You may have seen Athens in movies and magazines before, but nothing compares to the feeling when you visit the city in person. Athens, the ancient city in Greece has always been a fascinating place for tourists mainly because of its rich history and culture. From the moment you set foot in the city, you will find historical sites greeting you in every corner. With so many places to visit and things to do in Athens Greece, you are guaranteed to have a great time. To further enhance your experience, you can research the top sites and attractions in advance.
10 Things To Do In Athens Greece
When visiting a place like Athens, you may find it difficult to cover all the attractions. This is why you should plan so that you can explore the places to visit in Athens, Greece without any confusion.
1. Wander Through Acropolis
Photo: Constantinos Kollias / Unsplash
You probably won’t get the time to think about what to do in Athens, especially when you have places like the Acropolis to explore. As the most famous landmark in Athens, Acropolis gives you access to many historic temples and structures. While you walk through the citadel, you will see various sites like the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Acropolis Museum, Propylaea, and others. These are some of the main attractions in Acropolis that take you back in time and tell you about ancient Greece. But before you plan your visit, make sure you have enough time on your hands as there are many attractions to cover.
Location: Athens 105 58, Greece
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
2. Take A Cruise Ride To Moni, Aegina, And Agistri Islands
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If island hopping is your thing, you shouldn’t miss the chance to take a cruise ride to Moni, Aegina, and Agistri islands. Among all the different islands near Athens, these happen to be the most popular of them all. Visiting these islands allows you to enjoy a relaxing escape from the busy city life. Plus, you get to enjoy stunning views of the crystal-clear waters. Once you reach the islands, you can explore the ancient temples and charming villages. However, if you want a more exciting experience, you can go swimming in the water.
Location: Saronic Gulf
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
3. Feast On Traditional Dishes
Photo: Shameel mukkath / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
When you visit a new country or place, it is worth trying their local and traditional dishes. Well, you should do the same in Athens as it has an array of dishes to offer. Here, you will find numerous street food stalls and taverns that serve fresh and flavourful meals. For a well-rounded experience, you can try dishes like tzatziki, souvlaki, moussaka, and others. Besides that, you have spanakopita, and baklava which are equally popular as the other dishes. If you would like, you can pair your meal with a glass of ouzo, a refreshing Greek drink.
Location: Athens, Greece
4. Explore Ancient Monasteries In Meteora
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When talking about the best things to do in Athens, you must include Meteora Monasteries in your list. For those who don’t know, Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located only a few hours away from Athens. To reach this place, you can either opt for public transportation or book a guided tour. The highlight of this place is the ancient monasteries that are perched on rock pillars. Based on reports, the monasteries were built by monks several decades ago to seek solitude. Besides that, you get to see stunning views of the natural beauty of Meteora.
Location: Kalabaka 422 00, Greece
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
5. Learn History At Delphi
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One of the best things to see in Athens is the ancient ruins of Delphi. If you are a history buff and interested in learning Greek mythology, this place is a must-visit for you. Back in the day, Delphi was considered the centre of the world. But now it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Besides that, you have the Delphi Museum where you will see artefacts from ancient times. To get a deeper understanding of the cultural importance, you can opt for a guided day trip to Delphi.
Location: Central Greece
Timings: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
6. See The Temple Of Poseidon At Sunset
Photo: Cristina Gottardi / Unsplash
When you are in Athens, you cannot go without visiting the Temple of Poseidon. Located at Cape Sounion, the Temple of Poseidon is a stunning spot to visit, especially at sunset. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and also watch the sun go down over the horizon. Many tourists visit the temple at sunset because it allows them to experience a magical site and also capture beautiful pictures. To reach the temple, you will have to take a short drive from Athens.
Location: Sounion 195 00, Greece
Timings: 9:30 AM till sunset
7. Shop At Monastiraki Flea Market
If you are in the mood to go shopping in Athens, Monastiraki Flea Market could be the best place for you. This entire place is littered with small shops and stalls that sell a variety of things. From clothes to jewellery, and souvenirs, you will find all sorts of items in the market. The best part of shopping at Monastiraki Flea Market is that everything is available at an affordable price. Besides shopping, you can explore the market area and have a good time with your family. To experience a lively atmosphere, you should visit the market on weekends.
Location: Ifestou, Athina 105 55, Greece
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
8. Visit The National Archaeological Museum
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
The National Archaeological Museum is undoubtedly the most prominent in Athens. Visiting this place not only allows you to see old artefacts, but you also get to learn a lot about ancient Greece. From pottery to sculptures, and jewellery, you will see a variety of pieces in the museum. Each artefact is precious and showcases the rich history and culture of the country. For convenience, the museum is well-organised and provides detailed descriptions of each artefact. Some of the highlights in the museum that you shouldn’t miss include the Mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera Mechanism.
Location: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece
Timings: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Wednesday to Monday); 1 PM – 8 PM on Tuesdays
9. Witness The Ancient Agora
When you are on a mission to explore the historic sites in Athens, you cannot leave out the Ancient Agora. Based on records, this site was once the centre of political and social life in Athens. However, it has now turned into a popular attraction for tourists. While exploring the ruins, you will come across important attractions like the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos. These are the highlights that make Ancient Agora even more important for tourists. In case you want to dig deeper into the history of the place, you can book a guided tour.
Location: Northwest of Acropolis
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
10. Enjoy Stunning View At Lycabettus Hill
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As the highest point in Athens, Lycabettus Hill offers breathtaking views of the city. People from different places in the world come here to enjoy the 360-degree view and capture memorable moments. Based on your convenience, you can either choose the funicular railway or hike your way to the top. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy the view of the Acropolis, and the surrounding mountains. There’s also a small white chapel called St. George at the summit. It is one of the main attractions of the place that is worth exploring. Additionally, you have a cosy café where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Location: Athens, Greece
Timings: 9 AM – 1:30 AM
The things to do in Athens Greece allow you to experience the ancient city from your perspective. It offers attractions and activities that you haven’t seen or experienced before. To make your trip special, you should prepare an itinerary in advance. Book your trip to Athens with TripXL to try these unforgettable activities amidst the land of history and beauty.
Cover Photo: Patrick / Unsplash