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 crammed with 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 allow you to determine what to do in Athens throughout your time there — irrespective of how lengthy your go to is. I’ve been to Athens twice and love the town, that is positively top-of-the-line locations to go to in Greece.
Listed here are the 25 greatest issues to do in Athens, Greece.
1. Climb to the Acropolis
Seeing 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 the cruise ships. My recommendation is to get there early. The location 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 price is €20 ($23.25).
To study the entire unimaginable historical past, be a part of a personal strolling tour. The tour can even take you to the museum (beneath). There are a number of several types of excursions you’ll be able to take, click here to be taught extra a few highly-rated, skip-the-line tour.
2. Go to the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is without doubt one of the most stunning museums I’ve ever been to. It’s crammed with pure gentle, which highlights the artifacts effectively.
Right here you may get an in depth have a look at the Parthenon frieze replicas on show. The cafe balcony additionally gives nice views of Athens. You possibly can be taught extra concerning the Acropolis on my blog.
Both earlier than or after you go to the Acropolis, you should 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) in the summertime.
Line-ups right here could be large, to skip the road, buy your ticket forward of time here for round $13. Alternatively, you should purchase an all-inclusive ticket for each the museum and the Acropolis here.
3. See Hadrian’s Library
This library just isn’t a library within the sense we all know it at this time, it was a spot of research, not a spot the place books had been lent.
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 structure of the library and there’s glorious signage.
The doorway price is €4 ($4.70). Hadrian’s Library is positioned within the Monastiraki neighborhood not removed from the Acropolis.
4. Go to Edem Seaside
Going to the seashore is without doubt one of the lesser-known issues to do in Athens as most individuals suppose you need to go to the islands to take pleasure in some seashore time. Though it’s not top-of-the-line seashores in Greece, it’s nonetheless an awesome place to loosen up and benefit from the sea.
Take your personal towel and umbrella if you would like one, as there are none out there there. You may get an awesome meal on the Edem Taverna positioned on the seashore.
To get to Edem Seaside, 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 price 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. Once I was there it was adorned for Halloween.
Little KooK is especially a dessert cafe, however the prime attraction is the decorations. That is most likely essentially the most Instagrammable place in Athens in addition to the Acropolis!
6. Take a Road Artwork Tour
Road artwork is straightforward to search out in Athens and ranges from basic graffiti artwork to fashionable road artwork.
Whereas you’ll find a lot of it by yourself within the Plaka space, this tour reveals you round 5 cool neighbourhoods which are lesser-known to vacationers.
This alternative tour is highly-rated and plenty of enjoyable. Plus, the time for the tour isn’t strict — if everyone seems to be having a very good time and are desperate to proceed, you’ll be able to hold exploring extra road artwork and discovering hidden gems.
Have your digital camera or telephone able to take pictures. Click here to learn more about this expertise and to e book.
7. Go Rooftop Bar Hopping (neatest thing to do in Athens at evening)
For the most effective view of the Acropolis at evening, you should have a specialty cocktail, beer, or glass of wine on a rooftop patio! With this fun, local experience, you’ll go to 3 completely different rooftop bars, whereas having fun with drinks, meals, and nice dialog with new pals.
All the tables are reserved forward of time, so that you received’t have to attend in line in any respect. For those who’re on the lookout for cool issues to do in Athens at evening, this can be a good possibility. Discover out extra 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 fashionable that even Greeks eat right here. The very best factor to eat is the Yogurtlu, which is a beef kebab coated 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 individuals at O Thanasis are pleasant and never pushy. The souvlaki can be top-of-the-line on the town.
(Editor’s Observe: a Greek reader has suggested us that Agrafa restaurant has the most effective souvlaki in Athens. Possibly strive them each?!…)
9. Go to the Benaki Museum
Visiting the Benaki Museum is without doubt one of the greatest cultural issues to do in Athens.
The Benaki Museum is a museum of Greek tradition starting from prehistory to the twentieth century. The gathering gives 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 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 could be bought forward of time, here.
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10. Smash Issues at Limba Rage Room
Feeling slightly wired? Must 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 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 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 just isn’t like a Starbucks frappe however as a substitute is made with prompt espresso, water, and sugar (should 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.
Coffee culture 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 could be informed by studying the dregs of espresso left on the backside of your cup.
The subsequent time you’re completed ingesting your espresso in Athens, make certain to ask somebody to indicate you the way to learn your fortune…or higher but, meet up with a neighborhood fortune teller for espresso and studying. Find out more here.
12. Go to the Museum of Cycladic Artwork
The Museum of Cycladic Art is house to one of the crucial full personal collections of Cycladic Artwork. That is particularly nice to see should 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. There are some steel 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 vans nonetheless are allowed via 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 and lower-end outlets, that are additional down previous Monastiraki Sq.. Right here you’ll find souvenirs you may need to deliver house to your family and friends. Plus, this can be a nice space for individuals watching.
14. Watch the Altering of The Guard
This is without doubt one of the greatest 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 standard, they’re dressed within the conventional Greek uniform and the ceremony is extra advanced.
Sundays are the most effective day to see the altering of the guards in Athens. And whereas they could look slightly uncommon, they’re extremely skilled troopers referred to as the Evezone. This is without doubt one of the greatest free issues to do in Athens.
15. Go to Monastiraki Sq.
For those who sit in Monastiraki Sq. lengthy sufficient, I swear you will notice everybody in Athens stroll by. That is the place to look at vacationers and locals work together.
It is usually a historic website with a Ninth-century church, a Nineteenth-century mosque, and within the subway station are antiques discovered through the constructing of the metro.
This is without doubt one of the most bustling locations in Athens and chilling out right here is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do.
16. Get Customized Made Greek Sandals
While you’re procuring 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 may get a basic pair in primary 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 is a Greek donut. 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 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Athens. Not solely is the sundown gorgeous, however you get superb views of Athens from right here. You can even see the Acropolis all lit up for the night.
There’s a funicular to take you up and down should you don’t need to climb the hill. The price for the funicular is €7.50 return or €5 for a one-way ticket.
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19. Go to the Nationwide Archaeology Museum
The National Archaeology Museum has many artifacts starting from prehistory to late antiquity. The artifacts are from throughout Greece and the world. 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.
20. Be a part of a Strolling Meals Tour (top-of-the-line 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 experience!
Meet up with Julia, who was born and raised in Athens, and uncover some unimaginable road distributors and native eating places, all whereas strolling off the meals and studying about Athens and Greece alongside the way in which.
Included within the tour are 14 completely different Greek delicacies, and a sit-down lunch with wine. For those who’re on the lookout for non-touristy issues to do in Athens, this can be a nice possibility — it’s additionally top-of-the-line worth experiences within the metropolis. Discover out extra and reserve your spot here.
There’s a multitude of strolling excursions to soak up Athens. Whether or not you’re fascinated about 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 life-style.
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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 procuring. There’s even a swimming spot a five-minute stroll away.
Hydra is about an hour ferry trip away should you take the quick ferry. The price 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 here to be taught extra.
22. Go to Parliament Constructing
Even should 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 grew to become 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 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 most effective one. A seek for your favorite gyro is without doubt one of 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 gentle pita bread. Generally you’ll be able to organize them open-faced on a plate. They’re fairly huge, so should you’ve accomplished tons of strolling that is the meal for you.
24. Take a Day Crusing Journey
One in every of my favourite issues to do in Greece is to sail. 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 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 without doubt one of the greatest methods to loosen up in Greece. Click here for a top-rated crusing journey (on an precise sailboat) that takes you to Agistri, Moni & Aegina.
Or, should you’d desire a catamaran journey in Athens that features meals and drinks, click here for particulars.
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25. Go to the Temple of Poseidon
This gorgeous historical temple 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 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 you may as well get it from Syntagma Sq.. Search for the bus going to Sounio. The bus fare one-way is €6.90.
For those who’d moderately join a tour and never have to fret about transportation, try this highly-rated half-day tour to Poseidon.
Extra Actions in Athens
There are greater than 25 prime issues to do in Athens, listed here are a pair extra actions so as to add to your record.
Stroll By way of the Roman Agora
The Roman Agora is 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 there, 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 so you’ll have to look issues up after you go. The doorway price is €6.
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 after I stayed in a lodge proper available in the market. The fruits in Greece look and scent superb so even should you 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’ll be able to level to objects that you just’re fascinated about and use signal language (or a translation app).
There’s additionally meat and fish in case you are in self-catering lodging. I liked this market as a result of it felt like such an authentically Greek expertise.
Donate Your Time: Volunteer in Athens
For those who’re an animal individual, there are a number 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’ll be able to help with strolling and caring for canine and cats.
This might not be one of many extra touristy issues to do in Athens, however in case you have some further time, or if you want to assist out, it’s positively one of many extra rewarding actions within the metropolis.
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! You will discover it here on the map.
Be a part of a Cooking Class with Rooftop Dinner
Learn to make some conventional Greek meals throughout this fun cooking class. You’ll make (and eat), a starter, important dish, salad, dessert, and native dips.
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 enjoyable expertise in Athens here.
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?
Relating to areas of Athens, Omonia, Exarcheia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares have excessive crime charges and must be prevented at evening, if not altogether. Be certain that to regulate your purse and pockets when visiting Athens in addition to there are pickpockets.
Becoming a member of a strolling tour with a neighborhood 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 possibly can positively go to Athens on a weekend, or in 3 days. You’ll have the ability to cowl the entire important highlights in simply a few days, and on the third day, you’ll be able to be a part of a enjoyable expertise (cooking class, wine tasting, jewelry making), or take a day journey by ferry or bus.
The place to Keep in Athens
You’ll need to keep central when visiting Athens, goal to be inside strolling distance of the Acropolis, Plake and Syntagma Sq.. Whether or not you select a lodge or condo is as much as you — some individuals desire resorts with a easy room, whereas others desire residences with a residing space and a kitchen.
This apartment has nice views of the Acropolis, whereas this apartment is in Plaka and likewise has unimaginable views plus a big deck. For resorts, the Electra Metropolis is a very talked-about possibility and it contains breakfast, a rooftop bar, and glorious views.
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 websites, and aimlessly exploring and seeing what you’ll be able to uncover!
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Have you ever been to Athens? What was your favourite factor to do when you had been there?
Observe: Photographs on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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