Best Things To Do in Athens, Greece

Are you looking for what to do in Athens?

PLACES TO SEE 

  • The Acropolis: This magnificent site is what most people come to Athens to see. The Parthenon is one of the most photographed sites in Greece, and is synonymous withAthens. Tickets to the Acropolis and Parthenon also include entry to the Temple of Dionysos, the Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora, and several other notable sights. It’s a must-do.
  • National Archaeological Museum: This outstanding museum houses a vast collection of classical sculptures and frescoes. There are thousands of pieces in the museum’s collection, including ancient Greek, Mycaenean and Egyptian collections.
  • Foundation for the Hellenic World: This is a futuristic museum with plenty of interactive exhibits. There’s a time machine experience, and you will travel around a recreated Ancient Agora. This attraction is perfect for older children.
  • Plakia: This is one of the most tourist-friendly districts in Athens. It’s close to the Parthenon, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. It’s a good district to stay in too, although book in advance in the summer.
  • Astir Beach: This is the glitziest of Athens’ beaches, and has a correspondingly high charge to gain entry – E25 at the weekends. However, once you’re in, there are plenty of water sports on offer, as well as the beach itself.
  • Thisio: This area is noted for its bohemian spirit, and you’ll find plenty of off-beat bars and cafes. As with everywhere in Athens, bars come and go – head to the Iraklidon pedestrian area to see which establishments look busy.
  • Exharia: This area is popular with young people; come here for a lively drinking experience. Mesolongiou is popular with students, which means its bars are both vibrant and cheap.

THINGS TO DO:

  • Explore Greek Mythology: Athens is one of the main hubs of Greek Mythology and you can learn about it as much as you can through different museums, statues as the Mythology is actually pretty interesting!
  • Explore the Night Life: The Night life of Athens is quite lively and vibrant. The city is safe and you can definitely try out some of the clubs at night.

Below we have a list of things to do in Athens and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Athens getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Athens with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Athens

Here is the list of things to do in Athens and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Acropolis

    4.7 (15268 Votes)
    Acropolis

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site, Architecture

    The Acropolis is one of the classical monuments in Athens that have defined its cityscape. Acropolis refers to a group of ancient Greek buildings lying at a slight height in the ancient city of Athens. The word Acropolis means “high city” and the Athenians made it sure to embellish their highest point with emblems of civilization. The monuments of this area, built sometime in the 5...Read more
  2. Parthenon

    4.8 (14029 Votes)
    Parthenon

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site, Architecture

    The Parthenon is undoubtedly one of the most iconic structures in the Acropolis. It was built as a temple. The columns of the building surround the inner sanctum. This lovely piece of architecture was a tribute to the goddess Athena, after whom the city of Athens has been named. Although just a vestige of what it must have been at the time of its glory, the structure is still simply spectacula...Read more
  3. Acropolis Museum

    4.7 (12617 Votes)
    Acropolis Museum

    Museum, History Museum

    The Acropolis museum is perhaps the most visited museums in Athens. The museum is both informative as well as important from the collection point of view. It has several historic artifacts from the ancient buildings you will get to see in the Acropolis. Beautiful sculptures and broken pieces of architecture adorn the place. Moreover, you will be able to learn a lot more about the secrets of th...Read more
  4. Erechtheion

    4.8 (13652 Votes)
    Erechtheion

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site, Architecture

    Another testament to the astonishing architecture of the Ancient Greeks, the Erechtheion was built as a supplementary temple to the Parthenon in 420 BC. What strikes the visitor regarding its structure is its facade which consists of pillars built in the shape of women. At the time when this temple was built, the eastern part of it was dedicated to Athena, whilst the western part was dedi...Read more
  5. Theatre Of Dionysus

    4.7 (8413 Votes)
    Theatre Of Dionysus

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site

    The Theatre of Dionysus may be a ruin but what a gorgeous ruin that is. The place in its hay days could accommodate a whopping 17000 residents of old Grecia. One of the oldest ones that have seen the light of day, the theatre was said to be the most prestigious in ancient times. Greece has been known as the motherland of drama as an art form. The Dionysus theatre was built at the time when 'dra...Read more
  6. Temple Of Athena Nike

    4.7 (14045 Votes)
    Temple Of Athena Nike

    Monument

    Temple of Athena Nike is in many ways the amalgamation of two different phases of history. The building stands for victory and was built for Athena in her victorious manifestation. A beautiful ode to her in white marble, the temple has well-preserved columns that render it an astonishing grace. It is hard to imagine that the monument was built so long ago. The temple isn’t the original o...Read more
  7. Plaka

    Neighborhoods

    Plaka is a lovely old-town-like area close to the city of Athens. This wonderful neighbor of Acropolis is known for offering lovely strolls across its narrow lanes, replete with an innate Greek charm. The old houses (not as old as ancient Greece of course) with the charm of an era gone by will make you see Athens in a very new light. Must see here are the quaint cafes that offer you the G...Read more
  8. National Archaeological Museum

    Museum

    Being such a historic city, there is a lot to see in the National Archeological Museum of Athens. If you are in Athens and want to know more about the glorious days of Greek civilization, the Roman period, Persian invasion and many more events that make up the lively history of Greece visit this place. You will be able to see all this through the well-preserved trinkets and artifacts from each...Read more
  9. Ancient Agora

    4.7 (9058 Votes)
    Ancient Agora

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site

    True to its central location in the center of the city, the Ancient Agora formed an important part of the social and political life of Greece in the ancient times. It consists of a set of buildings that included a court, a mint and various other political and social institutions. Used for a variety of purposes, the agora is definitely the kind of place you should visit with a guide; just to he...Read more
  10. Lykavittos Hill

    4.7 (7013 Votes)
    Lykavittos Hill

    View Point, Hill

    Lykavittos Hill in Greece is a lovely vantage point a top Athens to gaze at the city from. The green and lovely hill is very popular with the locals and is slowly gaining popularity with the tourists as well, thanks to the amazing panoramic views of the ancient city. The hill rises like a giant within the concrete jungle that is modern day Athens. The adventure seekers should certainly take a ...Read more
  11. Panathenaic Stadium

    4.7 (7905 Votes)
    Panathenaic Stadium

    Stadium, Historical Site, Heritage Building

    Constructed in 4th Century B. C, the Panthenaic Stadium is reclaimed to have hosted some of the most significant events in Athens. With a series of reconstructions since then, this stadium has become one of the best preserved stadiums from ancient Greece. Today, it can be utilized as a proper stadium in the city. This wonderful marble structure is certainly one of the must-see sights in Athens...Read more
  12. Temple Of Hephaestus

    4.8 (8416 Votes)
    Temple Of Hephaestus

    Monument

    The Temple of Hephaestus or the Hephaestieon is the temple dedicated to the Greek god of metal. This impressive structure with several columns was built in 415 BC. What is most impressive about the temple is the fact that it is one of the most well-preserved monuments from the ancient period. The columns are sturdy as well as beautiful and even the roof has weathered the odds and stayed strong...Read more
  13. Syntagma Square

    4.4 (8564 Votes)
    Syntagma Square

    Walking Area, Entertainment, Leisure, Square

    The Syntagma Square is perhaps the most important place in the city of Athens. This central square is the focal point of transport as well as all public activities in Athens. It is a meeting point as well as a place where many a protests have taken place. This makes the whole area a historic and a cultural hub in the city. It also marks the beginning of Ermou Street which is a popular shopping...Read more
  14. Arch Of Hadrian

    4.5 (8311 Votes)
    Arch Of Hadrian

    Historical Site

    The Arch of Hadrian was erected in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian sometime during the 131/132 A.D. An inscription on the western side of the arch states, ‘This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus.’ An inscription on the eastern side of the arch states, ‘This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus’. Thus, the Arch of Hadrian was built in such a way that it act...Read more
  15. Benaki Museum

    4.7 (3724 Votes)
    Benaki Museum

    Museum

    The Benaki Muesum is close to Syntagma square and is a well-known museum in Athens. The city boasts of a rich and vibrant history and the Benaki Museum does a brilliant job of highlighting the same. Over a 40,000 items of various kinds have been displayed beautifully at the Benaki Museum. From guns to Greek busts, the permanent collection has a fascinating array of interesting objects to see. ...Read more

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  • How do I book time with Hellenic Private Tours.....and need info about their costs, as well.

    Answer Reported
    • I would recommend contacting the tour agency directly on their official phone number to get the cost details. Meanwhile, you can also check the list of tours and activities in Athens to see if you find anything that interests you. 

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  • This is an odd question...……..Have been hearing that restrooms are hard to find?

    Answer Report Abuse
    • Yes, public restrooms are available in Athens but are fewer in numbers. You will find them in an underground station beneath Omonia, in Syntagma squares, and beneath Kolonaki Square. You will also find restrooms outside the Acropolis entrance. Cafes and restaurants in Athens also allow everyone to use their restrooms without any charges. 

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  • I will be in Athens for a 1/2 day. Would like to take a tour around 4:30 pm. what do you recommend. I would like to see the popular sites. I will be staying at the Sofitel Hotel

    Answer Report Abuse
    • Here is an extensive list of the best Athens tours and experiences.  Book the tour that best suits your requirement and make the most of your time. 

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  • Is there an old district, one that has older architecture, maybe a bit run-down , in Athens?

    Answer Report Abuse
    • You can check the Plaka and Anafiotika neighborhoods. I am not sure about run-down buildings, but I am sure you will find old structures around here. 

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