What to do in Athens?

To visit Athens is to discover the capital of Greece. An essential destination for a stay in the country, the city, one of the oldest in Europe and in the world, is full of ancient monuments and historical sites.

In order to help you optimize your trip and allow you not to miss any of the places of interest in Athens, I have prepared a complete guide for you .

You will find the 20 things to see in and around the Greek capital, as well as itineraries to visit Athens in 1, 2 or 3 days. At the end of the article, I also give you my selection of the best accommodations.

And as a bonus, you will also find activities to do with the family and a suggested route to visit Athens on foot.

So what to do in Athens?

Visit Athens: the must-sees

1. The Acropolis of Athens and the Parthenon

Impossible not to start this top 20 places to visit absolutely in Athens with its emblematic monument: the Acropolis of Athens.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dominating the capital, it is one of the most visited ancient sites in all of Greece and the main tourist attraction in Athens.

Erected at the top of the site, the Parthenon is the most famous monument of the Acropolis. Built in the 5th century BC, at the same time as a good part of the other buildings on the initiative of Pericles, the temple is dedicated to Athena. It is considered the first building of antiquity to have been built entirely in marble and weighs around 20,000 tons.

The archaeological complex also includes:

• The Propylaea, the huge doors through which one enters the site
• The Erechtheion: temple dedicated to the worship of Athena and Poseidon. Its most remarkable element is the portico of the Caryatids, 6 statues of young girls serving as columns.
• The Temple of Athena Nike
• The Ancient Theater of Dionysus
• The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an amphitheater still hosting performances during the Athens Festival.

Tips for your Greece itinerary:

To visit the Acropolis of Athens, opt for a combined ticket at 30€. It includes skip-the-line entrance to the Acropolis of course, but also to the other 6 main ancient sites of Athens : Ancient Agora, Library of Hadrian, Temple of Zeus, Roman Agora, Lykeion and Keramikos. It is also valid for 5 days.

All you have to do is present your ticket, which you have previously reserved online,  at the entrance to each of the sites.

Click here to buy this Acropolis + archaeological sites combined skip-the-line ticket:

And to make the most of your visit to Athens, I recommend that you opt for the all-in-one pass: the Athens City Pass!

It includes:

• The aforementioned combined Acropolis ticket
• Skip-the-line entrance ticket to the Acropolis Museum
• An audio guide for your visit to Athens
• A 10% discount on all other attractions in Athens

Want to know everything about the Acropolis? In this case, I recommend that you opt for a guided tour, which also allows you to skip the line.

2. The Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is a must visit in Athens.

If you can, I also advise you to visit it before the Acropolis, in order to put the context and history of the place into perspective. The museum brings together all the remains discovered on the site of the Acropolis, ie nearly 4,000 pieces. 

It is extremely well designed. Throughout your visit, you will have a magnificent view of the Acropolis. And to end on a high note, don’t hesitate to have a drink on the terrace of the café on the top floor to enjoy the panorama.

Tips for your Greece itinerary:

If you don’t have the Athens Pass, to avoid queuing, you can get a skip-the-line ticket for the Acropolis Museum directly here.

You can also book a guided tour of the museum by clicking here!

3. The Ancient Agora

Another tourist site in Athens: the Ancient Agora.

The main square of Athens in antiquity, the Agora represented the center of cultural, political, commercial and social life. Today, there are practically only ruins left but the visit is worth the detour, especially for the temple of Hephaistos. Built during the era of Pericles in 449 BC, it is one of the best preserved Doric temples in Greece.

On the spot, you will also find a museum presenting the objects discovered on the site, some statues and a model allowing to represent the places.

The visit to the Ancient Agora is included in the combined ticket at 30€ and the pass to visit Athens.

Otherwise, skip-the-line tickets for the Agora can be booked here!

4. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens

Second interesting museum to visit in Athens, the National Archaeological Museum.

The reputation of this museum is well established, its collection of splendid objects is recognized throughout the world. A huge building of 8,000 m², it brings together elements ranging from the Neolithic period to the end of the Roman period. Of course, a large part is devoted to Greek civilization, but you will also find several rooms devoted to Egypt.

The most striking pieces exhibited in the museum are the golden mask of Agamemnon found in Mycenae, the bronze statue of a horse and its young rider, the statue of Zeus or Poseidon and the statue of Athena, a reproduction of the one that once stood in the Parthenon.

Tips for your Greece itinerary:

Avoid the long queue in front of the museum by booking your ticket in advance by clicking on the button below:

I reserve my skip-the-line ticket now!I want to visit the National Archaeological Museum in Athens

5. The National Garden and Zappéion Park

If you want to benefit from a little coolness and shade during your stay in Athens, I recommend a walk in the national garden and the Zappéion park. The 2 are in fact one and the same large park, the green lung of the city.

It is the ideal place to take a break between 2 visits and relax away from the crowds.

The park is between the Panathenaic Stadium and Syntagma Square.

Tips for your Greece itinerary:

Do not miss the Zappéion monument, in neoclassical style, built in the center of the park. You can take a look at its interior courtyard, which is quite impressive! (It’s free)

6. Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square or Constitution Square is the central square of Athens.

High gathering place during demonstrations or sporting events, it is here that the Parliament is located . This former royal palace built by the first king of Greece has been the seat of power since 1935 : it is the place where all political decisions are made.

The square is an essential place of passage in Athens for tourists who come to watch the changing of the presidential guard. These soldiers guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the foot of Parliament. Every hour, the changing takes place and you can watch a strange synchronized ballet.

But it is above all the famous traditional uniforms of the evzones with skirts, tights and shoes with pompoms that attract attention.

7. Ermou Street

Where to go for shopping in Athens?

On Ermou Street.

Starting from Syntagma Square, this pedestrian street leads to the Monastiraki district. It is the main commercial artery of Athens. You will find the shops of the big brands (H&M, Zara, Marks & Spencer…) as well as a good number of bars and restaurants.

Halfway, do not miss to see the picturesque church of Kapnikarea. Of Byzantine architecture, it was built in the 11th century.

8. Monastiraki Square

Let’s continue this guide to Athens by discovering the Monastiraki district.

It is located in the center of Athens, bordering the Plaka district (which I will tell you about right after).

Monastiraki Square, where a Byzantine church sits, is the heart of this very lively and cosmopolitan district . Lively square, it is from here that several alleys start where you will find lots of small shops of all kinds, a bit like the souks. Souvenirs, clothes, shoes, jewelry, you will be spoiled for choice.

Every Sunday also takes place the famous Monastiraki flea market. On Place Avissinas, there are many antique dealers and second-hand goods dealers offering old books, silverware and leather goods. Negotiations are tough but you can get good deals, especially if you get up early!

9. The Plaka District

Another district to see in Athens, that of Plaka.

The oldest district of the city, it is also nicknamed the “District of the Gods” because it is located at the foot of the Acropolis. Suffice to say that it is a very busy area! And yet Plaka has kept its picturesque side and all its charm with its narrow streets and pretty houses.

Along your walk, you can admire both Byzantine buildings and neo-classical houses and take a tour of the many stalls selling souvenirs or local products.

You can also push your visit to Plaka a little further by joining the tiny district of Anaflotika. With its white houses with blue shutters, you will have the impression of finding yourself in the heart of a Cycladic village. Peaceful and calm, it also offers a superb panorama of all of Athens  (at the top of Stratanos Street).

10. Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus Hill is the perfect place to go in Athens to take in stunning views of the Acropolis.

Overlooking the whole city from its height of 278 meters, the hill of the Wolves as it is nicknamed, is considered the best point of view to benefit from a 360° panorama of Athens. And the small Orthodox church of Saint-Georges which is at the top adds even more to the charm of the place.

There are several ways to get to the top of Lycabettus Hill:

• On foot: quite sporty climb of about 20 minutes by stairs
• By cable car: 3 minutes journey only for 7€ (return). Start at the intersection of Aristipou and Ploutarchou streets.
• By car

Tips for your Greece itinerary:
The best time to climb Lycabettus Hill is at sunset. You can then enjoy the spectacle of the city and the illuminated Acropolis.

11. The Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium or Panathenaic Stadium is another well-known tourist spot in Athens.

It is located just opposite the southern entrance to the Zappéion park.

The stadium was built in the 4th century BC to host the Panathenaic sports competitions where several athletics, wrestling and chariot races took place. These festivities were organized every year in homage to the goddess Athena. 

Originally built in wood, it was only a few centuries later that it was rebuilt entirely in white marble. Able to accommodate more than 70,000 spectators, gladiator fights were also held there.

Following the fall of Rome, the stadium was abandoned and the stones reused elsewhere. It was not until the 19th century that it was decided to rebuild it identically in order to organize the first modern Olympic Games there. 

Today, however, it is no longer used for competitions because its dimensions no longer meet the imposed standards.

You can visit the inside of the stadium for 5€. The price includes an audio guide and access to the track.

Tips for your Greece itinerary:
At the intersection of Agras and Archimidous streets, you can enter the park surrounding the stadium and follow the path to reach the top of the stadium stands . From there you will have a very nice view of the Acropolis.

12. Philopappos Hill

If you no longer know what to visit in Athens and you have toured the main districts, I advise you to reach the hill of Philopappos.

Also called the Hill of the Muses, the place is known to be one of the best vantage points from which to see the Acropolis and Athens. Several trails lead to the top of the 147-meter high hill. Count about ten minutes.

Arriving at the top, you will have a panoramic view of the whole city, up to the port of Piraeus, Attica and, if the weather is clear, of some of the nearest islands. You will also find there the monument of Philopappos, erected in memory of a Roman senator, considered one of the benefactors of Athens.

On the site, you can also see the church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, the prison of Socrates and the ruins of the sanctuary of the Muses.

13. The Roman Agora

In the list of places to see in Athens, head for the Roman Agora. Not to be confused with the Ancient Agora of which I spoke to you earlier.

The Agora or Roman Forum is in the Plaka district. Built between the year 19 and 11 BC, there was a large central market there as well as several shops and public latrines.

The remarkable elements to see at the Roman Agora:

• The door of Athena Archegetis and its 4 columns still well preserved
• The mosque of Fetiye Djami, recently renovated, it hosts temporary exhibitions
• The Tower of the Winds: a marble tower built by the astronomer Andronikos to serve as a compass, sundial and weather vane.

Tips for your Greece itinerary:
You should know that you can see the whole site very well from the outside through the gates and that it is possible to walk around it. The interior visit brings nothing more. But if you bought the combined ticket at 30€ or the Athens Pass, access is included.

14. Other Museums to Visit in Athens

During your weekend in Athens, you can take the opportunity to visit several museums.

To do some cultural tourism, here are the other museums in Athens:

• The numismatic museum exhibiting more than 500,000 coins and medals, some dating from 1,400 BC
• The Museum of Cycladic Art and its collection of objects from the Cyclades
• The Benaki Museum with its 40,000 works ranging from Antiquity to the beginning of the 20th century, the oldest museum in Greece
• The Ancient Greek Technology Museum
• The National Gallery dedicated to post-Byzantine works and sculpture
• The museum of Greek folk art to immerse yourself in the traditions of the country
• The Byzantine and Christian Museum
• The National Museum of Contemporary Art
• The Athens War Museum depicting Greece’s military history
• The Natural History Museum

15. Gazi District – What to do in Athens at night?

Where to go out at night in Athens to party?

Definitely in the Gazi district. A former industrial district, it has been redeveloped to become the trendy place to go out in the evening in the Greek capital!

You will find the whole range of trendy bars where you can have a drink on the terrace, many restaurants and clubs and nightclubs. There is something for every style and for every taste.

The area around Kerameikos metro and Dekeleon, Gargition and Voutadon streets are particularly busy.

16. The Best Beaches near Athens

There are several beaches in the vicinity of Athens. Admittedly, these are not necessarily the ones found on the postcards of Greece, but they are a good way to cool off and get out of the city.

The beaches of the Apollo Coast, to the south, are the closest to Athens and have the advantage of being directly accessible by public transport from Syntagma Square.

Nicknamed ‘The Riviera’, the coast and beaches are rather chic and largely private. Young, festive and luxurious atmosphere in the seaside resorts of Glyfada, Voula, Lagonissi or Saronida. 

If you want a family atmosphere and wilder beaches, it is better to choose the beaches located east of Athens.

I recommend the beaches of Schinlas, the beach of Kaki Thalassa or those of Marathon and Nea Makri.

17. Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is at the very end of the southern tip of the Attica peninsula, about 1 hour and 20 minutes drive from Athens.

Greek mythology tells that it is here that King Aegean would have thrown himself from the top of the cliff thinking that his son was dead. The latter, Theseus, had left to fight the Minotaur and had promised to change the black sails of his boat into white sails in the event of victory.

But all to his joy to have succeeded, he forgot to change them for his return, and his father, who watched from the cliff believed that he was dead. It is from that time that the sea bears his name.

In Cape Town, you can admire a temple dedicated to Poseidon, god of the sea and protector of sailors. The place, perched above the sea, offers an exceptional and panoramic view of the entire Saronic Gulf. The best time to visit it is at sunset, when the rays illuminate the marble columns of the temple.

Tips for your Greece itinerary:

Cape Town is the perfect place for a half-day trip around Athens. If you don’t have a car, it’s best to opt for an organized tour.

You will be picked up directly from your hotel and you will take the road along the coast of Apollo until you arrive in Cape Town.

Transport, guide, entrance to the temple are included in the price. You can book your Cape Sounion excursion by clicking here.

18. The Saronic Islands

The Saronic Islands are among the closest islands to Athens.

To get there from Athens, the easiest way is to go to Piraeus and then take the boat.

What are the Saronic Islands to see near Athens:

• Aegina to visit the Temple of Athea and the remains of Paleohora, an ancient Byzantine village
• Angistri and its many small coves
• Poros and its pretty colorful houses
• Hydra where cars are prohibited, ideal destination for hiking while enjoying beautiful beaches
• Spetsès, an island covered with pines, pleasant to visit by bike. To tour the island by bike, click here! 

Tips for your Greece itinerary:

If you only have one day to go around the islands, I advise you to book a boat trip.

Practical, you will leave directly from Athens by bus to reach Piraeus and take your boat. The cruise includes visiting the island of Hydra, Poros and Aegina. Lunch is also included.

To book directly by clicking here.

What to do in Athens when it rains?

Are you coming to Greece to enjoy the sun and the heat, but are you prepared for the rain? Do you know where to take refuge and what to do when it rains in Athens?

Do not panic, here is a selection of things to do in case of rain:

• Visit museums and grow. And as you can see if you read this article carefully, you will be spoiled for choice! Even in the event of uninterrupted rain for a week (well, I may be exaggerating a little).
• Take a trip to the Athens Central Market, a huge covered market where you will find good local products
• Go shopping in one of the city’s many malls
• An Escape Game: solve the puzzles and try to escape in less than an hour. The Athens Clue offers versions in English.

Visit Athens with the family

To organize your family stay in Athens, I have prepared a list of things to do absolutely with your children:

• Visit the planetarium to discover the universe with your family
• The Hellenic Cosmos for a 3D virtual tour of Ancient Greece
• A walk in the national garden so that children can exercise and enjoy the play areas
• Discover the Hellenic Children’s Museum where they can play market or construction games. A small miniature world where everything is adapted to their size.
• The Allou Fun Park & ​​Kidom, the largest amusement park in Greece
• The Attica Zoological Park, a classic for a family visit to Athens. Buy your tickets here.

Visit Athens on foot

I have prepared a one-day itinerary for you to visit Athens on foot. It allows you to discover a good part of the city and the majority of the main tourist attractions.

If you spend more time in Athens, you can split the walk into several days: I give you all the details in my itineraries to visit Athens in 1, 2 or 3 days.

Begin your walking tour of Athens in Syntagma Square and observe the curious uniforms of the Presidential Guards during the changing of the guard. Then cross the national garden and the Zappéion park to reach the Panathanées stadium.

Take Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas Street which runs along the Zappéion until you reach Hadrian’s Gate. In the same place, you can see the Temple of Zeus, a colossal temple of which only 15 columns remain today.

Go through Dionysiou Areopagitou Street to reach the entrance to the Acropolis. It’s up to you whether you want to visit it or just admire it from afar.

Then join Thrasillou then Stratanos street which marks the entrance to the Anaflotika district and where you can admire a panorama of Athens on one side and the Acropolis on the other.

Stroll through the pretty alleys of Plaka and Monastiraki. You can see the Roman Agora and the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library and Monastiraki Square.

From there you can do some shopping in the stalls of the bazaar then join Ermou Street to continue shopping in the big brands. 

At the end of the day, I advise you to go and admire the sunset over the Acropolis and the city. For this, 2 possible places: the hill of Lycabettus or the hill of Philopappos.

How many days to visit Athens?

Unlike other capitals like Rome or London, the things to see in Athens are concentrated in a small center and the visit is therefore very well done on foot.

You can have a fairly complete overview of the city in 1 or 2 days while taking your time and visiting the most important museums and sites.

If you stay 3 days in Athens, you can even go for a walk in the surroundings.

Tips for your Greece itinerary:

To visit Athens, I really recommend that you take the Athens City Pass  which will not only allow you to save money but above all to skip the queue, which is really very practical, especially for the Acropolis.

He understands:

• The combined ticket for the Acropolis and the other archaeological sites
• A skip-the-line ticket to the Acropolis Museum
• 10% reduction  on other activities in Athens including excursions to the surrounding area such as Delphi or Cape Sounion.

1 Day in Athens

If you only have one day to visit Athens, here is the program I suggest:

• Discover the Acropolis : the must-see site in Athens
• Visit the Acropolis Museum to learn all about the history and origins of the ancient site
• Lunch break
• Walk in the Plaka district : located at the foot of the Acropolis, it is the oldest district of the city
• Visit of the Ancient Agora and its museum
• Balade à Monastiraki 
• At the end of the day, reach the hill of Philopappos for the sunset over the Acropolis
• If you like to go out at night, head to the Gazi district for a drink and a night out.

If you want to have an overview of the whole city without visiting the monuments, you can also opt for the route that I describe in the section “How to visit Athens on foot”.

2 Days in Athens

If you have 2 days in Athens, go back to the previous itinerary and add:

• A passage through the Panatheian stadium 
• Photo stop at Hadrian’s Gate and Temple of Zeus
• Walk in the Zappeion Park and the National Garden
• Changing of the Guard at Syntagm Square
• Lunch break
• Shopping on Ermou Street
• Visit to the National Archaeological Museum
• Climb Lycabettus Hill for sunset

3 Days in Athens

What to do in 3 days in Athens?

In addition to the programs of the previous 2 days, you can end up visiting the other museums in the city.  Whether you are interested in art, coins, Greek traditions or the military or religious history of the country, there is something for everyone.

You can also take the opportunity to visit the surroundings of Athens. 

Several choices of day trip are possible from Athens (click on the links in orange to book):

• From Athens – Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon: drive along the coast of Apollo, famous for its beaches and reach the tip of the Attica peninsula where Cape Sounion is located. You can visit the Temple of Poseidon which offers a magnificent view of the surroundings, especially at sunset.
• Saronic Islands Day Tour from Athens: Go on a boat cruise for the whole day. You can discover the islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina. Lunch is included.
• A day in Mycenae and Epidaurus from Athens: day trip by bus with a visit to the archaeological site of Mycenae (home of King Agamemnon), a trip to Nafplion to admire the fortress of Palamidi and the discovery of the ancient theater of ‘Epidaurus. Entrance tickets, transport, guide and lunch are included.
• From Athens – Day in Delphi: during this day, you will have the opportunity to discover the ancient site of Delphi where the oracles were delivered. The visit to the Delphi Museum is also included. Entrance fees, transport, sworn guide and lunch, everything is included!

4 Days in Athens

With all these activities, you can spend 4, 5 days or even a week in Athens!

Accommodation in Athens

• Bedbox Hostel: Hostel located 300 meters from Monastiraki Square and 700 meters from the Acropolis. Bed in dormitory from 18€ per night. Most: the location, the super friendly staff, the cleanliness.
• Evripides Hotel: Located 400 meters from Ermou Street and 500 from Monastiraki. Room with a simple and comfortable decor from €70 per night, breakfast included. The pluses: the magnificent view of the Acropolis from the rooftop, the location for visiting Athens on foot, the welcome. It is our favorite for its performance / price ratio. 
• Amalia Hotel: Located on Syntagma Square, just opposite the National Garden. Modern and spacious double room, some with a balcony overlooking the garden, from €155, breakfast included. Most: the comfort, the very hearty breakfast, the geographical location in the center.
• Wyndham Grand Athens: 5 star hotel located 1 km from Ermou Street and 1.5 km from the Acropolis. Design and elegant double room from €200, breakfast at €16. Most: the swimming pool on the roof, the panoramic view of the Acropolis, the Spa, the metro station just opposite.
• Electra Metropolis: 5 star hotel located just 200 meters from Syntagma Square and 600 from the Acropolis. Spacious and comfortable double room from €270, breakfast included. The pluses: the ideal geographical location, the view of the Acropolis from the roof terrace, the quality of the meals, the swimming pool. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Athens. 

Where to eat in Athens

• La Cigale et la Fourmi: Despite the name, rest assured, you can taste delicious Greek specialties here! There are 4 restaurants in Athens including one located in Syntagma and therefore the most central. In a warm atmosphere, you will taste the great classics of Greek cuisine. Do not hesitate to share your dishes because the portions are very generous.
• BlueFish Athens: Located near the Roman Agora. The restaurant offers dishes based on fish and seafood. The cuisine is traditional but with a touch of modernity and inventiveness. Very nice service and environment.
• Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant: The restaurant is located opposite the Acropolis Museum. Unlike others in the same location that are clearly tourist traps, the Liondi stands out from the pack. The cuisine is typical, tasty and hearty. You can choose a mezze tasting formula but make sure you are really hungry!

What is the best pass to visit Athens?

For your trip to Athens, I advise you to take the Athens Pass. It includes all skip-the-line tickets for the most important tourist sites like the Acropolis of Athens and the Acropolis Museum. 

It also allows you to have an audio guide with commentary on 100 places of interest and a 10% discount on other attractions.

You must buy your pass to visit Athens by clicking on the link here!

How to get around Athens?

During my stay in Athens, I visited the city entirely on foot. Most of the sites being grouped in the historic center, this is done very well.

You can also hop on the hop-on hop-off tourist bus. There are 4 different lines in Athens to discover the old town and its archaeological sites, but also the port of Piraeus and get to the closest beaches to Glyfada and Vouliagméni.

Buy your ticket for the Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bus by clicking here!

You can also take public transport : the bus, tram or metro. Tickets and passes are on sale at metro and tram stations. You will have the choice between single tickets or multi-day passes. 

Where to walk in Athens?

You will find my itinerary for visiting Athens on foot in this article. It includes of course the visit of the Acropolis and the discovery of the main districts of Athens : Plaka, Anaflotika, Monastiraki and Grazi.

For a nice walk in Athens, I also recommend you to take a walk on the side of Philopappos hill and Lycabettus hill. They offer a superb view of the city.

Where to go out at night in Athens?

The Grazi district is the best place to go in Athens at night. Bars, restaurants, clubs and nightclubs, it concentrates the trendiest places in the city.

The Exarcheia district is also very popular with students for its many bars at still reasonable prices. Ideal for drinking a beer with friends.

By taking the tram from Syntagma Square, you can also reach the seaside and stop in a bar with live music.

Athens Tourist Map

To help you visualize the city a little better, I made you a tourist map of Athens  listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 20 things to do in Athens and the surrounding area. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow.

And you? What are you planning to visit on your trip to Athens?

Are you going to Greece? Read also

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