Athens must be one of the crucial iconic locations I’ve visited! It’s steeped in historic historical past, stuffed with scrumptious meals choices, and countless issues to see and do. I’m a historical past buffs, so seeing the imposing Acropolis for the primary time was an unimaginable feeling!
Whether or not you’re into historic historical past or not, Athens is a enjoyable metropolis to go to. With its gritty vibe, and stark distinction between fashionable and historic, Athens is a novel European capital.
This checklist will make it easier to determine what to do in Athens throughout your time right here – regardless of how lengthy your go to is. I’ll share a mixture of historical past, meals, buying, nightlife & distinctive issues to do in Athens. I like this metropolis, that is undoubtedly the most effective locations to go to in Greece.
I’ve been to Athens quite a few instances, and can most likely be visiting once more this yr! If you happen to’re flying in, Athens will almost certainly be your first cease in Greece. Spend a few days having fun with town earlier than heading to one of many dreamy Greek Islands.
Right here’s my checklist of the very best issues to do in Athens, Greece.
1. Climb to the Acropolis
The primary time I noticed the Acropolis, my jaw dropped. Regardless of what number of historic websites you’ve seen, seeing the Acropolis towering over town is fairly particular!
To be clear, the Acropolis is your complete metropolis on the hill – not one explicit smash. It’s devoted to the goddess Athena, and a go to to the Fifth-century Acropolis is the preferred factor to do in Athens – by far.
After all, 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 8:00am 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 payment is €30.
To find out about all of necessary websites and the unimaginable historical past, I recommend becoming a member of a strolling tour. The tour may even take you to the museum (beneath).
There are a couple of various kinds of excursions you may take, however click on right here to study extra a couple of highly-rated, skip-the-line tour. Plus, you may reserve now and pay later, which is nice as solely a certain quantity of individuals are allowed to go to the Acropolis every day. Cancellation is accessible as much as 24 hours earlier than the tour. That is nice when you’re not totally positive of your plans but.
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 stuffed with pure mild, which highlights the artifacts effectively.
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 provides nice views of historic ruins in Athens. You possibly can study extra concerning the Acropolis on my weblog.
Both earlier than or after you go to the Acropolis, you should go to the Acropolis Museum – test in case your guided tour consists of the museum, most of them do.
It’s not removed from the doorway of the Acropolis and the doorway payment is €20. BUT, when you go to on one among nowadays, it’s free: March sixth (Melina Mercouri Day), March twenty fifth (Nationwide vacation), Might 18th (Worldwide Day of Museums), October twenty eighth (Nationwide vacation).
Line-ups right here might be large, to skip the road, buy your ticket forward of time right here. Alternatively, you should purchase an all-inclusive ticket for each the museum and the Acropolis right here.
3. See Hadrian’s Library
This library is just not a library within the sense we all know it right now, it was a spot of examine, 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 may be glorious signage.
The doorway payment 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. 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 outdoors the restaurant. After I was there it was embellished for Halloween.
Little KooK is principally a dessert cafe, however the high attraction is the decorations. This one of the crucial whimsical locations I’ve been, and might be probably the most Instagrammable place in Athens moreover the Acropolis! Click on right here to seek out it on the map.
💡 Professional Tip: If you happen to’re in Athens for some time, you may choose up a MegaPass Athens Metropolis Cross. With it, you may skip the fluff and head straight to the highlights – the Acropolis, Parthenon, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, audio guides, and extra. It’s all included, no further charges. Only one move for the complete Athens expertise.
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5. Take a Avenue Artwork Tour
It’s true, Athens is a little bit of a gritty metropolis, however with that, comes some unimaginable road artwork. I loved wandering across the Plaka space and snapping images of the artwork. And sure, the road artwork in Athens ranges from common graffiti tags, to some unimaginable items.
Whereas yow will discover a lot of it by yourself within the Plaka space, it’s finest to go together with a neighborhood who can present you round and clarify the story behind the artwork. This tour reveals you round 5 cool neighborhoods which might be lesser identified to vacationers.
Becoming a member of a road artwork tour is one of the best ways to get off the crushed path, and study extra concerning the metropolis. That is my choose for one of many extra distinctive issues to do in Athens.
6. Go Bar Hopping
For such a enjoyable metropolis, it’s no shock that the most effective issues to do in Athens at night time is to go bar hopping. Try Psiri (Psyrri) for the general finest nightlife, Kolonaki for extra upscale nights out, and Gazi for golf equipment/partying.
You are able to do like I did and wander round, stopping in at locations that appeared busy, or if you wish to meet folks and study a bit concerning the metropolis, you may be part of a meals and booze tour.
With this enjoyable, native expertise, you’ll discover 3 totally different areas of Athens, and go to 3 totally different bars there, whereas having fun with drinks, meals, and nice dialog with new associates.
A bar hopping tour is without doubt one of the finest methods to take pleasure in Athens nightlife, particularly when you’re on a fast journey.
The entire tables are reserved forward of time, so that you gained’t have to attend in line in any respect. If you happen to’re searching for cool issues to do in Athens at night time, it is a good possibility. Discover out extra right here.
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7. Eat The Greatest Yogurtlu and Souvlaki
O Thanasis is without doubt one of the hottest locations to eat in Plaka. It’s so common 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 set you again round €15. The folks at O Thanasis are pleasant and never pushy.
I believe the souvlaki can be the most effective on the town. If you happen to don’t make it right here, you can even get some scrumptious souvlaki at lots of a flea markets and markets on the town.
8. Smash Issues at Limba Rage Room
Feeling just a little stressed? Must get some rage out? Limba Rage Room is the place to do exactly that.
You buy a bundle (which might embody plates, bottles, a tube TV and glasses), and also you smash them! It’s an incredible stress reliever and one of the crucial 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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9. Drink a Greek Espresso
I like getting my freddo repair when in Greece! Sampling a freddo cappuccino is without doubt one of the must-do issues in Athens. This is only one of three traditional Greek coffees, there may be additionally a frappe and a freddo espresso.
The frappe is just not like a Starbucks frappe however as an alternative is made with on the spot espresso, water, and sugar (when you select).
The freddo cappuccino is espresso topped with frothy milk (which is my favorite).
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 scorching day in Athens.
Espresso tradition in Greece is a really massive deal. Not solely do locals drink espresso (scorching or chilly) quite a few instances all through the day, however as legend would have it, your fortune might be instructed by studying the dregs of espresso left on the backside of your cup.
The subsequent time you’ve completed consuming your espresso in Athens, ensure that to ask somebody to indicate you the way to learn your fortune.
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10. Store in The Plaka
The Plaka is a neighborhood positioned beneath the Acropolis with charming streets and retailers. Wandering round right here is an effective way to spend a couple of hours. A lot of this space has been closed off to site visitors, though supply vans nonetheless are allowed by way of and a few streets are open.
The chain shops and extra upscale retailers are on Ermou Avenue – the place yow 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 yow will discover souvenirs you may wish to convey house in your family and friends. Plus, it is a nice space for people-watching.
12. Watch the Altering of The Guard
If you happen to’re in Athens on a Sunday, you gained’t wish to miss the ceremonial Altering of the Guard. The army guards change each hour, however on Sundays at 11:00am, they placed on an elaborate present with conventional uniforms.
The Altering of the Guard takes place at Syntagma Sq. on the Parliament Constructing. The very best place to view it from is the Presidential Mansion. This is without doubt one of the finest free issues to do in Athens.
I went on a Sunday and it was undoubtedly the very best time to see it. They could look just a little uncommon, however belief me, they’re extremely skilled troopers known as the Evezone. Don’t miss it!
13. Go to Monastiraki Sq.
If you happen to 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 is usually 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.
14. Get Customized Made Greek Sandals
If you are buying within the Plaka, make sure you 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 traditional 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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15. 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 (and tremendous extremely rated) Lukumades. It isn’t removed from O Thanasis so after consuming your kebab you may have a donut for dessert!
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16. 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 beautiful, however you get wonderful views of Athens from right here. You can even 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 when you don’t wish to climb the hill. The fee for the funicular is €13 return or €10 for a one-way ticket. Click on right here to seek out it on the map.
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17. Be part of a Strolling Meals Tour
Not all of the excursions in Athens are about historical past. If you happen to love Greek meals like I do (and actually, who doesn’t?!), try this enjoyable, informative, and attractive tour! 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 by way of bakeries, cheese and meat retailers, fish market, espresso retailers, and lots 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! If you happen to’re searching for non-touristy issues to do in Athens, it is a nice possibility – it’s additionally the most effective worth experiences within the metropolis. Discover out extra and reserve your spot right here.
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18. Eat Gyros
You possibly can’t come to Athens and never have a traditional gyro. They’re obtainable nearly all over the place and you may 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.
I’ve eaten my fair proportion of gyro, which consists of hen or lamb, french fries, onions, and tomatoes all wrapped up in delicate pita bread. Generally you may get them organized open-faced on a plate.
They’re fairly massive, so when you’ve completed tons of strolling that is the meal for you. Try Kostas or Scrumptious Souvlaki for tasty gyros.
19. Stroll By the Historic Agora
Historic Agora is a 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.
Nevertheless, there may be not a lot signage on the Historic Agora so you could have to search for the historical past while you get there. The doorway payment has elevated through the years and is now €20. Click on right here to seek out it on the map.
20. Discover the Athens Central Market
The Central Market (Varvakios Agora) is a traditional 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 scent wonderful so even when you don’t purchase something it’s nonetheless an incredible place to go to.
The opposite factor to notice is that a lot of the distributors don’t communicate English, however you may level to gadgets that you simply’re concerned with and use signal language (or a translation app).
There’s additionally meat and fish when you’re in self-catering lodging. I liked this market as a result of it felt like such an authentically Greek expertise. Click on right here for a enjoyable market tour right here which incorporates tastings and drinks.
Both approach, a go to to the bustling market is without doubt one of the belongings you shouldn’t miss in Athens. Discover it on the map, right here.
21. Volunteer in Athens
If you happen to’re an animal particular person, 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 canine and cats.
This is probably not one of many extra touristy issues to do in Athens, however if in case you have some further time, or if you need to assist out, it’s undoubtedly one of many extra rewarding actions in Athens.
22. Go to the Panagia Kapnikarea Church
Constructed within the eleventh century, this is without doubt one of the oldest church buildings in Athens. The fascinating factor about this Greek Orthodox church is that it’s surrounded by fashionable buildings! Yow will discover it right here on the map.
23. Be part of a Cooking Class with Rooftop Dinner
It’s all the time enjoyable to hitch cooking lessons world wide. You get to talk with the chef concerning the nation and delicacies, and meet different travellers.
Learn to make some conventional Greek meals throughout this enjoyable cooking class. You’ll make (and eat), a starter, most important dish, salad, dessert, and native dips. Plus, wine is included.
Chat with the chef and your new associates whereas eating on tasty meals that you simply ready, and having fun with the view from the rooftop of the Acropolis – actually, simply the view itself is price it! Discover out extra about this highly-rated cooking expertise in Athens right here.
24. Get Misplaced in The Athens Metropolis Heart
The Metropolis Heart of Athens is energetic, bustling, and a bit tough across the edges, but it surely’s a unbelievable place to get misplaced amongst the traditional websites.
By foot, you may 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 a few of the lesser-known fascinating streets within the metropolis middle.
25. Go to The Panathenaic Stadium
You most likely already know that Greece is house to the unique Olympic Video games – so that you don’t wish to miss the unique stadium!
The Panathenaic Stadium was in-built 330 BC and later expanded into a completely marble enviornment that hosted the primary fashionable Olympics in 1896 and once more in 2004.
Attempt to time your go to for the Athens Marathon, which follows he legendary 42 km route of Pheidippides. It could be unimaginable to observe runners cross the end line in such a historic setting. Click on right here for the dates of the Marathon.
Day Journeys from Athens
You probably have extra time within the metropolis, take a look at these enjoyable day journeys.
1. Hydra Island
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 buying. There’s 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 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 be part of a day tour that takes you to Hydra and features a information and 4 hours of free time on the island. Click on right here for particulars.
2. Crusing Journey
Considered one of my favourite issues to do in Greece is to sail to the Greek Islands. You possibly can be part of a crusing journey that lasts all day, or take a half-day tour. You possibly can even sail to a few 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 finest methods to loosen up 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 desire a catamaran journey in Athens that features meals and drinks, and two stops for swimming, click on right here for particulars.
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3. Temple of Poseidon
The beautiful 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.
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.
There’s a bus from Athens from the Mavromateon Terminal and you can even get it from Syntagma Sq.. Search for the bus going to Sounio. The bus fare one-way is €6.90.
If you happen to’d reasonably be part of a tour and never have to fret about transportation, try this highly-rated half-day tour to Poseidon.
FAQs About Athens
Listed here are solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting 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 must be prevented at night time, if not altogether. Be sure that to regulate your purse and pockets when visiting Athens in addition to there are pickpockets round.
Becoming a member of a strolling tour with a neighborhood while you first arrive in Athens is an effective way to get a rundown of town and the do’s and don’ts.
Are you able to Do Athens in 3 Days?
Sure! You possibly can undoubtedly go to Athens in a day, on two day journeys, a weekend, or in 3 days. You’ll have the ability to cowl the entire most important highlights in simply a few days, and on the third day, you may 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 wish 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 condominium is as much as you – some folks desire lodges with a easy room, whereas others desire flats with a residing space and a kitchen.
This condominium has glorious opinions and views of the Acropolis, whereas this condominium is in Plaka and likewise has unimaginable views plus a lot of pure mild. For lodges, the Electra Metropolis is a very fashionable 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 by foot utilizing Google Maps. If you’ll want to go outdoors of the primary areas, you may catch a bus or seize a rideshare.
How a lot does it price to enter the websites in Athens?
Entrance charges in Athens typically price between €15-€20 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 incredible bar, beautiful views, and loads of areas to take a seat and loosen up.
What’s the smartest 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 Battle Museum. Or try one of many Byzantine church buildings, eat at a few of the nice eating places with a tremendous view, or go to in the course of the Summer time 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’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 may uncover! I all the time love spending time in Athens, and I’m positive you’ll as effectively.
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