like a Starbucks frappe however as a substitute is made with prompt espresso, water, and sugar (for those who 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 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 huge 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 will be advised by studying the dregs of espresso left on the backside of your cup.
The subsequent time you’ve completed consuming your espresso in Athens, be sure that to ask somebody to indicate you find out how to learn your fortune.
12. Go to the Museum of Cycladic Artwork
The Museum of Cycladic Artwork is dwelling to one of the crucial full personal collections of Cycladic Artwork. That is particularly nice to see for those who 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 historic Greek artwork. There are some metallic objects as effectively. 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 price 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 site visitors, though supply vehicles nonetheless are allowed by way of and a few streets are open.
The chain shops and extra upscale retailers are on Ermou Road — the place you will discover retailers like Sephora and H&M.
Then there are vacationer retailers, a flea market, and lower-end retailers, 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, 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 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 normal, they’re dressed within the conventional Greek uniform and the ceremony is extra complicated.
Sundays are the perfect day to see the altering of the guards in Athens. And whereas they might look a little 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.
Should you sit in Monastiraki Sq. lengthy sufficient, I swear you will note everybody in Athens stroll by. That is the place to observe vacationers and locals work together.
It’s also 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. Whilst you’re right here, try the Monastiraki flea market.
16. Get Customized Made Greek Sandals
If you are purchasing within the Plaka, remember 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 era to era.
You will get a basic 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.
One of the 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 among the greatest 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, think about climbing Lycabettus for a pleasant sundown and possibly even a picnic.
There’s a funicular to take you up and down for those who don’t need to climb the hill. The 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 may take the metro to the Victoria station and stroll from there. The doorway price is €10.
That is probably the perfect archeological museum within the metropolis.
20. Be a 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 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 approach by way of bakeries, cheese and meat retailers, fish market, espresso retailers, and plenty 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! Should you’re searching for non-touristy issues to do in Athens, it is 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 soak up 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 considering wine, historical past, or meals, it’s at all times enjoyable to fulfill up with an area and spend a while collectively whereas studying in regards to the metropolis, and the native way of life.
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21. Take a Day Journey to Hydra
You may nonetheless go to a Greek island whereas in your journey to Athens!
Hydra is a small island that enables no automobiles. A lot 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 for those who 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 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 for those who 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 counsel seeing it at evening when it’s fantastically lit.
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23. Eat Gyros
You can’t come to Athens and never have a basic gyro. They’re out there nearly all over the place 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 rooster or lamb, french fries, onions, and tomatoes all wrapped up in smooth pita bread. Generally you possibly can organize them open-faced on a plate. They’re fairly huge, so for those who’ve achieved tons of strolling that is the meal for you. Try Kostas or Scrumptious Souvlaki for tasty gyros.
24. Take a Day Crusing Journey
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Greece is to sail to the Greek Islands. You may be part of a crusing journey that lasts all day, or take a half-day tour. You may even sail to among 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 calm down in Greece. Click on right here for a top-rated crusing journey (on an precise sailboat) that takes you to Agistri, Moni & Aegina.
Or, for those who’d want a catamaran journey in Athens that features meals and drinks, click on right here for particulars.
There’s no higher technique to discover many Greek Islands on a fast journey to Greece.
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25. Go to the 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’s best to attempt to be right here early within the morning or for sundown. You may 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 the 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.
Should you’d quite be part of a tour and never have to fret about transportation, try this highly-rated half-day tour to Poseidon.
26. Stroll By means of the Historic Agora
Historic Agora is an historic 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. Nonetheless, there’s not a lot signage on the Historic Agora so you’ll have to look issues up after you go. The doorway price is €6.
27. Discover the Athens Central Market
That is the basic 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 resort proper out there. The fruits in Greece look and odor superb so even for those who don’t purchase something it’s nonetheless an awesome 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 considering and use signal language (or a translation app).
There’s additionally meat and fish in case you are in self-catering lodging. I cherished 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.
Should you don’t need to eat on the market, there are additionally some good eating places close by.
28. Donate Your Time: Volunteer in Athens
Should you’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 is probably not one of many extra touristy issues to do in Athens, however when you have some additional time, or if you want to assist out, it’s positively 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 attention-grabbing factor about this Greek Orthodox church is that it’s surrounded by fashionable buildings! You will discover it right here on the map.
30. Be a 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, fundamental dish, salad, dessert, and native dips. Plus, wine is included.
Chat with the chef and your new mates 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, however it’s a unbelievable 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 Historic Greek Nationwide Gardens and strolling down among the lesser-known attention-grabbing 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 embrace 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?
On the subject of areas of Athens, Omonia, Exarcheia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares have excessive crime charges and ought to be averted at evening, if not altogether. Make certain to control your purse and pockets when visiting Athens in addition to there are pickpockets.
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 may positively go to Athens on two day journeys, a weekend, or in 3 days. You’ll have the ability to cowl all the fundamental 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 goal to be inside strolling distance of the Acropolis, Plaka and Syntagma Sq.. Whether or not you select a resort or house is as much as you — some folks want lodges with a easy room, whereas others want flats with a residing space and a kitchen.
This house has glorious evaluations and views of the Acropolis, whereas this house is in Plaka and in addition has unimaginable views plus a lot of pure mild. For lodges, the Electra Metropolis is a extremely popular possibility and it consists of breakfast, a rooftop bar, and glorious views.
What’s one of the best ways of getting round Athens?
The easiest way 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 preferred websites.
What’s the greatest resort with a rooftop pool in Athens?
Electra Resort has the nicest rooftop pool in all of Athens with an awesome bar, gorgeous views, and loads of areas to take a seat and calm down.
What’s the smartest thing to do in Athens on a wet day?
One of the best factor to do in Athens on a wet day is to go to one of many many museums, like The Battle Museum. Or try one of many many Byzantine church buildings, eat at among the nice eating places with an incredible 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 may 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 at all times love spending time in Athens, and I’m positive you’ll as effectively.
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