What Are the Best Things to Do in Athens?

Athens is one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the world. It is one of the oldest and largest cities in Europe, and it has something to offer for everyone, from stunning ancient monuments to impressive modern architecture and delightful cuisine. Whether you’re planning a holiday or an extended visit, here are some of the top things to do in Athens and make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Visit Acropolis & The Ancient Ruins of Athens

The Acropolis is one of Athens’ most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. Perched high above the city, the Acropolis was a fortified citadel built in the 5th century BC and is home to several ancient Greek monuments, temples, theatres, and ruins. There are guided tours available so that you can learn more about its fascinating past, or you can explore it on your own. The Ancient Agora is also worth a visit, located close to the Acropolis. This was once the heart of ancient Athens and is home to several ruins such as the Temple of Hephaestus, Stoa of Attalos, and the Odeon of Agrippa.

Take an Athens Food Tour

Greek cuisine is world-renowned for being delicious and wholesome, and there’s nothing better than exploring some of Athens’ best eateries on a food tour. You can sample mouth-watering dishes such as moussaka, Greek salad, souvlaki, and delicious local cheeses and wines. If you fancy trying something more unusual, you could go on a Athens Drunk Tour Pub Crawl, which takes you around some of the city’s most hidden gems for a unique night out!

Explore Athens’ Museums

Athens’ abundance of museums is perfect for anyone exploring the city with a curious mind. The most famous is perhaps the Acropolis Museum, home to archaeological finds from ancient Greek civilization, including statues from the Parthenon. The National Archaeological Museum is packed full of fascinating finds from throughout Greece’s history. You could also take some time to visit the Benaki Museum, which is great for art lovers, or take a trip to the Greek National Opera House to enjoy an evening musical performance.

Visit the Attica Beaches

If you’re looking for a relaxing day away from the hustle and bustle of city life, head down to Attica’s stunning coastline for some blissful beach time. With crystal clear waters and white sand beaches, you’ll find plenty of places to spend the day swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, or just taking a peaceful stroll along the shore. Glyfada beach is particularly popular with locals due to its relaxed atmosphere and waterfront restaurants.

Explore Monastiraki & Plaka

Strolling around Athens’ bustling old town markets of Monastiraki and Plaka will give you an authentic taste of local Athenian life. This lively neighborhood comes alive at sunset with street vendors selling everything from souvenirs to jewelry and handmade crafts. If you’re after designer goods, take a walk down Ermou Street to find designer stores hiding amongst more traditional style Greek shops. Once the night falls, wander around the street corner tavernas overlooking nearby Monastiraki Square for a bite to eat or one of Athens’ popular cocktail bars.

Take an Old Tram Ride

What better way to get around Athens than taking a leisurely ride on one of its old trams? Hop onto Tram number 1 from Syntagma Square and admire stunning views of Athens as you ride along up to the seaside suburb of Perama. The vintage style tram isn’t just great for transportation – it offers a unique experience that allows you to explore some lesser known areas away from the touristy spots.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of great things to do in Athens. From taking an Athens food tour and visiting ancient monuments to marvelling at modern architecture and exploring bustling markets, there’s something to suit all tastes. So why not book yourself a holiday in Athens today and start planning your adventure! Try out one of Athens’ greatest attractions with a Athens Drunk Tour Pub Crawl. Explore Europe’s greatest city and make memories to last a lifetime with this unique experience in Greek culture!

An Insider’s Guide to Athens: Discover the Hidden Gems

As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens never ceases to amaze with its rich culture and history. For many visitors, the Acropolis and the Parthenon are at the top of their to-do lists, but there’s so much more to see and do in the Greek capital. Here’s an insider’s guide to discovering the hidden gems of Athens.

Local Attractions: Off the Beaten Path

While the Acropolis is undoubtedly a must-visit destination, Athens has a plethora of lesser-known attractions that are worth exploring. Discover the First Cemetery of Athens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, where some of Greece’s most prominent figures, including statesmen and writers, are buried. Visit the Greek Folk Art Museum, which has a vast collection of traditional costumes, hand-woven textiles, and handcrafted household objects. Take a trip to the National Garden, a lush green space that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Dining Spots: Taste Athens Like a Local

Greek cuisine is famous for its healthy and flavorful dishes, and Athens is no exception. For a quick and tasty snack, try the koulouri, a delicious sesame-covered pastry that you can find at street vendors throughout the city. If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, visit the Psaras Taverna, a modest eatery in the heart of Athens that offers an extensive menu of Greek classics. For a fine-dining experience, visit To Kafeneio, a trendy restaurant that blends traditional and modern Greek cooking into sophisticated and delicious cuisine.

Cultural Experiences: Discover Athens’ Celebrated Traditions

Athens is a vibrant city that is imbued with rich cultural experiences. During Easter, the city comes alive with vibrant processions, fireworks, and countless church services. Visit the Athens and Epidaurus Festival during the summer months, and enjoy a plethora of performances, from operas to theater productions, and from dance performances to concerts. Take a day trip to the island of Aegina, and witness the revered Panagia Chrysoleontissa Monastery, which dates back to the 13th century and is a prime example of Eastern Orthodox monastic architecture.

Local History: Relive Athens’ Fascinating Past

Athens is a city steeped in history, and there are many intriguing stories to be told. Visit the Benizelos Mansion, a stunning neoclassical house that was once owned by a prominent Greek family and now houses a museum dedicated to Greek culture. Visit the Kerameikos Cemetery, which was once a bustling center for artisans and potters and is now a historic site with numerous grave markers and tombs. Wander through the Plaka neighborhood and discover the ancient Roman ruins at the Tower of the Winds, which served as a weather station and timepiece in ancient times.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Create Lasting Memories

While Athens has much to offer for visitors, there are still some hidden gems that are off-the-beaten-path. Take a stroll through the lush and serene National Archaeological Museum gardens, which offer a peaceful respite from the chaos of the city. Visit the Vravrona wetlands, a beautiful nature reserve that is an ornithologist’s paradise with over 200 species of birds. Finally, explore the Diomidis Botanic Garden, with its diverse collection of Mediterranean and subtropical plants, including cacti, succulents, and herbs.

In conclusion, Athens is a city that is both vibrant and fascinating, with a rich history and culture that is just waiting to be explored. With this insider’s guide, you can discover the hidden gems, taste the local cuisine, and experience Athens like a true local. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to Athens!