Top 10 Things to Do in Athens

Top 10 Things to Do in Athens

Athens is a city where the past and present collide, an undisputed cradle of western civilization. With an abundance of world-renowned archaeological sites, lively neighborhoods, and mouthwatering cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to do and see. If you’re visiting Athens for the first time, you will want to see the best of the city. Whether you’re into your architecture, authentic Mediterranean cuisine, or trying out the local culture, Athens has a great deal to offer. From wandering the iconic Acropolis to uncovering hidden secrets of this magnificent city, the 10 best things to do in Athens will make your trip truly memorable!

1. Visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

You cannot go to Athens and not visit the Acropolis, Greece’s most famous historical monument. Atop a high hill in Athens, the ancient citadel of the Acropolis houses famous ruins of great architectural significance like the Parthenon. The Acropolis is not just a symbol of Athens but of Western civilization.

It is best to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat for a more pleasant experience. Taking a guided Acropolis tour will help make the site come alive. The stories your guide will tell of Greek mythology and architectural genius will captivate you.

👉 Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes and take water with you, as the grounds are „hard to walk on”—uneven.

2. Explore the Acropolis Museum.

The Acropolis Museum, located a short distance from the Acropolis, is one of Greece’s most important museums. The building is a modern structure that houses the Acropolis artifacts, sculptures, and the site of the Acropolis.

A gallery with sculptures from the Parthenon in natural light is one of its highlights. Another highlight is the glass floor that lets you experience ongoing excavations beneath the museum.

You can get a guided Acropolis Museum tour to learn how these treasures were found and restored.

3. Wander Through Plaka: The Neighborhood of the Gods.

One of Athens’ most charming neighborhoods is Plaka, located at the foot of the Acropolis. It has an invitation to join the locals in their evening promenade with a glass of wine in Plaka.

Walk through the pretty streets, look at shops of artisans, and relax with a Greek coffee in one of the many cafés. Plaka is the ideal location to buy souvenirs such as handmade jewelry, ceramics, and olive oil goods.

👉 Pro Tip: Make sure to visit Anafiotika, a secluded neighborhood within Plaka that resembles a Greek island village, complete with whitewashed homes and breathtaking city views.

4. Discover Monastiraki and Its Flea Market.

Monastiraki is one lively and vibrant area of Athens. The flea market in this neighborhood is great if you want to hunt antiques or handcrafted goods. You can find leather sandals and Greek souvenirs too.

In addition to shopping, Monastiraki is rich in history. Check out Hadrian’s Library, which is an ancient Roman structure, or visit the Roman Agora—a marketplace from the Roman period.

👉 Pro Tip: Go to a café with a roof in Monastiraki to see the Acropolis, especially when the sun goes down.

5. Take a Greek Food Tour.

One of the greatest things about Athens is its delicious food. One of the best ways to experience it is to do a food tour. Greek food has fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and culinary traditions that are passed down throughout generations.

A food tour will show you Greek dishes like moussaka and tzatziki.

✅ Souvlaki is the most popular street food in Greece, consisting of grilled meat wrapped in pita with tzatziki sauce.
✅ Crispy phyllo full of spinach and feta—spanakopita is well loved by all.
✅ Yummy honey and cinnamon drizzled Greek doughnuts!
✅ Try real Greek olives and extra virgin olive oil.

When you take a food tour, your taste buds go wild. And you also learn a lot about how food is connected to lives and culture.

6. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square.

One of the most unique things to do in Athens is watching the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square, in front of the Greek Parliament. The Evzones do this traditional changing ceremony every hour on the hour.

The guards are dressed in a traditional uniform with an eccentric pleated skirt and pom-pom shoes that was worn by the Greeks. On Sundays at 11:00 AM, there’s a big ceremony with a full parade.

7. Visit the Ancient Agora.

The Ancient Agora was once the policy, commerce, and horse trading site of Athens. This open area is where philosophers such as Socrates and Plato once strolled and debated.

People can visit the Temple of Hephaestus; it is one of the several Greek structures that have old ruins. The Stoa of Attalos is a reconstructed colonnade. It holds artifacts from the site to help you understand more about the average Athenian.

8. Climb Lycabettus Hill for the Best Views in Athens.

If you want breathtaking panoramic views of Athens, then hike or take the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill. Standing at 277 meters (908 feet) above sea level, it is the highest point in Athens and offers incomparable views of the Acropolis, the Aegean, and further afield.

The perfect timing would be just before sunset when the lights of the city come on. You can also explore St. George’s Church as well as a café where you can grab a drink while admiring the view.

9. Relax at the National Garden.

At the National Garden adjacent to Syntagma, you may enjoy a break from the busy streets. The shade-covered garden has walking paths, several ponds, and even a small zoo, where you can relax and forget the city.

The National Garden, next to Syntagma, is a great place for a break between sightseeing or a picnic under the trees.

10. Take a Walk Along the Athenian Riviera.

A short drive from the city center, the Athenian Riviera has seaside promenades, sandy beaches, and stunning sunsets over the Saronic Gulf.

Some great places to visit along the coastline include.

✅ Flisvos Marina is a hotspot for cafés and restaurants alongside luxury yachts in the harbor.
✅ Vouliagmeni Lake is a natural thermal lake whose waters are warm and rich in minerals.
✅ Glyfada is a district that is a cool beachside area with shopping.

After a trip to Athens, you can end it by spending the evening beside the sea.

Make the Most of Your Trip to Athens!

Forget just walking the ancient streets of Athens; spend a night by the sea to end your trip on a relaxing note. To feel the best of the city, book a tour for yourself. Whether it’s through exploring the Acropolis, tasting the best Greek food, or uncovering hidden gems, our expert guides will help you maximize your time.

📍 Ready to explore? Reserve your tour of Athens today and experience the city firsthand!