Looking for amazing things to do in Athens? Well, then you have come to the right place!
I am sure the moment you hear Athens, your mind conjures up ancient ruins, gorgeous hills, and Greek mythology that is often associated with it.
But what I love about this city is how it blends history with modern life.
Trust me, whether you are a solo adventurer, traveling with your girl gang, or taking a lavish vacation with family, there are plenty of fun and amazing places to visit in Athens.
Excited to learn about the best places to see in Athens?
Keep reading this article on the Things To Do in Athens: Top 10 Places to Visit For Your Bucket List!
Things To Do in Athens: Top 10 Places For Your Bucket List
Acropolis & The Parthenon
Of course, when we are discussing the top places to visit in Athens, I cannot skip out on the major attraction – the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
The Acropolis is the ancient citadel, which is located on a rocky hill and is visible from almost everywhere in the city.
Inside this, you will find the iconic Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Plan a visit to these historical sites in the morning to avoid crowds and for better lighting. Trust me, you will find that you have stepped into a mythological world the moment you enter.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes when visiting these sites, as the marble steps can be slippery.
- Entrance Fee: €30
- Opening Hours: Summer: 8 AM – 8 PM (last entry 7:30 PM), Winter: 8 AM – 5 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
Read my tips if you are traveling to Athens for the first time!
Book: Athens: Acropolis & up to 5 Archaeological Sites Combo Pass
Book: Athens: Acropolis Ticket with Optional Audio or Live Guide
Plaka & Anafiotika – The Heart And Soul Of Old Athens
For those who love exploring the city on foot, one of the best things to do in Athens is wandering through Plaka.
It felt to me like I was stepping into a postcard with its neoclassical buildings, colorful facades, cobblestone streets, and the lively cafés and musicians.
Inside this charming area is the micro-neighborhood of Anafiotika. Here, you can find dreamy whitewashed houses with blue shutters.
For a moment, it feels like you have been transported to Santorini or Mykonos.
This is why I feel it is one of the top places to see in Athens, especially in the morning or the evening.
Don’t forget to check out the local boutiques and enjoy gelato while roaming around here!
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: Always open
Book: Athens: Early Morning Acropolis & Plaka Guided Walking Tour
Book: Athens: Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour
Syntagma Square & Changing Of The Guard
One of the most fun things to do in Athens Greece is visiting the Syntagma Square, where you will observe both history and contemporary Greek life.
The main attraction of this spot in Athens is the Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of the Hellenic Parliament.
Here, the Evzones (Presidential Guards) perform a perfectly synchronized ritual in traditional attire.
It’s one of the top things to see in Athens if you’re into culture, pageantry, and a bit of people-watching.
You can catch the full ceremony on Sundays at 11 AM, but if you want to watch the smaller versions, then you can catch it every hour here.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Best Time to Visit: Daily on the hour; full ceremony Sundays at 11 AM
Book: Secret Athens: Discover Hidden Gems On A Private Experience
Book: Athens: Acropolis and Mythology Highlights Small Group Tour
Temple Of Hephaestus
I know the Parthenon looks legendary, but if you want to admire a true Greek temple, then one of the top places to visit in Athens, Greece, is the Temple of Hephaestus.
This ancient Greek temple is a hidden gem located in the Ancient Agora and is quite well-preserved.
Due to its low popularity, it is also less crowded and a great choice for those who want to enjoy peace while exploring the city.
The temple is shaded by olive trees and extremely photogenic.
Since it is located in the Ancient Agora of Athens, there is more to explore around, especially if you are a fan of relics and ruins.
So, if you are looking for offbeat things to do in Athens, then do plan a visit to the Temple of Hephaestus.
- Opening Hours: Daily 8 AM – 8 PM
Book: Athens: City Pass with Acropolis, Museums Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Book: Athens: Agora and Hephaistos Temple Entrance Ticket
Mount Lycabettus – For THAT Sunset View
Love panoramic views? Then you need to hike (or take the funicular) up Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in Athens.
One of the top things to see in Athens is the amazing 360° view of the city, with the Acropolis standing magnificently in the distance.
Plan to visit the hill during the golden hour, and you might be blessed with the most gorgeous sunset in Athens.
Trust me, if you want a magical evening in Athens, then one of the best things to do in Athens is to visit Mount Lycabettus for the sunset.
- Entrance Fee: Free if you hike; funicular ride costs around €12 return
- Opening Hours: Funicular runs from 9 AM – 2:30 AM
Book: Athens: Timeless Hills Walking Tour & Mount Lycabettus
Book: Athens: Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Sunset Experience
Psiri – Athens’ Cool & Quirky Side
If you want to experience a different side of this city, then one of the best things to do in Athens Greece is exploring Psiri.
It is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city, filled with street art, vintage shops, and quirky bars.
Plus, you get the most amazing food here. This is the Brooklyn of Athens, and you will find mostly locals in the area.
Trust me, there is nothing better than wandering through the hidden alleyways that are covered in colorful murals.
If you love partying, then you can also grab a drink at a rooftop bar in Psiri.
- Entrance Fee: Free to explore
- Opening Hours: Best explored from late afternoon into the evening
Book: Athens: Street Food Tasting Tour
Book: Athens: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
National Archaeological Museum
Of course, no visit to Athens is complete without a tour of the National Archaeological Museum.
This is one of the top places to go in Athens to learn about the ancient Greek art that is popular in the world.
From jewelry to pottery to statues, you can find it all here. This is also a great way to get a glimpse into the history of Greece’s art and culture.
I would recommend that you visit it during the day to take a break from the sun during your Athens sightseeing tour.
- Entrance Fee: €12
- Opening Hours: Tue 1 PM – 8 PM, Wed–Mon 8 AM – 8 PM
Book: Athens: National Archeological Museum Treasure Hunt Tour
Book: Athens: National Archeological Museum Private Guided Tour
The Riviera – Yes, Athens Has Beaches!
Athens isn’t just ruins and rooftops — it has a Riviera too. So, all the water and beach lovers can enjoy their visit to Athens too!
You just have to take a short tram ride from the city center to find the most stunning beaches and seaside restaurants in Alimos, Glyfada, and Vouliagmeni.
One of the best things to see in Athens is Lake Vouliagmeni. It is a natural thermal lake surrounded by cliffs and makes for an amazing spot to swim, relax, and sunbathe.
But regardless of which beach you choose in Athens, you are sure to have a swell time on your trip to Greece.
- Entrance Fee (Lake Vouliagmeni): From €15–€20 depending on season/day, additional charges for the areas
- Opening Hours (Lake Vouliagmeni): 8 AM – 8 PM
Book: Athens Riviera: Poseidon Temple & Lake Vouliagmeni Day Tour
Book: Athens: Swimming Cruise with Lunch, Wine & Live DJ on Board
Panathenaic Stadium – The Birthplace Of The Modern Olympics
What if I told you that this is where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896? Amazing, right?
The Panathenaic Stadium is the world’s only stadium built entirely out of marble and dates back to the 4th century BC.
It is undoubtedly one of the top places to go in Athens, especially if you want to learn about the Greek Olympics.
Trust me, walking through the grandstands and running on the track gives you goosebumps!
For sports lovers and history buffs, this is one of the best things to do in Athens, Greece.
Also, there is a small museum behind the stadium which you shouldn’t miss. Here, you will find Olympic torches and memorabilia displayed over the years.
- Entrance Fee: €10 (general), €5 (students), free for kids under 6
- Opening Hours: March–October: 8 AM – 7 PM | November–February: 8 AM – 5 PM
Book: Athens: Ancient Greek Theater Performance
Book: Athens: City Highlights Bike tour
Central Market & Evripidou Street
I feel one of the best places to see in Athens is the Central Market (Varvakios Agora).
Yes, the market is loud and lively, so you’ll experience the true local flavors and smells.
From cheeses to olives to seafood, you can get it all here at amazing rates.
After exploring the market, you can head to Evripidou Street, where you can smell the amazing spices.
This street is perfect for those who are interested in buying herbs, spices, Turkish delights, and so on.
Trust me, if you want to experience the food and culture of Greece, then one of the best things to do in Athens is the Central Market.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Opening Hours: Mon–Sat, 7 AM – 6 PM (best to go in the morning)
Book: Athens: Food Market Visit and Cooking Class with Wine
Book: Athens: Greek Foodie Tour with Tastings
Bonus: More Places To Visit In Athens Greece
If you still have time or want to explore more, then here are a few more amazing places to visit in Athens:
- Museum of Cycladic Art – To learn about the Cycladic culture, you can visit this elegant Museum of Cycladic Art.
- Filopappou Hill – Another great hill to enjoy the views of Athens city is the Filopappou Hill. It is located just across the Acropolis and is perfect for walks and picnics.
- Benaki Museum – Another top place to visit in Athens, where you can learn about Greek history from antiquity to the present.
- Little Kook Café – Looking for an Instagram-worthy spot? Then, check out this fairytale-themed café in Psiri. It is a great stop for coffee or dessert, and the seasonal décor makes for a good photo opportunity.
- Brettos Bar – Don’t forget to visit Athens’ oldest distillery (since 1909), Brettos Bar. You can not only enjoy a local liqueur tasting here but also take amazing, colorful photos!
- National Garden – Tired of all the ruins and historical sites? Then, head to the National Garden in the middle of the city, perfect for a break when you are exploring the city.
Things To Do In Athens: Essentials Packing List
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly when traveling to Athens.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for exploring.
And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh, clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would also work well for you.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when heading to the beaches in Greece.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from your qualifying purchases.
Where To Stay In Athens: Top Picks For Every Budget
Whether you are looking for a budget stay or want some pampering, I have covered all the best options for you to choose from!
Athens Hub Hostel – Are you traveling solo? One of the best places to stay in Athens is Athens Hub Hostel.
This hotel is clean, cozy, and in Psiri, so you are walking distance from most major attractions!
Urban Nest Athens – If you are looking for more privacy than a hostel but don’t want to splurge on a lavish hotel, then the Urban Nest Athens is a great choice!
This stylish aparthotel in Monastiraki offers modern rooms with kitchenettes, city views, and a fab location.
Electra Metropolis – One of my absolute favorite hotels to stay in Athens, Greece, is the Electra Metropolis.
This 5-star hotel features a stunning rooftop pool with Acropolis views and gives you the pampering that you deserve on your vacation.
Traveling to Bora Bora: 20 Things You Need to Know