13 Things To Do In Athens For First Time Travellers
Fun Things To Do In Athens, Greece
Planning a trip to Athens? Honestly, you’re going to love it. There are so many amazing things to do in Athens – it’s hard to know where to start.
To be fair, there is something special about standing at the Acropolis or wandering through the National Archaeological Museum – this city just has layers of history and beauty everywhere you look.
That said, I know it can feel a bit much when you’re trying to plan. There’s so much to see, and you might be wondering: how do I fit it all in? What if I’m on a tight budget? What if I’ve only got a day or two? Where do I even begin?
I totally get it.
When I spent a couple of nights in Athens during my 9-day Greece trip, I had the same questions. But I managed to pack in quite a bit – and honestly, one of my favourite moments was just sitting with a glass of Greek red wine at sunset, watching the Acropolis glow in the evening light. That’s the kind of magic Athens has.
So whether you’re into history, food, or just want to soak up the best of what Athens has to offer, this guide’s got you covered.
I’ve put together the must-sees, a few hidden gems, and some practical tips to help you make the most of your time here.
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Map Of The Best Things To Do In Athens
Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Athens
In Athens, cash is still important, but cards are widely accepted now.
You won’t need to bring bags full of cash for your trip; it’s less risky, too. More and more restaurants and attractions are taking cards, so happy days for those anxious travellers with cash concerns.
The Acropolis is stunning!
But you already knew that. This time, though, you’ll see it for yourself, up close and personal. Climbing the steps and reaching the top is surreal. Worth every penny in my view – just make sure you take photos so you can remember it in the future.
Pickpocketing is real!
I was lucky enough that nothing happened to me, but like many European capitals, this can happen. In public places where it’s tight, make sure you watch your bags and pockets and keep the cash close. I recommend a fanny pack for your passport, and RFID-blocking wallets are the way to go.
Athens has MANY cats.
You might already know this, but if you don’t, it’s like a feline invasion. Every corner I turned, I saw stray cats lying around and taking life easy. I wasn’t expecting to see so many. This isn’t just in Athens but in smaller places like Nafplio, Mycenae, and Santorini, too. I think it’s good to know, especially if you’re a cat lover.
Read This 10 Day Greece Itinerary
Where To Stay In Athens?
Athens has unlimited options when it comes to hotels, guesthouses, boutique hotels, and hostels, so there are some awesome places to consider for a great trip to the Greek capital.
Budget
Mid Range
Luxury
NYX Esperia Palace Hotel Athens
1. Acropolis
Of course, the Acropolis is going to feature in every list of the best things to do and see in Athens.
When I had the chance to visit, I was blown away by how high the Acropolis sits above Athens. What a place! That’s where the name comes from—translating to “high city.”
In total, it’s 150 metres above sea level.
And guess what? It dates back 4,000 years, so this place is ancient.
The Parthenon is what impressed me most. Seeing it from many parts of the city, I was eager to climb to the top.
It won’t take too long – maybe 15 minutes at a normal pace with a couple of breaks.
It can be slippery if there’s been rain, but when we visited in May, it was hot and dry.
Don’t miss the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its Porch of the Caryatids, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea gateway, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Old Temple of Athena, and the stunning viewpoints overlooking Athens.
All of these make Athens what it is today, centuries of history packed onto the highest point in the city.
Get the best view of the Acroplis from Areopagus Hill.
If you want to spend two hours at your own pace with an audio guide, I recommend you book a place on the Acropolis Ticket with Optional Audio or Live Guide.
2. Acropolis Museum
Two hundred metres away from the Acropolis is the incredible Acropolis Museum.
I was surprised to learn that it only opened back in 2009. Rather than having a museum up on the Acropolis overlooking the city,
I’m glad they moved it because it’s an incredible place to come and learn about Greek history.
When I visited, I was most impressed by the glass floor outside, where I could see the historical remains of the city.
Inside, there are a huge 4,000 artefacts, but be prepared, it’s one of Athens’ most popular attractions, bringing in about two million people annually.
You can see an amazing view of the Acropolis from the museum’s large glass windows as well. I loved the small displays showing the ancient city of Athens back when the Acropolis was flourishing.
Tired of lines? Skip them all when you purchase this Acropolis Museum Ticket, and you have the option to use an audio guide, which I always recommend.
You can learn details that aren’t included in the museum, and when I visited, I took in every detail I could.
3. Witness The Changing Of The Guard
Experiencing the changing of the guard was something special.
We were casually strolling through the city when we came across the Hellenic Parliament and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
There were few people around, and it was the middle of the day when the sun was at its highest.
Slowly, the guards walked across the platform. To be honest, I was afraid of making a noise, so I just stood still until they completed the process.
It was powerful.
Don’t worry if you miss it – the changing of the guard happens every hour, every day, so you’ll have plenty of chances to see it. Thankfully, it’s free to witness the event.
You can take the metro to Syntagma Square, and it’s directly opposite the stop.
You can combine a visit to the changing of the guard with a trip to the Botanical Museum of the National Gardens, which is behind the parliament building.
4. Climb Mount Lycabettus
This was one of my highlights and easily the best thing to do in Athens in my opinion.
Climbing the steps of Mount Lycabettus is about 1.4 kilometres in length, so it’s not the most challenging thing you’ll ever do in Greece physically.
But the path makes things a little more tricky. It’s not even, and you can go over on your ankle if you’re not careful.
Take your time, is my advice.
When I visited, I loved stopping on the way up – not only for a break but to see the view changing as I went.
Head to the western end of Aristippou Street in Kolonaki so you can start the trail. If you’re exhausted, you can take the funicular up instead of walking.
I was blown away by the views, and watching the city light up as the sun left us was special.
5. Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Zeus is one of Athens’ most iconic attractions.
I was happy as a child when I stood before the temple looking up at the Acropolis, something I would have dreamt about as a kid when I saw it in one of my encyclopaedias.
The tall columns that line the space are 17 metres tall, and in the past, at its peak, there would have been 104 of them. Sadly, today, only 15 are visible.
It was at one time Greece’s largest temple.
Construction started all the way back in the 6th century BC, but it wasn’t until Emperor Hadrian around the year 132 AD that it was finally finished. Incredible to think this was nearly 700 years after construction began. I also loved seeing the Temple of Kronos and Rhea, which is a few metres away.
When we visited, we made a short trip to Zappeion Garden to appreciate the green space in the Greek capital. Loved it here.
While it’s mostly ruins today, it still has all the allure I expected.
If you want to visit the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis, then this tour is for you. It includes up to 5 archaeological sites.
6. Agora
If you’re looking for classical Athens, you cannot miss the Agora.
This was one of my favourite things to do in the city.
The Agora was the centre of ancient life in Athens and dates back to around the 6th century BC. If there was a problem in society, it was here that it was settled, debated, and life could continue.
The Stoa of Attalos, Temple of Hephaestus, Monument of the Eponymous Heroes, and the Boulevard and Public Spaces are things you cannot miss in the Agora.
This Agora tour is highly rated and includes a ticket to the Hephaistos Temple.
You can add the self-guided audio tour to find out key information about the site.
7. Panathenaic Stadium
For a couple of hours, I felt like an Olympian.
Panathenaic Stadium is a colossal stadium which dates back to the 6th century.
This is thanks to Athena, the city’s patron goddess, for whom a competition – the Panathenaic Games- was held. The stadium is dedicated to her.
When I visited, there weren’t many people around. Some ran along the track, while others climbed to the top of the seating area to take in the view. I did this and loved the whole panorama down to the entrance.
It’s thought that in its prime, up to 50,000 people would travel from the region to watch the games take place.
On the sunny day when I visited, the white Pentelic marble was almost captivating, the stadium glowing so cleanly in the sun.
The most impressive fact for me was that in 1896, the first modern Olympics were held in this very stadium.
You can actually take part in a race on the track, which would be an incredible memory to have.
Book Your Highly Rated Panathenaic Stadium Experience Now.
8. Pláka
Pláka is a beautiful area close to the Acropolis in Athens, and many people, including me, loved walking through it.
There were lots of purple, red and pink flowers lining the streets, and people were relaxed at the many restaurants and cafes found here.
I’d suggest you visit before you make the climb up to the Acropolis to preserve energy for the climb. It’s not overwhelmingly challenging, but when it’s hot, you want to feel as good as you can.
In Pláka, I found churches, monuments, and even an outdoor cinema if you wanted that experience in Athens.
Take your time, soak in the atmosphere and sunshine in one of Athens’ most beautiful (and touristy) neighbourhoods.
9. Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora)
I stumbled into this place when I visited the Fethiye Mosque Museum, and it felt so Greek and historic that I couldn’t help but be excited.
When the Romans were in charge, they built this in the 1st century BC as a place for merchants to sell and buy products. It was Julius Eurycles who decided to make it a centre for power and commerce.
Small in size when compared to the Ancient Agora, it was nonetheless impressive.
It was only excavated in the 19th century, and for me, the fallen columns and pieces of marble symbolise the fall of the empire.
Though more Roman than Greek, some could argue, I urge all visitors to Athens to visit, as it’s one of the best things to do in the city.
10. Hadrian’s Library
When I entered Hadrian’s Library, it was fun and fascinating.
Tzistarakis Mosque is found right outside, and you can get an amazing photo of it with the Acropolis in the background – if you enjoy taking nice photos, go for it.
Hadrian was a huge fan of Greek culture and life. He built this library in 132 AD so people could learn, read, and grow as individuals, making Athens better.
When I visited, walking around the porticoes was inspiring. I could see fallen statues of gods and philosophers who are household names throughout Greece.
Incredibly, the library was always struggling. Earthquakes and war did not help its preservation.
11. Monastiraki Flea Market
At some stage during your Athens trip, you’ll come across Monastiraki.
The flea market is one of those fun and energetic places to explore and pick up some items from a memorable trip to Greece.
When I visited (in May), there were always crowds at the market. The market is inside and outside, and you can get anything from fruits to clothes to ornaments for your home. The atmosphere was buzzing, and I loved my time just casually passing through.
There is a subway station right beside the market, so you can easily get there by public transport.
You may come across street performers as well as locals, tourists, and anybody else who is attracted to the vibe of Monastiraki Square.
When we visited later in the afternoon, it was hectic. I would say the morning is much calmer and peaceful, though not totally empty.
I loved the rooftop bar, looking up at the Acropolis, a splendid experience.
12. Rooftop Bar In Monastiraki
Once you’re done exploring Monastiraki flea market and square, whether it’s morning or evening, you can grab a drink at a rooftop bar and admire the Acropolis as the sun goes down.
When we visited, I loved having a red Greek wine on the rooftop of A For Athens Hotel.
You can expect to pay at least €10.00 for a glass here. It’s worth it for the view, in my opinion.
Now, when I visited, I wasn’t as experienced a photographer as I am now, so my camera was funnily changed to a different filter – some of my images are in that format.
Oddly enough, I think they’re interesting. Lesson learnt!
Other nice rooftop bars include Buena Vista Social Bar, En Aithria Acropolis, 360 Degrees Athens and Attic Urban Rooftop.
Any of these options will give you amazing views of the Acropolis and, even better, some Greek souvlaki and authentic Greek wine.
Sounds good, doesn’t it?
13. Odeon of Herodes Atticus
One of my favourite places to visit in Athens was the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Located just beside the south-west side of the Acropolis, it’s an epic site that dates back to 161 AD.
It was built by Herodes Atticus, a wealthy Athenian benefactor, in memory of his late wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla.
In total, the capacity of the arena was 5,000, and it’s said that in the past it was covered with a wooden roof over the top.
When I found my way out to what felt like another stage overlooking it, I was struck by what an architectural marvel it is, truly impressive.
If you want an incredible, highly rated experience, why not rent an e-bike for two hours, which includes a stop at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
Book Your Tickets Now For An Athens 2-Hour Highlights Tour by E-Bike After Sunset
Where To Eat in Athens?
Athens has many authentic Greek restaurants, as one would expect.
But don’t forget to eat at the small vendors for the tastiest kebabs and souvlaki.
When I visited, I was more impressed by the cheap takeaway shops than the fancy higher-end restaurants. I was even scammed in one of Athens’ restaurants, so you do have to be aware of this.
Ask for the prices before you order.
If there’s no price beside it, you’re asking for trouble – check with staff about the costs to avoid this. I learnt this the hard way.
Some of the best places to eat in Athens include:
How Many Days Do You Need To Visit Athens?
You could spend between 3–5 days in Athens to see most of the important attractions.
When I visited, we stayed for 2 nights at the Alpha Residence in Marni, and it was a great location for our trip. We would walk into the city and see all the cute cafés and sights along the way.
If you can spend more days in Athens, you can really see it deeply and experience Greek culture more thoroughly.
Tips For Getting Around Athens
You can easily walk around Athens to many of the major sites.
Were we clocking up 35,000 steps daily? Sure. Were our feet in pain most evenings? Absolutely. Did we regret it? Absolutely not.
If you’re exhausted, you can use the metro system.
We also rented a car in Athens, and it can be a great way to get around. We made our way from Athens south to the Peloponnese, and it was a game-changer for our Greek adventure.
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Athens is world famous, and for all the right reasons.
I couldn’t believe how many fun things there are to do there. History, food, architecture, culture, people, music – the list goes on.
What I found most impressive was the sheer variety of things to do in Athens. Sure, the summer months can be chaotic, but if you travel in the off-season like we did in May, it takes so much pressure off.
If you enjoyed this post, I’ll be writing more about Santorini, Nafplio, and other interesting parts of Greece soon, so stay tuned for more.
I also have a post about 12 Reasons to Visit Greece.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
What Not To Miss In Athens?
Some things not to miss in Athens include the Acropolis, Parthenon, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and Roman Agora, to name just a few. The number of historic sites alone is impressive. The excellent local food and fantastic restaurants are not to be missed either. Additionally, the changing of the guard is another fun experience to have when visiting Athens. You won’t be short of options in the capital.
What Is The Number One Thing To Do In Athens, Greece?
The number one thing to do in Athens (in my opinion) is to visit the Acropolis. It’s so historic and so impressive, standing tall overlooking the whole city. You can get another stunning view of the Acropolis from Mount Lycabettus. Going there at sunset gives you awe-inspiring moments that I promise you won’t forget. Get the best view of the best attraction in Athens from Mount Lycabettus.
What Is A Famous Thing In Athens?
A famous thing to do in Athens is to visit any of the old historic sites. The best include the Temple of Zeus, the National Garden of Athens, and the Panathenaic Stadium, among many other attractions. For me, the most unique thing I did was visiting Plaka. The amazing flowers line the streets, and there are many places to eat and drink. Make sure to bring a camera here for the best photo opportunities; you’ll find plenty of them.
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