62 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Athens, Greece

Planning a trip and wondering what the best things to do in Athens, Greece are? This ancient yet modern city is filled with history, energy, and charm that make it one of the most fascinating destinations in Europe.

From exploring ancient ruins to discovering cozy rooftop bars with views of the Acropolis, Athens blends old and new in a way few cities can. While many people simply hit the highlights, there truly are so many unique locations and activities to discover in Greece's capital.

Whether you’re into history, food, or nightlife, this guide will show you the top attractions and hidden gems so you can make the most of your time in Athens.

Experiencing The Best Things to Do in Athens: An Intro to Athens

Before diving into all the best activities, it helps to get a feel for what makes Athens so special. This is a city where ancient temples sit beside street art, where lively markets meet world-class museums, and where the Mediterranean lifestyle is thriving.

Athens isn’t just about the Acropolis. It’s about neighborhood cafés, rooftop views, and the warmth of its people that makes every visit unforgettable.

Is Athens Worth Visiting for Tourists?

So many people overlook Athens and rush to the islands. While places like Santorini and Mykonos are without-a-doubt stunning, Athens offers a mix of ancient wonders, modern culture, and incredible food that is hard to match anywhere else in Europe.

Whether you come for a weekend or as part of a longer Greece itinerary, the city is packed with things to see and do while offering a relaxed Mediterranean vibe that feels both authentic and welcoming.

How Many Days Do You Need in Athen, Greece?

Most travelers find that two to three days in Athens is enough to see the main highlights without feeling rushed.

If you want to dive deeper into local neighborhoods, take day trips to nearby sites like Delphi or Cape Sounion, or simply enjoy slower days wandering through markets and cafés, you could easily spend four or five days to experience Athens more fully.

The Best Things to Do in Athens, Greece

Athens is one of those cities where history and modern life exist side by side. From ancient landmarks to hidden viewpoints and lively plazas, there is something for every kind of traveler.

Here are some of the best things to do in Athens, Greece, from the top places you won’t want to miss to epic activities for the adventurers out there.

The Best Things to Do in Athens, Greece: Top Sites

Athens is one of the most historically significant cities in the world, preserving archaeological treasures and cultural landmarks. If it's your first time visiting Athens, you'll want to start with the most iconic sights before venturing into lesser-known corners of the city.

Visit the Acropolis

The Acropolis is the absolute crown jewel of Athens and one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Home to the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike, this ancient citadel offers panoramic views of the entire city, and is a must-see. 

Arrive early or visit before sunset to enjoy the most peaceful experience.

Hadrian's Library

Built by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD, this historic site once housed a massive collection of papyrus scrolls. While only parts of the walls and columns remain, the ruins are beautifully preserved and sit right in the middle of Monastiraki, making it super easy to visit during a day of exploring.

Roman Forum

Located just a short walk from the Acropolis, the Roman Forum dates back to the 1st century BC. It was once the commercial and social center of ancient Athens. Today, visitors can still see marble columns, ancient inscriptions, and the Tower of the Winds, one of the world’s earliest time-keeping structures.

Theatre of Dionysus

Often overlooked by tourists, this open-air theater is one of the oldest in the world. It was here that Greek tragedy was born and where plays by Sophocles and Euripides were first performed. The site sits on the southern slope of the Acropolis and is a true gem you won't want to miss.

Ancient Agora of Athens

Once the heart of public life in Athens, the Agora was where democracy was born. Wander among temples, columns, and statues while imagining philosophers like Socrates and Plato debating ideas that still shape the world today. 

 The Temple of Hephaestus is particularly well-preserved and offers incredible photo opportunities.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is the political and social center of Athens, and a must-see while in the city for witnessing everyday life for locals. The area is also surrounded by cafés and restaurants that are perfect for people-watching.

Check Out the Penathenaic Stadium

Entirely built from white marble, this stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and is one of the top sites in Athens. It sits on the site of an ancient stadium dating back to 330 BC, and despite how old it is, visitors can actually walk (or run) on the track or climb to the top rows for a stunning view of the city.

Philoppapos Hill

Just across from the Acropolis, Philopappos Hill is one of the best viewpoints in Athens. The climb is short and easy, and at the top you’ll find the Philopappos Monument surrounded by olive trees and views stretching all the way to the sea.

Prison of Socrates

Hidden within the Philopappou Hill area, this small site is believed to be where the philosopher Socrates was imprisoned before his death. Although its authenticity is debated, the carved rock chambers are fascinating to explore and worth a quick stop if you’re nearby.

Watch the Sunset at Lycabettus Hill

One of the best things to do in Athens, Greece is to catch the sunset with the Acropolis in the background.

For one of the most iconic views of Athens, make your way to Lycabettus Hill. You can hike up or take the funicular to the top, where you’ll find a small chapel, a café, and a panoramic terrace with some incredible views.

Watching the sun set behind the Acropolis from here is truly unforgettable, and a must-experience while in Greece's capital. Get there early to secure a good spot!

Pnyx Monument

The Pnyx is one of the most important sites in the history of democracy in Greece. This rocky hill was where ancient Athenians gathered to hold public assemblies and vote on major decisions. Today it offers great views of the Acropolis and an interesting stop for history lovers.

Zappeion Garden

Located next to the National Garden, the Zappeion is a beautiful neoclassical building surrounded by leafy paths and statues. It’s a peaceful spot to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a quieter side of the city, and also a great stop on the way to the stadium from the center of Athens.

Arch of Hadrian

The Arch of Hadrian stands as a grand marble gateway built around 132 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian. It marked the boundary between the old city of Athens and the then-new Roman city. The arch is right beside the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and is one of the best photo spots in Athens.

Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum opened in 2009 just below the Acropolis hill, holding thousands of artifacts excavated from the site. Large glass walls allow visitors to view the ancient ruins beneath the museum’s floor, making the experience of seeing the Parthenon that much more impressive.

Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion)

Once the largest temple in Greece, the Temple of Olympian Zeus took more than six centuries to complete before being dedicated to Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. Although much of it lies in ruins today, the remaining columns still capture the vast scale and ambition of ancient Athens.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is Greece’s largest archaeological museum and holds more than 11,000 exhibits spanning from the Neolithic era to late antiquity. If you are serious about culture and history you will find this museum one of the most rewarding in all of Athens.

Explore the Neighborhood of Anafiotika

Tucked beneath the Acropolis, Anafiotika feels like a slice of the Greek islands in the middle of the city. Its pastel houses, narrow lanes, and vibrant shutters make it one of the most picturesque spots in Athens, and a true gem of a neighborhood.

Browse the Shops

One of my absolute favorite things to do in Athens is to shop (and I'm not even a big shopper!). Greece is home to quality handmade goods and beautiful clothing. Head over to Dash & Dot for amazing linen pieces, or peruse the very many locals selling their handicrafts across the city center.

Make sure to bring some cash, and give yourself extra time, as there are so many talented artists!

The Best Things to Do in Athens, Greece: Food & Drink

Athens is full of flavor, and the city’s food and drink scene is just as lively as its history. From rooftop bars that face the Acropolis to cooking classes and gourmet cruises, these experiences let you taste the best of Greek culture.

• Experience the Rooftop Bars: Sip cocktails with Acropolis views at some of the most scenic spots in the city.
• Take a Greek Cooking Class: Learn to prepare traditional dishes like moussaka, tzatziki, and spanakopita with a local chef.
• Sip at the Wine Bars: Discover boutique wine bars serving Greek varietals from across the country.
• Create Your Own Wine Workshop: Blend and bottle your own Greek wine to take home as a souvenir.
• Wine & Food Pairing: Enjoy a curated tasting experience that highlights the harmony between Greek wines and local cuisine.
• Distillery Visits: Tour small distilleries and taste ouzo, tsipouro, and other unique Greek spirits.
• Greek Honey Tasting: Sample artisanal honey varieties produced in different regions of Greece.
• Explore the Markets: Visit places like Varvakios Agora to experience Athens’ colorful central market scene.
• Guided Food Tours: Walk through neighborhoods like Plaka or Psiri while tasting street food and local specialties.
• Go Bar Hopping: Check out the city’s cool cocktail scene with lively spots in Kolonaki and Gazi.
• Join a Pub Crawl: Meet fellow travelers while exploring Athens’ nightlife with local guides.
• Enjoy the Nightlife: Dance the night away in rooftop clubs, beach bars, or live music venues.
• Traditional Greek Show with Dinner: Watch folk dances and live bouzouki music while enjoying a multi-course meal.
• Cat Café: Relax with a coffee surrounded by friendly cats in one of Athens’ quirky cafés.
• Fishing Trip with Seafood Meal: Join local fishermen and enjoy a fresh seafood feast by the water.
• Culinary Cruise: Take a short cruise along the Athenian Riviera with onboard dining and sunset views.
• Truffle Foraging & Wine Tasting: Head into the countryside to hunt for truffles followed by a tasting of regional wines.

Unique Things to Do in Athens, Greece

Athens is full of surprises, offering experiences that go beyond the ancient ruins and classic landmarks. From creative workshops to scenic adventures, these activities show a different side of the city and let you experience it like a local.

Go on a Catamaran Cruise

Sail along the Athenian Riviera and enjoy a view of the coastline that few tourists get to see. Many cruises include lunch, drinks, and swimming stops in the Saronic Gulf, making it a perfect half-day escape from the city.

Bike Tour

A guided bike tour is a fun and active way to see the city’s highlights, meet other travelres, and get a little work out in. Routes often pass by the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and through scenic neighborhoods like Plaka and Thissio. It’s an easy and eco-friendly way to explore Greece's capital.

E Scooter Tour

For another unique way to explore, hop on an electric scooter tour and cruise through the historic streets. You can cover a lot of ground and enjoy a modern, playful twist on exploring Athens.

Ancient Greek Theater Performance

Diving int0 the Greek theater scene is one of the most entertaining things to do in Athens, Greece. Watch a live performance in one of Athens’ historic outdoor theaters. Many shows recreate classical Greek plays, letting you experience art in the same setting where it originated thousands of years ago.

Ancient Greek Theater Murder Mystery Experience

For something completely different, try this interactive experience that combines theater, storytelling, and mystery. Guests take part in solving a fictional crime set in ancient times, blending history with entertainment.

 Spa Experience

With all of the sightseeing, shopping, and moving around, one of the best things to do in Athens, Greece is to treat yourself. There are various spa experiences throughout the city to choose from, from couples massages to sounds healing retreats.

Urban Street Art Tour

Athens has one of the most vibrant street art scenes in Europe. Take a walking tour through neighborhoods like Exarchia and Psiri to discover murals and graffiti that portray the vibrance of modern Greek culture.

Museum of Illusions

Looking for things to do in Athens, Greece when it rains? The Museum of Illusions is a fun world of optical illusions, rotating rooms, and visual tricks. It’s one of the most entertaining museums in Athens and great for both kids and adults looking for something playful and different than the rest of the city's museums..

Scuba Diving

Looking for a fun day in the water? You can actually scuba dive near Athens,  just a short drive from the city center. The clear waters of the Athenian Riviera offer shipwrecks, reefs, and marine life, making it an unexpected adventure for water lovers.

Hellenic Motor Museum

A hidden gem for car enthusiasts, this museum showcases classic vehicles from around the world. The impressive collection includes over 100 vehicles with everything from early 20th-century models to rare sports cars. It's one of the most unique things to do in Athens, Greece, and a great way to learn about the evolution of the automobile.

Make Your Own Leather Sandals

Greece is known for their high quality leather products, and every time I'm in Greece I splurge on locally made leather sandals. Well, now you can make your own in a local workshop! It’s a creative hands-on experience that results in one of the best souvenirs.

Greek Sculpting Class

Channel your inner artist with a sculpting class inspired by ancient Greek techniques. You’ll learn about the history of ancient wine, see replicas of ancient vessels, and then work with clay or marble to create your own masterpiece under the guidance of professional sculptors. 

It's a fun and interactive class, and allows you to take a unique souvenir back home with you.

Athens Instagram Tour

One of the best ways to capture a city is by learning about local spots that typical tourists don't know of, or getting angles and tips that photographers know.

On the Athens Instagram Tour you can discover the most photogenic spots in the city with a guided photo tour. It’s perfect for travelers who want to capture Athens’ best angles and have the most beautiful images to post on social media.

Ghost Tour

Explore the darker side of Athens on a night tour filled with myths, mysteries, and haunted stories. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Athens, Greece at night, and a unique way to see a different side of the city’s history after dark.

Ceramic Pottery Class

Learn the art of pottery from experienced ceramicists. You can shape and paint your own piece while learning about Greece’s long tradition of ceramic craftsmanship.

Greek Dancing Class

One of the best cultural activities in Athens is Greek dancing. Join a traditional dance class and learn steps from popular Greek dances like the syrtaki. It’s an energetic and social experience that usually ends with a ton of laughter and new friends.

Yoga Class

With all of the fun and energetic things to do in Athens, Greece, you'll need a way to wind down and have a break.

Start your morning or wind down your evening with a yoga session overlooking the Acropolis or along the Athens Riviera for the ultimate relaxing experience. Many studios offer outdoor classes with stunning views and peaceful surroundings, meaning you can enjoy a quieter side of busy Athens.

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The Best Things to Do in Athens, Greece: Day Trips

Now that you know all of the incredible things to do in Athens, Greece, let's look at some other destinations nearby!

If you have extra time in Athens, there are plenty of amazing places just a short drive or ferry ride away. From ancient ruins and seaside cliffs to island getaways, these trips are perfect for experiencing more of Greece’s incredible variety while still returning to the city by night.

Delphi

Known as the center of the ancient world, Delphi is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Greece. Walk among the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theater while taking in the mountain views.

It’s about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Athens and makes for a full-day trip.

Lake Vouliagmeni

Located only 25 kilometers from central Athens, Lake Vouliagmeni is a natural thermal lake surrounded by limestone cliffs. The water stays warm year-round and is rich in minerals, making it perfect for a relaxing swim any time of year. It’s a peaceful escape from the city and easy to reach by car, taxi, or organized excursion.

Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple

Just 70 kilometers from Athens, Cape Sounion is famous for its dramatic cliffs and the ancient Temple of Poseidon perched high above the sea. If you're going on your own make sure to visit at sunset for breathtaking views over the Aegean. 

Many tours also combine a coastal drive along the Athenian Riviera with time to explore the temple and enjoy the beach below.

Hydra

Hydra is one of the most charming islands near Athens, known for its stone houses, car-free streets, and relaxed vibe. Ferries from Piraeus take about two hours, and once you arrive you can wander the harbor, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront tavernas.

Aside from the ferry as being an option, you can also join one of various excursions on Get Your Guide. 

Aegina

Aegina is another easy island day trip from Athens, just an hour away by ferry. The island is famous for its pistachios, pretty beaches, and the impressive Temple of Aphaia, which rivals the Parthenon in beauty. It’s perfect for travelers who want a quick island escape without having to go too far.

Corinth

Located less than an hour from Athens, ancient Corinth is full of ruins that tell the story of one of Greece’s most important city-states. You can visit the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Odeon, and the Acrocorinth fortress which overlooks the area from high above. 

The nearby Corinth Canal is also worth a stop for its engineering marvel and views if you decide to go on your own.

Nafplio

Often called Greece’s prettiest town, Nafplio is a romantic coastal destination with neoclassical architecture, cobblestone streets, and a lively waterfront. Climb to the top of Palamidi Fortress for incredible views, stroll through the old town, and enjoy one of the many seaside cafés before heading back to Athens.

Meteora

Although it’s a long day trip, visiting Meteora is absolutely worth it. The area is famous for its monasteries perched on towering rock formations, and is one of the most iconic places in the country. The landscape is surreal and unlike anywhere else in Greece, making it a day trip well-worth the long trip. 

You can visit by guided tour or take an early train from Athens to Kalambaka and explore on your own.

Mykonos

If you’re short on time but still dream of seeing the Greek islands, Mykonos can be reached from Athens by high-speed ferry in about three hours or by a short flight. 

The island is famous for its whitewashed buildings, lively nightlife, and stunning beaches. Even a day trip offers a taste of its charm with enough time for a seaside lunch and a stroll through Little Venice.

Santorini

While best enjoyed with an overnight stay, Santorini is still possible as a long day trip from Athens. Known for its blue-domed churches and breathtaking caldera views, it’s one of the most iconic destinations in Greece and one of the most romantic places to visit in the world. 

Spend the day exploring Oia, enjoying local wine, and watching the sun set over the cliffs before heading back in the evening.

The Best Things to Do in Athens, Greece: Final Tips & What's Next

There are plenty of fun things to do in Athens, Greece! We'd highly recommend starting off with a free walking tour to see the highlights, and then giving yourself a few days to see some of the sites like the Parthenon and other ruins, along with giving yourself the chance to hop around the shops and all the cool bars in Athens.

Athens is a an excellent place to start your Greece travels, and we'd definitely recommend giving extra time on either end of your trip to really experience all that it has to offer.

Now that you know the best things to do in Athens, Greece, here are a few quick tips for visiting:

 Getting there: Athens is well-connected with many cities in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and beyond. You can also visit on a cruise, or ferry there from one of the Greek islands.

 Getting Around Athens: Walking is the best way to explore the city center, but taxis, ride-shares, metros, and buses are widely available for longer trips.

 Where to Stay: Stay in centrally-located neighborhoods like Monastariki or Plaka which has plenty of dining and shopping.

 Language: Greek is the official language of Greece. English is spoken in most hotels, restaurants, and on tours though.

 Currency: Greece uses the Euro.

 Safety: Athens is generally very safe for tourists, with no major safety concerns.

 Weather: Athens experiences all four seasons, with hot and sunny summers, and mildly cold winters (it typically doesn't snow).

What's Next?

Now that you know all of the best things to do in Athens, Greece, we're sure you're ready to learn more about what it's like visiting the Greek capital,

Here are some other guides we've written that you can check out:

• How to get to Athens
• The top 10 rooftops in Athens
• 31 cool bars & restaurants in Athens
• What to eat in Athens (complete food guide)
• How to get from Athens to Santorini

...and more coming each week!

So are you ready to experience all of the best things to do in Athens, Greece? This city has so much more to offer than just the Parthenon, and definitely deserves a few days to explore,

Want to learn more about visiting Athens or other areas of Greece? We have plenty of other Greece travel guides (with more coming up). Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter, as you'll receive all of our weekly guide updates, along with exclusive discounts on the Scratch Your Mapa shop.

Excited about visiting Athens but don't want the hassle of booking everything on your own? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning services, ready to deliver specially-curated itineraries and personalized planning in under 72 hours. Want to learn more? Simply send us an email for your free consultation!

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