Things To Do
Parthenon
An impressive example of ancient Greek architecture, the Parthenon is a cultural landmark like no other. Over the years, it has served a number of functions including a treasury, a mosque, and a Christian church. Today, the Parthenon is a must-see sight and the unchallenged highlight of visiting the Athens (and for some, Greece in general).
Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. You can see the Parthenon, the museum, Monastiraki and Plaka all in the same day -- as they are in walking distance. We highly recommend checking out the Acropolis Museum Cafe which offers impressive panoramic views of the Acropolis and great coffee.
Monastiraki
Monastiraki is one of the oldest and busiest areas of the capital, packed with rooftop bars, ancient sights and huge open air markets. Go shopping at the Monastiraki flea market, squeeze your way through thronging pedestrian alleys, and peruse shops filled with antiques, handmade jewelry and Greek handicrafts.
Plaka
You will probably walk through this area on your way up or down after seeing the Parthenon, but is worth spending a bit more time exploring. Stretching out under the shadow of the Acropolis, Plaka is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited neighborhoods. Also, very very beautiful & one reason we took some engagement photos here. Duck into the side streets here and explore the charmingly narrow old lanes. They’re lined with a hotchpotch of crumbling buildings from various eras, as well as beautiful restored buildings-turned-stately homes. Plaka boasts a wealth of ancient sites, small museums, historic churches and picturesque small squares buzzing with restaurants and cafés.
Anafiotika
A Hidden Gem on the slopes of Acropolis. Anafiotika is a picturesque neighborhood in Athens, and part of the Plaka district, with small white and blue houses that seem to hang from the Acropolis rock.
Panathenaic Stadium
Erected for the 1896 Olympics, the Panathenaic Stadium is a modern reconstruction of an ancient stadium built for the Panathenaic Games in 330 BC. Two hundred years later that ancient monument would be rendered in marble by the Athenian Roman senator Herodes Atticus. With a U-shape layout, the Panethenaic Stadium is an almost exact replica of the construction from the 2nd century BC, and like its ancient ancestor is composed completely from marble. It was seen around the world during the 2004 Athens Olympics when it staged the archery events and was the finish line for both the men’s and women’s marathon. The stadium can hold 45,000 spectators and from its highest tiers you can see the Acropolis and the National Garden.
Mount Lycabettus
Unlike Athens’ most famous summit, Mount Lycabettus is free to climb on foot, but you can also take a funicular to the summit. Northeast of the city centre, this cretaceous limestone peak rises to 300 metres and its lower slopes are decked in pine trees, which become sparser as you approach the rocky summit. The walk is best saved for winter and not the searing Athens summer, while the funicular runs on the hour and half-hour. At the top you’ll be bowled over by the best panorama of the city and can take your time to pick out the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Piraeus Coast and peaks like Pentelicus, which yielded the marble for the Acropolis, and the soaring Parnitha in the north.
Filopappou Hill
Right across from the Acropolis is this hill that gives you one of the best views of the Parthenon. The hill takes about 15 minutes to walk up and there’s a number of ruins and sites all around the hill you can stop at (they have a lot of good signs that explain what was there). Definitely go up. The views are great!
Monument to the Unknown Soldier
Under the facade of Old Royal Palace on Syntagma Square is a cenotaph for all Greek soldiers to have fallen during war. The monument was sculpted in the early 1930s, blending French Empire design and Athens’ own ancient architecture, but also contemporary Art Deco which is particularly visible in the relief. The tomb is watched by the Evzones (elite infantry) of the Presidential Guard and there’s a small changing of the guard ceremony on the hour every hour. On the steps and wall flanking the monument are inscriptions recording battles in the First and Second Balkan War, the Greco-Turkish War, the First World War and the Second World War.
Agora-Athens Central Market (Varvakios)
Come early to watch the produce and fish being unloaded. There are a ton of Greek specialties, like olives, halloumi, and feta for sale here. It’s one of my favorite places to wander, people watch, and sample the local delicacies. It’s open every day of the week except Sunday, from early morning until late afternoon (it gets very crowded around lunchtime so arrive early). If you have an appetite, stop at Diporto to eat. The restaurant has no menu so they serve whatever they cook for the day. The owners barely speak English but the food is excellent!
360 Cocktail bar
Right on Monastiraki Square, just steps from Monastiraki Flea Market, 360 Degrees features a roof bar- restaurant with panoramic views of the city
Athens Riviera
Athens Riviera is located a few kilometers away from the center of Athens and offers five-star resorts, marinas, restaurants, spas, clubs, and exceptional sailing opportunities. The climate is ideal for a beach and it really is a magnificent summer destination that is not to be missed. The Athens Coast is as beautiful as in the movies and has all the luxuries of a dream place.
Loutraki
he seaside resort of Loutraki is half an hour away, just past the Corinth Canal. The town is best known for its vast springs and therapeutic spas. From there you can visit the Monastery of Osios Patapios and the Sanctuary of the Goddess Hera, which are located a few kilometers away; as well as the Loutraki Casino, which is one of the largest casinos in Europe.
Corinth Canal
The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island.
Port Pachi
Pachi, well known for its many fish taverns, ouzo and coffee bars offering food, drink and refreshments . . . and lovely sea views! Only 41 km west of Athens’ center, within the Saronicos Bay, and 3 km south of Megara, Pachi is well protected from the area’s northern winds. Actually the place feels and looks a bit like an island of the Aegean and in summer . . . it can get very crowded!
Islands Close To Athens - Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina, Tzia/Kea
Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina, Tzia/Kea: Welcome to the charming little islands near Athens, which offer history and style in abundance and are ideal for a quick getaway all year round. Just a short ferry or hydrofoil trip from the port of Piraeus, you’ll find beautiful beaches, historic monuments, stately buildings and one-of-a-kind hospitality. So, where can you go on a day trip from Athens? Find the best Athens island hopping suggestions below and book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper! You can find more ideas on Greek island day tours from Athens on Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries. Plan your Athens island hopping adventure, explore vacation tips for 3-day island cruises from Athens or 1-day island trips, and book cheap ferry tickets with no extra fees!