The Top 20 Things To Do In Athens | A Complete Guide

Greece is full of amazing, bucket-list worthy sites and Athens certainly tops the list. The history here is staggering, not only because of the remarkable Acropolis and other historical ruins here, but also because this is considered the birthplace of western civilization and the first known democracy, where citizens could vote on leaders, and laws, in 500 BC! It’s also where historical ‘greats’ like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle debated the meaning of life. Their work contributed to modern thoughts on many topics, including logic, morals, ethics, psychology, metaphysics, and more and helped to shape the modern world. This post covers the top things to see and do in amazing Athens.

Top Things To Do In Athens

The Acropolis

The highlight of Athens and one of the top things to do, is definitely a visit to the Acropolis. Built in 5th century BC, this ancient citadel sits on a rocky outcrop almost 500’ (150 m) above sea level. It’s not only amazing historically, it’s super impressive, as you can see it from almost everywhere in Old Athens. A constant reminder of the grand history here and how sophisticated civilization was over 2,000 years ago.

Main Temples of the Acropolis

The Acropolis is really a complex of temples. Its most important buildings include the Propylaea, Temple Athena Nike, Parthenon, and the Erechtheon.

If you enter through the main gate, you’ll see the Propylaea first, glorifying the entrance with its grand columns and marble facades. The small Temple of Athena Nike is also near the entrance, on the upper right-hand side. It was built to honor Nike, the goddess of victory, and Athena representing victory in war.

The largest and most iconic building is the Parthenon, built for the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos, or “Virgin Athena”, who was the patron of Athens.

Still imposing today, it must have been stunning in the 5th century BC. Especially with the giant statue of Athena, wearing armor made of solid gold, that once stood inside the Temple.

Researchers have also recently discovered that the sculptures once part of the Parthenon were painted in bright colors, including the triangular frieze that was on the face of the temple above its massive columns.

Most of the statues and architectural details have been moved to museums, but the building itself is still remarkable. It’s been under reconstruction for years, and likely to be for many more, so be prepared for scaffolding…and lots of people.

The next important building here is the Erechtheon (below), dedicated to both the goddess Athena and god Poseidon.

Some think it was built for King Erechtheus, who may be buried nearby. He was noted in Homer’s Iliad as a great King of Athens in the Archaic period.

The “Porch of Maidens” has columns made of 6 female figures, (also called Caryatids). To me, this is one of the temple’s most beautiful elements, so make sure to stop by to admire it.

Tips For Visiting The Acropolis

Buying Tickets: Tickets are 20€ during peak season, 10€ off-season. There is also a combination ticket for 30€ that includes the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Olympieion Temple of Zeus, Kerameikos Archeological site, and Aristotle’s Lyceum. This is valid for up to 5 days and worth it if you plan to visit more than 2 of these sites. To avoid the lines purchase your ticket in advance online at hhticket.gr, or purchase the combination ticket at one of the lesser visited sites (with shorter lines). Note that you may be asked to select and visit within a set time zone when purchasing in advance.

Acropolis Hours: The Acropolis is open from April 1st to August 31st from 8 AM to 8 PM. Outside of this, hours are slightly reduced. Check the website for details.

Closing Ceremony at the Acropolis: If you can, try to visit the Acropolis at the end of the day before the sun starts to set. Not only will there be fewer crowds, and the lighting will give the buildings an incredible golden glow, you can also witness the closing ceremony of the Acropolis. This is when the guards lower the flag and close the citadel for the night. It’s a magical way to end your visit.

Avoid The Crowds: To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit sites first thing in the morning or late afternoon. It will also be cooler and the lighting more dramatic.

How To Get To The Acropolis: The Acropolis is about a 12-minute walk east of the Acropoli Metro Station. It sits above the Acropolis Museum.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus Theater

In addition to the Acropolis, also make sure to visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus Theater which sits below on the slopes of the Acropolis. This stunning, open-air theater held up to 5,000 people and is still in use today.

Make sure to check to events during your visit and buy tickets in advance of you want to experience it live.

The Acropolis Museum

Noted as one of the best museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum is a must either before of after visiting the Acropolis. Beautifully designed, and filled with natural light, it offers stunning views of the Parthenon and the city of Athens.

The second floor is set up to provide a representation of what the Acropolis once looked like, with columns and many of the sculptures and decorations laid out in the correct position.

In addition to the frieze of the Parthenon, there are thousands of artifacts, found from around the ruins, and a fascinating 3D virtual multi-media tour of the Acropolis and area.

Also, don’t miss the restaurant on the second floor. It overlooks the Acropolis, for a chance to relax and absorb even more.

The are also ruins to see underneath the museum. When the museum was built, ruins were found in the foundation (as happens just about anywhere they dig in Athens). Rather than move the museum, they built a glass floor on most of the first level, so you can see the ruins of the old town, Makrigianni Hill, underneath.

Acropolis Museum Cost: Entry to the museum is 15€ during peak season and 10€ during the off season. Check the Acropolis Museum website in advance for hours as they vary by day and by season.

How To Get To The Museum: The Acropolis Museum is easy to access, about a 12-minute walk from the Acropoli Metro Station.

Areopagus Hill

The rocky outcrop on the northwest side of the Acropolis is also a great stop while you’re at the top of the hill for the Acropolis. It offers another view of the Acropolis as well as the Ancient Agora below. Climbing here is one of the top things to do in Athens. Plus, it’s free.

It is said that historically important trials were held here, including the trial of the god Poseidon indicting Ares for killing his son. Today, the Greek Supreme Court for criminal and civil law is still called Areopagus.

Getting to and explore Areopagus Hill requires some climbing and good mobility via metal steps or natural stone ones. Make sure to wear shoes with good grips on the bottom as the rocks at the top are uneven and worn smooth in many of the low lying “stepping spots”, so extremely slippery.

You can even visit at night. It’s stunning with the lights of the Acropolis turn on. Of course you need to be extra, extra cautious walking here at night (but it’s worth it).

How To Get To Areopagus Hill: This hill is a short distance from the entrance of the Acropolis.

Ancient Agora

A visit to explore the Ancient Agora is another one of the best things to do in Athens. It sits below the northwest slope of the Acropolis. This also means it offers a majestic view of the Acropolis above.

Agora means meeting place, and this was the original heart of the ancient city, where citizens met to discuss issues and conduct business.

The Ancient Agora contains many ruins, but the two most notable include the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus.

The (rebuilt) Stoa of Attalos is now the Museum of the Ancient Agora with archeological artifacts from the area. This Stoa, originally constructed in the 2nd century BC, was a gift to Athens from the King of Pergamon, Attalos II.

The Temple of Hephaestus, built in the 6th century BC, is the best preserved Greek temple from the classical era. This temple was dedicated to Hephaestus, the Greek god of artisans and craftsmen.

The church of the Holy Apostles, one of the earliest Byzantine churches in Greece, is also here. It’s also worth a visit if you have time.

Ancient Agora Cost: The entry cost for the Ancient Agora is 10€ during peak season and 5€ during the off season.

How to get to the Ancient Agora: The Ancient Agora is a 5-minute walk north of Monastiraki Station.

Roman Agora

Funded by Julius Caesar and Augustus in the Roman period, the ruins of the Roman Agora sits north of the Acropolis. It overtook the Ancient Greek Agora (above), becoming the main market and commercial center and well as the main place for political gatherings.

It contains a large peristyle court, the Gate of Athens, and Tower of the Winds. This is an octagonal building that contains a sundial, an elaborate waterclock, and a weathervane.

Concerts and events are sometimes held here. I stumbled onto a concert when I was visiting, which was amazing.

Roman Agora Cost: The entry cost for the Roman Agora is 10€ during peak season and 5€ off season.

How To Get To The Roman Agora: This Agora is a 2-minute walk south of Monastiraki Metro Station.

Hadrian’s Library

Constructed by Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century, it contained a library of papyrus books, as well as reading rooms and lecture halls.

Hadrian’s Library Cost: The entry cost for Hadrian’s Library is 6€ during peak season and 3€ off season.

How To Get To Hadrian’s Library: This library is a 1-minute walk from the Monastiraki Metro Station.

Arch Of Hadrian

This monumental arch was once a gateway from the center of Athens to key structures on the other side. It stands alone on the side of the street, so there is no entry fee.

How To Get To The Arch of Hadrian: This Arch is located just east of the Acropoli Metro Station.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Dedicated to the “Olympian” Zeus, this was once the largest temple in Greece. It also once held a giant statue of Zeus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

The Temple of Zeus was built in the 6th century BC. Most of the giant columns from this temple have fallen, and some are in scaffolding, but it’s still an impressive site to see.

Temple of Zeus Cost: The entry cost for the Temple of Zeus is 8€ during peak season and 4€ during off season.

How To Get To The Temple of Zeus: The Temple of Zeus is very close to Hadrian’s Arch.

Archeological Site of Kerameikos

Kerameikos was a cemetery for ancient Athenians from the 9th century BC to Roman times. There is also a small museum here with artifacts.

This is one of the least visit sites in Athens, which makes it a great place to buy the combination ticket.

Kerameikos Cost: The entry cost for Kerameikos is 8€ during peak season and 4€ during the off season.

How To Get To Kerameikos: the Kerameikos Arhceological site is a little further away, about a 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the Acropolis. It’s best to get here via the metro. Exits as the Thissio Metro Station, then it’s a 5-minute walk.

Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus is the steepest summit in Athens, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. You can reach its peak for the view by cable car, taxi, or hiking.

The cable car still requires some walking as it’s up 200 steps, so take a taxi if you don’t want to climb. If you take a taxi, there are still about 6-8 flights of stairs to the top. The hike is a little less than a mile (1.5 km) and noted as easy on Alltrails.

How To Get There: The closest metro stop is Evangelismos. The cable car is at the junction of Ploutarchou and Aristippou.

Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial, dedicated to soldiers of the Greek war. It’s most famous for its iconic changing of the guard. Plus, there is no fee.

The changing of the guard happens hourly, although there is a Grand Changing Ceremony on Sundays at 11 AM. This is when new wreathes are placed on the grave.

How To Get To The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier: Located just steps away from the Syntagma Metro Station.

Panathenaic Stadium

Originally built in the 4th century BC, it was rebuilt in marble in the 2nd century AD. It remains the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble. An interesting fact is that the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern olympics were held here.

Panathenaic Stadium Cost: The entrance fee for the Panathenaic Stadium is 10€.

How To Get To Panathenaic Stadium: the Panathenaic Stadium in within walking distance of the Acropoli, Syntagma, and Evagelismos stations.

Rooftop Views of The Acropolis

With the Acropolis perched so high in the city, there are many opportunities to see it from rooftops and bars. To me, this is one of the most remarkable aspects of Athens, the fact that you can see the Acropolis from anlmost everywhere in town. It’s even better when seen at night, when the lights are turned on. Especially if there is a full moon.

This was the view from the rooftop where I stayed in Central Athens.

Explore Plaka

Plaka is the old historical neighborhood of Athens, the one closest to the Acropolis. It’s charming with cobblestoned streets lined with shops, cafes, and taverns.

Make sure to visit Ermou street, a pedestrian street lined with modern shops like Zara, Berksha, and H&M along with some local Greek ones.

How To Get To Plaka: Plaka is just north of the Acropolis. The closest metro station is the Acropoli.

Holy Church Of The Virgin Mary

At the end of Ermou Street, but in Monastiraki, make sure to notice Panagia Pantanassa (you can see it in the photo above). This charming little Byzantine church is one of the oldest in Athens.

Some researchers think it once once part of a monastery, which is how Monastirkai, which means little monastery, gets its name.

Dine in Central Athens

One of my favorite areas is Central Athens, just off Ermou street to the north. It’s loaded with cafes, tavernas, bars, and souvlaki spots. The perfect spot to wander after sunset and find a place to eat.

One of its most famous spots is The Clumsies. Its warm atmosphere and humble food is one of the reasons it’s made the list of one of the top 50 bars in the world for several years now. I’ve also eaten at Bartesera, which I also loved. And there’s a popular Middle Eastern place I stopped at for lunch called Feyrouz. These are just a few, yet there’s many, many more in this lively area.

Monastiraki Square

Visit Monastiraki Square, where Monastiraki Metro Station is, is a lively area dyanand night, often with locals entertainment. I also love the view of the Acropolis up on the hill behind it.

There are some great restaurants down some of the narrow streets in the Monastiraki area that are perfect for lunch. There are also some jewelry shops tucked along the streets with products designed by locals. I make sure to explore this area every time I visit.

How To Get To Monastiraki: Monastiraki Square is located north of Plaka.

Explore The Psyri Neighborhood

Another lively neighborhood to explore is Psyri. It’s lined with cafes, bars, live music and small artisan shops. You will find Iroon Square at its center.

How To Get To Psyri: Psyri is a 4-minute walk north of Monastraki Square.

The National Archeological Museum

The National Archeological Museum is the largest archeological museum in Greece and is devoted to Ancient Greek art. Some of the artifacts date back to 5,000 BC.

Along with artwork, pottery, and sculptures, one of its most famous pieces is the Antikythera mechanism. This is an ancient hand-powered model of the Solar System, which predicted astronomical positions and occurrences. Some say it’s akin to an analogue computer. Although it was discovered in a shipwreck in 1901, it was not until the 21st century that scientists discovered its complexity and importance.

The closest Metro Stations are Omania and Victoria. Admission is 12€ during peak season and 6€ during the off season.

How To Get To Athens

The international airport in Athens is Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH). It’s not only the busiest airport in Greece, it’s one of the busiest in Europe.

To get to the center of Athens, where the sites are, you can drive, take a taxi or take the bus.

Taking a taxi is the easiest way to get to central Athens, but also the most expensive, costing between 40€ to 60€.

The metro to central Athens is easy to navigate and gets you there in about 40 minutes for around 10€ one way. It departs every 30 minutes and takes about 40 minutes. You can take the blue line directly fromthe airport to the Evangelismos, Syntagma, and Monastiraki stations. To get to the Acropoli station, you need to switch to the red line at Syntagma. Firm any of these, you can then walk to take a taxi.

The cheapest way to get to central Athens from the airport is by bus, but his is also the slowest. There are several routes, so check athensairportbus.com for details. The ride can take a hour to a hour and a half, depending on traffic. The cost is about 6€.

Want More of Greece?

Greece really has so much to offer. In additional to the mainland there are over 200 inhabited islands to explore. I’ve visited 4 times and still have so many places I want to see. Plus, the locals are so charming (especially in the smaller cities). The following are my favorite places and stories.

Mainland Greece

• Visiting The Clifftop Monasteries Of Meteora
• Teaching Yoga At A Refugee Camp In Serres Greece

Corfu Island

• Best Things To Do In Corfu Old Town
• Things To Do In Sidari: Must-See Canal d’ Amour and More
• Enchanting Cape Drastis, How To Get There And What To Expect
• Top Things To Do In Pretty Paleokastrista
• Top 12 Things To Do In Captivating Corfu

Crete Island

• Top Things To Do In Crete
• Balos Bay Beach And Gramvousa Island, Crete
• Day Trip To Elafonisi Island, Crete
• Hiking Samaria Gorge, Crete

Ios Island

• Top 15 Things To Do On Ios Island 

Kefalonia

• Complete Guide To Charming Fiskardo
• How To Get To Melissani Cave & What To Expect
• Colorful Assos Village, It’s Castle & Turquoise Bay
• The Enigmatic Sinkholes Of Argostoli
• Best Things To Do In Argostoli | Top Attractions & Hidden Gems
• Ultimate Guide To The Best Things To Do In Kefalonia

Milos Island

• What To Do On The Cool Island Of Milos

Naxos Island

• Top 20 Things To Do In Naxos  

Paros Island

• 15 Fun Things To Do On Enchanting Paros 

Santorini Island

• Hiking From Fira To Oia On Santorini

Zakynthos

• How To Get To Stunning Shipwreck Beach on Zakynthos
• Spotting Turtles in Zakynthos And Visiting Turtle Island
• Myzithres Viewpoint & Beach | Hidden Gem of Zakynthos
• Visiting Zakynthos | What To Do & Where To Stay

Other

• Philotimo, The Highest Greek Virtue
• Gorgeous Old Doors Of Greece

For an overview of all the best places in Greece, as well as how to get around, safety, tips, and more, see my Greece Travel Guide.

Safe Travels!

Julie

Want to learn more about me? See my About Me page to understand why I love traveling so much and my philosophies on travel.