Athens packs 3,000+ years of history, world-class food, and vibrant neighborhoods into one compact city. Whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks, here’s everything worth doing.
This guide covers 35 things to do in Athens — from bucket-list sights to hidden gems.
Top 10 Must-Do’s#
If you’re short on time, don’t miss these:
- Acropolis — The iconic ancient citadel
- Acropolis Museum — World-class collection
- Sunset at Areopagus Hill — Best free view in Athens
- Monastiraki Flea Market — Antiques, souvenirs, chaos
- Souvlaki at Kostas — Legendary street food
- Ancient Agora — Where democracy was born
- Plaka wandering — Athens’ oldest neighborhood
- Rooftop drinks — Acropolis views with cocktails
- Central Market — Real Athens, real food
- Day trip to Delphi — The center of the ancient world
Ancient Sites & History#
1. The Acropolis#
The most famous ancient site in the Western world. Home to the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and stunning views.
Entry: €20 single or €30 combo ticket (covers 6 more sites) Time needed: 2-3 hours Best time: 8 AM opening or late afternoon
2. Acropolis Museum#
Modern museum housing original sculptures from the Acropolis, including Caryatids and Parthenon friezes.
Entry: €15 Time needed: 1-2 hours Highlight: The top-floor gallery with Parthenon views
3. Ancient Agora#
The civic heart of ancient Athens — marketplace, courts, and birthplace of democracy. Remarkably well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus.
Entry: Included in combo ticket Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
4. Temple of Olympian Zeus#
Once the largest temple in Greece. Only 15 of 104 original columns remain — still impressive.
Entry: Included in combo ticket Time needed: 30-45 minutes
5. Hadrian’s Library#
Ruins of a massive library complex built by Emperor Hadrian.
Entry: Included in combo ticket Time needed: 30 minutes
6. Kerameikos Cemetery#
Ancient cemetery and city gates. Less visited, more atmospheric.
Entry: Included in combo ticket Time needed: 45 minutes
7. Panathenaic Stadium#
The marble stadium where the first modern Olympics were held (1896). You can run on the track.
Entry: €10 with audio guide Time needed: 45 minutes
Museums#
8. National Archaeological Museum#
The best collection of ancient Greek artifacts in the world. Mask of Agamemnon, Antikythera Mechanism, stunning bronzes.
Entry: €12 Time needed: 2-3 hours Don’t miss: The bronze Poseidon/Zeus statue
9. Benaki Museum#
Greek culture from prehistory to modern times. Excellent collection, beautiful building.
Entry: €12 (free on Thursdays) Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
10. Museum of Cycladic Art#
Ancient figurines that look startlingly modern. Influenced Picasso and Modigliani.
Entry: €12 Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
11. Byzantine and Christian Museum#
Extensive collection of Byzantine art, icons, and religious treasures.
Entry: €8 Time needed: 1-2 hours
Neighborhoods & Walks#
12. Plaka#
Athens’ oldest neighborhood, beneath the Acropolis. Neoclassical houses, winding streets, souvenir shops.
Best for: Wandering, photography, dinner
13. Anafiotika#
Hidden gem within Plaka — a whitewashed village that feels like a Greek island.
Best for: Photography, escaping crowds
14. Monastiraki#
The bustling heart of tourist Athens. Markets, street food, rooftop bars.
Best for: Shopping, eating, people-watching
15. Psyrri#
Street art, bars, creative energy. Athens at its most artsy.
Best for: Nightlife, dinner, street art photography
16. Exarchia#
Alternative/anarchist quarter. Gritty, authentic, political.
Best for: Adventurous travelers, cheap eats, counterculture
17. Kolonaki#
Upscale shopping, chic cafes, embassy crowd.
Best for: Shopping, upscale dining
Views & Sunsets#
18. Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill)#
Rocky outcrop just below the Acropolis. Stunning sunset views, completely free.
Best time: 1 hour before sunset Tip: Bring wine and snacks
19. Filopappou Hill#
Forested hill with Acropolis views, ancient monument, and fewer crowds.
Best time: Sunset or morning Bonus: Find the ancient prison of Socrates
20. Mount Lycabettus#
Highest point in Athens. Take the funicular or hike up for 360° views.
Funicular: €10 round trip Best time: Sunset
21. Rooftop Bars#
Acropolis views with cocktails.
Top picks: A for Athens, 360 Degrees, Couleur Locale
Food & Drink Experiences#
22. Food Tour#
Discover Athens through its food — markets, street food, hidden tavernas.
Cost: €60-90 for 3-4 hours Best for: Foodies, first-time visitors
Athens Food Tour with 12+ Tastings
Walk through the Central Market and hidden food spots. Taste souvlaki, cheese, olives, pastries, and more. Small groups, local guide.
23. Central Market (Varvakios Agora)#
Athens’ main market — fish, meat, produce, cheese. Chaotic, authentic, photogenic.
Best time: Morning (closes early afternoon)
24. Wine Tasting#
Discover Greek wines at urban wine bars or day trips to Nemea vineyards.
Urban option: Wine bars in Syntagma/Psyrri Day trip: Nemea wine region (1.5 hours from Athens)
25. Greek Cooking Class#
Learn to make moussaka, tzatziki, and more. Take recipes home.
Cost: €80-120 including meal
Day Trips#
26. Delphi#
The ancient Oracle of Apollo, set in stunning mountains. Greece’s most important sanctuary.
Distance: 2.5 hours Cost: €80-100 (tour) or DIY
27. Meteora#
Monasteries perched on impossible rock pillars. Unforgettable landscape.
Distance: 4 hours Tip: Consider overnight for best experience
28. Cape Sounion#
Temple of Poseidon on cliffs above the Aegean. Perfect for sunset.
Distance: 1 hour Cost: €50-60 (tour)
29. Hydra Island#
Car-free, chic island. Take the ferry from Piraeus.
Distance: 2 hours by hydrofoil Best for: Day escape, photography
30. Nafplio#
Romantic Venetian town in the Peloponnese. Often combined with Mycenae.
Distance: 2 hours Best for: Romantic escape, history
Activities & Experiences#
31. Sunset Sailing Cruise#
Sail the Athens Riviera as the sun sets. Swimming, dinner, wine included.
Cost: €65-90 Duration: 4-5 hours
32. Athens Street Art Tour#
Explore Psyrri and Exarchia with a guide who knows the artists and stories.
Cost: €30-50 or self-guided (free)
33. Changing of the Guard#
Watch the Evzones at Syntagma Square. Hourly, but Sunday 11 AM ceremony is most elaborate.
Cost: Free Location: Syntagma Square
34. Athens Marathon Route#
Run (or walk) part of the original marathon route from Marathon to Athens.
When: Athens Marathon is in November Or: Visit Marathon and trace history
35. Greek Dance/Music Night#
Experience live rebetiko (Greek blues) or folk music.
Where: Live music venues in Psyrri, Exarchia Best for: Authentic cultural experience
Free Things to Do#
Not everything costs money:
- Changing of the Guard — Syntagma Square (hourly)
- Sunset at Areopagus Hill — Best views, no charge
- Anafiotika walk — Island village in the city
- Street art tour — DIY through Psyrri/Exarchia
- Central Market — Walk through (free), only pay to eat
- National Garden — Green escape in the city center
- Beach — Public beaches along the Riviera (tram to Glyfada)
- Monastiraki Flea Market — Free to browse
Things to Do by Interest#
History Buffs#
Acropolis → Ancient Agora → National Archaeological Museum → Delphi day trip
Foodies#
Food tour → Central Market → Souvlaki crawl → Cooking class
Photographers#
Sunrise at Acropolis → Anafiotika → Street art in Psyrri → Sunset at Areopagus
Romantics#
Rooftop dinner → Sunset cruise → Nafplio day trip → Lycabettus sunset
Budget Travelers#
Free sites (Areopagus, markets) → Souvlaki meals → Self-guided walks → Beach day
Families#
Acropolis (morning) → Panathenaic Stadium → Beach afternoon → Loukoumades
Frequently Asked Questions#
How many days do you need in Athens?#
3-4 days covers the highlights well. 5-7 days allows for day trips and deeper exploration.
What can you do in Athens for free?#
Changing of the Guard, Areopagus sunset, Anafiotika, National Garden, street art walks, market browsing, beaches.
Is Athens walkable?#
Yes — the center is very compact. Most major attractions are within 20-30 minutes’ walk of each other.
What’s the best thing to do in Athens?#
The Acropolis remains the essential experience. But don’t miss the Ancient Agora, rooftop drinks, and neighborhood wandering.
The Bottom Line#
Athens offers far more than ruins. Yes, see the Acropolis — it’s genuinely worth the hype. But also wander neighborhoods, eat incredible food, watch sunset from a rooftop, and discover why Athens has captivated travelers for millennia.
Need help planning? Check out our 3-day Athens itinerary and day trip guide.
