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.

Attractions

Beautiful neoclassical buildings in Athens

In the charmingly cluttered Athens, examples of glorious neoclassical architecture provide insights into monumental events in Greece’s history since its independence. A walk through central Athens uncovers some of the city’s most beautiful neoclassical buildings. Neoclassical Buildings in Athens Zappeion Hall One of the most important buildings in Athens, the neoclassical Zappeion Hall is closely linked…
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Attractions

Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio

At the end of the Sounio Peninsula at the southernmost point of Attica, lies the Temple of Poseidon within a fort that protects the coast of Attica. Made entirely of white marble, it was erected in the middle of the 5th century BC and built to honour Poseidon, god of the sea. You will be mesmerised…
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Attractions

A new age for Athens at the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is modern architectural elegance at its best. A glass-fronted multi-angular building is built on the edge of the Faliro Delta and perched above a hill that connects and punctuates it into the Athenian skyline. It was in 2006, well before any sign of the global or Greek economic…
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Attractions

Greek Parliament from the inside

Officially known as Hellenic Parliament or Vouli ton Ellinon, it’s a new privilege touring inside the Greek parliament building with an English speaking guide. The Greek parliament building, which overlooks Syntagma Square, is a reminder of where the modern Greek state began. Every major political and official event has occurred in front of this important landmark…
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Where to Shop

A Shopper’s guide to Kolonaki, Athens

The central neighbourhood of Kolonaki is one of the oldest districts in Athens and a must visit if you love to shop or want to spend a relaxing day people watching, whilst sipping a Greek coffee. Kolonaki has seen a new wave of designer shops, café’s and restaurants emerge, which are upheld beyond the tourist season…
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Restaurants

The centre of it all on Romvis Street

Locals have traditionally come to Romvis Street and the surrounding area for the specialist haberdashery and fabric stores. Today, it attracts more than savvy fashion designers and brides to be. This small pedestrianised pocket in central Athens now has a new story to tell, one that offers dynamic food and drinks from breakfast through to dinner…
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