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25 Best Things to Do in Athens (By a Local)
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do in Athens | Sites & Attractions | Outdoor Attractions | Museums & Culture | Hidden Gems | Cool & Unusual
I divide my time between the UK and Athens, and over the years I’ve explored the Greek capital far beyond its headline sights.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best things to do in Athens across major sites and attractions, along with hidden gems and under-the-radar spots. I’ll overview the best museums and outdoor escapes, and plenty of family-friendly options.
Alongside the big hitters, you’ll find quite a few unexpected recommendations, too. Use this article, and my guide on where to stay in Athens, to plan for your perfect trip. Let’s dive in!
25 Best Things to Do in Athens
Acropolis and Parthenon
Visit one of the world’s most iconic ancient landmarks standing watch over the city, then climb the Acropolis to admire the Parthenon up close.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours (vary daily, check website): Generally 8 am – 8 pm April-August, 7 am – 7 pm / 7:30 pm September, 8 am – 6 pm / 6:30 pm October, 8 am – 5 pm November-March | Entrance: €30 adults (April to October), €15 adults (November – March) Free under 18 | 👉 Book an Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour
The iconic Parthenon, sitting atop the Acropolis rock, is one of Athens’s must-visit attractions . The ancient citadel rises above and watches over the historic centre. Remarkable classical monuments are inside, like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and a large 170 AD Roman amphitheatre on the south slope is still used for performances today. It’s been shaping the city’s identity for centuries.
The Acropolis and Parthenon are best visited early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the fiercest heat and largest crowds. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear a hat and trainers with good tread when you come here. There’s zero shade, and walking over the marble gets slippery.
First-time visitors, history lovers and anyone wanting Athens’ most iconic views will love it. To bring the ruins to life, book an Acropolis and Parthenon Walking Tour. Many also include the nearby Acropolis Museum, making this a particularly rewarding option if you want context.
Acropolis Museum
Explore ancient treasures, stunning artefacts, and beautifully preserved relics from the city’s iconic hilltop monuments.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours (varies seasonally, check website): Generally 9 am – 5 pm Mon-Thurs, 9 am – 10 pm Fri, 9 am – 8 pm Sat & Sun (1 November – 31 March); 9 am – 5 pm Mon, 9 am – 8 pm Tues-Thurs & Sat, 9 am – 10 pm Fri, (1 April – 31 October) | Entrance (varies seasonally, check website): Generally €20 adults, €10 under 25 (with I.D.), Free under 5 | 👉 Book an Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Private Tour with Licensed Expert
The Acropolis Museum is a short walk from the monument itself, and it’s a must-visit. You’ll find priceless artefacts, sculptures, and relics, giving context to the city’s iconic landmarks. History enthusiasts, first-time visitors and families, plus return visitors will all love it. The museum is easily accessible on foot or by taxi and also has access for those with limited mobility.
For a richer experience, consider booking a combined tour like this Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Private Tour with a licensed expert. A private guide can explain the history, myths, and details behind each artefact, making the visit far more engaging and personalised.
Even if ancient relics aren’t your thing, you can chill in the on-site café, a bright, modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace seating overlooking the Acropolis. It’s perfect for a break with a view.
First Cemetery of Athens
Discover ornate tombs, impressive sculptures, and the final resting places of the city’s most notable figures.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 8 pm daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a First Cemetery of Athens Walking Tour
The First Cemetery of Athens is one of the city’s most historic and peaceful outdoor spaces. History lovers, culture seekers, and anyone wanting a reflective escape from the bustle of Athens’ city centre will love visiting.
This beautifully landscaped cemetery is the final resting place of Greece’s most notable figures, including politicians, writers, and artists. Stroll along its quiet paths to admire ornate tombs, intricate sculptures, shrubs and greenery. It’s akin to an open-air museum of funerary art.
Consider joining a private walking tour, which can provide fascinating stories about those buried here and explain the symbolism behind the monuments.
Lycabettus Hill
Climb or ride the funicular railway to the top of Lycabettus Hill for sweeping panoramic views over Athens.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 2:30 am daily for the funicular | Entrance (Funicular): €13 round trip, €10 one way, Free if walking | 👉 Book the Ultimate Lycabettus Hill Hike
Visitors to Athens can’t help but notice Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in the city’s Kolonaki neighbourhood, rising and standing guard at 745 feet.
From the summit, admire the panorama across Athens to the Acropolis. You can even see the Aegean Sea and Athens’ nearest islands on clear days, making it a favourite spot for photographers and sunset seekers.
The hike up Lycabettus Hill has shaded paths, but the Lycabettus funicular railway makes for a fun and easy ascent, especially if you have young kids. At the top sits the small whitewashed Chapel of St. George, an open-air theatre, and the popular Orizontes Restaurant. Book ahead if you want to eat here, as it’s a popular and romantic spot at sunset.
Lycabettus is ideal for couples, walkers, first-time, and returning visitors. Consider taking this guided Lycabettus Hill hike, which adds local insight and hidden details along the way.
Changing of the Guards Outside the Greek Parliament
Watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guards in front of Parliament.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: On the hour, 24 hours daily, Street Parade at 11 am on Sundays for the Grand Change | Entrance: Free
The Changing of the Guards at the Hellenic Parliament in Syntagma Square is one of Athens’ most distinctive traditions. Here, the Evzones (elite ceremonial soldiers) stand watch at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, performing a precise, slow-motion guard change every hour.
The ritual honours Greece’s fallen and reflects centuries of military history. The Evzones wear a handmade uniform consisting of a 400-pleated white kilt, red cap, embroidered waistcoat, and distinctive shoes weighing up to 6lb with 60 to 120 nails underneath the soles.
The Changing of the Guards is easy to experience in the city centre and free to watch, making it ideal for first-time visitors and families. Want to see a more elaborate spectacle? Visit at 11 am on Sundays for the Grand Change, when a full ceremonial unit marches with an army band.
Athens Sites & Attractions
National Gardens of Athens
Enjoy a peaceful stroll through a historic park.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: sunrise to sunset – roughly 6 am – 7:30 pm Daily | Entrance: Free
The National Garden of Athens is an historic public park located right by Syntagma Square and Greek Parliament in the city centre. It was created in the 19th century as the royal garden of Queen Amalia.
Today, it’s a shaded green escape filled with palm-lined paths, small ponds, botanical sections, and hidden ancient ruins. Visitors come to escape the heat and bustle of Athens, enjoy peaceful walks, and appreciate one of the city’s most relaxing outdoor spaces.
It’s 5 minutes on foot from Syntagma Metro, and best explored at a slow pace in the morning or as a break between museums in the late afternoon.
Panathenaic Stadium
Walk the track of the world’s only all-marble stadium and relive the spirit of the first modern Olympic Games.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8 am – 7 pm Daily Mar – Oct, 8 am – 5 pm Daily Nov – Feb | Entrance: €12 adults, €6 students with student I.D., Free children up to 6 yrs | 👉 Book an Olympic Games Workout and Race Tour
The Panathenaic Stadium is an iconic, all-marble arena located behind the National Gardens. It was originally built in 330-329 B.C. and reconstructed for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It’s the only stadium of its kind in the world.
Visitors should come for its unique history, impressive scale, and the chance to walk the original Olympic Games track. It’s easy to reach by walking from central Athens’ sites, or by taxi. Explore it independently or with an audio guide. Fitness enthusiasts can even book an Olympic-style workout experience with a certified trainer for a hands-on training session and race.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Park
Stroll, cycle, or picnic in a beautifully designed green space blending nature, culture, and coastal views just outside central Athens.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 12 am daily | Entrance: Free; Some events and bike hire at a charge
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Park is a beautifully designed green space on the Athens Riviera. It’s part of the Foundation’s Cultural Center and was created as a modern public park combining sustainability, culture, and leisure.
Visitors come for its landscaped gardens, walking and cycling paths, fountains, and elevated viewpoints with sea views. It’s easy to access with a free shuttle bus from Syntagma. Spend a relaxed half-day here, whether you want to picnic, jog, or simply escape the city.
The park also hosts free events and sits alongside the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera. Perfect for families, couples, and fitness lovers, the park offers a contemporary, open-air contrast to Athens’ ancient sites.
Outdoor Attractions in Athens
Mount Parnitha and the Royal Ruins of Tatoi
Explore abandoned palaces, woodland paths, and the former summer residence of Greece’s royal family.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: sunrise to sunset | Entrance: Free public space
The Royal Estate of Tatoi is a former summer retreat of Greece’s royal family, located near Mount Parnitha, the largest national park in Athens. The estate is in a forested countryside about 40 minutes north of Athens by car or taxi.
The estate was once home to King George I and his successors and consists of palace ruins, outbuildings, and royal burial grounds. Entry is free, and visitors can stroll around its quiet woodland paths in spring or autumn. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds. It’s a favourite pastime for Athenians, and something I love doing with friends.
Restoration is ongoing, with plans for a museum displaying royal artefacts. While progress is visible, some fire-damaged areas remain across its 34 acres, and the timeline to full completion is still uncertain.
Prison of Socrates
Explore one of Athens’ most thought-provoking ancient sites, steeped in philosophy and legend.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: Archaeological site open 24 /7 | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Philosophical Tour through Athens
The Prison of Socrates, a series of rock-cut chambers just southwest of the Acropolis, is thought to be where the philosopher Socrates was held before his execution.
The site is a quiet, thought-provoking peek into Athens’ ancient past. It’s free to visit and easily reached on foot via scenic walking paths. Combine it with a stroll around the surrounding hills for Acropolis views.
Want to dive further into Greece’s legacy of Democracy? Visitors can book a philosophical tour, which brings the city’s ancient democracy and philosophical legacy to life. The tour takes visitors to the Prison of Socrates, along with other places where Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle walked in their day.
Mount Hymettus
Go on a hike to see panoramic viewpoints, and discover hidden monasteries and a quieter, wilder side of Athens.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: sunrise to sunset, daily | Entrance: €2 for some of the monasteries | 👉 Book a Guided Sunset Hymettus Mountain Hike
Mount Hymettus is a forested mountain escape just a 20-minute drive or taxi ride from central Athens.
The mountain’s trails wind past pine forests, hidden caves, and historic monasteries, including the Kesariani Monastery and several smaller chapels. This is a good place to break away from the city’s bustle as it offers both natural beauty and a glimpse into local spiritual life.
Hikes vary from gentle walks to more challenging routes. Sunset hiking tours are particularly popular as they offer panoramic city views at the golden hour. For something slightly more challenging and in-depth, consider a tour that includes cave exploration and insights into the mountain’s history and flora.
Museums and Culture in Athens
National Gallery of Athens
Admire masterpieces of Greek and European artworks in a striking and modern gallery space.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Mon and Thurs – Sun, 12 pm – 10 pm Wed, Closed Tuesdays | Entrance: €10 adults, €5 aged 6 – 25, under 6 free | 👉 Book a National Gallery Family Treasure Hunt and Tour with Tickets
After an 8-year renovation, the National Gallery of Athens is now Greece’s leading art museum. The museum is located near the Kolonaki neighbourhood, and its central location makes it easy to reach by walking, metro, or taxi. This light-filled space showcases an impressive collection of Greek and European art.
View everything from post-Byzantine works to modern masterpieces and come away with a deeper understanding of how the country’s culture has evolved. Don’t miss the temporary exhibitions and sculpture displays throughout the building.
Art lovers, couples, and families will all enjoy their time here. And if you’re traveling with kids, this interactive family treasure hunt tour is a great option to keep younger visitors engaged with the artwork in a fun, accessible way.
Benaki Museum
Journey through Greece’s rich history in a stunning neoclassical mansion.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat, 10 am – 12 am Thurs, 10 am – 4 pm Sun, Closed Tuesdays | Entrance: €12 adults, €9 students, under 6 free
The Benaki Museum is one of the largest and oldest cultural museums in Greece, housed in a beautiful neoclassical mansion near Syntagma Square. It traces Greek history from antiquity through to Byzantium and the modern era, with collections of art, costumes, manuscripts, and everyday objects that bring the country’s story to life.
The museum is easily walkable from central Athens. Allow about two to three hours to wander its three floors, as each offers a different era and perspective.
Museum of Cycladic Art
Explore elegant marble figurines, ancient Aegean treasures, and beautifully curated exhibitions celebrating Cycladic civilisation.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat, 10 am – 8 pm Thurs, 11 am – 5 pm Sun, Closed Tuesdays | Entrance: €12, adults, €9 from 18-25 yrs, free under 18
The Museum of Cycladic Art is home to one of the world’s most important collections of ancient Cycladic art. Visitors will find iconic marble figurines, ancient Aegean artefacts, and carefully curated exhibitions spanning Cycladic, Ancient Greek, and Cypriot cultures.
Located in Athens’ centre, near Kolonaki and Syntagma Square, the museum is easy to get to via the metro or a pleasant walk. It also makes for a calm, cultural sightseeing break.
After exploring the galleries, stop at the museum café, a great respite with a leafy courtyard setting, serving coffee and light meals. It also happens to be one of my favourite coffee spots.
National Archaeological Museum
See and learn about the world-famous ancient treasures and everyday artefacts that shaped Western civilisation.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Wed-Mon & 1 pm – 8 pm Tues Nov 1 – Mar 31; 8 am – 8 pm Wed-Mon & 1 pm – 8 pm Tues Apr 1st – Oct 31st| Entrance: €20 adults, free under 18 | 👉 Purchase National Archaeological Museum Ticket
The National Archaeological Museum on the fringes of the Exarchia neighbourhood is Greece’s largest and most important archaeological museum. It’s about a 25-minute walk from Syntagma Square, and won’t disappoint. Come here to learn essential context about Athens and beyond.
Admire treasures spanning thousands of years; Cycladic figurines from the early Bronze Age to Mycenaean gold statues from the late Bronze Age, plus everyday artefacts that showcase ancient Greek life. Purchase an entrance ticket with a self-guided audio tour to help you make the most of your time.
Plan a slow visit – the galleries are extensive and richly detailed. After exploring, relax at the museum café, a peaceful garden spot perfect for coffee or light refreshments. It’s a spot I enjoy sitting in whether or not I go to the museum.
National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST)
Immerse yourself in bold, thought-provoking exhibitions at Athens’ leading contemporary art museum.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11 am – 7 pm Fri – Wed, 11 am – 10 pm Thurs, Closed Mondays | Entrance: €10 adults, €5 13 – 18 yrs and Uni students with I.D, free under 13
The National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST) is a major cultural institution. It’s located in a striking former FIX brewery building near Syngrou-Fix metro station in central Athens.
The museum is dedicated to Greek and international contemporary art, and showcases rotating exhibitions across painting, installation, video, and multimedia works. It fully opened to the public in 2020 and has become a key hub for Athens’ modern cultural scene.
Visitors will love it as an escape from a (rare) rainy day. Browse its immersive indoor galleries at an unhurried pace. It’s easy to reach by metro and best visited with time to reflect between floors.
Museum of Illusions
Experience mind-bending exhibits, optical tricks and interactive rooms that are fun for all ages.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: €12.50 adults, €9.50 ages 4 – 12, under 4 yrs free; Must book ahead | 👉 Purchase Tickets for the Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions features interactive exhibits and optical tricks designed to challenge how you see the world. It’s a playful indoor attraction that features holograms, mirror rooms, and mind-bending installations. It also introduces basic scientific concepts, making it educational too.
It’s right in Athens centre, in Monastiraki, and works perfectly as a short, fun break from sightseeing – especially on hot or rainy days. Families with children and curious adults will love the experience here. It encourages hands-on exploration and there are plenty of photo opportunities. Allow around an hour to enjoy it fully.
Athens Street Food Walking Tour
Taste your way through Athens on a small-group street food tour while exploring vibrant neighbourhoods.
📍 Google Maps | Hours: 1:30 pm or 6:30 pm daily | 👉 Book an Athens Street Food Walking Tour
Greek cuisine is incredible. Try souvlaki (meat or vegetarian) with tzatziki and fries wrapped in warm pita, loukoumades drizzled with honey and cinnamon, and koulouri bread rings eaten on the go at metro stops.
You could discover Athens’ cuisine on your own, but book a street-food walking tour to experience it all with ease and context. Starting from Syntagma Square in central Athens, this tour brings visitors through lively neighbourhoods to taste local favourites.
You’ll sample authentic dishes while learning about their history and role in everyday Greek life. It’s especially good for families, offering a relaxed way to introduce younger travellers to new flavours and understand how fresh and balanced Greek fast food can be. You’ll certainly leave with a deeper appreciation of local food culture.
Girl Gone Greek
Written by the author of this Athens guide, Girl Gone Greek is a witty, culture-soaked novel inspired by her real-life adventures living in Greece.
Hidden Gems in Athens
Anafiotika Neighbourhood
Discover a tiny island-style enclave of whitewashed houses tucked beneath the Acropolis.
The Anafiotika neighbourhood is a cluster of whitewashed houses, narrow lanes, and colourful shutters tucked beneath the Acropolis on its northern slopes. It was built in the 1800s by craftsmen from the island of Anafi, and it feels more like a Cycladic island village than central Athens. It’s one of my favourite places to escape to in the centre.
Anafiotika is a peaceful, photogenic spot ideal for couples, photographers, and anyone seeking a quiet escape. You can wander here from Plaka, but note that the paths can be uneven and easy to miss, so wear sturdy footwear.
Temple of Poseidon
Stand beside the Temple of Poseidon, and watch the sun set over the Aegean at one of Greece’s most dramatic coastal landmarks.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – sunset, 7 pm in the summer, daily | Entrance: €20 adults, free under 18 | 👉 Book a Half-Day Tour to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
Had your fill of the city and craving an excursion? Head 1-1.5 hours from the city centre to Cape Sounion where you’ll find the Temple of Poseidon, one of Greece’s most dramatic ancient sites.
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, this 5th-century BC temple was dedicated to the god of the sea (Poseidon) and has long been a landmark for sailors. The setting is the main draw: sweeping coastal views and unforgettable sunsets make it ideal for anyone who never gets tired of a good sunset.
You can get there by car or an organised bus. For ease and insight, a half-day guided tour is a great option, as it combines scenic coastal drives with historical context and stress-free travel.
Lake Vouliagmeni
Swim in the naturally heated waters of Lake Vouliagmeni, a mineral-rich lagoon known for its soothing, spa-like setting.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: Range of times (check website) but generally 8 am – 7 pm daily | General Entrance: Weekdays €17 adults, €14 children 6-12 yrs, free under 6; Weekends €19 adults, €17 children 6-12yrs, free under 6 | 👉 Book a Lake Vouliagmeni Thermal Spa and Temple of Poseidon Tour
Lake Vouliagmeni, along the Athens Riviera, is one of my favourite swim spots. It’s a rare chance to experience a natural thermal lake. It’s set beneath limestone cliffs just outside the neighbourhood of Vouliagmeni.
Formed by a collapsed cave system, this mineral-rich lagoon stays warm year-round at around 72–82°F, making it ideal for swimming in any season. Its healing waters are also home to tiny Garra rufa fish, known for gently nibbling dead skin, adding a spa-like twist to your dip.
The lake is easily reached by car or taxi from central Athens in about 30 minutes, or about an hour by bus. Or take a private tour that combines a visit to Lake Vouliagmeni with the Temple of Poseidon to maximize your time in the area.
Sokolata 56 Hot Chocolate Café
Dive into a decadent world of rich hot chocolate, indulgent desserts, and sweet treats.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11 am – 9 pm Mon – Sat, 12 pm – 8 pm Sundays
Sokolata 56 is a cosy dessert café in central Athens dedicated to all things chocolate. The café is known for its indulgent, pure cacao hot chocolates in different flavours and strengths. It’s a comforting escape from busy sightseeing or unpredictable weather.
Come here to slow down, warm up on a rainy day, and enjoy one of Athens’ sweetest indoor retreats. It’s tucked in an arcade just off Syntagma Square and is best visited in the afternoon or evening. Their hot chocolate menu is extensive, but the amiable hosts can help you choose.
Cool & Unusual Things to Do in Athens
Street Art Tour around Gazi
Take a street art tour to uncover bold murals, hidden graffiti, and the stories behind Athens’ thriving urban art scene.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book an Athens Street Art Walking Tour with Local Artist
Art lovers must check out the street art scene in Athens, particularly around Gazi and Technopolis. Here, bold murals transform the city into an open-air gallery. This creative side of Athens reflects social issues, politics, and modern culture, offering a unique contrast to its ancient landmarks.
Keep an eye out for works tucked down side streets and across industrial walls. Want to understand the stories, artists, and messages behind the murals you might otherwise miss? Book a guided street art walking tour.
Athens Cat Café
Relax and enjoy coffee and treats while spending time with rescued cats in a cosy, feel-good setting.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 9 pm Mon – Fri, 11 am – 9 pm Sat – Sun | Entrance: €7 – €9 minimum spend per person expected, No children under 14 allowed
The Athens Cat Café is a cosy, feel-good space dedicated to animal welfare in central Athens. It offers a safe, carefully managed environment where rescued street cats can socialise while visitors enjoy coffee, cakes, and light bites.
The café works closely with shelters to promote adoption and raise awareness, making it both meaningful and relaxing. Visits are booked in timed 1.5-hour sessions to ensure the cats’ wellbeing. Reserving in advance is recommended.
The cafe is ideal for animal lovers, solo travellers, and families with older children. It’s a calm, alternative experience just a 20-minute walk from central sights. As a cat lover, I love coming here to relax and interact with them on their terms.
Technopolis in Gazi
Explore a gaswork district turned cultural hub with art exhibitions, live events, festivals, a Gas Museum, nightlife, and a unique dinner experience.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Book a Dinner in the Sky Experience
Technopolis is in Gazi, the former 19th-century gasworks neighbourhood of Athens transformed into one of the city’s most dynamic cultural hubs. Today, this industrial complex hosts exhibitions, concerts, festivals, and events year-round.
While here, pay a visit to the Industrial Gas Museum where restored machinery and interactive displays reveal how the site powered the city for over a century. It’s easy to reach on the Kerameikos metro station, and culture lovers, creatives, and nightlife seekers will love it here.
After exploring, treat yourself to one of the coolest experiences you can have in Technopolis: Dinner in the Sky. This is an unforgettable aerial experience where you dine at a suspended table 40 metres above the city on a crane. Enjoy panoramic Acropolis views with a multi-course meal. It’s not for those with vertigo!
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Thanks for reading my guide on the best things to do in Athens! Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments below. And if you’re ready to keep planning your trip, check out our Greece packing list next!