The 23 best things to do in Athens for first-timers

Last Updated on March 17, 2026 by Ioana

Athens is a city where ancient history meets vibrant modern life. From iconic landmarks like the Acropolis to charming neighborhoods, museums, viewpoints, and incredible food, there are plenty of unforgettable experiences in the Greek capital. In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Athens, including must-see attractions, unique experiences, and a few hidden gems you shouldn’t miss. This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

1. Visit the Acropolis

No trip to Athens is complete without visiting the Acropolis, the city’s most iconic landmark.

Perched on a rocky hill above the city, it’s home to some of the most famous monuments in the world, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Visiting here is like stepping back in time and getting a firsthand look at Greece’s rich history and culture.

Because it’s such a well-known site, the Acropolis can get very crowded, especially in the summer months. I visited in December, and while there were a few tourists, it was nothing compared to the peak season crowds.

If you’re traveling in summer, I recommend arriving right when it opens at 8 a.m. to beat the rush.

The climb to the top is fairly easy. It takes about 10–15 minutes from the main entrance, and the path is mostly paved.

Along the way, you’ll get amazing views of the city and the surrounding neighborhoods, making the walk part of the experience.

When I visited, there was a 24-hour strike that affected ticketing staff, which meant I had to adjust my plans and return the next day. Check the news before your visit to avoid surprises like this.

Acropolis ticket info

If you want to explore multiple historical sites in Athens, consider the combination ticket, which gives access to six archaeological locations. It’s cheaper than buying individual tickets for each site.

If you just want to see the Acropolis itself, you can buy an Acropolis-only ticket.

A quick tip: the Acropolis Museum is separate from the Acropolis and requires its own ticket. I skipped it because I’m not a huge museum person, but it’s highly recommended for history buffs.

2. Stroll through the Plaka district

Plaka is the neighborhood under the Acropolis hill. It has cute cobblestone streets and lots of shops where you can buy souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry.

You can also find the oldest house in Athens in Plaka, which is now a museum. 

It’s the ideal place for a long walk where you take the vibe in and stop at all the souvenir shops along the way.

3. Explore Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square is a busy square with a lot happening at all times. Here you’ll find Panagia Pantanassa, one of the oldest churches in Athens, dating to the 10th century.

You can also find the entrance to the outdoor Monastiraki flea market.

The metro station Monastiraki connects you to all parts of Athens, including the airport. The coolest thing about it is that it has some historical ruins inside the station.

Only in Athens you can find archaeological treasures in a subway station!

4. Drink a freddo espresso at a cafe outside 

Greeks are serious about their coffee. They drink it even at dinner time. When I asked them if they had trouble sleeping because of this they started laughing. 

As if that’s an option. They are so used to drinking coffee at night that they probably wouldn’t sleep well without it.

You should try a freddo espresso, a Greek specialty. It’s the cold, foamy version of a double espresso. Or if you like milky coffee go for the freddo cappuccino.

5. Visit Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora of Athens is one of the ancient landmarks that is part of the Acropolis combo ticket.

There are lots of spots to explore here, including the Temple of Hephaestus, the Agoraios Kolonos, and the Stoa of Attalos, which currently houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.

Top tip: if you want the place to yourself, go about 30-45 minutes before closing. That’s what I did and it was magical. If you do that in December you’ll also catch the golden hour.

6. Get coffee and a slice of cake at Little Kook

One of my favorite hidden gems in Athens is Little Kook, a whimsical café that feels like stepping into a storybook.

Every corner of the café is heavily decorated, and it really brings out the child in me. I visited in December, so the café was full of Christmas decorations, but they change the theme with the seasons, which I’m sure makes every visit magical.

Little Kook is just a short walk from Monastiraki Square, making it an easy stop while exploring the old town. The menu focuses on desserts, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, perfect for a cozy treat during your walk.

Both the inside and outside are picture-perfect, making it one of the most Instagrammable spots in Athens. Photography is welcome, though they don’t allow videos.

The café doesn’t take reservations, but there are actually two adjacent locations, so even if there’s a line, you usually get seated quickly.

No matter which location you end up in, you’ll be surrounded by epic décor and a whimsical atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else in the city.

7. Explore the Stavros Niarchos cultural center

The Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center is a modern escape from the historic streets of Athens, offering a completely different vibe from the city center.

The complex includes the National Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera, and the sprawling Stavros Niarchos Park. One of the highlights is its singing and dancing fountain, which adds a playful touch to the sleek architecture.

I spent a few hours here walking through the park, enjoying the green spaces, paths lined with trees, and contemporary sculptures.

In the winter, there’s even an ice-skating rink, which makes the park a fun destination regardless of the season.

If you get hungry while exploring, there are food trucks around the park where you can grab a snack like a crepe or coffee.

8. Eat a souvlaki pita from a traditional shop

If you’re looking for delicious Greek street food on a budget, you can’t skip a souvlaki pita. Found all over Athens, it’s one of the most iconic local foods and a true taste of Greek culture.

Inside the pita you’ll find grilled chicken or pork, fresh tomatoes, onions, French fries, and creamy tzatziki, all wrapped in warm flatbread.

Prices are unbelievably low, usually around 3–5 euros, making it one of the best cheap meals in Greece.

I loved it so much I could have eaten one every day! It’s quick, filling, and packed with flavor, perfect for grabbing on the go while exploring the city.

If you want a true local experience, tasting a souvlaki pita is an absolute must when in Athens.

9. Watch the changing of the guard in Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square, the central square of Athens, is located across the street from the Greek Parliament. A must do activity here is to watch the changing of the guard at the Parliament. 

It happens every hour on the hour, it’s free, and you just need to wait on the sidewalk for the ceremony to start.

The ceremony lasts about 10-15 minutes and it’s so captivating. The guards march in a way that reminds me of a dance. It’s part art, part military ceremony, that’s why I think so many people watch it every day.

10. Take a walk in Athens National Garden

The National Garden of Athens is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, offering a break from the busy streets.

This expansive park is filled with hundreds of plant species, shaded paths, and quiet corners, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a moment of calm.

I loved wandering through the gardens and discovering small ponds, sculptures, and hidden benches where you can sit and watch the world go by.

It’s also a great place to take a break between sightseeing at nearby landmarks like Syntagma Square and the Panathenaic Stadium.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just looking for a relaxing spot in central Athens, the National Garden is an underrated gem that’s well worth exploring.

11. Eat or get a drink at a rooftop bar or restaurant with Acropolis views

One of my favorite ways to experience Athens is from above, and SENSE Rooftop is the perfect spot for it.

Located within walking distance of the Acropolis Museum at the base of Acropolis Hill, the restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of both the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill.

I visited in December for a late lunch, and I practically had the entire place to myself. Talk about a VIP experience!

During the summer months, however, it can get busy, so I recommend making a reservation to secure a table.

The food is just as memorable as the view. I tried their spreads and pork souvlaki, both of which were packed with flavor.

Whether you’re stopping for a drink, a casual lunch, or dinner, SENSE Rooftop Restaurant is a top choice for combining delicious food with iconic views of Athens.

12. Go to the top of Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus Hill or Mount Lycabettus boasts the best view in all Athens. Yes, it’s a bold statement, but I stand by it. 

It’s a higher viewpoint than the Acropolis Hill, so you’ll be able to see further away, including more of Piraeus and the Aegean Sea. 

It also has a tiny, white and blue church at the top, which is functional. Imagine getting married there with this view.

There are two ways to get to the top of the hill: you can hike, or you can take a funicular ride.

I highly recommend the funicular option if you have other plans that day as the hike is pretty long and intense. The funicular costs 8 euros just to go up, while the price for a round trip is 10 euros.

You can get to the funicular by walking from Aristotle’s Lyceum. Even to get to the funicular is a hike as you’ll have to go up some very steep streets and lots of stairs. I was tired by the time I made it there.

What I saw other people do is get a taxi to the funicular. Taxis are really affordable in Athens. It usually costs 5-7 euros to go from one attraction to the other. 

They technically don’t have Ubers, but you can order taxis through the Uber app, which is what I did all the time.

If you need help with creating an itinerary with all these attractions, check out my Athens 4 day itinerary.

13. Visit Panathenaic stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium was built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 in Athens, Greece. 

It is the only stadium in the world made completely of marble. I love its Greek name, “Kallimarmaro”, which translates to beautiful marble.

The stadium is free to visit, and you can also enter it from the top, besides street level, so you can get a full view from above.

A fun fact is that the olympic circles have no colors. This is to protect the IP of the logo of the Olympic Games today, which has blue, yellow, black, green, and red circles.

14. Go on a walking food tour in Athens

One of my favorite activities in Athens was going on a food tour. I am a big foodie and I love to try local traditional dishes whenever I travel. There are a lot of food tours in Athens, but I signed up for an alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens. 

This tour didn’t take place in the most crowded areas of Athens like Plaka or Monastiraki, but in Pangrati. I wanted to experience how locals eat and explore tavernas and eateries where you don’t find a lot of tourists.

I loved it! But honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with any food tour you pick.

15. Stroll through Pangrati

Pangrati is a bit of a hidden gem neighborhood that’s definitely worth visiting. The food tour in secret Athens is where I got introduced to this neighborhood, which is close to the Panathenaic Stadium.

There are fewer tourists here, so you can observe how locals live, and you can eat and drink like the locals do. Even if you don’t sign up for the food tour, I still recommend you explore this neighborhood.

16. Explore Anafiotika

Tucked right under the Acropolis, Anafiotika is one of the most charming and unexpected neighborhoods in Athens.

Walking through its narrow streets feels like you’ve suddenly been transported to a tiny Greek island village.

The area is filled with whitewashed houses, colorful doors, small courtyards, and lots of flowers. Many of the homes were built in the 19th century by workers from the island of Anafi, which is how the neighborhood got its name.

They recreated the same style of houses they had back on their island.

Anafiotika is small, but it’s a beautiful place to wander and take photos. It’s also much quieter than nearby Plaka, so it’s a nice escape from the busy tourist streets.

I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the light is softer and there are fewer people around. Just remember that locals still live here, so be respectful when exploring the area.

17. Visit the National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important museums in the world for ancient Greek history.

Located a little north of the city center, it houses an incredible collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years of Greek civilization.

Inside the museum you’ll find famous pieces such as the Mask of Agamemnon, stunning bronze statues, ancient jewelry, pottery, and sculptures from across Greece.

The exhibits provide a deeper look into the culture, religion, and daily life of the ancient Greeks.

Even if you’ve already visited the Acropolis Museum, this museum is still worth seeing. The collection is much larger and focuses on archaeological discoveries from all over the country, not just Athens.

If you enjoy history, I recommend setting aside at least two hours for your visit. It’s one of the best places in Athens to truly understand the ancient world.

18. Walk Through Varvakios Central Market

For a more local experience in Athens, visit Varvakios Central Market, the city’s main food market.

This bustling market gives you a glimpse into everyday life in Athens and is a great place to see how locals shop for fresh ingredients.

Inside the market you’ll find rows of fish stalls, butcher shops, spice vendors, and produce stands selling everything from olives to local cheeses. It’s lively, noisy, and full of energy.

Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, it’s worth walking through just to experience the atmosphere.

The surrounding streets are also packed with traditional tavernas and small restaurants where you can grab an authentic Greek meal.

If you love food and markets, this is one of the most interesting places to explore in Athens.

19. Discover Street Art in Psiri

Athens has one of the most vibrant street art scenes in Europe, and Psiri is the best neighborhood to see it.

Walking through the area, you’ll find colorful murals, large-scale graffiti, and creative artwork covering many of the buildings.

The neighborhood itself has a very lively atmosphere with cafés, bars, restaurants, and small shops lining the streets.

During the day it’s a great place to wander and photograph the street art, and in the evening it becomes one of the most popular nightlife areas in Athens.

Many of the murals reflect social and political themes, giving you a glimpse into modern Greek culture. It’s a completely different side of Athens compared to the ancient ruins and historical landmarks.

Exploring Psiri is a fun way to experience the city’s creative energy.

I actually stayed in this neighborhood during my trip to Athens at The Foundry Suites, and I loved how central it was.

From here I could easily walk to Monastiraki Square, Plaka, and the Acropolis in just a few minutes. If you’re looking for accommodation in the area, you can read my full review of The Foundry Suites Athens, or check out my guide to the best hotels in Athens with Acropolis views.

20. Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Athens. This massive temple was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, and was once one of the largest temples in the ancient world.

Construction began in the 6th century BC but wasn’t completed until the Roman period, more than 600 years later.

Originally the temple had 104 enormous columns, each standing about 17 meters tall. Today only a few of them remain, but they still give you an idea of the temple’s original scale.

The temple sits just a short walk from the Acropolis and is located next to Hadrian’s Arch, another historic landmark in Athens.

Even though the site is relatively small, it’s worth stopping by to admire these towering columns and imagine what the temple looked like in ancient times.

21. Explore the Benaki Museum

The Benaki Museum is one of the best museums in Athens if you want to learn about the full history of Greece.

Unlike many museums that focus only on ancient artifacts, the Benaki Museum tells the story of Greek culture from antiquity all the way to modern times.

The exhibits include ancient sculptures, Byzantine icons, traditional costumes, jewelry, paintings, and historical objects that show how Greek society evolved over the centuries.

The museum is located in the elegant Kolonaki neighborhood, making it easy to combine your visit with a walk through one of the city’s most stylish areas.

If you’re interested in Greek history and culture beyond the ancient ruins, the Benaki Museum is a fantastic place to explore.

22. Watch Sunset from Areopagus Hill

One of the best places to watch the sunset in Athens is Areopagus Hill, a rocky viewpoint located right next to the Acropolis.

From the top you’ll get stunning panoramic views of the city, including the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the surrounding neighborhoods.

As the sun goes down, the Parthenon begins to glow in the golden light, creating one of the most beautiful views in Athens.

Both locals and travelers gather here in the evening to relax, take photos, and enjoy the scenery. It’s a simple experience, but it’s one of the most memorable things to do in the city.

Bring comfortable shoes because the rock surface can be slippery, especially after sunset. But once you reach the top, the view is absolutely worth it.

23. Take a day trip

If you have an extra day, I highly recommend leaving the city to explore more of Greece. There are so many options depending on what you’re in the mood for.

For history lovers, Delphi or the Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio tours are perfect.

Both offer ancient ruins and stunning landscapes. For something truly unique, the Meteora monasteries perched atop dramatic rock formations are unforgettable, and the nearby caves and local lunch make it a full sensory experience.

If you’re craving a bit of island life, Hydra is ideal. The car-free streets, charming harbor, and Aegean waters make it a relaxing escape without traveling far from Athens.

I’ve done the Meteora trip myself, and it was one of the most memorable day trips in Greece. Each of these options offers a different side of the country, so you really can’t go wrong.

All four are easy to book from Athens and make an amazing addition to any itinerary.

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