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There are such a lot of thrilling issues to do in Athens, it may be laborious to determine what to do. Athens is an iconic vacation spot, steeped in historical historical past and full of scrumptious meals choices. But, regardless of all this, many individuals solely spend a day or two in Athens earlier than heading to one of many Greek Islands.
This record will show you how to determine what to do in Athens throughout your time there — regardless of how lengthy your go to is. I’ve been to Athens a number of instances and love the town, that is positively top-of-the-line locations to go to in Greece.
Listed below are the 32
finest issues to do in Athens, Greece.
1. Climb to the Acropolis
Devoted to the goddess Athena, the Fifth-century Acropolis is the preferred factor to do in Athens.
After all, which means that everybody needs to go there, together with guests from cruise ships. My recommendation is to get there early. The archaeological website itself opens at 8 am and the cruise ship passengers arrive round 10 am.
Most individuals go to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon however there are a number of different issues to see on the hill, together with the Erechtheion, the Arrhephorion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
From the Acropolis, you may see a lot of Athens and might see all the best way to the ocean. The doorway payment is €20 ($23.25).
To study all of vital websites and the unbelievable historical past, be part of a non-public strolling tour. The tour may even take you to the museum (beneath). There are just a few several types of excursions you may take, click on right here to be taught extra a few highly-rated, skip-the-line tour.
2. Go to the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is among the most lovely museums I’ve ever been to. I beloved my expertise right here! It’s full of pure gentle, which highlights the artifacts properly.
There are different works that spotlight Greek Mythology.
Right here you may get a detailed take a look at the Parthenon frieze replicas on show, and rather more historical Greek artwork. The cafe balcony additionally gives nice views of historical ruins in Athens. You possibly can be taught extra in regards to the Acropolis on my weblog.
Both earlier than or after you go to the Acropolis, you will need to go to the Acropolis Museum. It’s not removed from the doorway of the Acropolis and the doorway payment is €5 ($5.80) within the winter and €10 ($10.50) within the two summer season months.
Line-ups right here may be large, to skip the road, buy your ticket forward of time right here. Alternatively, you should purchase an all-inclusive ticket for each the museum and the Acropolis right here.
3. See Hadrian’s Library
This library shouldn’t be a library within the sense we all know it as we speak, it was a spot of research, not a spot the place books had been lent.
In Greek Antiquity, Hadrian’s Library was constructed round 132 AD for housing paperwork and studying rooms. There’s not a lot left however you may clearly see the format of the library and there may be wonderful signage.
The doorway payment is €4 ($4.70). Hadrian’s Library is a small museum positioned within the Monastiraki neighborhood not removed from the Acropolis and the Monastiraki flea market, and is a part of many Greek Mythology Excursions.
4. Go to Edem Seashore
Going to the seashore is among the lesser-known issues to do in Athens as most individuals assume it’s a must to go to the islands to get pleasure from some seashore time. Though it’s not one of many finest seashores in Greece, it’s nonetheless an ideal place to chill out and benefit from the sea and see what fashionable Greece is all about.
Take your individual towel and umbrella if you’d like one, as there are none out there there. You will get an ideal meal on the Edem Taverna positioned on the seashore.
To get to Edem Seashore, take the Inexperienced Line tram at Syntagma Sq. and take it within the route of Askllipiio Voulas, and get off on the Edem cease. The 24-hour tram ticket is €4.50 and there’s no payment for the seashore.
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5. See The Decorations at Little KooK
I found Little KooK on my most up-to-date journey to Athens. Every vacation season it’s embellished inside and out of doors the restaurant. Once I was there it was embellished for Halloween.
Little KooK is especially a dessert cafe, however the prime attraction is the decorations. That is most likely essentially the most Instagrammable place in Athens in addition to the Acropolis!
6. Take a Avenue Artwork Tour
Avenue artwork is straightforward to search out in Athens and ranges from traditional graffiti artwork to fashionable road artwork.
Whereas you’ll find a lot of it by yourself within the Plaka space, this tour reveals you round 5 cool neighborhoods which can be lesser identified to vacationers.
This different tour is very rated and plenty of enjoyable. Plus, the time for the tour isn’t strict — if everyone seems to be having a very good time and are desperate to proceed, you may preserve exploring extra road artwork and discovering hidden gems.
Have your digital camera or telephone able to take pictures. Click on right here to be taught extra about this expertise and to e book.
7. Go Bar Hopping (Greatest Factor To Do in Athens at Evening)Â
For such a enjoyable metropolis, it’s no shock that top-of-the-line issues to do in Athens at evening is to go on a meals and booze tour. With this enjoyable, native expertise, you’ll discover the funky Psirri neighborhood, and go to 3 completely different rooftop bars there, whereas having fun with drinks, meals, and nice dialog with new mates.
A bar hopping tour is among the funnest methods to get pleasure from Athens nightlife.
All the tables are reserved forward of time, so that you received’t have to attend in line in any respect. In the event you’re in search of cool issues to do in Athens at evening, it is a good possibility. Discover out extra right here.
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8. Eat The Greatest Yogurtlu and SouvlakiÂ
O Thanasis is among the hottest locations to eat in Plaka. It’s so widespread that even Greeks eat right here. The perfect factor to eat is the Yogurtlu, which is a beef kebab lined in yogurt on a mattress of pita bread.
The Yogurtlu is giant sufficient to separate with somebody and it’ll solely set you again round €10. The folks at O Thanasis are pleasant and never pushy. The souvlaki can be top-of-the-line on the town.
You can too get some scrumptious Souvlaki at lots of a flea markets and market on the town.
(Editor’s Word: a Greek reader has suggested us that Agrafa restaurant has the most effective souvlaki in Athens. Perhaps strive them each?!…)
9. Go to the Benaki Museum
Visiting the Benaki Museum is among the finest cultural issues to do in Athens.
The Benaki Museum is a nationwide museum of Greek tradition starting from prehistory to the twentieth century. The gathering gives rooms from homes, giant sculptures, and smaller gadgets like swords and historic paperwork.
The museum is a brief stroll from Syntagma Sq.. It’s positioned in a fantastic Neo-classic constructing and you may get pleasure from a espresso and the view from the cafe. Skip-the-line tickets to the museum may be bought forward of time, right here.
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10. Smash Issues at Limba Rage Room
Feeling a little bit stressed? Must get some rage out? Limba Rage Room is the place to do exactly that.
You buy a bundle (which may embrace plates, bottles, a tube TV and glasses), and also you smash them! It’s an ideal stress reliever and probably the most distinctive issues to do in Athens.
There are a number of packages for each finances. They vary from €10 to €100. Don’t fear, they provide you protecting gear to put on. It’s positioned simply down the road from Little KooK.
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11. Drink a Greek Espresso
Sampling a freddo cappuccino is among the must-do issues in Athens. This is only one of three traditional Greek coffees, there may be additionally a frappe and a freddo espresso.
The frappe shouldn’t be like a Starbucks frappe however as a substitute is made with on the spot espresso, water, and sugar (should you select).
The freddo cappuccino is espresso topped with frothy milk.
The freddo espresso is simply swirled espresso over ice. All of those coffees pack a critical caffeine punch however since they’re all served chilly, it’s nice on a scorching day in Athens.
Espresso tradition in Greece is a really massive deal. Not solely do locals drink espresso (scorching or chilly) quite a few instances all through the day, however as legend would have it, your fortune may be instructed by studying the dregs of espresso left on the backside of your cup.
The following time you’ve completed consuming your espresso in Athens, be sure to ask somebody to point out you find out how to learn your fortune.
12. Go to the Museum of Cycladic Artwork
The Museum of Cycladic Artwork is dwelling to probably the most full non-public collections of Cycladic Artwork. That is particularly nice to see should you received’t be visiting one of many Cycladic islands in your journey to Greece.
A lot of the artifacts on show are marble items together with bottles, plates, and requirements, in addition to different historical Greek artwork. There are some metallic objects as properly. The items of marble are principally white making them beautiful of their simplicity.
This museum in Athens is open Μonday – Wednesday – Friday – Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, Thursday from 10:00 to twenty:00, Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. The doorway payment is €7.
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13. Store in The Plaka
The Plaka is a neighborhood positioned beneath the Acropolis. A lot of this space has been closed off to site visitors, though supply vans nonetheless are allowed by and a few streets are open.
The chain shops and extra upscale retailers are on Ermou Avenue — the place you’ll find retailers like Sephora and H&M.
Then there are vacationer retailers, a flea market, and lower-end retailers, that are additional down previous Monastiraki Sq.. Right here you’ll find souvenirs you may need to deliver dwelling on your family and friends. Plus, it is a nice space for people-watching.
14. Watch the Altering of The Guard
This is among the finest free issues to do in Athens. To catch this weekly occasion, you have to be in Athens on a Sunday. The Altering of the Guard takes place on the Parliament Constructing at Syntagma. It takes place at 11:00am and is free to look at.
Whereas the guards do change hourly, on Sundays at 11:00 there are extra guards than typical, they’re dressed within the conventional Greek uniform and the ceremony is extra advanced.
Sundays are the most effective day to see the altering of the guards in Athens. And whereas they could look a little bit uncommon, they’re extremely educated troopers referred to as the Evezone. This is among the finest free issues to do in Athens.
15. Go to Monastiraki Sq.
In the event you sit in Monastiraki Sq. lengthy sufficient, I swear you will note everybody in Athens stroll by. That is the place to look at vacationers and locals work together.
Additionally it is a historic website with a Ninth-century church, a Nineteenth-century mosque, and within the subway station are antiques discovered through the constructing of the primary metro station.
This is among the most bustling locations in Athens and chilling out right here is among the finest issues to do. Whilst you’re right here, try the Monastiraki flea market.
16. Get Customized Made Greek Sandals
While you’re procuring within the Plaka, remember to cease at Pantelis Melissions The Poet Sandalmaker for a pair of custom-made Greek sandals. This store has been round since 1920 and has been handed down from era to era.
You will get a traditional pair in primary leather-based or get a flowery pair with decorations or metallics. The costs vary from €40 to €50.
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17. Eat Loukoumades
Loukoumades are Greek donuts. It’s a small puff pastry that’s soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. I had one with sesame seeds as soon as too. They’re scrumptious.
The perfect place in Athens to get loukoumades is on the aptly named Lukumades. It’s not removed from O Thanasis so after consuming your kebab you may have a donut for dessert!
18. Watch the Sundown at Lycabettus Hill
Watching the sundown from Lycabettus Hill is among the finest issues to do in Athens. Not solely is the sundown beautiful, however you get wonderful views of Athens from right here. You can too see the Acropolis all lit up for the night.
Earlier than you head out to benefit from the Athens nightlife, take into account climbing Lycabettus for a pleasant sundown and perhaps even a picnic.
There’s a funicular to take you up and down should you don’t need to climb the hill. The associated fee for the funicular is €7.50 return or €5 for a one-way ticket.
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19. Go to the Nationwide Archaeological Museum
The Nationwide Archaeological Museum has many artifacts starting from prehistory to late antiquity. The artifacts are from throughout Greece and the traditional world itself. It additionally has an Egyptian assortment.
The museum is north of the Acropolis. You possibly can take the metro to the Victoria station and stroll from there. The doorway payment is €10.
That is doubtless the most effective archeological museum within the metropolis.
20. Be part of a Strolling Meals Tour (One of many Greatest Issues To Do in Athens for Foodies)
Not all of the excursions in Athens are about historical past. For a enjoyable, informative, and attractive tour, you received’t need to miss this expertise! It’s one of many highest-rated excursions in Athens.
Meet up together with your information and uncover some unbelievable road meals distributors and native markets, all whereas strolling off the meals and studying about Athens and Greece alongside the best way. You’ll eat your method by bakeries, cheese and meat retailers, fish market, espresso retailers, and lots of shops providing world-famous Greek yogurt, natural olive oil, honey and wine.
Included within the tour are many tasty Greek delicacies, so come hungry! In the event you’re in search of non-touristy issues to do in Athens, it is a nice possibility — it’s additionally top-of-the-line worth experiences within the metropolis. Discover out extra and reserve your spot right here on Get Your Information, or right here on Viator.
There’s a multitude of strolling excursions to absorb Athens. Since I really like Greek meals, I at all times search for good meals and excursions with a facet of strolling. Whether or not you’re interested by wine, historical past, or meals, it’s at all times enjoyable to satisfy up with a neighborhood and spend a while collectively whereas studying in regards to the metropolis, and the native way of life.
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21. Take a Day Journey to Hydra
You possibly can nonetheless go to a Greek island whereas in your journey to Athens!
Hydra is a small island that permits no automobiles. A lot of the issues to do are positioned proper within the port together with eating places and procuring. There may be even a swimming spot a five-minute stroll away.
Hydra is about an hour’s ferry journey away should you take the quick ferry. The associated fee is about €80 return. You catch the ferry at Piraeus port. Spend the day in Hydra and be again in Athens for dinner. Search the ferry schedule and newest costs right here.
An alternative choice is to affix a full-day tour that takes you to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina islands aboard a luxurious cruise ship. Click on right here to be taught extra.
22. Go to Parliament Constructing
Even should you don’t see the Altering of the Guard, the Parliament constructing is price a go to. It was constructed between 1836 and 1842 and was dwelling to the primary fashionable King of Greece.
It turned the Parliament constructing in 1935 after the monarchy was abolished in 1929. I recommend seeing it at evening when it’s fantastically lit.
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23. Eat Gyros
You can’t come to Athens and never have a traditional gyro. They’re out there nearly in every single place and you may have enjoyable looking for the most effective one. A seek for your favourite gyro is among the finest issues to do in Athens for foodies.
The gyro consists of hen or lamb, french fries, onions, and tomatoes all wrapped up in comfortable pita bread. Typically you may organize them open-faced on a plate. They’re fairly massive, so should you’ve accomplished tons of strolling that is the meal for you. Take a look at Kostas or Scrumptious Souvlaki for tasty gyros.
24. Take a Day Crusing Journey
One in every of my favourite issues to do in Greece is to sail to the Greek Islands. You possibly can be part of a crusing journey that lasts all day, or take a half-day tour. You possibly can even sail to among the islands.
Most of those sails are on catamarans making it simpler for the non-sailor to regulate their sea legs. This is among the finest methods to chill out in Greece. Click on right here for a top-rated crusing journey (on an precise sailboat) that takes you to Agistri, Moni & Aegina.
Or, should you’d want a catamaran journey in Athens that features meals and drinks, click on right here for particulars.
There’s no higher technique to discover many Greek Islands on a fast journey to Greece.
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25. Go to the Temple of PoseidonÂ
The beautiful historical Temple of Poseidon sits on the Aegean Sea and was constructed within the Fifth century. An inscription on the temple confirms that it was constructed for Poseidon.
It’s best to attempt to be right here early within the morning or for sundown. You possibly can typically see a number of islands on a transparent day from the temple.
Technically it is a day journey from Athens because it’s 70kms south of the town. There’s a bus from Athens from the Mavromateon Terminal and it’s also possible to get it from Syntagma Sq.. Search for the bus going to Sounio. The bus fare one-way is €6.90.
In the event you’d fairly be part of a tour and never have to fret about transportation, try this highly-rated half-day tour to Poseidon.
26. Stroll Via the Historic Agora
Historic Agora is an historical cemetery positioned proper down the hill from the Acropolis. It was constructed as a market after Athens turned a part of the Roman Empire within the 1st century.
Once I was on the Roman Agora, it was very empty making a pleasant change from the crowds of the Acropolis. It’s a pleasant place to discover. Nevertheless, there may be not a lot signage on the Historic Agora so you’ll have to look issues up after you go. The doorway payment is €6.
27. Discover the Athens Central Market
That is the traditional outside market with shouting distributors and all of the smells that come together with it. I found it after I stayed in a lodge proper available in the market. The fruits in Greece look and odor wonderful so even should you don’t purchase something it’s nonetheless an ideal place to go to.
The opposite factor to notice is that a lot of the distributors don’t converse English, however you may level to gadgets that you just’re interested by and use signal language (or a translation app).
There’s additionally meat and fish if you’re in self-catering lodging. I beloved this flea market as a result of it felt like such an authentically Greek expertise. Click on right here for a enjoyable market tour in Athens.
In the event you don’t need to eat on the market, there are additionally some good eating places close by.
28. Donate Your Time: Volunteer in Athens
In the event you’re an animal particular person, there are just a few volunteer choices so that you can assist out with deserted and stray animals. Take a look at ZEIL, SGS or SCARS the place you may help with strolling and caring for canine and cats.
This is probably not one of many extra touristy issues to do in Athens, however when you’ve got some further time, or if you need to assist out, it’s positively one of many extra rewarding actions within the fashionable metropolis anyway.
29. Go to the Panagia Kapnikarea Church
Constructed within the eleventh century, this is among the oldest church buildings in Athens. The fascinating factor about this Greek Orthodox church is that it’s surrounded by fashionable buildings! You’ll find it right here on the map.
30. Be part of a Cooking Class with Rooftop Dinner
Discover ways to make some conventional Greek meals throughout this enjoyable cooking class. You’ll make (and eat), a starter, major dish, salad, dessert, and native dips. Plus, wine is included.
Chat with the chef and your new mates whereas eating on tasty meals that you just ready, and having fun with the view from the rooftop of the Acropolis. Discover out extra about this highly-rated cooking expertise in Athens right here.
31. Get Misplaced in The Athens Metropolis Middle
The Metropolis Middle of Athens is vigorous, bustling, and a bit tough across the edges, but it surely’s a unbelievable place to get misplaced amongst the traditional websites.
By foot, you may simply discover the middle by beginning across the historical websites of the Acropolis and Plaka, then strolling to Monastiraki Sq. on the foot of the Acropolis, then persevering with to Psirri district and Ermou road earlier than ending at Kolonaki.
Additionally, don’t miss the Historic Greek Nationwide Gardens and strolling down among the lesser-known fascinating streets within the metropolis middle.
32. Go to The Panathenaic Stadium
See the birthplace of the primary fashionable Olympics on the Panathenaic Stadium. That is the unique Olympic Stadium and is a enjoyable place to discover.
There isn’t a skip the road ticket, however GetYourGuide has some cool excursions that embrace a go to right here and the nationwide museum.
FAQs About Athens
Listed below are solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting the town.
What Ought to I Keep away from in Athens?
In the case of areas of Athens, Omonia, Exarcheia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares have excessive crime charges and must be averted at evening, if not altogether. Make sure that to regulate your purse and pockets when visiting Athens in addition to there are pickpockets.Â
Becoming a member of a strolling tour with a neighborhood whenever you first arrive in Athens is an effective way to get a rundown of the town and the do’s and don’ts.Â
Are you able to Do Athens in 3 Days?
Sure! You possibly can positively go to Athens on two day journeys, a weekend, or in 3 days. You’ll be capable to cowl all the major highlights in simply a few days, and on the third day, you may be part of a enjoyable expertise (cooking class, wine tasting), or take a day journey by ferry or bus.
The place to Keep in Athens
You’ll need to keep central when visiting Athens, and purpose to be inside strolling distance of the Acropolis, Plaka and Syntagma Sq.. Whether or not you select a lodge or residence is as much as you — some folks want accommodations with a easy room, whereas others want flats with a dwelling space and a kitchen.
This residence has wonderful evaluations and views of the Acropolis, whereas this residence is in Plaka and likewise has unbelievable views plus plenty of pure gentle. For accommodations, the Electra Metropolis is a extremely popular possibility and it contains breakfast, a rooftop bar, and wonderful views.
What’s one of the best ways of getting round Athens?
One of the best ways to get round Athens is to make use of Google Maps. Google Maps can present you native bus and metro instances, strolling instructions, and even has a characteristic to order rideshare like Uber and Lyft.
How a lot does it value to enter the websites in Athens?
Entrance charges in Athens usually value between €8-€10 for the preferred websites.
What’s the finest lodge with a rooftop pool in Athens?
Electra Lodge has the nicest rooftop pool in all of Athens with an ideal bar, beautiful views, and loads of areas to sit down and chill out.
What’s the neatest thing to do in Athens on a wet day?
The perfect factor to do in Athens on a wet day is to go to one of many many museums, like The Warfare Museum. Or try one of many many Byzantine church buildings, eat at among the nice eating places with an incredible view, or go to through the Summer season months when rain is much less doubtless.
Now You Know What To Do in Athens
As you may see there are such a lot of issues to do in Athens. You possibly can even make a theme for every day you’re there — exploring all of the meals choices, seeing all of the archaeology and historical archaeological websites round, and aimlessly exploring and seeing what you may uncover! I at all times love spending time in Athens, and I’m positive you’ll as properly.
See Additionally: The Final Information To Travelling Greece & The Greek Islands
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