20 Best things to do in Athens from attractions to trendy beaches & tours

From top sightseeing tours to fun activities and from traditional food-tasting to nature exploration, we’ve found out everything you NEED to do! Stick with us!

Read: Athens holidays travel guide, Athens best hotels

In a nutshell: The best things to do in Athens

The best places for sightseeing in Athens (Top attractions and monuments)

Well, this is a classic!

The Acropolis is the trademark not only of Athens but also of Greece. It is without any doubt the absolute must-visit in Athens! The archaeological site of Acropolis is located on the Acropolis hill, which overlooks Athens city center. On the top of the Acropolis hill sits the Parthenon, an enormous temple built in honour of the ancient Greek goddess Athena, the city’s patron. It’s so imposing!

The best time of the year to visit the Acropolis is summer or spring, when the opening hours are extended and the weather conditions are better.

Tip: Since there are many monuments to visit on the Acropolis hill, we recommend getting a local guide with you or booking an organized tour to the Acropolis. This way, you’ll get to know the history behind the most important monuments in Athens and ask all the questions you may have!

Find the best sightseeing tours in Athens | Find out all the best tours in Athens

Located right under the Acropolis hill, boasting a breathtaking view of the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum is one of the city’s highlights! It is easily accessible, as it sits a few steps away from the Acropolis metro station, which is connected to all the main points of interest in Athens.

The Acropolis Museum stands out for its unique architecture, as it has a glass façade that allows visitors marvel at the fantastic view. Inside the museum, you’ll discover a collection of archaeological findings from excavations carried out on the Acropolis hill. Don’t miss it!

If you are a history buff, a visit to the Archaeological Museum is going to fascinate you!

The Archaeological Museum is considered one of the best museums in the world! It hosts findings of excavations carried out all around Greece, divided into many collections, such as the Prehistoric collection, the Sculptures collection, and the Santorini collection. You can easily reach the Archaeological Museum from Athens city center on foot or by public means of transportation.

You mustn’t leave Athens without visiting the Numismatic Museum! Situated on the busy Panepistimiou Steet in the heart of the city, this museum hosts an impressive modern and ancient coin collection, making it one of the most important museums not only in Greece but also in Europe! The museum, which was formerly known as ‘Iliou Melathron’, is housed in a beautiful neo-classical mansion, which used to be the residence of the renowned German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. Both the interior and the exterior of the Numismatic Museum are impressive!

Besides a must-visit historical attraction, the Numismatic Museum also is a little oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city center. Combining elegant architecture with historical significance, this museum is one of the most beautiful spots in downtown Athens.

The Numismatic Museum is a go-to spot for both a morning coffee and an afternoon drink! The cafe at the museum’s paradisiacal garden is a great place to escape the summer heat and enjoy a refreshment surrounded by trees and statues. When the sun goes down, several events, like jazz nights and concerts, take place here, too -definitely check them out!

The best fun things to do in Athens

There’s no denying that Athens is a culinary paradise! The Greek capital is full of restaurants and taverns for every taste and budget. However, if your meals in Athens are limited, you should at least taste the staples of the local cuisine.

Greek souvlaki, gyros, moussakas, dolmadakia, and tzatziki are some must-try dishes. Thankfully, Athens city center is a tavern mecca. If you have no clue where to go, Monastiraki, Exarcheia, and Psyrri are famous for their traditional eateries. Even better, go on an organized food tour to make sure you won’t miss anything!

Find the best food & drink tours in Athens | Find out all the best tours in Athens

If you’re planning on visiting Athens between May and September, this is a one of the best things to do! There are many open-air cinemas scattered all around the city, but we believe that the most atmospheric ones lie in the city center. Cine Thissio and Cine Paris are two of our all-time favorites. They offer outstanding views of the Acropolis and the starlit night sky, creating the perfect atmosphere for a romantic date night. If you want to continue your night out after you have watched the movie, you can sit at one of the numerous picturesque restaurants and bars located close to the cinema!

Athens city center is hands down a shopping heaven! Strolling through the streets of the busy city center, you’ll find a wide variety of shops, from international retail chains to trendy fashion boutiques and hip vintage shops for every taste. The top streets for shopping in the city center are Ermou street, Voukourestiou street, and Stadiou street. However, if you’re looking for souvenirs, Plaka, Thissio, and Monastiraki are the places to go!

Tip: Don’t forget to bring your reusable totes with you!

The best things to do in Athens for free

If you find yourself meandering around the city center on a hot summer day, head to the National Gardens, right next to the Greek parliament. It is an ideal place to escape the summer heat!

Just a few steps away from Syntagma square, the National Gardens are a green paradise that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. At the National Gardens, you’ll find a variety of trees and flowers, as well as some super-cute animals, like rabbits, turtles, ducks, and goats. There’s also a café, where you can enjoy refreshments surrounded by the exotic scenery!

Find the best local culture tours in Athens | Find out all the best tours in Athens

Imagine this: You’re strolling through the streets of Athens city center in the heart of the summer. And it’s hot. Very hot. Is there any way you can escape the heat and have a taste of beach life without hopping on a ferry to the Greek islands? You bet there is: Athens beaches. From cosmopolitan beaches, like Astir beach in Vouliagmeni and trendy beaches, like Balux Seaside Project in Glyfada, to paradise resorts, like Eden beach in Anavissos, Athens has it all. Grab your swimsuit and enjoy the beach life of the Athenian Riviera.

Lycabettus hill sits in the Kolonaki area, a few steps away from Athens city center. It can be accessed either on foot or by funicular, which goes up to the top of the hill. There, you’ll find a picturesque whitewashed chapel and a selection of bars and restaurants with a breathtaking view of Athens.

The best time of the day to visit the Lycabettus hill is hands down a few minutes before the sunset. Take in the scenery, as the sun sinks into the horizon, spaying the city with all the shades of orange and yellow. Pure magic!

The Plaka district is probably the most picturesque area in Athens. Although it lies in the heart of the bustling city center, it has a laid-back, island-like ambiance. Narrow cobblestone alleys, pastel neoclassical houses, flowery courtyards, and colorful corners will make you feel as if you’re strolling around a Cycladic village in Paros or Naxos.

Plaka is the perfect place to dine or enjoy a drink with a view, as it is full of traditional rooftop taverns and bars. So, don’t miss the chance to taste the local delicacies along with a glass (or two) of ouzo.

Tip: You can combine your visit to Plaka with sightseeing, as Plaka lies next to Monastiraki. Some of the best archaeological sites to visit in Monastiraki are the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and Hadrian’s Library.

The best things to do in Athens with family and friends

If you’re planning to stay in Athens for more than just a couple of days, a visit to Cape Sounion should be on your list! To reach Cape Sounion, you can either rent a car or join an organized tour. It’s an ideal all-day activity for families!

Above Cape Sounion, stands the imposing Temple of Poseidon, a temple dedicated to the ancient Greek god of the sea. This beautiful Doric temple is the perfect spot to watch the sunset and marvel at the panoramic view of the ocean and the natural surroundings.

Find the best nature & adventure tours in Athens | Find out all the best tours in Athens

Athens has a vivid nightlife! When the sun goes down, the city’s bars get full people of all ages and nationalities.

In Athens city center, you’ll find a selection of rooftop bars, cocktail bars, clubs, and pubs for every taste. Monastiraki, Exarcheia, Plaka, Psyrri, and Koukaki are the top nightlife districts in Athens. As for the best bars in Athens, 360 degrees and A for Athens in Monastiraki, Transistor in Psyrri, Ipitou the bar in Syntagma, the Clumsies in Monastiraki, and Tiki bar in Koukaki are top choices.

Besides walking, cycling is another great way to explore the city! No matter if you’re with your family or a group of friends, a bike tour is both a fun and educational activity for all ages. There are several bike tour operators in Athens, most of them located in the historic center (Plaka, Thissio, Koukaki, Acropolis, etc). Starting your tour at the city center is your best bet, because, this way, you won’t only see the most important attractions in Athens but also discover hidden gems!

Best day trips from Athens

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital, your best bet is to set off on a sailing trip to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina. On this cruise, you’ll get to visit amazing beaches and ancient temples, see wild peacocks, snorkel, and eat delicious Greek food on board!

The biggest advantage of a sailing tour is that there are frequent stops, so you’ll have the chance to relax, explore beautiful spots, do bike tours, and take photos of picturesque sceneries!

Find the best day-trips from Athens | Find out all the best tours in Athens

On this tour, you’ll visit the most beautiful islands of the Saronic Gulf: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.

Departing from Marina Flisvos in Athens, you’ll sail to Hydra, the most elegant island of the Saronic island complex. Hydra stands out for its refined architecture, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and complete absence of cars. It will make you feel transported to another era!

After a delicious lunch on board, you’ll set sail to the island of Aegina. This island has enduring history, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing. Besides ancient sites, Aegina also has a beautiful floating fruit and vegetable market and plenty of seaside villages to explore.

The final stop of this tour from Athens will be Poros island, a tiny island that stands out for its verdant nature, quiet beaches, and picturesque main town.

If you visit Athens don’t miss the chance to also visit the coastal town of Nafplio in Argolis!

Nafplio is a picturesque town with a beautiful location and enduring history. The most important monument in Nafplio is Palamidi fortress, a Venetian castle with 999 steps that offers all-encompassing views of the sea and the town. Other places worth exploring are the Bourtzi Castle, Acronafplia, the Komboloi museum, and the distillery of Ouzo, Tsipouro, and Mastiha liqueur.

After you have strolled through the narrow streets of Nafplio, you’ll take a break from exploration and have lunch at a traditional Greek tavern in the heart of the town. After lunch, you’ll visit the ancient town of Epidaurus. Epidaurus, one of the most important towns in ancient Greece, is mainly known for its ancient theatre. The legendary Epidaurus Festival takes place at the Epidaurus Theatre every summer, so make sure you won’t miss it!

The top places to eat in Athens

If you find yourself at the seaside Piraeus, don’t miss Varoulko Seaside, a Michelin-awarded restaurant, which is famous for its scrumptious seafood dishes. Varoulko is ideally located at Mikrolimano marina in Piraeus and boasts a breathtaking view of the sea. At Varoulko Seaside, the local superstar chef Lefteris Lazarou uses freshly caught fish and seafood to create drool-worthy traditional dishes with a modern twist. The gazpacho pea soup, the red mullet tartar, and, of course, the shrimps are some of the restaurant’s specialties you need to try.

Info: 52 Akti Koumoundourou, Mikrolimano, Piraeus, Athens Tel: 302105228400

Papadakis restaurant in Kolonaki is arguably one of the most popular upscale restaurants in Athens. Greek celebrities and members of the international jet visit this restaurant to enjoy a selection of delicious dishes created by the famous Greek chef Argiro Barbarigou. Argiro is known for her delicious sauces and traditional Greek recipes with a modern twist. The location of Papadakis is also perfect! Perched on the foothills of Mount Lycabettus, Papadakis offers a breathtaking view that will ideally accompany your dinner.

Info: 47 Voukourestiou & 15 Fokidou Streets, Kolonaki, Athens Tel: 302103608621

Where to have a drink in Athens

If you’re searching for the fanciest signature cocktails in Athens, Upupa Epops – The Bar is the place to go. Housed in a neoclassical building in the hip Petralona area, next to Keramikos, this cocktail bar boasts a unique atmosphere. Black and white tiles, colorful chairs, and trees create the perfect setting for an exotic night out. Oh, and if you visit Upupa Epops – The Bar in the morning, don’t miss their hearty brunch!

Info: 7 Alkminis, 118 54, Petralona, Athens Tel: 302121055214

How to get to Athens?

There are several ways to get to Athens. The most popular and fastest way to reach the Greek capital is by air, but there are also the alternatives of the train, cruise ships and the car.

Where to stay in Athens?

Athens is a big city, so there are many areas and neighborhoods to stay in Athens. The best area to stay in Athens is arguably the city center. Athens city center is where the cultural heart of Athens beats and also where you’ll find the largest selection of Athens hotels, Athens restaurants, cafes and bars. The best areas to stay in Athens city center are Plaka, Koukaki, Psyrri, and Kolonaki.

Explore more: Check all the hotels in Athens | Find out Athens best hotels

What is the best time of the year to visit Athens?

The truth is that Athens is beautiful all year round! The best seasons to visit Athens, though, are spring and autumn. That’s because the weather is mild during these seasons, creating the perfect conditions for sightseeing and wandering. Winter might not be particularly cold, but summer is always pretty hot. While Athens is busy in summer and rather quiet in the winter, it usually isn’t overcrowded in spring and fall. More specifically, mid-April to mid-June and September to mid-October are the best months to get the best that Athens has to offer.

What are the most famous attractions in Athens?

The most popular attractions in Athens are the Acropolis & the Parthenon, the Theater of Herodes Atticus, the Ancient Agora, the Acropolis Museum, and Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

What are the best foods to eat in Athens?

The best delicacies to try in Athens are souvlaki, mousakas, loukoumades, zucchini balls, and seafood.

See also: Rhodes island holidays travel guide | Crete island holidays travel guide | Corfu island holidays travel guide | Santorini island holidays travel guide | Mykonos island holidays travel guide

Now we ‘d like to hear from you

So, are you dreaming of going on a sunset tour to Cape Sounio, climbing up the Acropolis hill, or taking a romantic stroll around Plaka? Maybe all of them?

Even if you stay in the Greek capital for just a few days, you can’t go wrong with the activities included in this list!

What are your favorite things to do in Athens? What’s on your bucket list? Tell us in the comments.

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