There are such a lot of thrilling issues to do in Athens, it may be exhausting to determine 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 checklist 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 probably the greatest locations to go to in Greece.
Listed here are the 25 finest 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.
In fact, which means that everybody needs to go there, together with guests from cruise ships. My recommendation is to get there early. The archaeological website 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 may see a lot of Athens and may see all the way in which to the ocean. The doorway price is €20 ($23.25).
To find out about all of vital websites and the unimaginable historical past, be a part of a non-public strolling tour. The tour may even take you to the museum (under). There are a couple of various kinds of excursions you may take, click on right here to be taught extra a couple of highly-rated, skip-the-line tour.
2. Go to the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is without doubt one of the most lovely museums I’ve ever been to. I liked my expertise right here! It’s full of pure gentle, which highlights the artifacts effectively.
There are different works that spotlight Greek Mythology.
Right here you may get an in depth take a look at the Parthenon frieze replicas on show, and far more historical Greek artwork. The cafe balcony additionally affords nice views of historical ruins in Athens. You possibly can be taught extra concerning 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 may 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 will not 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 have 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 may 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 without doubt one of the lesser-known issues to do in Athens as most individuals suppose it’s a must to go to the islands to take pleasure in some seaside time. Though it’s not one of many finest seashores in Greece, it’s nonetheless an important place to calm down and benefit from the sea and see what fashionable Greece is all about.
Take your personal towel and umbrella in order for you one, as there are none out there there. You may get an important 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 embellished inside and out of doors the restaurant. Once I was there it was embellished 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 moreover the Acropolis!
6. Take a Road Artwork Tour
Road artwork is straightforward to seek out in Athens and ranges from basic graffiti artwork to fashionable road artwork.
Whereas you could find a lot of it by yourself within the Plaka space, this tour exhibits you round 5 cool neighborhoods which are lesser recognized to vacationers.
This various tour is extremely rated and a whole lot of enjoyable. Plus, the time for the tour isn’t strict — if everyone seems to be having an excellent time and are desperate to proceed, you may hold exploring extra road artwork and discovering hidden gems.
Have your digicam or telephone able to take images. Click on right here to be taught extra about this expertise and to e book.
7. Go Bar Hopping (Finest 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 completely different rooftop bars there, whereas having fun with drinks, meals, and nice dialog with new pals.
A bar hopping tour is without doubt one of the funnest methods to take pleasure in Athens nightlife.
All the tables are reserved forward of time, so that you gained’t have to attend in line in any respect. Should you’re on the lookout for cool issues to do in Athens at evening, this can be a good possibility. Discover out extra right here.
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8. Eat The Finest Yogurtlu and Souvlaki
O Thanasis is without doubt one of the hottest locations to eat in Plaka. It’s so in style 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 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 also be probably the greatest on the town.
You may also get some scrumptious Souvlaki at lots of a flea markets and market on the town.
(Editor’s Notice: a Greek reader has suggested us that Agrafa restaurant has the very best souvlaki in Athens. Possibly strive them each?!…)
9. Go to the Benaki Museum
Visiting the Benaki Museum is without doubt one of the finest 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, giant sculptures, and smaller objects like swords and historic paperwork.
The museum is a brief stroll from Syntagma Sq.. It’s positioned in an exquisite Neo-classic constructing and you’ll take pleasure in 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 wired? Must get some rage out? Limba Rage Room is the place to do exactly that.
You buy a bundle (which might embrace plates, bottles, a tube TV and glasses), and also you smash them! It’s an important stress reliever and probably the most distinctive issues to do in Athens.
There are a number of packages for each funds. They vary from €10 to €100. Don’t fear, they provide 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 without doubt one of 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 will not be like a Starbucks frappe however as an alternative is made with instantaneous espresso, water, and sugar (when 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 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 may be informed by studying the dregs of espresso left on the backside of your cup.
The subsequent time you’ve completed ingesting your espresso in Athens, make certain to ask somebody to indicate you how one can learn your fortune.
12. Go to the Museum of Cycladic Artwork
The Museum of Cycladic Artwork is residence to probably the most full non-public collections of Cycladic Artwork. That is particularly nice to see when you gained’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 effectively. The items of marble are principally 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 under the Acropolis. A lot of this space has been closed off to site visitors, though supply vehicles nonetheless are allowed via and a few streets are open.
The chain shops and extra upscale outlets are on Ermou Road — the place you could 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 could find souvenirs you would possibly wish to convey residence on your family and friends. Plus, this can be a nice space for people-watching.
14. Watch the Altering of The Guard
This is without doubt one of the finest 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 observe.
Whereas the guards do change hourly, on Sundays at 11:00 there are extra guards than ordinary, they’re dressed within the conventional Greek uniform and the ceremony is extra complicated.
Sundays are the very best day to see the altering of the guards in Athens. And whereas they might look a bit uncommon, they’re extremely skilled troopers known as the Evezone. This is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Athens.
15. Go to Monastiraki Sq.
Should you sit in Monastiraki Sq. lengthy sufficient, I swear you will notice everybody in Athens stroll by. That is the place to observe vacationers and locals work together.
It’s also 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 without doubt one of the most bustling locations in Athens and chilling out right here is without doubt one of the finest issues to do. When you’re right here, try the Monastiraki flea market.
16. Get Customized Made Greek Sandals
If you are purchasing within the Plaka, make sure 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 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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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 very 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 may have a donut for dessert!
18. Watch the Sundown at Lycabettus Hill
Watching the sundown from Lycabettus Hill is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Athens. Not solely is the sundown gorgeous, however you get superb views of Athens from right here. You may also 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 perhaps even a picnic.
There’s a funicular to take you up and down when 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 price is €10.
That is doubtless the very best archeological museum within the metropolis.
20. Be a part of a Strolling Meals Tour (One of many Finest 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 gained’t wish 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 way in which. You’ll eat your approach via bakeries, cheese and meat outlets, fish market, espresso outlets, 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 on the lookout for non-touristy issues to do in Athens, this can be a nice possibility — 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 soak up Athens. Since I like Greek meals, I at all times search for good meals and excursions with a aspect of strolling. Whether or not you’re all for wine, historical past, or meals, it’s at all times enjoyable to fulfill up with a neighborhood 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 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 trip away when 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.
Another choice is to hitch 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 when 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 residence to the primary fashionable King of Greece.
It grew to become 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 not come to Athens and never have a basic gyro. They’re out there nearly in all places and you’ll have enjoyable looking for the very best one. A seek for your favourite gyro is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Athens for foodies.
The gyro consists of rooster or lamb, french fries, onions, and tomatoes all wrapped up in gentle pita bread. Generally you may organize them open-faced on a plate. They’re fairly huge, so when 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 a part of a crusing journey that lasts all day, or take a half-day tour. You possibly can 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 without doubt one of the finest 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, when you’d choose a catamaran journey in Athens that features meals and drinks, click on right here for particulars.
There’s no higher method 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.
It is best to attempt to be right here early within the morning or for sundown. You possibly can generally see a number of islands on a transparent day from the temple.
Technically this can be a day journey from Athens because it’s 70kms south of the town. There’s a bus from Athens from the Mavromateon Terminal and it’s also possible to get it from Syntagma Sq.. Search for the bus going to Sounio. The bus fare one-way is €6.90.
Should you’d relatively be a 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 Historical Agora
Historical Agora is an historical 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.
Once 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 Historical Agora so you will have to look issues up after you go. The doorway price is €6.
27. Discover the Athens Central Market
That is the basic outside market with shouting distributors and all of the smells that come together with it. I found it once I stayed in a resort proper available in the market. The fruits in Greece look and odor superb so even when you don’t purchase something it’s nonetheless an important place to go to.
The opposite factor to notice is that a lot of the distributors don’t converse English, however you may level to objects that you just’re all for and use signal language (or a translation app).
There’s additionally meat and fish if you’re in self-catering lodging. I liked 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 wish 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 may help with strolling and caring for canines and cats.
This might not be one of many extra touristy issues to do in Athens, however when you have some additional time, or if you need 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 without doubt one of the oldest church buildings in Athens. The attention-grabbing 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 a part of a Cooking Class with Rooftop Dinner
Discover ways to make some conventional Greek meals throughout this enjoyable cooking class. You’ll make (and eat), a starter, primary 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 just 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 Heart
The Metropolis Heart of Athens is full of life, bustling, and a bit tough across the edges, but it surely’s a improbable place to get misplaced amongst the traditional websites.
By foot, you may 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 road earlier than ending at Kolonaki.
Additionally, don’t miss the Historical 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 here are solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting the town.
What Ought to I Keep away from in Athens?
In relation to areas of Athens, Omonia, Exarcheia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares have excessive crime charges and ought to be prevented at evening, if not altogether. Be certain that to keep watch over your purse and pockets when visiting Athens in addition to there are pickpockets.
Becoming a member of a strolling tour with a neighborhood while you first arrive in Athens is a good 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 possibly can positively go to Athens on two day journeys, a weekend, or in 3 days. You’ll be capable to cowl the entire primary highlights in simply a few days, and on the third day, you may be a 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 resort or residence is as much as you — some individuals choose accommodations with a easy room, whereas others choose residences with a dwelling space and a kitchen.
This residence has glorious critiques and views of the Acropolis, whereas this residence is in Plaka and likewise has unimaginable views plus numerous pure gentle. For accommodations, the Electra Metropolis is a very fashionable possibility and it contains breakfast, a rooftop bar, and glorious views.
What’s the easiest way 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 function to order rideshare like Uber and Lyft.
How a lot does it value to enter the websites in Athens?
Entrance charges in Athens usually value between €8-€10 for the preferred websites.
What’s the finest resort with a rooftop pool in Athens?
Electra Resort has the nicest rooftop pool in all of Athens with an important bar, gorgeous views, and loads of areas to take a seat and calm down.
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 many Byzantine church buildings, eat at among the nice eating places with an incredible view, or go to in the course of the Summer season months when rain is much less doubtless.
Now You Know What To Do in Athens
As you may see there are such a lot of issues to do in Athens. You possibly can even make a theme for every day you might be there — exploring all of the meals choices, seeing all of the archaeology and historical archaeological websites round, and aimlessly exploring and seeing what you may uncover! I at all times love spending time in Athens, and I’m positive you’ll as effectively.
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