25 Issues To Do in Athens in 2023 (High Points of interest and Sights)
There are such a lot of thrilling issues to do in Athens, it may be onerous to resolve what to do. Athens is an iconic vacation spot, steeped in historic 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 listing will allow you to resolve what to do in Athens throughout your time there — regardless of how lengthy your go to is. I’ve been to Athens twice and love 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 most well-liked factor to do in Athens.
After all, which means everybody desires to go there, together with guests from 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 possibly can see a lot of Athens and may see all the best way to the ocean. The doorway payment is €20 ($23.25).
To study the entire unimaginable historical past, be a part of a non-public strolling tour. The tour can even take you to the museum (beneath). There are a couple of several types of excursions you possibly can take, click on right here to be taught extra a few highly-rated, skip-the-line tour.
2. Go to the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is among the most lovely museums I’ve ever been to. I liked my expertise right here! It’s crammed with pure mild, which highlights the artifacts properly.
Right here you will get an in depth take a look at the Parthenon frieze replicas on show. The cafe balcony additionally affords nice views of Athens. You possibly can be taught extra in regards to 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 payment is €5 ($5.80) within the winter and €10 ($10.50) in the summertime.
Line-ups right here could be big, 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 isn’t a library within the sense we all know it in the present day, 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 possibly can clearly see the format of the library and there’s wonderful signage.
The doorway payment is €4 ($4.70). Hadrian’s Library is situated within the Monastiraki neighborhood not removed from the Acropolis.
4. Go to Edem Seaside
Going to the seashore is among the lesser-known issues to do in Athens as most individuals suppose it’s important to go to the islands to get pleasure from some seashore time. Though it’s not one of many greatest seashores in Greece, it’s nonetheless an ideal place to calm down and benefit from the sea.
Take your individual towel and umbrella if you need one, as there are none out there there. You will get an ideal meal on the Edem Taverna situated on the seashore.
To get to Edem Seaside, 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 payment 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 outdoors the restaurant. Once I was there it was adorned for Halloween.
Little KooK is principally a dessert cafe, however the prime attraction is the decorations. That is most likely essentially the most Instagrammable place in Athens moreover the Acropolis!
6. Take a Avenue Artwork Tour
Avenue artwork is simple to seek out in Athens and ranges from basic graffiti artwork to fashionable avenue artwork.
Whereas you will discover a lot of it by yourself within the Plaka space, this tour reveals you round 5 cool neighbourhoods which can be lesser identified to vacationers.
This different 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 desirous to proceed, you possibly can maintain exploring extra avenue 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 Rooftop Bar Hopping (smartest thing to do in Athens at night time)
For the perfect view of the Acropolis at night time, you could have a specialty cocktail, beer, or glass of wine on a rooftop patio! With this enjoyable, native expertise, you’ll go to 3 totally 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 gained’t have to attend in line in any respect. Should you’re on the lookout for cool issues to do in Athens at night time, it is a good choice. Discover out extra right here.
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8. Eat The Greatest Yogurtlu and Souvlaki
O Thanasis is among the hottest locations to eat in Plaka. It’s so standard that even Greeks eat right here. The perfect factor to eat is the Yogurtlu, which is a beef kebab coated 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 folks at O Thanasis are pleasant and never pushy. The souvlaki can also be top-of-the-line on the town.
(Editor’s Be aware: a Greek reader has suggested us that Agrafa restaurant has the perfect souvlaki in Athens. Possibly strive them each?!…)
9. Go to the Benaki Museum
Visiting the Benaki Museum is among 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 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 situated in a ravishing Neo-classic constructing and you may get pleasure from a espresso and the view from the cafe. Skip-the-line tickets to the museum could be bought forward of time, right here.
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10. Smash Issues at Limba Rage Room
Feeling somewhat stressed? Have to get some rage out? Limba Rage Room is the place to do exactly that.
You buy a package deal (which might embrace plates, bottles, a tube TV and glasses), and also you smash them! It’s an ideal stress reliever and one of the vital distinctive issues to do in Athens.
There are a number of packages for each price range. They vary from €10 to €100. Don’t fear, they offer you protecting gear to put on. It’s situated simply down the road from Little KooK.
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11. Drink a Greek Espresso
Sampling a freddo cappuccino is among 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 isn’t like a Starbucks frappe however as an alternative is made with immediate espresso, water, and sugar (in the event 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 severe 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 occasions all through the day, however as legend would have it, your fortune could be advised by studying the dregs of espresso left on the backside of your cup.
The subsequent time you’ve completed consuming your espresso in Athens, be sure to ask somebody to point out you tips on how to learn your fortune…or higher but, meet up with a neighborhood fortune teller for espresso and studying. Discover out extra right here.
12. Go to the Museum of Cycladic Artwork
The Museum of Cycladic Artwork is residence to one of the vital full personal collections of Cycladic Artwork. That is particularly nice to see in the event 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. There are some metallic objects as properly. 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 payment is €7.
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13. Store in The Plaka
The Plaka is a neighborhood situated beneath the Acropolis. A lot of this space has been closed off to visitors, though supply vans nonetheless are allowed via and a few streets are open.
The chain shops and extra upscale retailers are on Ermou Avenue — the place you will discover retailers like Sephora and H&M.
Then there are vacationer retailers and lower-end retailers, that are additional down previous Monastiraki Sq.. Right here you will discover souvenirs you would possibly need to convey residence on your family and friends. Plus, it is a nice space for people-watching.
14. Watch the Altering of The Guard
This is among the greatest issues to do in Athens. To catch this weekly occasion, you should 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 traditional, they’re dressed within the conventional Greek uniform and the ceremony is extra complicated.
Sundays are the perfect day to see the altering of the guards in Athens. And whereas they might look somewhat uncommon, they’re extremely skilled troopers known as the Evezone. This is among the greatest free issues to do in Athens.
15. Go to Monastiraki Sq.
Should you sit in Monastiraki Sq. lengthy sufficient, I swear you will note 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 throughout the constructing of the metro.
This is among the most bustling locations in Athens and chilling out right here is among the greatest issues to do.
16. Get Customized Made Greek Sandals
If you are procuring 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 will 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 perfect 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 possibly can have a donut for dessert!
18. Watch the Sundown at Lycabettus Hill
Watching the sundown from Lycabettus Hill is among the greatest issues to do in Athens. Not solely is the sundown gorgeous, however you get superb views of Athens from right here. It’s also possible to see the Acropolis all lit up for the night.
There’s a funicular to take you up and down in the event you don’t need 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 Archaeology Museum
The Nationwide 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 payment 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 gained’t need to miss this expertise! It’s one of many highest rated excursions in Athens.
Meet up together with your information and uncover some unimaginable avenue distributors and native markets, all whereas strolling off the meals and studying about Athens and Greece alongside the best way. You’ll eat your method via bakeries, cheese and meat retailers, fish market, espresso retailers, 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, it is a nice choice — it’s additionally top-of-the-line 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 absorb Athens. Since I like Greek meals, I all the time search for meals excursions with a facet of strolling. Whether or not you’re all in favour of wine, historical past, or meals, it’s all the time enjoyable to satisfy up with a neighborhood and spend a while collectively whereas studying in regards to 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 enables no automobiles. Many of the issues to do are situated 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 journey away in the event 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.
An alternative 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 in the event 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 night time when it’s superbly lit.
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23. Eat Gyros
You can’t come to Athens and never have a basic gyro. They’re out there nearly in every single place and you may have enjoyable looking for the perfect one. A seek for your favorite gyro is among the greatest issues to do in Athens for foodies.
The gyro consists of rooster or lamb, french fries, onions, and tomatoes all wrapped up in smooth pita bread. Generally you possibly can organize them open-faced on a plate. They’re fairly massive, so in the event you’ve executed tons of strolling that is the meal for you.
24. Take a Day Crusing Journey
Considered one 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 among the greatest 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, in the event you’d choose a catamaran journey in Athens that features meals and drinks, click on right here for particulars.
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25. Go to the Temple of Poseidon
This gorgeous historic 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 need to attempt to be right here early within the morning or for sundown. You possibly can typically see a number of islands on a transparent day from the temple.
Technically it is a day journey from Athens because it’s 70kms south of town. 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.
Should you’d moderately be a part of 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 below are a pair extra actions so as to add to your listing.
Stroll By way of the Roman Agora
The Roman Agora is situated 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. Nevertheless, there’s not a lot signage so you might have to look issues up after you go. The doorway payment is €6.
Discover the Athens Central Market
That is the basic out of doors market with shouting distributors and all of the smells that come together with it. I found it after I stayed in a lodge proper out there. The fruits in Greece look and scent superb so even in the event you don’t purchase something it’s nonetheless an ideal place to go to.
The opposite factor to notice is that a lot of the distributors don’t converse English, however you possibly can level to objects that you simply’re all in favour of 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. Click on right here for a enjoyable market tour in Athens.
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 possibly can help with strolling and caring for canines and cats.
This will not be one of many extra touristy issues to do in Athens, however you probably 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 among 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.
Be a part of a Cooking Class with Rooftop Dinner
Learn to make some conventional Greek meals throughout this enjoyable 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 simply ready, and having fun with the view from the rooftop of the Acropolis. Discover out extra about this enjoyable expertise in Athens right here.
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 the case of areas of Athens, Omonia, Exarcheia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares have excessive crime charges and ought to be averted at night time, if not altogether. Be certain 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 whenever you first arrive in Athens is a good 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 positively go to Athens on a weekend, or in 3 days. You’ll be capable to cowl the entire important highlights in simply a few days, and on the third day, you possibly can 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 need to keep central when visiting Athens, and goal to be inside strolling distance of the Acropolis, Plake and Syntagma Sq.. Whether or not you select a lodge or residence is as much as you — some folks choose motels with a easy room, whereas others choose residences with a residing space and a kitchen.
This residence has wonderful opinions and views of the Acropolis, whereas this residence is in Plaka and in addition has unimaginable views plus a number of pure mild. For motels, the Electra Metropolis is a extremely popular choice and it contains breakfast, a rooftop bar, and wonderful views.
Now You Know What To Do in Athens
As you possibly can 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 websites, and aimlessly exploring and seeing what you possibly can uncover!
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Have you ever been to Athens? What was your favourite factor to do when you had been there?
Be aware: Pictures on this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
