Non Touristy Things To Do In Athens

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, and one of the oldest cities in the world. Located in Attica, on the southern tip of the Greek mainland and in the center of the Attica Basin, it is surrounded by mountains and can be divided into two parts: the port area and the urban center. Athens is a vibrant city that offers a mix of ancient and modern attractions, from ancient ruins and monuments to contemporary art galleries and cafes. It is home to many of Greece’s most important historical sites, such as the Acropolis and Parthenon, as well as being home to some of the best shopping, dining and nightlife in Greece.

Athens is an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore the city’s culture, art, and history. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff or just looking for something different to do, there are plenty of great non-touristy things to see and do in Athens. From exploring hidden neighborhoods to participating in unique cultural activities, there are plenty of opportunities to discover the city’s unique charm.

Explore Athens’ Unique Neighborhoods

Athens is made up of an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character. From the bustling streets of Monastiraki to the quaint cafes of Psyri, there are plenty of neighborhoods to explore. From the historic Plaka neighborhood to the modern Kolonaki area, each neighborhood has its own unique charm.

The Monastiraki area is known for its lively atmosphere, with its many shops, restaurants, and cafes. This is a great place to explore during the day, when the narrow streets are filled with vendors selling souvenirs, antiques, and handmade items. At night, the area comes alive with its many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Nearby Psyri is a charming neighborhood filled with traditional cafes and shops that offer a unique glimpse into Athens’ past. The area is popular among locals who come here to relax and socialize in its cozy cafés.

The Plaka area is the oldest neighborhood in Athens and is home to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. This area is filled with narrow streets, traditional Greek restaurants, and souvenir shops. The nearby Anafiotika neighborhood is a great place to explore as well. This neighborhood was created by workers who moved here from the nearby island of Anafi in the early 19th century to work on the Acropolis restoration project.

Kolonaki is another popular neighborhood in Athens. This area is known for its upscale cafes and boutiques, as well as its art galleries and museums. This area is home to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars as well.

Visit Athens’ Historic Sites

Athens is home to some of Greece’s most important historical sites. The Acropolis and Parthenon are two of the most famous sites in Athens. The Acropolis is a hilltop fortress that was built in the 5th century BC and was used by the ancient Greeks as a defensive structure against invading armies. The Parthenon was built on top of the Acropolis as a temple dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens.

The Ancient Agora is another important archaeological site in Athens. This ancient marketplace was used by the ancient Greeks for trade, political discussion, and religious ceremonies. The Agora also served as a meeting place for public debates and was the site of Socrates’ famous speech that condemned corruption in Athenian society.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is an impressive archaeological site that dates back to 6th century BC. The temple was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, and was once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Theatre of Dionysus is another important archaeological site in Athens that was first built in 4th century BC. This large open-air theatre was used for plays written by ancient Greek playwrights such as Euripides and Sophocles.

Explore Athens’ Museums

Athens is home to many museums that offer visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture. The National Archaeological Museum is one of Athens’ most popular museums and houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of artifacts from ancient Greece. Other museums include the Benaki Museum which houses a collection of Greek art from antiquity to modern times; the Museum of Cycladic Art which showcases ancient Greek artwork; and the Byzantine Museum which contains Byzantine religious artifacts from all over Greece.

Taste Traditional Greek Cuisine

Athens is known for its traditional Greek cuisine and is a great place to sample some local delicacies. Some popular dishes include spanakopita (a spinach pie), moussaka (a casserole made with eggplant, potatoes, minced beef or lamb), and gyros (a seasoned meat wrap). There are many restaurants throughout Athens that serve up traditional Greek cuisine as well as international dishes.

Visit Markets

Athens has many markets where visitors can purchase fresh produce and handmade goods. The central market in Athens is located near Monastiraki Square and offers a variety of fresh produce as well as traditional Greek dishes such as gyros and souvlaki (grilled meat skewers). Nearby Monastiraki Flea Market is filled with vendors selling antiques, souvenirs, jewelry, vintage clothing, and handmade goods. It’s a great place to find unique gifts or souvenirs to take home with you.

Take a Wine Tasting Tour

Athens has many wineries that offer tours and tastings for visitors to experience traditional Greek wines. Many wineries also offer guided tours of their vineyards where visitors can learn about viticulture and winemaking processes from experienced winemakers. There are also many restaurants around Athens that serve locally produced wines from nearby wineries.

Experience Authentic Greek Nightlife

Athens has a vibrant nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that offer a mix of traditional Greek music and international DJs spinning everything from house music to hip-hop. One popular spot is Gazi – an old gasworks complex turned trendy nightlife district – where visitors can find dozens of bars and clubs playing everything from jazz and blues to techno and house music.

Book a Tour: Secret Food Tours Athens

For an authentic food experience in Athens, explore Greece’s culinary culture with Secret Food Tours Athens! This three-hour walking tour takes you through some of the best culinary spots in Athens, offering insight into local ingredients, dishes, markets, producers, restaurants, cafés, tavernas, bars and more. You’ll visit 6-8 different places during your tour where you’ll sample traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka (a casserole made with eggplant, potatoes, minced beef or lamb) and spanakopita (a spinach pie) as well as local wines from nearby wineries. Enjoy learning about local ingredients from experienced guides who are passionate about food culture in Greece! Book a Secret Food Tours Athens tour here.

Book a Tour: Culinary Tour Of Ancient Agora

Experience Athens’ culinary culture with a Culinary Tour Of Ancient Agora! This three-hour guided tour takes you through some of the best culinary spots in Athens while exploring one of its most important archaeological sites: The Ancient Agora! During your tour you’ll visit 8-10 different places including butchers’ shops, fishmongers’ stalls, local markets, restaurants and more where you’ll sample delicious local dishes such as souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), moussaka (a casserole made with eggplant, potatoes, minced beef or lamb) and spanakopita (a spinach pie). Enjoy learning about local ingredients from experienced guides who are passionate about food culture in Greece! Book a Culinary Tour Of Ancient Agora here.

Book a Tour: Hiking In Lycabettus Hill

Experience a unique hiking experience with Hiking In Lycabettus Hill! This two-hour guided tour takes you on an exciting hike up Lycabettus Hill – the highest point in Athens offering stunning views over the city! During your tour you’ll visit historical sites including churches, ruins, old fortifications and more while enjoying breathtaking views over Acropolis Hill and other iconic landmarks in Athens such as The Temple Of Olympian Zeus and The Ancient Agora Of Athens! After your hike you can enjoy a relaxing picnic on Lycabettus hill with delicious local snacks! Book a Hiking In Lycabettus Hill tour here.

Conclusion

Athens has something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for historic sites or cultural experiences, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in this vibrant city! Explore hidden neighborhoods, sample delicious Greek cuisine, visit local markets or take a tour through one of its many archaeological sites – there’s something for everyone in Athens!