🏛 Twelve Best Things to Do in Athens, Greece
Athens is more than just a destination to me—it’s a place that feels like home. Out of all the cities I’ve visited, none pulls me back quite like this one. Every time I return, I feel as if I’ve stepped straight into the pages of a history book, surrounded by layers of stories that stretch back thousands of years. We try to visit Athens at least once a year, and somehow it never gets old. I love everything about it—the welcoming people, the incredible food, the lively streets, and of course the breathtaking ancient monuments. Staying near Plaka and the Acropolis metro has become our tradition. There’s something magical about walking out in the evening and seeing the Parthenon glowing above the city. Many travelers rush through Athens or skip it altogether on their way to the Greek islands. I think that’s a huge mistake. Athens is vibrant, exciting, and full of experiences far beyond the famous ruins. In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite things to do in Athens—from iconic landmarks to hidden corners and unforgettable food spots.
1/19/20268 min read
1. Explore the Acropolis and the Parthenon
No visit to Athens is complete without climbing the Acropolis. Perched high above the city, this ancient hilltop citadel is one of the most important historical sites in the world. Walking among the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike feels surreal—it’s incredible to think you’re standing where democracy and philosophy were born.
Helpful tips:
Buy tickets online in advance
Arrive right at opening time (8:00 AM)
Use the quieter southern entrance near the Theater of Dionysus
Visit in spring or fall for fewer crowds and better weather
Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the entire site and soaking in the views over Athens.
2. Visit the Acropolis Museum
After exploring the ruins, the Acropolis Museum brings everything to life. The modern building is stunning, with glass floors revealing archaeological remains beneath your feet and huge windows framing the Acropolis itself.
Don’t miss the Parthenon Gallery on the top floor—it’s designed to mirror the exact layout of the original temple.
Arrive early in the morning for a quieter visit, and take a break at the museum café for one of the best coffee-with-a-view spots in Athens.
Tip: Go early in the morning to enjoy the exhibits without the crowds.
3. See the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Just a short walk from the Acropolis stands the massive Temple of Olympian Zeus. Even though only a handful of columns remain today, the scale of the site is still awe-inspiring.
It’s a quick visit (about 30–45 minutes) and a great photo stop, especially with the Acropolis in the background.
4. Experience the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
This ancient stone theater on the slopes of the Acropolis is still used for concerts and performances today. Seeing a show here under the stars is one of the most magical experiences you can have in Athens.
If you don’t attend a performance, you can still admire the theater from above with your Acropolis ticket.
5. Wander Through the Ancient Agora
Once the heart of public life in Athens, the Ancient Agora was where citizens gathered to shop, debate, and share ideas. Today it’s a peaceful archaeological park filled with history.
The highlight is the Temple of Hephaestus—one of the best-preserved ancient temples in all of Greece.
Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon.
6. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square
One of the most unique experiences in Athens is watching the Evzones perform the Changing of the Guard in front of the Greek Parliament.
The ceremony happens every hour, but the grand version takes place on Sundays at 11:00 AM with a full parade and band. It’s free, cultural, and absolutely worth seeing.
7. Walk Through the Panathenaic Stadium
This magnificent stadium, built entirely from white marble, hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It’s the only stadium of its kind in the world.
Inside the stadium you’ll also find a fascinating small museum dedicated to Olympic history. The exhibition displays official posters and torches from every modern Olympic Games, giving a unique look at how the event has evolved over the years.
Climb to the top rows for panoramic city views and don’t forget to stand on the winners’ podium for a classic photo moment.
8. Catch the Sunset from Mount Lycabettus
For the best view in Athens, head up Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in the city. From here, you’ll get sweeping panoramic views over Athens, the Acropolis, and all the way to the sea on a clear day.
You can reach the top either by hiking or by taking the funicular. The walk up follows a winding path and is a rewarding option if you enjoy light hiking, especially in the cooler months. If you prefer something easier, the funicular runs from Kolonaki and takes just a few minutes to reach the top.
At the top, you’ll find a small whitewashed chapel, an open-air theater, and a café-bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine in the warmer months or a hot chocolate when temperatures drop. It’s the perfect place to sit back, relax, and watch the sun set over the city.
Be sure to bring a light jacket, even in summer. Due to the altitude, it can get quite windy at the top, especially around sunset.
9. Get Lost in the Plaka Neighborhood
Plaka is my favorite area of Athens and one of the places we always choose to stay. With its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and traditional tavernas, it feels like a small village tucked right beneath the Acropolis.
It’s a fantastic base for exploring the city. The Acropolis metro station is just a short walk away, making it easy to get around Athens, and the neighborhood itself is very safe and pleasant to walk through, both during the day and in the evening.
One of the most magical moments in Plaka happens after the tour groups leave in the late afternoon. The streets become quieter, the lights come on, and you can stroll around while watching the Acropolis and Parthenon glowing above you. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a relaxed dinner, a glass of wine, or a peaceful walk through the historic streets.
Don’t miss the charming Anafiotika quarter, a small maze of whitewashed alleys that feels more like a Greek island than the heart of a capital city.
10. Explore Monastiraki and the Flea Market
For a more lively and energetic side of Athens, head to Monastiraki Square. This bustling area is home to the city’s famous flea market, where narrow streets are packed with vintage shops, local vendors, and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
You’ll find some of the best souvenir shopping in Athens here. Popular Greek gifts include handmade donkey milk soaps, natural body creams, local honeys, bottles of ouzo, delicious Greek wines, high-quality olive oil, and beautiful linen clothing that’s perfect for warm Mediterranean weather.
The flea market is open daily, but Sundays are when the area truly comes alive, with the largest number of stalls and the most vibrant atmosphere. Shops typically open from late morning until early evening, though hours can vary by vendor.
It’s also a fantastic spot for drinks with a view. Rooftop bars like A for Athens and MS Rooftop offer stunning Acropolis views, especially at sunset. Expect cocktails to range from €10–€15, well worth it for the scenery alone.
11. Enjoy Athens After Dark
Athens completely changes at night. Seeing the Parthenon illuminated while sipping a drink at a rooftop bar is one of my favorite experiences in the city.
The evening atmosphere in neighborhoods like Plaka, Psiri, and Monastiraki is vibrant, social, and full of life.
12. Fall in Love with Greek Food
One of the main reasons I keep coming back to Athens is the food. Greek cuisine easily ranks in my top five favorite foods in the world, and every visit feels like a delicious reunion with familiar flavors.
I love how simple yet full of character Greek food is—from a classic Greek salad and perfectly grilled souvlaki to comforting dishes like moussaka, kleftiko, and anything made with eggplant. And then there’s real Greek yogurt with honey and nuts… once you’ve tried the authentic version, there’s no going back. Pair it all with a glass of local Greek red wine, and you’ll understand why dining in Athens is such a pleasure.
Over the years, I’ve discovered some wonderful spots that I keep returning to. For traditional grilled meats, Bairaktaris (Aiolou 29) and Thanasis are always reliable favorites. If you’re in the mood for something more refined, Elaea Dine & Wine offers a fantastic modern take on Greek flavors.
For desserts and sweet treats, Bufala Gelato and The Grecos Project are perfect stops, while Chatzis (Syntagma) is a great option for quality Greek food in a central location.
I also love relaxed café-style spots like Victory Café, and for a meal with a view, the Acropolis Museum Café and Restaurant is surprisingly good. In Plaka, Efcharis Restaurant and Omorphi Polis are excellent choices for traditional dishes in a charming setting.
If you want to dive deeper into Athens’ food scene, joining a food tour or wine tour is a fantastic idea. Platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator offer guided experiences that take you to local markets, bakeries, tavernas, and wine bars, all while sharing stories about Greek food culture. It’s one of the best ways to discover hidden gems and taste things you might not find on your own.
Final Thoughts
Athens is a city that rewards those who take their time. Beyond the famous landmarks, there are countless neighborhoods, flavors, and stories waiting to be discovered.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Athens always has something new to offer—and I know I’ll keep coming back again and again.
