15 BEST Things to do in Athens, Greece

Looking for the best things to do in Athens? I’ve got you covered!

Athens is such a unique city because ancient wonders sit right next to lively, modern streets. As soon as I arrived in the city, I fell in love with its vibrant energy. But I won’t lie, I was a bit overwhelmed by just how much there is to do here. It’s hard to know where to start!

Thankfully, I figured it out after exploring Athens in depth. So now, to help you plan your itinerary, I’ve put together this guide to the top 15 things to do in Athens that will ensure your time here is unforgettable.

Athens at a Glance

Before we get into the full list of things to do in Athens, I’ve got a few quick tips you should know before visiting! The following advice should help your trip get off to a smooth start.

You can walk everywhere: Athens is very walkable, so make sure to pack comfy shoes! In fact, if you stay somewhere central like Plaka, Monastiraki, or Psyri, you’ll be able to go almost everywhere on foot. My step count was through the roof! 

Public transport is great: Athens has a great public transport system. You can use contactless payment on buses and the metro, which makes getting around super quick and straightforward. And when you do need a taxi, I recommend using the FreeNow app. I found it much better than Uber in Athens.

Download Athens apps: I recommend downloading the Hellenic Heritage app before you go. It has free audio tours for some of Athens’ ancient sites, which is such a handy way to add extra context as you explore.

What to Skip in Athens? One thing we have learned after visiting Athens a few times is that the free tours are not really the best option. Although at first glance they seem more affordable, by the time you tip the recommended amount of around $20 USD per person, the “free” tours are not much cheaper than some paid tours and are much less professional. On the free tours, the guides are volunteers who are oftentimes university students or expats. On paid tours, you’ll get expert guides who have been trained and have tons of knowledge. To us, paid tours are always the better option.

How I would Spend 3 days in Athens

Most travelers will spend at least two or three days in Athens, and honestly, I think three days is the perfect amount of time. For me, this was enough time to explore the big ancient sites and enjoy the city’s prettiest neighborhoods, without having to rush around. And of course, I enjoyed lots of amazing Greek food along the way!

Day 1: Start your trip with a guided tour of the Acropolis, aka Athens’ most important ancient site. After lunch with views of the Ancient Agora, spend the afternoon exploring nearby historic sites like Hadrian’s Library or Kerameikos Cemetery. Then end the day with rooftop drinks overlooking the Acropolis and a traditional Greek dinner.

Day 2: Begin with panoramic views from Lycabettus Hill, then walk through the National Gardens and watch the Changing of the Guards. In the afternoon, visit Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic Stadium before heading out on a sunset tour to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.

Day 3: Spend your final day eating your way through Athens on this amazing food tour, then visit the National Archaeological Museum in the afternoon. For your last evening, explore Plaka and the hidden enclave of Anafiotika, and book dinner at Geros Tou Moria for traditional Greek food and dancing.

This is exactly how I spent my time in Athens! For even more details, check out my 3-day Athens itinerary, with lots more detail and personal recommendations.

And just a quick note, if you’re not heading to the Greek islands after Athens, I’d swap day 3 for a full-day sailing trip to the Saronic Islands instead. It’s a great way to get a taste of island hopping without adding another destination to your trip.

Things to do in Athens, Greece

1. Take a cruise to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina islands

If you’re only visiting Athens but don’t want to miss out on going island hopping in Greece, then you MUST do this full-day sailing cruise from Athens!

Athens has over 3,000 islands nearby, making it the perfect starting point to do some serious island exploring. On this day trip, you will head out of the busy city to the gorgeous Saronic Islands on a Greek sailing ship. You will spend the day island hopping around the Aegean Sea, stopping at 3 different islands: Agistri, Moni, and Aegina. 

The first stop is Agistri, where you will have an hour and a half to explore the villages or relax on the beach. There is an optional bike tour here, which allows you to explore even more of the island. If you do, you’ll spot temples and beautiful peacocks, but I wouldn’t blame you if you just wanted to stay on the beach and chill, either!

Then it’s on to Moni island for a delicious Mediterranean lunch on board, with drinks and plenty of time to swim and snorkel. The final stop is the island of Aegina, which is the most beautiful of all in my opinion. With its bright blue water and pristine shoreline, it almost feels too perfect to be real.

I love this tour because it allows you to enjoy the classic island-hopping experience, even if you’re just in Athens for a quick city break. But don’t just take my word for it, because you can read thousands of 5-star reviews here!

2. Wander through the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Acropolis Museum

As Europe’s oldest capital city, Athens is filled to the brim with fascinating history, and the Acropolis is its most important ancient site! This hilltop citadel is full of must-see ancient monuments, so I booked this half-day tour for my first day in Athens to tick off the city’s top attraction first. I mean, it just makes sense to start with the most iconic landmark!

It also makes sense to go with an expert guide. In fact, my guide was an archaeologist who had studied for 10 years, so she really knew her stuff. I learned so much on this tour about everything from the rivalry between Athens and Sparta to the fact that conservators use tattoo removal lasers to clean up ancient statues. Who knew?

As we made our way up the Acropolis hill, we got amazing views over the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which is absolutely beautiful, and the Temple of Athena Nike, with its famous Caryatids. We also learned that it took just 8 years to build the Parthenon, but its restoration has been going on for over 50 years and is still in progress today! 

I loved exploring the Acropolis, but the museum was amazing, too. One of the best exhibits showed the evolution of statues in Ancient Greece, although the Lego model of the Acropolis was pretty fun to see. After the tour ends, you can also go down to the basement and see the ancient ruins beneath the museum that they discovered when clearing the ground for the building.

I’m so glad that I did this tour, because it was the perfect introduction to Athens’ ancient history. And don’t just take my word for it, because you can read thousands of 5-star reviews here!

Related Read: If the above tour is booked up, don’t worry! Have a look at some of our other favorite Acropolis tours here!

3. Eat your way through Athens

Ok, I don’t know about you, but Greek food is one of my favorite cuisines. So when I first visited Athens, I couldn’t wait to go on this popular gourmet food tour!

I met my group and our amazing guide, Tonia, in Monastiraki Square, and from there we headed to a few local bakeries to grab some koulouri (Greek sesame bread rings) and bougatsa (flaky pastry parcels). The bougatsa in particular were unbelievably good, especially the one with a honey and feta filling.

Next, we visited a 200-year-old bakery for loukoumades, and we even got to go into the kitchen to watch them being prepared. Then, after a quick visit to the Municipal Market, it was time for some traditional Greek coffee, which ended up being one of the most interesting parts of the tour. We watched our coffee being prepared over a bed of hot sand, and then Tonia taught us how to drink the unfiltered coffee properly so that we didn’t end up with a mouthful of grounds.

For lunch, we went to a traditional restaurant for a sit-down meal served family-style, with meatballs, Greek salad, anchovies, grilled sardines, olives, grilled aubergines, giant beans, ouzo, and local wine. And as if all of that weren’t enough, we finished the tour with souvlaki skewers!

I also have to give a proper shoutout to Tonia, who was such a sweet and energetic guide. She knew I was traveling solo and really made sure I felt welcome in the group, which I really appreciated.

4. Enjoy panoramic views from Lycabettus Hill

For one of the best views in Athens, head up to the top of Lycabettus Hill. It’s the highest point in central Athens, so from the top, you get amazing panoramic views over the city, all the way to the Acropolis and beyond.

I took a Freenow taxi to the base of the hill and walked up, which only took about 10 minutes. It was fairly steep, but the path is even and well-paved, and there’s no way you can get lost! However, there’s also a funicular that runs to the top of the hill if you’d rather not walk. It’s €10 for a one-way ticket or €13 for a return.

I recommend going up Lycabettus Hill early in the morning if you can, especially during the warmer months. That way, you can beat the heat and then grab breakfast on the way back down. I stopped at Prasini Tenta after walking back down the hill, rather than at the cafe at the top, because it offers a gorgeous view of the Acropolis.

That said, Lycabettus Hill is also a lovely sunset spot. It does get very busy, though, so I would recommend going in the morning if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds.

5. Discover the ancient ruins of Delphi

In ancient Greek times, Delphi was considered the center of the world, which the Greeks called the “Omphalos.” It was also one of the most important religious and cultural sites in ancient Greece, and today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can explore the ruins and learn more about Greek mythology, daily life, and ancient beliefs.

I didn’t manage to visit Delphi on my last trip to Athens, but this full-day tour is high on my list for next time. After seeing how much ancient history there is packed into the city itself, I’d love to get out to Delphi and learn more about one of the most legendary sites in Greece.

The big highlight is the Temple of Apollo, where the famous Oracle of Delphi once gave prophecies. People traveled from all over ancient Greece to seek her guidance, which is just so fascinating to me. The tour also visits other important ruins, including the Athenian Stoa and the monument of the Argive Kings, as well as the Delphi Archaeological Museum.

You’ll also get some free time in the town of Delphi, so there’s a chance to grab lunch and have a little wander before heading back to Athens.

This tour is available as either a small-group or private experience, so you can choose the option that best fits your travel style. Just be aware that this tour tends to sell out, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot!

Related Read: If this tour isn’t doing it for you, we’ve got you covered. Check out our blog to see our 5 favorite ways to see Delphi!

6. Learn about Greek Mythology

I don’t know about you, but I find Greek mythology fascinating. It was actually one of the main reasons I was so excited to visit Athens in the first place, because this is where so many of those famous stories really come to life. So although I didn’t get a chance to do this half-day mythological tour on my last trip, it’s definitely one I’d love to book next time.

What I like about this tour is that it takes you to some of Athens’ most important ancient sites, including the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Hephaestus, so it’s also super comprehensive for those who are short on time! But rather than just focusing on dates, ruins, and who built what, the tour is all about the myths and legends behind these places.

I think that would make the sites feel even more interesting, especially if, like me, your Greek mythology knowledge is a bit patchy and mostly comes from Disney’s Hercules. No shame!

The guide helps explain how mythology shaped everyday life in ancient Athens, which sounds like such a fun way to understand the city on a deeper level. I also like that this is a small-group tour, with a maximum of 15 people, so it shouldn’t feel too crowded or impersonal. You’ll have more chance to ask questions, hear the guide properly, and actually get into the stories behind the sights.

Just bear in mind that entry to the Acropolis is not included, so you’ll need to budget for that separately.

7. Explore Plaka

Plaka is Athens’ prettiest and most traditional neighborhood, so make sure you save some time to explore it properly. It’s touristy, yes, but it’s popular for a reason! With its pastel-colored buildings, bougainvillea, al fresco bars, souvenir shops, and street musicians, it’s a really lovely place to wander.

One of my favorite parts of Plaka was Anafiotika, a tiny neighborhood tucked into the slopes of the Acropolis. It’s built in the style of a Cycladic village, so it feels like a little piece of Santorini right in the middle of Athens. Plaka itself is usually busy, but Anafiotika is much quieter, and I loved exploring its narrow streets and hidden viewpoints over the city.

Plaka is also a great place to grab a drink, especially around Filomousou Eterias Square, where I spotted lots of happy hour deals. If you want to try ouzo, head to Brettos Bar. It’s an old-school spot with colorful bottles lining the walls and a huge menu of Greek spirits, liqueurs, wine, and cocktails.

And finally, leave some time for shopping! Plaka is one of the best places in Athens to pick up souvenirs, leather sandals, linen clothing, local honey, olives, nuts, and handmade gifts. Honestly, I could have spent a small fortune here.

8. Explore ancient monasteries and caves in Meteora

If you’re a history lover and you want to see somewhere truly unique outside of Athens, a day trip to Meteora is a fantastic option. Athens itself has plenty to keep you busy, of course, but Meteora is one of those places that feels completely different from anywhere else in Greece.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its ancient monasteries, which sit on top of huge rock formations that look almost impossible to reach. There were originally 24 monasteries here, built by monks who wanted to live in seclusion and dedicate themselves to prayer, but only six remain today. They’re still active Orthodox Christian monasteries, which makes the whole place even more fascinating.

This tour takes you from Athens to Kalambaka by bus, which does mean a long journey, so it’s worth being prepared for that. Once you arrive, you’ll visit several of the monasteries and learn more about their history, architecture, and religious significance. You’ll also get to see the hermit caves, where monks once lived in complete solitude among the rocks.

It’s a big day out from Athens, but if you’re interested in Greek history, religion, or dramatic landscapes, Meteora is definitely worth considering. There’s also an overnight option if you’d rather break up the journey and have more time to explore. 

Related Read: For more tour options to Meteora, check out our 5 favorites here!

9. Bicycle around Athens

If you’re short on time or you just want to see Athens in a more fun way, this city bike tour is a great option.

The nice thing about a bike tour is that you can cover a lot more ground than you would on foot, without feeling like you’re stuck behind a car window. In around 2.5 hours, this tour takes you past more than 15 stops, including some of Athens’ most famous landmarks and a few lesser-known spots too.

You’ll ride past places like the Acropolis Museum, the Roman Agora, Plaka, the Panathenaic Stadium, Zappeion, and the Arch of Hadrian, so it’s a really good way to get a feel for how the city fits together. It’s a great way to ensure you don’t miss any of the city’s important ancient sites, and you’ll get to learn about each of them as you go!

You can choose between a regular bike or upgrade to an e-bike, which I’d definitely recommend doing. Admittedly, I’m not the best cyclist anyway, but Athens also gets pretty hot during the summer, and so an e-bike will make the journey feel much easier.

There’s also an option to add on a guided Acropolis visit as well. Personally, I would recommend visiting the Acropolis separately on the tour I talked about earlier in this blog as that one goes more in-depth, but it does make sense as an add-on if you’re short on time.

10. See the Temple of Poseidon at sunset

If you only do one day trip from Athens, make it this Temple of Poseidon sunset tour! It was THE most beautiful sunset that I saw in Greece – in fact, it’s probably the best sunset I’ve seen anywhere in the world.

The setting here is absolutely incredible. The Temple of Poseidon sits on a cliff at Cape Sounion, overlooking the Aegean Sea. It was dedicated to the god of the sea, which feels very fitting given its dramatic coastal location. Watching the sun drop behind the ruins was such a special experience – it honestly didn’t feel real!

The tour also includes a few stops along the Athens Riviera on the way there. We stopped at Lake Vouliagmeni for photos, then continued to the quiet seaside town of Anavyssos, where there was time for dinner and a swim. There were facilities for drying off and changing, so bring swimwear and a towel if you fancy a dip.

Once we reached Cape Sounion, we had just over an hour at the temple, which was enough time to walk around, take photos, and watch every stage of the sunset. I’d also bring a light layer, as it can get chilly here! 

This is such a good option if you want to see another side of Athens beyond the city center, and I’m not at all surprised it has thousands of glowing reviews. This tour was one of the best things that I did in Athens, and I would recommend it to anyone.

11. Grab a drink at one of Athens’ famous rooftop bars

Athens is known for its rooftop bars, and I think that a sunset drink at one of them is the best way to end a busy day of sightseeing! There’s something very special about sitting with a cocktail in hand while the Acropolis glows above the city.

I went to Attic Urban Rooftop in Monastiraki Square, and it was absolutely gorgeous. There’s an outdoor terrace, but even the indoor section has floor-to-ceiling windows, so you still get an amazing view of the Acropolis either way. I definitely recommend making a reservation for about an hour before sunset, as this place gets busy. I managed to get a table just before a huge queue formed, and by the time I left, people were waiting all the way down the stairs!

The cocktails here are really fun, too. I ordered their signature Creado drink, which came with a big bubble on top, and when it popped, the drink started smoking. It was very dramatic and Instagrammable!

Another popular option is The Artist in Psyri, which is a great one to check out if you’re staying in that area or want somewhere a little different from Monastiraki. A lot of the hotels here also have lovely rooftop bars, and you can read more about those in my where to stay guide. 

12. Learn how to cook Greek food in a cooking class

If you love Greek food as much as I do, then a cooking class is such a fun way to spend an evening in Athens. Eating your way around the city is one thing, but learning how to actually make some of those dishes yourself feels like a much more memorable way to connect with Greek culture.

This 4-hour cooking class takes place in Monastiraki, which is one of the most vibrant and central neighborhoods in Athens. You’ll join a small group and cook alongside a professional chef, who will guide you through each dish step by step. So even if you’re not exactly a natural in the kitchen, this still sounds very doable!

The menu focuses on classic Greek dishes, so it’s a great chance to learn the techniques behind the food you’ll probably be eating throughout your trip. And honestly, I always think cooking classes are such a good travel activity because you get to take a little piece of the destination home with you. Being able to recreate a dish later is the best kind of souvenir.

Once the cooking is finished, you’ll sit down to enjoy everything you’ve made. The class also includes dinner on a rooftop patio with views over Athens and the Acropolis, which is like a pretty dreamy way to end the evening.

13. See all of Athens on a private full-day tour

If you’re short on time or traveling with family, I think that this private Athens tour is a great option. There is so much to see in the city, and while you can absolutely explore on foot, having a private guide and driver makes the whole experience feel much smoother.

This full-day tour takes you around Athens in a comfortable private vehicle, so you can cover a lot of ground without worrying about taxis, directions, or walking long distances in the heat. That’s especially handy if you’re visiting with kids, older relatives, or anyone with mobility issues.

The itinerary includes major historic landmarks like the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Ancient Agora, as well as some of Athens’ most interesting neighborhoods. Since it’s a private tour, you also get more flexibility than you would on a standard group tour. You can ask questions, move at your own pace, and tailor the experience a bit more to your interests.

Another big bonus is that lunch and skip-the-line entry to several major sites are included, which makes the day feel much easier to plan. If you want to see the best of Athens in one efficient day, this is a really convenient way to do it.

14. Visit the National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is a must-visit if you’re interested in ancient Greek history and culture! This is one of the largest museums in Greece, and it’s home to a huge collection of artifacts from different Greek islands and eras. There are well-explained descriptions in both English and Greek, so it’s easy to follow along as you explore.

I bought my ticket on the day for €20, and there was a QR code outside, so I didn’t have to queue. Once inside, I spent about an hour checking out all of the exhibits, although you might need two if you’re a real history buff.

Personally, I was most interested in the funerary monuments. I found it fascinating to learn about the differences between graves for men, women, and children in the 5th century BC. For example, direct references to the cause of death were usually removed, except for men who died in war, women who died in childbirth, and foreigners.

Just bear in mind that this museum does involve a lot of time on your feet! There are chairs throughout the museum if you need a rest between rooms, and there’s also a cafe with a nice outdoor area where you can grab a coffee afterward.

15. Watch the famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony

One of the most unique things to see in Athens is the Changing of the Guard Ceremony in front of the Hellenic Parliament. It takes place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, right by Syntagma Square, so it’s very easy to add to your day while you’re exploring the city center.

The guards are called the Evzones, and they’re famous for their symbolic uniforms and slow, precise movements. They have a long-standing role in Greek military tradition, and watching them perform the ceremony is a really memorable way to get a glimpse of that history in action! The ceremony happens every hour, on the hour, and it’s definitely worth stopping to watch if you’re nearby.

I found it really interesting to see just how controlled the movements were. The guards aren’t allowed to move outside of the ceremony, so another soldier came over to wipe their sweat and hold water to their mouths, which was quite funny to watch in the Athens heat!

If you can, try to be there on a Sunday at 11 am, when there’s a much bigger and more formal ceremony. It gets busy, so arrive a little early if you want a good view.

Related Read: To make the most out of your time in Athens, check out my detailed 3-day itinerary, which covers everything you need to know, from the best places to visit to where to eat!

Where to Stay in Athens, Greece

There are a ton of different areas you can stay in Athens, but I was keen on being close to the historic sights! Plus, when there are dozens of hotels with views of the Acropolis from your room, how could you pass that up?

Below, I’ve listed three awesome accommodation options for every budget so you can have a comfortable stay in Athens. 

Luxury – $$$

If you’re looking for a luxury stay, Electra Metropolis is the best option. Located in central Athens, you’re meters from the top city and historic sights. The hotel provides the finest quality, from the rooftop infinity pool to its atrium and fresh food restaurants. You can expect the same high-class luxuries in the rooms, whether you have a classic double room or an Acropolis view suite. 

Standard rooms get as low as €250, but high-end suites can reach €700+. Check availability and reserve this stay on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

You don’t have to break the bank to get stunning views from your bed! The Elia Ermou Athens Hotel is a moderately priced option with modern and comfortable rooms, and a fantastic location. You can see the famous Acropolis from some rooms and from the restaurant, and you’re within walking distance to all of Athens main attractions. 

Room prices range from about €160 to €400 and can be booked on Booking.com.

Budget – $

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay that still feels fun and central, YellowSquare Athens is a great choice. It has a social feel without being a full-on party hostel, and there’s a big lounge downstairs with beanbags, a co-working space, and a yoga/workout studio, but the best part was definitely the rooftop bar, which had amazing views of the Acropolis! 

Dorm beds start from around €25 per night and private rooms start from €100. Book your stay here!

For more options, check out all the hotels in Athens here!

Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Athens, check out our detailed Where to Stay guide here!

Thanks for reading!

No matter what you end up doing in Athens, you’re sure to have a fantastic time! This city has it all – history, amazing food, friendly locals, and a lively culture. We absolutely love Athens and are already planning our next trip back; maybe we’ll see you on a tour!

If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides. We have created a lot of resources for fellow travelers, no matter what corner of the world you find yourself in. I’ll leave a few related blogs below to help you plan your next adventure – cheers!

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