Mt Lycabettus Hill Athens
Mt Lycabettus in Athens Photograph: Why Athens

WHAT to do in Athens

There are endless possibilities and things to do in Athens to suit a wide range of interests but as always it comes down to that precious commodity called time. We’ve compiled and curated the very best of what to do and things to see including, attractions, museums, shopping and other leisurely activities for you to get the most out of your visit to Athens. So get your walking shoes on, pack some sunscreen and get ready to explore this fascinating metropolis.

Athens attractions

It goes without saying that you really must see the Acropolis and set aside at least half a day to do so. It is unlikely that you will get to see all of the Athens attractions in one visit, particularly if you want to go at a reasonable pace, smell the roses and enjoy the modern side of Athens as well.

Things to do in Athens: museums

You can read about Athens museums in our ‘Museums’ category. History buffs will have an absolute field day particularly when it comes to the Acropolis Museum. Ranked as one of the best museums in the world, the collections from the Greek Bronze era to the Roman and Byzantine periods are truly exceptional. It’s a good idea to attend the museum before you go to the Acropolis, as it will put a great deal of what you will see in and around the Parthenon into perspective. Museum guides are also available in several languages.

Things to do in Athens: shopping

For those wanting to squeeze in some shopping therapy, we have divided our shopping category into two. In our ‘Where to Shop’ category, we provide a curated list of shops that are first and foremost Athenian. You will find stylish Greek fashion labels and independent designers. If you’re looking for a special keepsake to take home and remember Greece by, our ‘Souvenirs’ category features authentic Greek gifts that are lovingly made in Greece.

Things to do in Athens: leisure & experiences

We’re all for site seeing and exploring but somewhere in your trip you may just want to relax and enjoy the city as the locals do. In our ‘Leisure’ category, we’ve listed some stand out places to go and relax including one of the oldest places to sip a coffee in Athens, along with the best place to spend the day swimming. If you want to meet some locals and find out more about the city, its culture and history, we’ve selected some of the best-structured day tours.

  • Athens War Museum Why Athens

    Athens War Museum

    Where: Central, walking distance from Evangelismos metro station
    Why Go: A fascinating look at Greece’s war efforts through the ages
    We Loved: The outdoor exhibit that allows you to peer inside the aircrafts used by the Hellenic Air Force
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  • Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum Athens

    Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum

    Where: In the central suburb of Makrigianni, at the base of the Acropolis
    Why Go: One of the few museums in the world dedicated to contemporary jewellery and decorative arts
    We Loved: The visionary collections inspired by modern technology, astronomy, nature and medicine
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  • Acropolis of Athens Sign Anafiotika

    The Acropolis

    As you would expect, the Acropolis has the final word of what to see in Athens. The temples on the sacred rock are considered the most important monuments in Western civilisation and have influenced architecture more than anything else since. From the top, its mesmerising view has been a source of inspiration for many foreign travellers,…

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  • Byzantine Churches Athens Panagia Kapnikarea

    Churches in Athens and the remains of Byzantium

    The churches and monasteries throughout Athens and indeed Greece represent an enduring tale of strength and defiance through centuries of crusades and occupation that tightly bound the Orthodox Church and the Hellenic nation together. It was in the middle Byzantine period during the 11th and 12th centuries when the most significant churches were built in…

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  • Panathenaic Stadium Athens Panorama

    The Panathenaic Stadium

    The spectacular Panathenaic Stadium remains one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and is a shining beacon of modern Athens. Following several transformations over its long history, it eventually became the home of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and remains the only stadium in the world built entirely out of marble. The…

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  • What to do in Athens in August

    What to do in Athens this August

    As with many European capitals, Athens slows down in August as locals flee the city for their summer holidays. The good news for travellers is you can still discover the city and its sites, with less traffic and crowds. We’ve put together a snapshot of what to do in Athens in August, should you be…

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