25 Best Things To Do In Athens, Greece

Dwelling to the mesmerizing Acropolis, symbolic of Historical Greek civilization, the town of Athens is one you’ll be able to’t miss when touring to Europe. With a plethora of issues to do in Athens in and across the metropolis, be ready for action-packed days filled with exploring the capital.

From gorgeous pure lakes, offshore Mamma Mia-style islands, and unending ruins of Greek historical past Athens has a lot to supply. On this article, we’ll present you 25 of the very best issues to do when visiting Greece’s historical capital metropolis!

The Greatest Issues to do in Athens

Go to the Acropolis

Most likely probably the most well-known landmark in Athens and even Greece, a go to to The Acropolis is a must-do exercise in Athens. The Acropolis of Athens is an historical citadel on a rocky outcrop and an important spectacle with unimaginable historical past. The Acropolis itself affords a few of the greatest views overlooking the town!  

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Head to The Acropolis simply earlier than sundown. The views of the sprawling metropolis are much more spectacular in golden hour!  

Stroll via the Nationwide Gardens  

When you’re seeking to get away from the cobbled streets of Athens and change it up for some luscious greenery, then the Nationwide Gardens are most likely your greatest guess. Positioned simply behind the Greek  Parliament constructing, the nationwide gardens are filled with pure magnificence, together with 1000’s of timber, a number of species of wildlife, and some lakes. 

The gardens are additionally house to a conservatory the place crops are cultivated earlier than being replanted – a must-visit when heading to the park. 

Eat Scrumptious Road Meals  

Athens arguably has a few of the greatest road meals in Europe and it’s fairly low cost too! You will need to strive the native specialty of Gyros, which is both meat or greens tossed in a tremendous mix of herbs and spices, tucked right into a crispy and heat pita with french fris (potatos), or tzikiki.

Our favourite spot is unquestionably To Souvlaki Tou Kosta, which is a small family-run enterprise that has been going since 1946.  For about €5 one can have a scrumptious meal on the fly. Contemplate testing their nice meat-free choices, they’re simply as tasty and extra sustainable.

Wherever you go be sure you have some road meals, it’s the most effective issues to do in Greece.

Have a cocktail at a Rooftop Bar Overlooking the Acropolis 

 There are considerable rooftop bars scattered all through the town, and we’d advocate selecting one which has a view of Acropolis. Having a drink because the solar goes down over the Acropolis is one among Athens’s greatest issues to do. Most of those will probably be positioned close to Monastiraki Sq. and may provide views over the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Mount Lycabettus. 

A agency favourite amongst guests is 360 Cocktail Bar, the cocktails listed below are unimaginable and its prime location has arguably the most effective views of the Acropolis from a rooftop bar.  Whereas the costs are excessive at €9- €12 per cocktail  how typically are you able to say you drank a gin and tonic whereas overlooking a few of the oldest ruins on this planet.  

Climb Philopappos Hill  

Philopappos Hill is a pure gem nestled within the coronary heart of Athens’ metropolis heart. It consists of distinctive surroundings overlooking the monumental websites of the Parthenon and the Hill of the Muses. Spend your day exploring the windy handmade cobble roads, whereas exploring a few of Athen’s greatest cultural heritage websites. The stroll isn’t too tough and may be tried by rookies so is ideal for a leisurely day trip.  

Be certain that to go to the cave-like room hidden within the hill’s rock, it’s labeled the Jail of Socrates and is commonly missed by guests to Philopappos Hill.  

Discover Anafiotika, an Island on the Mainland

Immerse your self amongst Greek island vibes with out truly leaving the mainland within the cute pocket of Anafiotika. The gorgeous and tranquil space is positioned in Downtown Athens, simply off the slopes of  Acropolis Hill, and was constructed by builders from the Aegean Island of Anafi. 

It is filled with spectacular road artwork, white-washed cubic homes, and delightful little church buildings making you neglect that you’re within the bustling metropolis of Athens. Discovering Anafiotika could be a mission itself, you wouldn’t randomly stumble throughout it when exploring the town and it isn’t nicely signposted, nevertheless, this provides to the enjoyable and permits it to stay one among Athens’ hidden treasures.  

Go to the Monastiraki Flea Market  

On a Sunday, the streets of Monastiraki are became a flea market consisting of retailers painted by monks from Mount Athos. The outlets embrace Artist workshops, quite a few stalls promoting clothes, crafts,  and souvenirs together with loads of scrumptious meals stalls. The market is filled with vibrant colours and has influences from a wide range of numerous cultures together with Jap Europe, Albania, Turkey, and naturally  Greece.  

Be careful for pick-pocketers as this has turn out to be more and more extra of an issue in Athens; with the huge crowds within the flea market together with numerous vacationers, it’s a paradise for pick-pocketers.  

Take a Journey to Coastal Piraeus

Dubbed as ‘Coastal Athens’ the town of Piraeus is positioned only a 30-minute drive from downtown Athens.  Piraeus is often visited as a result of its prime location permitting entry to the plethora of close by Greek  Islands.

The port metropolis offers a wide range of marina-front eating places and bars boasting a bubbly ambiance and is nice for an evening out.  You will get there through uber/taxi for €20 or take the native bus for €4. Be certain that to go to the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus when visiting!

Discover the Charming Streets of Plaka  

Plaka is the oldest and arguably the nicest neighborhood in central Athens and is positioned simply beneath the Acropolis, making it an ideal cease after visiting the well-known landmark. The world is packed  with family-run outlets with a wide range of completely different stalls: together with ceramics, jewellery, and meals outlets from a  numerous vary of cuisines. Plaka additionally consists of a few of the best road artwork from well-known fashionable Greek artists, so maintain your eyes peeled to view some nice paintings. 

If shopping for jewellery, it’s best to bear in mind that those which can be hand-made by the artists may have extra worth than the mass-produced items. Look on-line for recommendation on the very best stalls, we cherished the  Byzantino Jewellery Retailer.  

Watch a Film in an Open-air Cinema Overlooking the Acropolis  

End your day at one among Athen’s open-air cinemas. Right here you’ll be able to watch a film below the celebrities whereas snacking on some signature selfmade delicacies. One of the widespread cinemas is Cine Thisio which has a stunning view of the glowing Acropolis and presents an important collection of motion pictures. 

You will need to be aware that these cinemas are closed within the winter months, schedules begin from Could and end in October.  Tickets price €6 Monday-Wednesday and €8 Thursday to Sunday. Be certain that to e-book prematurely if you’re going within the peak months as these are typically extremely popular amongst vacationers and locals.  

Go to the Panathenaic Stadium  

A go to to Panathenaic Stadium is a must-do exercise for sport and historical past lovers. The primary Trendy  Olympic Video games had been held at Panathenaic Stadium and it’s the oldest working stadium on this planet. It’s additionally one of the crucial widespread UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Europe. Constructed-up with white marble tiles and a capability of over 60,000, the outside of the stadium is spectacular.  Normal admission is €5. That is lowered to half value for college students at solely €2.50.  As there isn’t a lot shade it’s greatest to test it out within the evenings for cooler climate.

Expertise Athens’ Hedonistic Nightlife  

The locals of Athens like to social gathering and the town is understood to have a few of the greatest nightlife in Europe. If you’re heading on an evening out don’t anticipate to sleep till the early hours of the morning. There are a  number of completely different choices for a wonderful night time out, from heading to one among its well-known seaside golf equipment or sipping on native Greek spirits down a cobbled again road.  When you’re in search of a better finish outside vibe head to Astir Seaside!

Go to to Monasteries of Meteora  

The Monasteries of Meteora present a improbable panorama view of spectacular mountains and boulders.  The fascinating area offers a surreal really feel with a few of the most unusual and delightful websites in all of  Greece.

The best solution to journey right here is by prepare which will even present extremely scenic views of cities,  lakes, and rivers. The UNESCO World Heritage Web site offers the proper mixture of historical past and nature with the mountaintop monasteries being described as a marvel of human creativity. The associated fee to enter the Monastery is €3 every and day journeys from Athens operating about €60. It’s greatest to e-book prematurely because it’s a well-liked vacation spot!

E-book a Day Journey from Athens

Climb to the Highest Level in Athens

A lot much less touristy and arguably extra spectacular than Athens Hill, climbing Lykavittou Hill or Mount Lycabettus, was one among my favourite issues we did in Athens. A brief however steep trek, the climb will take you between 25-35 minutes to achieve the height. Regardless of its steepness, it’s nicely price it as whenever you attain the highest you’ll be blessed with spectacular views of Athens’ sprawling metropolis. Pack your self a picnic and gaze into the space earlier than heading again down the rather more relaxed route.  

Go to the Historical Agora 

Regardless of being sometimes ignored in favor of its extra well-known neighbor The Acropolis, The Historical Agora is arguably simply as stunning and is one other a type of improbable issues to do in Athens. On arrival you’ll be offered with panoramic views from all completely different ranges, together with spectacular structure. There are ruins unfold throughout Historical Agora reasonably than one attraction so be sure you go away loads of time to discover.  The associated fee is €8 however entrance can be included within the multi ticket buy out there on the Acropolis ticket heart.

Discover the Athenian Riviera 

Athens can generally be overpowering with its busy metropolis heart, so a enterprise half-hour out in direction of the coast could be a stress-free change of surroundings. Right here you’ll discover picturesque coastal areas: assume glistening turquoise waters, pristine and rocky coastal hideaways, together with stunning seaside aspect eating places.  

Relying on the place you go, you will discover quiet coastal cafes or electrical nightclubs rivalling the likes of Santorini and Mykonos – the Athenian Riviera has one thing for everybody.  

Contemplate eating on the coastal restaurant of Krabo, it has a wonderful location on a secluded bay within the space of Kavouri. It has a easy and stylish aesthetic with gorgeous views overlooking the ocean.  

Go to the Temple of Poseidon  

On the tip of the Athenian Riviera is the spectacular Temple of Poseidon. An unimaginable web site for individuals who are keen on early Greek Civilization, this temple lies round 40 miles from Athens’ metropolis heart. Right here you’ll be able to wander across the temple while having fun with unimaginable views of the Aegean Sea. 

On a transparent day, you’ll be able to see a few of the space’s surrounding islands, together with Kea, Kythnos, and Serifos. You can too take a dip within the calm waters of the Aegean Sea and spend the afternoon hanging out at one of many close by seashores.  The associated fee is €10 for Normal Admission and €5 for college students.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus 

On the Odeon of Herodes Atticus lies an historical theater stored in pristine situation regardless of it being in-built  161 AD. Positioned just some minutes stroll from the Acropolis in Athens, it’s an important bonus exercise for historical past buffs. 

Not solely is it a spectacular historic monument that’s nice to look at, it has additionally now turn out to be a  restored music venue the place the likes of Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, and Liza Minnelli have carried out. Remember to test to see if there are any dwell performances earlier than your go to. 

The associated fee ranges between €10- €20, however can be included within the Acropolis particular ticket. When you don’t purchase the Acropolis particular ticket, and don’t need to pay the total price to see this landmark, then you’ll be able to nonetheless get an important view of the traditional theatre in your ascent to the Acropolis. 

Take a Dip at Edem Seaside 

Make a journey to the area of Anavyssos, the place you’ll be able to take a dip in the most effective locations to swim near Athens. The seaside is supplied with pristine waters and is house to numerous actions to discover,  together with jet-skiing, renting a ship, kayaking and waterskiing. Within the night you’ll be able to wind down at one of many native eating places, of which many provide dwell music making a vibrant ambiance.  

Don’t neglect to seize a meal or a drink at Edem Taverna, its positioned centrally on the seaside and infrequently has an important collection of dwell music.  

Take a Day Journey to Delphi  

Surrounded by alpine meadows and spectacular valleys dropping down into the slopes of Mt Parnassos, lies the traditional village of Delphi. Not solely is Delphi packed filled with attention-grabbing archeological websites however it is usually one of many loveliest day-hikes within the Mediterranean. 

You possibly can spend your days mountaineering via the mountains experiencing placing views of picturesque villages and alpine hills. Go to the well-known websites of Corycian Cave and the Sanctuary of Apollo, earlier than heading for a cup of espresso within the stunning village of Arachova.  Normal admission is €12, and be sure you go to the Sanctuary of Athena, in addition to The Sanctuary of Apollo as it’s typically ignored regardless of being simply as stunning.  

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Have a Picnic in Kifissias Park  

Metropolis parks are at all times a must-visit when travelling to a brand new place; they current a tranquil ambiance, which is definitely a good way to flee metropolis crowds after days of sightseeing. Positioned centrally, you’ll have loads of store choices to select up a picnic, so whip up a standard Greek feast of baklava, native wine and bread, together with some hummus and chill out in Kifissias Park.  

Take a Crusing Journey to the Saronic Sea 

A number of excursions from the Athenian Riviera take you on a improbable day trip on a  stunning catamaran to the Saronic Sea. Spend the day exploring the mesmerizing islands of Agistri, Moni, and Aegina, the place you’ll have the chance to swim and sunbathe at completely different areas. 

Discover the  Saronic Sea’s underwater marine life with choices to snorkel or dive, these will strike up an urge for food for lunch that can encompass scrumptious Mediterranean-Greek meals, together with an array of drinks. 

E-book a Full Day Tour Across the Saronic Islands

Go to the Acropolis Museum 

Immerse your self on this planet of the Acropolis Museum, one among Athens’ prime sights which accommodates a few of the most beneficial collections of historical Greek artwork and structure on the globe. A current growth built-in 2007, it’s positioned slightly below the Acropolis hilltop and has an enormous and distinctive format that includes an historical Athenian neighborhood type.  Price of admission ranges from €5 -€10 relying on the season.

Discover Olympieion: Temple of Olympian Zeus  

Make a journey to discover one of many largest and most luxurious temples in Europe. Dwelling to arguably crucial and well-known God in Greek Historical past: Zeus, these ruins venture a monumental presence. Regardless of solely eight pillars remaining it’s straightforward to think about how grand the temple was in its full type. Positioned centrally, the temple is barely 500 m southeast of the Acropolis and 700 m south of Syntagma Sq..  The associated fee is € 12 for Normal Admission or €6 for College students/U25.

Swim in Lake Vouliagmeni

Positioned only a 30-minute drive from central Athens are the crystal-clear waters of Lake Vouliagmeni. The lake lies in a stupendous nature reserve surrounded by huge rocks with scattered vegetation. Water temperatures are comparatively gentle so you’ll be able to spend the day hopping out and in of the water with out getting too chilly. 

The lake can be house to many small fish that can gently nibble in your ft when coming into the water. At first it provides you a tingly feeling however after a when you get used to it.  

Food and drinks on the lake may be comparatively costly however as you’re given a wristband on entry you’ll be able to go away and enter everytime you’d like. We’d advocate taking a picnic and consuming it on the seaside just some minutes stroll away from the lake.  

Day Journey to Hydra Island  

A well-liked exercise for these seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town is to catch a ship over to the gorgeous car-free island of Hydra. Hydra island is likely one of the Saronic Gulf Islands and is positioned only a 90-minute ferry trip from the mainland, a return ticket will price you round €30. 

When you arrive on the island there are a number of nice outside actions, from visiting one of many many hidden coves scattered throughout the island to taking a hike as much as Profitis Ilias Monastery, or simply having fun with the vibe of a automobile free Greek island!  

E-book a Journey to Hydra!

Extra Athens Journey Suggestions

The Athens Metropolis Move affords admission to the primary sights and museums in Athens. When you’re planning on doing a number of sight seeing it might be price getting!

Security: Athens has a little bit of a popularity for being dirty and soiled and whereas these are legitimate factors that I agree with it doesn’t imply that Athens is unsafe. The principle factor it is best to fear about is pickpockets, particularly after darkish. At all times be away of your environment, and take into account an Anti Theft bag.

The Greatest Time to Go to Athens, and Greece for that matter is Could, June, September, and October when the climate is cooler. July and August are scorchers and may have you always in search of warmth aid.

How Lengthy Ought to You Spend in Athens? Is actually as much as you! When you’ve got further time and are actually into historical past and archeology then chances are you’ll need to keep as much as 4-5 days exploring. For me I at all times discover at some point in Athens to be sufficient to see the primary sights earlier than heading on to the gorgeous Greek islands.

Get Round Athens

By Aircraft: Many journeys to Greece begin and finish in Athens. Athens airport is a significant hub within the Aegean, Balkan and East Mediterranean areas with worldwide carriers from around the globe flying out and in. Air Canada, American and Delta preserve continuous flights from North America whereas Aegean Airways is likely one of the most outstanding airways in Greece.

By Automotive: The most effective methods to get round mainland Greece is through rental automobile. If you’re touring to Athens for at some point after which have plans to proceed elsewhere in mainland Greece it might be price it to e-book a rental automobile. We use Uncover Automotive Rent for leases, and final time had been capable of get a automobile rental in Greece for round €30 a day. That being mentioned if you’re staying in Athens for a couple of days having a automobile will turn out to be extra of a difficulty and hindrance as you attempt to discover the primary sights. The streets are chaotic and parking is a nightmare.

By Metro: The Athens Metro will get you between locations like Piraeus – Kifissia, Anthoupoli – Elliniko, and Nikaia – Doukissis Plakentias – Airport. Tickets begin at €1.40.

Bt Tram: The Athens Tram is reasonably restricted, however it may be used for vacationers who need to get between the coast and metropolis heart. Tickets begin at €1.40.

By Bus: The Metropolis of Athens has a comparatively good bus community that can get you to a plethora of locations (mixed with some strolling.) Bus routes present up on Google Maps and is the most affordable solution to get across the metropolis. You can too e-book a Hop On Hop Off bus to get you to all of the vacationers websites.

The place to Keep in Athens

Transferring Onward from Athens

Most guests use Athens as a solution to attain the Greek islands. Apart from Corfu, Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos, only a few Greek islands have worldwide flights. Guests will get pleasure from Athens in the beginning or finish of the Greece journey.

There are two methods to get to the Greek islands from Athens. By aircraft or by ferry. Some island teams just like the Cyclades or the Saronic Islands are only some hours ferry trip away from Athens whereas some like Crete require an in a single day journey through ferry.

Athens has three essential ferry ports, Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrion with Piraeus being the primary that can join you simply. I wish to mess around on Ferry Hopper to see what islands I can journey to simply. Some nice locations near Athens are Hydra, Spetses, Milos, Naxos, and Paros.

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I hope you loved this information on what to do on Athens! Hopefully, you discovered it helpful. Listed here are a couple of related articles for extra journey round Greece!