31 Wonderful Things to Do in Athens Greece
Grab your imagination because we’re about to plan the best vacation to Athens, the city where ancient myths meet modern marvels! Forget feeling overwhelmed, with a sprinkle of super-organized magic (from yours truly, the super-organized traveler! ehm ehm, me!), conquering Athens is more manageable than speaking fluent Greek.
You’ll stroll through sun-drenched streets; the Acropolis will whisper secrets from above, and the aroma of baklava will fill the air, making you crave more (curious to know what to eat in Greece? I’ve got a complete guide about it!). But Athens is more than just postcard-perfect sights.
Explore hidden alleyways lined with vibrant street art, indulge in mouthwatering bites at local bakeries, and catch a breathtaking sunset from a rooftop bar with the Parthenon as your backdrop. Sounds pretty dreamy, right? It is, and you’ll love it!
But hold on, my anxious travelers! Remember that a well-planned trip is always stress-free before you get swept away by the Athenian whirlwind. That’s where this handy article comes in, bursting with the city’s best-kept secrets and must-do experiences.
So, ditch the fear of missing out and get ready to unlock the magic of Athens with me as your guide. This list has everything from ancient wonders to hidden gems, delicious eats, and unforgettable adventures. Now, grab your notepad and your discovery craving, and prepare to plan the most fantastic vacation in Athens.
Hi! I’m Valentina
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31 Unmissable Things to Do in Athens Greece
1. Eat Greek food:
I can guarantee you will like delicious Greek food. There is a bit for everyone: meat, fish, cheese, and vegetables. In Athens, you will find cheap street food while exploring Michelin-star restaurants, where you can spend hours eating Greek delicacies.
Check out my article “Delicious Food and Drinks to Try in Greece” to better understand the tasty Greek food you can’t miss. If you love sweets like me, I also wrote “Amazing Sweets You Have to Try in Greece,” so you will enter every Greek bakery knowing what you want to try.
If you would like to book a food tour, there is everything you need, from a local dining experience to a cooking class where you can learn to cook some of the most famous Greek dishes.
From a wine-tasting tour to an Athens street food walk (Greek cheese is delicious, so give it a try). Do you love Greek olive oil? Well, in Athens, you can also have a Greek olive oil tasting tour, where you will taste the most delicious Greek olive oil.
2. Visit the Acropolis:
The Acropolis in Athens is probably the most famous attraction in Greece. Everyone goes to see the majestic ruins of the Greek empire. It is gorgeous, and the view from there is stunning because it is located in the city’s center, so you can see 360 degrees of Athens.
It can get extremely crowded, so if you want to visit it at your leisure, taking beautiful pictures without a wall of tourists behind you, I recommend you get there at the opening time. And even so, it will get crowded pretty soon anyway, so you should get on top as fast as possible.
Price: 20 euros
Opening Times: every day from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Entrance Address: Athens 105 58, Greece (there is more than one entrance, but this one usually has a shorter queue, and you can see a marvelous view of all the Acropoli from the bottom).
European Travel Alert! If you are from the US and want to travel to Europe, from 2025 you must complete an ETIAS visa waiver form before your trip and pay the €7 ($7.25) fees. This easy-to-complete form should give you instant approval, but it’s recommended that travelers plan and submit their forms a few weeks before their departure date.
3. Take hundreds of pictures with the Parthenon:
The Parthenon is on top of the hill of the Acropoli (so you need to buy a ticket to visit the Acropolis to see the Pantheon). It is probably the most pictured building in Greece and is indeed stunning.
See this construction that was built more than 2,467 years ago. I mean, that is impressive. It deserves all our respect and, of course, to be the subject of a hundred pictures.
4. Visit the new Acropolis Museum:
The Acropolis Museum is probably one of the most important museums in the world. Here, you will admire everything that has been found in the archaeological site of the Acropolis. Seeing all those ancient artifacts from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece is fantastic.
Opening times: Monday from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm, Tuesday to Thursday from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm, Friday from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece
5. See the guards change at the Hellenic Parliament building:
The Hellenic Parliament is also called the Parliament of the Hellenes or Greek Parliament, and it is located in the old Royal Palace at Syntagma Square.
Most tourists go there to see the changing guards (like the English ones). Seeing those guards wearing typical clothes and marching slowly is very particular.
Opening Times: you can see them there all-day
Address: Athens 105 57, Greece.
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6. Visit Plaka:
Plaka is my favorite area in Athens. It is the city’s oldest area, located northeast of the Acropolis, and has a charming little town feeling. There are nice and clean pedestrian cobblestone alleys full of lovely shops where you find art galleries, jewelry, souvenirs, ceramics, clothes, bars, tavernas, and restaurants.
This is an area you cannot miss visiting.
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7. Walk around Monastiraki Square:
Monastiraki Square is a place you absolutely cannot miss visiting. It is a must-see when in Athens. This square is the oldest in the city; it has been renovated, of course, but it feels like an older time when ideas, religions, and civilizations were all mixed in ancient Greece.
The square is paved with a beautiful marble mosaic where thousands of people walk every year while exploring this wonderful city.
8. See the Temple of Olympian Zeus:
Unfortunately, only sixteen columns remain in this massive temple, which was dedicated to the Olympian God Zeus. There is not much left; most parts have been used over the years to construct other sites around the city, but what is left is still worth a visit.
Price: 6 euros.
Opening Times: from May to September, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and from October until April, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Address: Athens 105 57, Greece.
9. Walk around Anafiotika:
Indeed, you will have a walk in the famous and historical neighborhood of Plaka, so you will also explore Anafiotika, a tiny part of it. This area of Athens is right behind the Acropolis and is climbing up the hill.
Walking in its street is like walking in a little old village, where white houses are covered with beautiful flowers and trees along narrow alleys.
10. Enjoy sunset at Mount Lycabettus:
This mountain in the middle of the city is probably the most famous spot to enjoy a sunset. It would be best to get there by bus or metro (M3). Then you have two options. You can walk up to the top or pay for the cable car (one way 5 euros, return 7,50 euros).
I did not have much time the day I went there, and after walking since 7 am, I went up by cable car. The view was unbelievable, you can see all of Athens around you, till to the sea. Maybe I was lucky, but the sunset colors were beautiful.
Then we descended the hill by walking; there was a footpath with some stairs to the bottom. It was easy to walk, but it was getting dark without any lights, so I don’t recommend walking down the mountain after dark, so don’t wait too long after sunset; otherwise, get the cable car, which is undoubtedly safer.
11. Walk around Syntagmas Square:
The most central square in Athens is right in front of the Parliament. It is famous for being where the Athenians stood up against King Oto of Greece on 3 September 1843 and demanded a constitution.
12. See Hadrian’s Arch:
Located only a few minutes walk from the Acropolis and right in front of the Temple of Zeus, it was commissioned (as is thought, because it is unclear) by the Athenians to celebrate Hadrians as emperor and Athens citizens. The Arch is positioned right on one of the busiest streets in Athens, so please be careful when crossing the road.
There is plenty of room to take pictures of it behind it.
Address: Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias 50, Athina 105 58, Greece
13. Hadrian’s Library:
Famous for being the most significant building erected by Hadrian, it included a library, music rooms, and lecture rooms. Only some columns remain around this big area, a reminder of the majestic building it was. But it’s still impressive.
Price: 6 euros
Opening Times: every day from 8.00 am to 6.30 pm.
Address: Κ, Areos 3, Athina 105 55, Greece
14. Eat delicious street food at Greek Bakeries:
You will see so many bakeries around Athens; they all sell delicious local food, from sweet to savory pastry; some also sell some hot food you can eat on the spot or take away. It is undoubtedly the most delicious, fast, and cheaper way to have breakfast and lunch while exploring the city.
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15. Visit the National Archeologist Museum:
This is, in my opinion, a must-see museum when in Athens. It is full of statues and artifacts that allow you to discover how Greek people lived. There is so much history to learn from all of that.
There is also a bar (a bit expensive) in a little garden inside the museum, where you can rest and enjoy the fresh air on a hot summer day.
Price: Summertime is 12 euros, winter is 6 euros.
Opening Times: From 1 November to April: Tuesday from 1.00 pm to 8.00, Wednesday to Monday from 9.00 am to 04.00 pm. From April to 31 October: Tuesday from 1.00 pm to 8.00 from Wednesday to Monday from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm
Address: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece
16. Have an aperitivo or dinner on a rooftop bar/restaurant:
Rooftop bars are the best places to see Athens at night; the city is so big and full of light, and you can see the Acropolis lit up. It is a magical experience, in my opinion, very romantic.
17. Mount Lycabettus church:
When visiting the famous Mount Lycabettus to enjoy the sunset, do not forget to look inside the church. It is worth a visit. Please do not forget to cover your shoulders when entering the church if traveling during the summertime.
Travel Tip: Most phone providers charge extra fees to use your data plan abroad. If you don’t want to end up paying a fortune to use the internet in Greece, buying an eSIM for Greece on Airalo is the fastest and easiest way to have all the data you need while traveling. Check it out here!
18. Visit the central food market:
If you are interested in where the locals go to buy the ingredients for their meals, the Athens Central Food Market is the best place to visit. There is an extensive section for meat and fish (be careful in the fish one; plenty of water is on the floor, and it all smells like fish, in case you wear nice expensive shoes).
They also sell spices, sweets, fruits, and a vast selection of Greek olives if you like them.
19. Relax in the National Gardens:
This is a vast garden in the middle of the city, the perfect place to relax and enjoy fresh air during a hot summer day (Athens can be scorching during the summer season). There are many trees and plants, some statues and fountains. It is located near the Parliament, so if you are nearby and fancy a walk in nature, this is the perfect place for you.
If you plan to visit Greece during summer, please don’t forget to purchase a good aloe vera sunscreen lotion to protect your skin from the sun and an excellent aloe vera aftersun lotion to apply every day after showering.
20. Buy yourself a good pair of leather sandals:
Leather sandals are typical in Greece; many shops sell them. So, if you like them and need a new pair of sandals to explore the city and feel like an ancient Greek God/Goddess, this can be an excellent souvenir to take home with you.
21. Walk around Kifissia:
This is probably the most beautiful neighborhood where to stay in Athens. It is in the city’s north area and is very safe and beautiful. It is well connected to the city center thanks to Metro 1 (green), which will take you to Monastiraki or Thiseio in the city center.
Metro 1 also goes straight to Piraeus (the port where ferries are caught to reach the islands) without changing lines. There are also many buses to reach the city center, so it is very convenient.
It is not right in the center, but I heard that many tourists look for accommodation far from downtown, so if you are one of them, look at this neighborhood; it might be the right area for you.
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22. Visit the Benaki Museum:
The Benaki Museum in Athens is a museum of Greek culture located in a beautiful neoclassical-style building. Benaki and his family donated it to the nation. There, you can admire artifacts from prehistory to the 20th century.
Price: 12 euros. Free under 22 years old and disabled. Free entrance to the permanent exhibition every Thursday from 6.00 pm to 12.00 am.
Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday from 10 am to 11.30 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, and Tuesday closed.
Address: Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74, Greece
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23. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre:
If you love nature, you should visit this place near the sea, where you will admire beautiful gardens, enjoy a coffee in one of the cafes and of course visit the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece.
Opening Times: from 6 am to 12 am.
Address: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece
24. Have a walk-in Psyri street:
If you are into street art, you cannot miss visiting this artistic bohemian neighborhood in Athens. It is also one of the oldest neighborhoods of Athens, where you will find many cafes and artisan shops (best souvenir spots).
It is also a trendy area for its vibrant nightlife; with all its bars and restaurants, it is a must-see in Athens.
25. Visit the Ancient Agora:
This is probably the best example of ancient Greek Agora in Athens (literally means “gathering place”), and it is located inside the Acropolis, right down the hill, in the northwest area.
Walking around it during a quiet morning will make you feel like thousands of years ago.
Address: Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55, Greece
Travel Tip: If you arrive in Athens too early for your check-in or your departure time is too many hours after your check-out, and you need a place to store your luggage, check out Radical Storage in Athens, a website that shows you all the safe places to keep your bags while still exploring Athens.
26. Visit the Panathenaic Stadium:
One of the most visited attractions in Athens is the Panathenaic Station, the only stadium made entirely of marble. This stadium hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896, and you can still run inside it every morning from 7.30 am to 9.00 am (don’t forget your running shoes).
Prices: 5 euros
Opening Times: 8.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Address: Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, Athina 116 35, Greece
27. Buy food as souvenirs:
Greece offers you so many delicious souvenirs you will need an extra suitcase to carry all of them.
From delicious olive, olive oil, liquors, local beers, herbs, honey, sweets, and much more, you will make your friends and family very happy if you buy them food as a gift from Greece.
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28. Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art:
This is an unmissable museum if you love contemporary art. You will see paintings, videos, and experimental architecture made by Greeks and international artists.
Opening Times: from Friday to Wednesday from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm, Thursday from 11.00 am to 10.00 pm.
Address: Kallirrois Ave. and Ambr. Frantzis former factory, Athina 117 43, Greece
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29. Museum of Cycladic Art:
If you want to know more about the Cycladic, Cyprus, and the ancient Greeks, this is your museum. Here, you will see Bronze Age statues, an incredible art collection of vases, weapons, and much more of ancient Greece.
Opening Times: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, Thursday from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm, Sunday from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm, Tuesday closed.
Address: Neofitou Douka 4, Athina 106 74, Greece
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30. Enjoy the view of Athens at night:
Athens at night is incredible. You can see it from some rooftop bars, and from some squares around the city, you can see the magical Acropolis with all those lights around it.
That is an experience that every traveler should have while in Athens. We went to the rooftop restaurant at Herodion Hotel, where the view was marvelous and very romantic.
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31. Stop for a photo shoot at Little Kook Cafe:
This charming cafe is something that just came out of a fairytale. You can sit outside on a warm day, but please don’t miss looking inside. Little Kook Cafe looks like a cartoon or a wizard movie where you spend hours checking out every detail.
Opening Time: every day from 9.00 am to 12.00 am.
Address: Karaiskaki 17, Athina 105 54, Greece
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My final thought
Now, armed with this essential guide and a dash of pre-planning, you’re ready to unlock the magic of Athens! Ditch the fear of missing out and embrace a seamlessly organized adventure.
Imagine skipping long lines at must-see museums (and the faces of those travelers who didn’t buy the tickets in advance), maximizing your precious vacation time. Discover hidden gems tucked away in charming neighborhoods – all thanks to a well-planned itinerary you will create after reading all my articles about Athens and getting all the info and tips you need to plan the best vacation you ever had.
So, pack your sense of adventure, sprinkle in some strategic bookings, and prepare to conquer ancient ruins, savor delicious cuisine, and create memories that’ll have you reminiscing long after you’ve returned home.
Make Athens your own unforgettable Greek story – adventure awaits!
Your super-organized travel blogger
Xoxo Valentina
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