What to do in Athens? Our top 10 classic, modern or unusual versions

For a few years, Athens became our adopted city. And we never tire of wandering through the Greek capital and discovering its great treasures and little secrets. The ancient sites fascinate of course. But Athens cannot be reduced to its glorious past. Because it is alive and dynamic. It is indeed a city that has a lot to offer to its visitors. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Athens, whether you’re with family or friends, here are plenty of ideas for all styles of travelers.

1- Just one thing to do in Athens? Visit the Parthenon and the Acropolis of course!

It is impossible to visit Athens without seeing the Acropolis and the Parthenon temple. It is indeed the symbol of the city, the most visited monument in Athens. And for good reason, it is majestic and is one of the most famous monuments of antiquity. We therefore give you all the practical advice to appreciate it at its true value.

And to better understand this site, we really encourage you to combine the visit of the Acropolis with the visit of the Acropolis museum. A must-see and absolutely superb museum.

Finally, to finish the visit of this site, enjoy the pedestrian walk at the bottom of the Acropolis on foot or in a more original way by Segway.

2- Visit the most famous district of Athens: Plaka

At the foot of the Acropolis, discover the district of Plaka, made up of picturesque alleys, flowered houses, ancient sites, small Byzantine churches and also squares lined with cafes and taverns. Of course, this area is very touristy. But it is nonetheless full of charm.

So, what are our secrets for discovering authentic Plaka, off the beaten track?

• First of all, visit the small museums of Plaka like The Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments or Man and Tools: hidden and picturesque museums, with an old-fashioned charm, located in beautiful buildings that are worth a visit
• Then take a break at the Vryssaki café: a place like no other, ideal for a quiet drink
• Finally stop for lunch or dinner at Yiasemi one of our favorites: a restaurant installed in the steps of a street in Plaka where you can enjoy homemade dishes.

3- Visit the most beautiful museums in Athens

Here is a must-see in Athens: visit the National Museum of Archaeology which houses the most beautiful collection of Greek antiquities. So don’t be put off by the name“archaeology” which can sometimes be frightening. Far from being boring, the visit is fascinating, even for those who are not history buffs. Some of the pieces are very impressive and worth a visit: the mask of Agamemnon, the huge bronze statue of Poseidon, the jockey of Artemisia, as well as the mural frescoes of Akrotiri dating back to the 17s. before J.C. Majestic, we guarantee that you will not be disappointed!

Of course, you can’t miss the museum of the Acropolis Museum which we mentioned earlier and which completes perfectly the visit of the site. Located in a modern building, it plays symmetries with the Parthenon located in front of it.

Another of our favorites: the Museum of Cycladic Art with its famous white marble figurines. Especially for those interested in the history of ancient and modern Greece, do not miss the collections of the Benaki Museum.

4- Visit Athens in the cool of the day: the National Garden

The National Garden is an oasis of greenery in the heart of Athens, a stone’s throw from Syntagma Square. One of our favorite places to take a break in a quiet and cool place! Indeed, it is very large (more than 15 hectares) and has beautiful species of palms and trees from around the world.

From there, go to the changing of the guard in front of the Parliament located just next door to admire the famous Evzones (those famous soldiers wearing white skirts and wooden shoes with tassels).

5- Visit the modern version of Athens: the Stavros Niarchos Foundation

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, a symbol of Athens’ renewal, embodies the contemporary face of the Greek capital. Inaugurated in 2016, it proves that despite the crisis, Athens has remained bold and open to the world. The building, made of glass and steel, is impressive and offers an exceptional view, on the sea on one side and on the Acropolis on the other. In addition, it is surrounded by a beautiful Mediterranean garden one of the most beautiful green spaces in Athens. The access to both the cultural center of the Niarchos Foundation and the park is completely free.

6- Visiting Athens from above: Lycabettus Hill and other hills

If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Acropolis, then go to the top of the Capital Mountains.

Lycabettus Hill, first of all. It is the highest of the eight hills that surround Athens. And from there, the panorama is exceptional. You can see the whole city, the Acropolis, the sea and, when the weather is clear, the island of Aegina. The Lycabettus is a real island of greenery in a sea of buildings, a promontory to get a good view of Athens.

Don’t hesitate to go to the top of the other hills of Athens, which offer a beautiful view of the Acropolis. In summer, they also provide shade and fresh air. See you on the hills of Filopappou, Pnyx and the Nymphs.

7- What to do in Athens? Discover secret and unusual Athens

Indeed, there are many secret and unusual places in Athens. For example:

• The district of Anafiotika: located at the foot of the Acropolis, it feels like a small village in the Cyclades. A magical and preserved place, far from the tourist crowds
• Or the Agioi Anargyroi Church an unusual place, full of charm and authenticity
• Or the botanical garden

8- Discover the Greek flavors and local specialties

By having lunch in a 100% Greek tavern.

• The hidden tavern on the roofs of Syntagma Square: one of the best kept secrets of Athens. A small Cretan “boui-boui” where you can eat simple dishes with a magnificent view of the city.
• The most secret tavern of Athens: In the central market area, there is a completely hidden tavern, frequented by regular customers, where you can enjoy simple and authentic dishes.
• Avli, a tavern that reminds us of the old Greece: a small courtyard with blue tables and straw chairs where you can also eat delicious meatballs.
• Atlantikos if you have a craving for fish and seafood.

Discovering the incomparable souvlaki and all the street-food specialties. At a lower cost, you can taste it on the go almost everywhere… but we give you anyway our best addresses .

9- Visit Athens and live like an Athenian

Want to discover Athens as the Athenians do? So, here are some ideas:

• Enjoy an iced coffee in one of the high bars around Monastiraki Square.
• Attend an open-air cinema session a unique and very authentic experience.
• Go to the central market the belly of Athens. A place rich in smells and flavors where the inhabitants and restaurant owners of the city are supplied.
• China at the flea market in Avyssinias Square. Take the opportunity to taste the moussaka at Café Avissinia, or having a lunch at Kyklamino Taverna.
• Go out late at night and enjoy the lively nightlife. In the district of Gazi, Technopolis, a former gas factory rehabilitated into a cultural place, often hosts very good concerts.
• Go listen to some live music: Rebetiko (Greek blues) or more contemporary music.

10- Visit Athens through its street-art

Athens is increasingly becoming a capital of European street art. Famous street artists have left their mark on the walls of the city, especially in the districts of Exarchia or Psyri. To get an overview of urban art in Athens, check out our article on the 10 most beautiful street art works in Athens. But if you really want to discover Athenian street art, the best way is to take a guided tour.

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On the practical side, you will also find on our site many tips and information to help you prepare your trip to Athens:

• public transport and metro map
• how to get from the airport to Athens
• our tips for renting a car
• practical advice about ferries in Greece
• how to choose a hotel in Athens.

And there you have it! As you can see, there is plenty to do in Athens. We wish you a pleasant stay in the Greek capital!

Laure M.

Updated on March 29, 2024