10 Best Things to Do in Athens

When most people think of Greece, they picture whitewashed villages, turquoise water and lazy afternoons spent island hopping. But before you switch to island-time, it’s worth spending some time exploring the city of Athens.

Athens has a way of surprising people. One minute you’re wandering through streets lined with colourful cafés, the next you’re standing beneath temples that have been watching over the city for more than 2,000 years. Add authentic Greek food, rooftop cocktails with Acropolis views and neighbourhoods you’ll happily get lost in, and you’ll quickly realise Athens is much more than just a stopover.

Whether you’ve got one day or three, here are our favourite things to do in Athens.

Get Your Bearings on a Walking Tour

Forget trying to navigate Athens with one eye on Google Maps. The best way to get to know the city is by exploring with a local guide.

Sure, you could wander the city on your own (and we recommend taking some time to do that too!), but nothing beats discovering Athens with someone who knows it inside out. From hidden laneways and local stories to the best spots for souvlaki, gelato or sunset drinks, a local guide brings the city to life in a way that guidebooks simply can’t.

Our Greek Island Hopper and Greek Island Explorer tours both include a guided walking tour on your first day, taking you through some of Athens’ most iconic neighbourhoods. You’ll visit highlights like Monastiraki, Plaka and Philopappos Hill, while picking up local tips and recommendations to make the most of the rest of your stay.

It’s the perfect introduction before your Greek island adventure begins.

Tick the Acropolis Off Your Bucket List

You simply can’t visit Athens without seeing the Acropolis. It’d be like going to Greece and never trying a gyro!

Standing above the city for more than 2,000 years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the iconic Parthenon and some of Greece’s most famous ancient ruins. It’s one of those places that genuinely lives up to the hype. Set aside at least 2–3 hours to explore the Acropolis site, snap plenty of photos and appreciate one of the world’s most famous landmarks without feeling rushed.

Pro tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and biggest crowds.

Explore Athens’ Coolest Neighbourhoods

Once you’ve got your bearings on a walking tour, it’s time to explore Athens at your own pace.

Start in Plaka, often called the Neighbourhood of the Gods, where cobblestone streets wind past colourful homes, hidden courtyards, family-run tavernas and charming little boutiques. This is an area you will absolutely want to have your camera ready for - every corner feels photo-worthy!

Then make your way to Monastiraki, one of Athens’ most vibrant neighbourhoods. Browse the famous flea market, hunt for unique souvenirs, grab a souvlaki or gelato, and soak up the buzzing atmosphere in the lively square beneath the Acropolis.

Café Hop Your Way Through Athens

Forget the pub crawl - Athens is made for a café crawl. Jump between neighbourhoods like Plaka, Psyrri and Monastiraki, trying a traditional Greek coffee at one café, a freddo espresso at the next, and maybe a sweet treat or two along the way. It’s one of the best ways to soak up the city’s laid-back atmosphere while discovering hidden gems.

For something fun and quirky, stop by Little Kook in Psyrri. Its elaborate themed decorations change throughout the year, making it one of the most photographed cafés in Athens. If you’re after a more authentic local experience, head to Mokka Specialty Coffee near Monastiraki, where you can watch traditional Greek coffee being brewed over hot sand, or grab a freddo espresso from Tailor Made Coffee Roasters - a favourite among locals.

Watch the Changing of the Guard

Looking for something a little different? Head to Syntagma Square to watch the Changing of the Guard outside the Hellenic Parliament.

The Evzones, Greece’s elite ceremonial guards, are instantly recognisable in their traditional uniforms, complete with pleated skirts, wool stockings and pom-pom shoes. The ceremony takes place every hour, but if you’re in Athens on a Sunday morning, the larger ceremonial procession at 11am is especially worth seeing.

It’s a quick stop that offers a fascinating glimpse into Greek history and tradition.

Dive Deeper at the Acropolis Museum

If visiting the Acropolis leaves you wanting to know more (it usually does), the Acropolis Museum is well worth a visit.

Home to thousands of fascinating artefacts discovered on the Acropolis, the museum helps bring ancient history and Greek mythology to life. As you wander through the exhibits, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the gods, legends and stories that shaped one of the world’s greatest civilisations.

Even the museum itself is impressive, with glass floors revealing archaeological ruins beneath your feet. Its central location also makes it easy to continue exploring, with Plaka, Anafiotika and the Acropolis all just a short walk away.

Explore the Ancient Agora

While the Acropolis gets most of the attention, the Ancient Agora is just as fascinating - and often far less crowded.

Once the bustling heart of Ancient Athens, this was where philosophers, politicians and merchants gathered to debate ideas, trade goods and shape one of the world’s earliest democracies. Walking through the Agora today offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in ancient Greece.

One of the highlights is the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples in the world. Be sure to also visit the Stoa of Attalos, a beautifully reconstructed colonnade that now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, where you’ll find artefacts that help bring the site’s rich history to life.

Allow around 1-2 hours to explore the archaeological site, and don’t forget your camera - the Acropolis provides a spectacular backdrop from almost every angle.

Grab a Drink with an Acropolis View

Athens knows how to do rooftop bars.

As the sun sets and the Acropolis begins to glow, grab a cocktail, local wine or an ice-cold beer and enjoy one of the best views in the city. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

For our favourite view, head to Ermou 18 Beyond the Horizon or Attic Urban Rooftop. Overlooking the Acropolis, both of these bars are the ideal place to watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange as the city lights begin to twinkle. Arrive just before sunset to secure a good spot and soak up one of the best golden-hour views in Athens.

Catch Sunset from Philopappos Hill

Another way to spend the sunset is by making your way up to Philopappos Hill.

The short walk to the top is well worth it, rewarding you with panoramic views over the city and an incredible perspective of the Acropolis. As the sun begins to set and the ancient monuments glow in the evening light, you’ll understand why this is a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.

Bring a few snacks, take your time and soak it all in - it’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring. Once you’ve taken in the views, head back down to Plaka for a leisurely Greek dinner or a scoop (or two) of gelato as the city comes alive after dark.

Eat Like a Local

One of the best things to do in Athens? Eat.

From €5 gyros and flaky spanakopita to fresh seafood and honey-drizzled loukoumades, the city is packed with incredible food. Skip the chain restaurants and find a local taverna - you won’t regret it.

For dinner, we recommend the Cave of Acropolis, a traditional taverna tucked beneath the Acropolis in the heart of Plaka. With authentic Greek cuisine, stunning views of the illuminated Acropolis, live bouzouki music and traditional Greek dancing, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying a memorable meal.

Ready to Start Your Greek Adventure?

Athens is much more than a gateway to the Greek Islands - it’s a destination that’s well worth exploring in its own right. Whether you’re wandering through ancient ruins, sipping cocktails with Acropolis views or discovering hidden laneways on a guided walking tour, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting for you.

Our Greek Island Hopper and Greek Island Explorer tours both have itineraries that begin in Athens and include a guided walking tour led by a local expert, so you’ll discover the city’s highlights before setting sail for some of Greece’s most beautiful islands. It’s the perfect way to kick off your island-hopping adventure.