20 Top Things do in Athens Greece
Athens, Greece is usually not one of those places I here that most people want to go to. But it is a place you must visit. It is serene and beautiful, a modern city that holds so much history.
You can visit Athen during winter when the crowds have reduced, yet it’s not too cold to walk around. It provides the best break from otherwise cold cities in Europe. There are many things to do in Athens but here are the 25 top things to do.
1. The Acropolis
Of course, this is number one. Acropolis is a magnificent hill situated at the centre of Athens providing a beautiful site. It houses many ancient sites, the most popular being the Parthenon. In ancient Greece, this was one of the places where civilisation grew. With philosophers discussing all matters and beyond. It has multiple sites such as Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Erechtheum, The temple old of Athena Nike, and Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus.
There are many boards all over along with guides obtained at the gate to tell you what is what but the best recommendation is to use an audio guide from your phone or pay for a tour guide. The history is fascinating and it adds to the visit.
2. Acropolis Museum
Acropolis Museum is right next to the Acropolis and can be visited the same day. It houses most of the artifacts found on the Acropolis and other neighbouring slopes.
The museum is a popular tourist spot so expect huge queues, so visit early or get advance tickets.
3. National Archeological Museum
This museum is the dream place for every historian. It is a massive site that holds about 11000 of the finest Greek antiquities. You will need at least half a day in order to appreciate it but even then you won’t have covered everything. Give it a full day or two if you really want the full experience.
4. Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus
Agora basically means a public space and it was mainly used as a place for commercial, assembly, or residential gathering. It has many ancient sites but the one that stands out the most is the Temple of Hephaestus.
The agora also has the Stoa of Attalos that houses the museum of ancient agora where more artifacts can be found.
There are many more ruins and sites to see inside the Ancient Agora and they are best enjoyed with the aid of an audio guide as well as following the map they provide and trying to identify each site from the map.
5. Changing of the guards at Syntagma Square
Syntagma square offers many sights to behold such as the Hellenic Parliament Building, the tomb of the fallen soldier and the square itself, but the best thing to watch here is the change of guards ceremony performed by the Evzone Solders. The changing of the guard happens at every top of the hour but the best show is on Sunday at 11 AM. Trust me you definitely wanna watch this one. You can also catch the solders marching outside the presidential palace.
6. Plaka
Plaka is the neighbourhood in Athens that is located between Acropolis and Syntagma square. The side near Syntagma square has the modern touch while towards the Acropolis you experience the old town feeling. The streets are beautiful and photogenic. Just walk around, or shop. You’ll find everything from modern clothing brands to souvenirs.
7. Panathenaic Stadium
Where do you think the word marathon came from? Well, you are most probably wrong. I know I was. This stadium marks the endpoint of the first-ever marathon, exactly 42kms from where the first man started running, the town of Marathona. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics and was used in 2004 during the Olympics.
8. Hadrian’s Arch
Hadrian was a Roman Emperor with a big ego and a narc for spending money on architectural projects instead of feeding his people. Or so it goes. Regardless, we modern humans get to enjoy beautiful sites as a result. The arch, commonly known as Hadrian’s gate was commissioned to show the success of the Roman empire under Hadrian’s rule.
9. Temple of Olympian Zeus
This was a temple dedicated to the head of Olympian gods, Zeus. It is right next to Hadrian’s arch. The remains today are a very small percentage of what it once was. It was the largest temple in Greece with 104 columns, but only 15 remain today. During construction, it was abandoned multiple times due to lack of funds but one egomaniac with a love for architecture and no regards to spending money finished it. Yes, it was Hadrian. Who else?
10. National Gardens
It’s not often that you find a beautiful expansive garden filled with beautiful trees in the middle of a city. This 38 acres piece of land provides a place to stroll around and escape the busy city life for a moment.
11. Zappeion and Garden
The Zappeion is one of the most modern sites in Athens. It is mainly used for ceremonies, both private and public. A beautiful garden stems from the square and it also neighbours the National Garden. It was named after its benefactor Evangelis Zappas who died before its completion. If your pocket is plentiful, you can book the space for a private ceremony. It is said that an Indian couple paid 1.5 million Euros to use the Zappeion for their wedding for 5 days. Ulala!!!
12. Square Mitropoleos
This square holds the National Cathedral and a small Byzantine church known as St Freedom. The Cathedral looks good on the outside and even more on the inside. You can walk inside to see the painted interior and or say a prayer if that’s your thing. The square is large enough and it is a good spot to meet up with people. Just opposite the square, there are some restaurants with outdoor sitting where you can sit, relax and order something.
13. Roman Agora
The Roman Agora was another market place and assembly area built during the reign of Julius Ceasar. It was built after the ancient Agora. It also houses the Tower of the Winds is believed to be the world’s first meteorological centre, it’s an octagonal monument, featuring a sundial, water clock, and wind vane.
14. Hadrian’s Library
Close to the Roman Agora is the ancient library built by Hadrian. It contained rolls of papyrus books. It also had reading rooms and lecture halls. Hadrian had to have it all.
15. Watch the Sunset at a rooftop restaurant
After a full day of marvelling at the ruins of Great Athens, find your way to one of the rooftop bars for a glass/cup of your poison. Cocktails are preferred, or have a beer. The rooftop cafes offer great views for the city, the Acropolis and the Monastiraki square. The sunset view is breathtaking. Just know that the cafes are packed at this time of day. if you don’t have a seat, just steal a moment to take pictures and be on your way.
16. Have a night stroll
After your cocktail at the rooftop, take a stroll through Plaka as you head back to your hotel. Take a stroll even if you didn’t go to the rooftop, trust me, it will be worth it. The streets in Plaka are safe to walk around, they are well lit and very beautiful.
17. Taste the local dishes
Of course, you cannot go to Athens and not try their local dishes. There are many restaurants around Plaka where you can sit and have a local dish while watching your surroundings. Make sure you try at least two dishes, I would recommend the mousaka and Pasticho. And definitely take a shot of their national booze, Ouzo. I had the Mousaka and Ouzo from Atitamos, it came highly recommended and I was not disappointed.
18. Mt Lycabettus
The peak of this mountain provides the best view of Athens. Walk there or take a cab to the top. During sunset and sunlight, the views are even better. It’s probably the one place in Athens that’s less photographed because everyone is busy taking pictures of the view, not the mt itself.
19. Check out the Subway and street art
During construction of the Athens Metro, they found many artifacts which are usually stored in the metro stations. Just get off at the various stops and Marvel at the art. The streets, especially in Plaka are also adorned with beautiful art.
20. Monastiraki Square
This is one of the busiest spots in Athens. Its the centre of everything. There is a flea market near there where you can find some cool street art.
Bonus:
Take a walking tour
There are several walking tours provided in Athens. Choose one and follow it. The guides are usually well versed in Greek History and make seeing the site worthwhile.
Get a Metro ticket
The Metro ticket allows you to move about freely. Buy whichever one works for you, get off at stations to view art. Take a bus get lost and find your way back. If the ticket is not an option, don’t worry. Most sites are within walking distance of each other. The 3-day tourist ticket also covers the airport so it is super convenient.
Make new friends
Make local friends who will invite you to the best scenes in town. Or just chat with and get to know the world from someone else’s point of view.
Go to karaoke
I met the most friendly people at Karaoke, they have English songs and it is just fun.
Final Thoughts
Athens is a beautiful city and it made it to the list of my favourite places to visit in Europe. There are many sites to see and if you only have a short time there, you can make some tradeoffs like not going inside all the ruins but seeing them from the outside during a walk.
It is also important to note that there are many reports of pickpockets, especially in the touristy areas. Do not panic, just take care of belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
If you are travelling solo, do not feel afraid to walk even at night, it’s fairly safe. Exercise the usual caution and as always, follow your gut.
I hope you will have as much fun as I did in Athens, Greece.
Checkout out more things to do at other European destinations.
