The 10 Best Things to Do in Athens
The cradle of Western civilisation, the birthplace of democracy and so much more… there’s not a lot that can be said about the Greek capital city that hasn’t been said before. With such a deep history and rich culture, it can be daunting to plan a trip to what was once the most important city in the world. So, today at Civitatis, we’re running through our top 10 best things to do in Athens, so that you hit all of the main stops, and make the most of your time in this incredible classical city. And don’t worry, there’s something for everyone on this list, even if looking at archaeological sites isn’t necessarily your thing…
Only spending a day in Athens, and looking to check out the main spots? Have a look at this Free Walking Tour of Athens, or even this Athens Segway Tour and also entries 2, 5 and 6 and fill your itinerary!
The 10 Best Things to Do in Athens
- Discover Greek Cuisine
- Climb the Acropolis (and check out other archaeological sites in the city)
- Go Island Hopping
- Check out the City’s Museums
- Take a Stroll Through Monastiraki
- Discover the Origin of the Olympics
- Visit the National Gardens
- Embark on a Day Trip to Delphi
- Athens and Epidaurus Festival
- Discover the City’s Nightlife
1. Discover Greek Cuisine
With Greek cuisine atop many people’s favourites, a visit to Athens is sure to delight your palette. One of our favourites is gyros. An invention not dissimilar to (in fact, deriving from) the Döner Kebab, gyros usually consist of chicken or lamb, served on fresh pitta with a selection of vegetables and tzatziki. This wonderful dish is served on nearly every corner of the city, and is not to be missed during your stay. Souvlaki, moussaka and kokretsi are some other of our favourite local specialities.
For foodies, you can’t miss checking out the Athens Central Market, Varvakios Agora. Inside, you’ll find everything from fresh local produce, to wonderful eateries where you can indulge in ouzo and meze—Greece’s version of tapas.
To gain an insight into how some of these dishes are made, why not check out this Greek Cooking Class? In this activity, you’ll work with an expert chef, who’ll walk you through the preparation of various traditional starters, a main course and a desert! For a *slightly* alternative experience, why not indulge in delicious Greek food from the sky? Check out this Dinner in the Sky experience, during which you can enjoy a 6-course tasting menu, 40 metres (130 feet) above Athens.
2. Climb the Acropolis (and check out other archaeological sites)
No visit to Athens is complete without a visit to the world-famous Acropolis. This 2500-year-old citadel stands as a reflection of the pinnacle of ancient Greek civilisation, built during the Athenian golden age.
At the heart of the complex, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Parthenon. Seen as a monument to democracy, which was founded in Athens during this period, the Parthenon is also seen as the high point of the Doric architectural style.
In ancient times, the Parthenon (as well as the other structures, including the Erecthium and the Temple of Athena Nike), would have been an explosion of colour, with the pediment as well as ceiling panels and sculptures being brightly painted! Learn all about the iconic buildings which make up this complex on this Acropolis Guided Tour. Better yet, combine your visit to the acropolis with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which features some of the Acropolis’ most prized artefacts, which have been removed from the site for preservation.
There are lots more ways to see the Acropolis—check out all of the different ways you can see the Acropolis with Civitatis!
3. Go Island Hopping
Thanks to Athens’ location on the port, going island hopping is a fantastic option if you fancy hitting the beach and catching some rays!
One of the most popular islands to visit is Mykonos—one of the most beautiful Greek islands in the Aegean. On this day trip from Athens, you’ll have the chance to wander through the maze-like white streets, soak in the sun on the island’s most famous beaches and also check out the coolest bars and restaurants!
Another option to check out is our Hydra, Poros & Aegina Full-Day Cruise, if you want to get a taste for a few of the local islands!
4. Check out the City’s Museums
A city absolutely steeped in history, it should come as no surprise that Athens is home to a number of wonderful museums. Aside from the aforementioned Acropolis Museum, we would certainly recommend grabbing a ticket to the National Archaeological Museum, which offers visitors an insight into various stages of Greek history.
5. Take a Stroll Through Monastiraki
One of our favourite areas in Athens is Monsitraki. Owing its name to the 10th-century Church of the Pantanassa, this area has become one of the city’s principal shopping destinations as well as a hotspot for rooftop bars. Check out the bustling Ifestou Street flea market to grab yourself some souvenirs of your time in the Classical city, as well as the many vintage and thrift stores nestled in the sidestreets.
This Athens Night Tour will take you through the area’s main points of interest, including Hadrian’s library. Get a taste for the area’s nightlife and see the city’s major landmarks lit up in the darkness! After the tour, you can choose to enjoy a dinner with the group—alternatively, why not head to one of the vibrant bars in the area? To see the area during the day, you can also see it as part of this Old Athens & Acropolis Tour.
6. Discover the Origin of the Olympics
One of the highlights of a trip to Athens is the Panathenaic Stadium. The only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, this multi-purpose stadium is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Though the ancient Olympics have their origins in the Greek city of the Olympics, it was in this very stadium that the modern Olympic Games began in 1896. With this Museum Pass, entrance to the stadium (along with a selection of museums) is included!
7. Visit the National Garden
Right next to the Panathenaic Stadium, in the heart of the city, lies 16 hectares (around 40 acres) of grandiose greenery. Commissioned by Queen Amalia in the early 19th century, the National Garden serves as a wonderful retreat from the stone city, especially during the summer heat.
8. Embark on a Day Trip to Delphi
If you’re spending a bit more time in Athens, it might be worth checking out a day trip to Delphi. Once believed to be the centre of the world, Delphi is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece—and for good reason.
Delphi itself has a lot of offer, in terms of architecture with the Monument to the Argos Kings and the Athenian Treasury, as well as the Delphi Architectural Museum. However, the star of the show is undoubtedly the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, which overlooks the epic valley of Phocis. This temple is renowned for once having housed the Oracle at Delphi, to whom people travelled from far and wide to learn about their futures!
9. Athens and Epidaurus Festival
The Athens and Epidaurus Festival is the city’s annual arts festival and a highlight of the Greek summer calendar, going on between June and August. A highlight of the festival are the numerous performances of music, theatre and dance in the theatre of Odeon Herodes Atticus in Athens, just on the foothills of the city’s Acropolis. If you’re visiting during this time, look into buying tickets for a show, and get a true classical experience!
10. Discover the City’s Nightlife
Alongside the numerous archaeological masterpieces that the city has to offer, Athens knows how to party.
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Athens at its peak along Kolokotroni Street, stretching from Syntagma to Monastiraki and winding around Agias Irinis Square. In this area of the city, bars stay open late and there are plenty of nightclub options nearby—in Greece, you party until the sun comes up in the morning!
So, whether you’re looking for a way to spend a day in Athens or if you’re staying for a bit longer, we hope that you’ve gotten some inspiration for your travel itinerary. If you’re looking for more things to do, check out more activities with Civitatis in Athens.
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