16+ Best Things to Do in Athens, Greece: A First-Timer’s Guide

Published October 13, 2026

Editor’s Note: If you’re starting to plan out your time in Athens or considering adding it to your Greece itinerary, this guide is for you. I’ve narrowed down the best things to do in Athens with helpful tips that reach beyond the classic places to visit.

From visiting the Acropolis to rooftop bars, exploring historic Plaka to finding local design stores, this is my guide to the best things to do in Athens. After visiting for a second time, I spent a full week exploring all that Athens has to offer, from ancient ruins to modern finds.

I remember the first time I visited Athens 10 years ago, discovering the ancient ruins and enjoying early mornings at sights like the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. This time (summer 2026), I wanted to go beyond the ancient sights, doing them right but also exploring unique museums, shopping Greek designers, and trying out new-to-me restaurants. What I found? Athens is best when mixing both its ancient roots and its modern culture.

Athens, I think, gets cornered into being only a stopover before continuing onto the Greek islands, but it is so much more than that if you give it the time. And while you don’t need to give it a full week, even an extra day or two allows you to do so much more beyond the Acropolis. Yes, you should visit the Acropolis (I did this early morning tour, and it was great); it’s wildly impressive and important, but imagine going beyond that — a whole world of Greek creativity, art, and food lies beyond it.

So in this guide, I’m breaking down the best things to do in Athens and why. I’m sharing how to visit the Acropolis properly, the museums to add to your list, the incredible Greek design shops to hunt down, and the restaurants that are just as important to your itinerary as anything else.

The Best Things to Do in Athens, Greece: A Complete First-Timer’s Guide

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Quick Tips Before Visiting Athens

Before getting into the best things to do, I recommend looking at some of the travel logistics for your trip.

How Many Days Do You Need in Athens?

For a first visit, I recommend a minimum of two full days to see Athens properly. With two days, you can go beyond the Acropolis and its museum, visit the historic center, have a night out, explore a neighborhood or two, and see other important historical sights. If you have only one day, this is enough time to do the Acropolis and the museum, with a meal or two out. With three days, you can go even further, adding a day trip, diving into more museums and neighborhoods, and even going to the Riviera.

• One Day in Athens: Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and Plaka
• Two Days in Athens: Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Nearby Ruins, Evening Out and a Neighborhood
• Three Days or More: All of the Above, Plus Day Trip, More of Athens’ Neighborhoods and Sights

Should I Visit Athens Before or After the Islands?

I recommend visiting Athens first if you’re arriving from the U.S., as it makes a wonderful city to get on time zone for a few days. If you plan to ferry to any island as well from the Port of Piraeus, you’ll be closer to it from the city center. Begin in Athens with 2-3 nights depending on how much you want to do, then ferry or fly to your island destination from there.

How to Get Around Athens

Getting to Athens from the Airport

• By Metro — If accessing by metro, the Metro Line 3 is the best overall line that goes from Athens International Airport into central Athens, and even continues onto Piraeus if you’re catching a ferry. It’s €9 one way and takes about 40 minutes to reach central Athens. Your most useful stops will be either Syntagma or Monastiraki depending on your hotel or Airbnb.
• By Taxi/Driver — I personally enjoy a taxi or driver on arrival after a long-journey. We pre-booked private driver with Welcome Pickups (we use them for all our private transfers!), and prepaid it. Our driver was there on arrival, greeted us after baggage, and took us straight to our accommodation. He was even kind enough to help walk our luggage a half-block down a narrow lane. It’s good to know that traffic can be horrendous getting from the airport, so budget anywhere from 35-50 minutes to the city center. This is the easiest if you have a lot of luggage.

Getting Around Athens

• By Metro — For any longer distances, there is a really clean metro that connects the greater Athens neighborhoods, and it’s very efficient. You probably won’t use it for the main sights, but in case you do go out to Piraeus or further, consider using it.
• By Foot — Athens is very walkable in the main areas of Plaka and Monastiraki. It’s easy to get around, relatively flat, except for the hilly areas of Anafiotika and up to the hills. There are several pedestrian-only areas as well.
• By Taxi/Uber — I used Uber several times in the city for longer walks or when I needed a break from walking. The Uber app worked really well, and it was a nice break during the hotter hours of the day.

Best Time of Year to Visit Athens

If you can avoid peak summer months in Athens, you’ll be happy you did. The summer months are very hot, and I believe the shoulder months of April and May, and September to late October fare better for weather. Here’s what you can expect from each season:

• Summer (June to August) — High summer temperatures, most expensive, and peak crowds
• Shoulder Season (March, April, May, September, October) — Variable weather, but can still be warm, fewer crowds, and easier to get reservations.
• Winter (November to February) — Often quieter but the coolest months to visit in Athens, and often the most affordable months to visit. You won’t get beach weather, but the city is great for visiting.

Is Athens Worth Visiting?

Yes, Athens is absolutely worth visiting, and I wouldn’t skip it. The city is so vibrant, has a very bustling atmosphere, and offers a lot to do. While it’s tempting to skip it for the islands, I think Athens offers a more metropolitan counterpoint to slow island life that I believe is enjoyable paired together.

What You Should Not Miss on a First Visit to Athens

• Acropolis
• Acropolis Museum
• Local Cafes and Restaurants (I’ve included all my favorites below!)
• Greek Design Shops
• National Garden
• Ancient Agora

Other Important Travel Tips

• Tipping — You can either round up or leave 5-10%, or even just a few euros.
• Safety — Some outer edges of the city can be seedy come nighttime; stick to areas that are well-lit and be mindful of pickpockets, as most major cities in Europe have these.
• Language — English is widely spoken, but I highly recommend a few Greek phrases like “Kalimera,” which is good morning, or “Yasou,” which is hello. These go a long way when interacting.
• Money — I recommend carrying some cash in Athens for taxis and smaller vendors.

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Where to Stay in Athens

For a first-time visit, I recommend basing yourself in either Koukaki (and nearby Makrygianni) or Plaka, as it puts you within a 10-minute walk of the Acropolis. I’ve visited Athens a few times and stayed in these areas myself, and they worked out wonderfully. If you want something more modern or upscale, the best hotels in the city are in Kolonaki or around Syntagma Square. I have a very detailed guide on where to stay in Athens (coming soon!) if you want to explore more options, but this is where I’d recommend staying in each:

Plaka: Best For Vibrant Neighborhood and Close to the Acropolis

Hotels

1. The Dolli — Of the modern luxe hotels, The Dolli for me feels the most upscale and worth it because its location is perfect and the views from the rooftop pool are beyond gorgeous. It’s a very splurge hotel, but this is the one I’d choose first for both design and the experience on property.
2. A77 Suites, an SLH Hotel – For an intimate boutique hotel, the A77 Suites is my choice, set inside a 19th-century neoclassical building. I love that there are private outdoor terraces with some of the rooms (peep the Iconic Suite with a whirlpool on the terrace).
3. Electra Palace Athens — One of the top choices for a hotel stay with an Acropolis view, the Electra Palace Athens has an indoor heated pool in addition to its rooftop pool. This is a modern yet luxury hotel option in Plaka.
4. Ergon House — I popped into the Ergon House after several friends hyped it up, and I agree, this is the “cool” choice for Plaka. It feels very New York, with an on-site restaurant inside a grocery store, and even has a rooftop with Acropolis views.

Airbnbs

1. Flagship Loft with 1 Bedroom | Private Terrace — A chic loft set with a private terrace and views to the Acropolis. It’s a two-level apartment yet only 3 minutes away from the Acropolis entrance.
2. Chic 1 Bedroom Home | Terrace — This bright and cheerful Airbnb is one I had saved for our trip, set with all the amenities for a small family. The space feels very airy, and the location is perfect for visiting Athens.
3. 1 Bedroom Apartment with Acropolis View — Another great choice for Plaka (has some of the best views of the Acropolis), this one sets up with one bedroom and an additional living room sofa bed.

Koukaki/Makrygianni: Best for Quieter Stay Near the Acropolis

Hotels

1. Anthology of Athens, an LHW Hotel — For the Koukaki area, the best hotel here is the Anthology, a very upscale and wellness-focused stay. This is my first choice for comfort, location, and amenities in this area, and I love how chic the hotel has been outfitted.
2. Coco-Mat Athens BC — For the best contemporary stay, Coco-Mat is a good option for the neighborhood and, as a producer of mattresses (yes, the brand is literally a mattress brand that has opened a hotel), the beds consistently get the best reviews.
3. Herodion Hotel — One of those gems of a hotel that doesn’t get as much attention, Herodion is a very sweet, understated hotel, with a wonderful view of the Acropolis on the back side. You’re very close to Plaka and everything, but completely away from the crowds.

Airbnbs

1. 2 Bedroom House with Garden (Where I Stayed) — We stayed in this two-bedroom apartment on the ground level, with a bathroom, an additional en suite shower, and a small backyard. I loved how spacious the rooms were, and the big living room for us to spread out during our full week. Very quiet and yet close to everything.
2. Stunning Modern 2 Bedroom House with Acropolis View — I wish we could have snagged this penthouse, set with a private terrace looking to the Acropolis. It’s very beautiful, and with two bedrooms, it’s great for a family.
3. 1 Bedroom With Terrace and Acropolis View — Great choice for a one-bedroom in the neighborhood with views. I love the small terrace with enough space for a table.

Kolonaki / Syntagma: Best for Upscale Hotels and Modern Athens

Hotels

1. Hotel Grande Bretagne (Syntagma Square) — I stayed here on my first trip to Athens, and it is all things old-world luxury. It’s one of the icons of Athens; it feels very grand and historic, yet elevated. I really love the rooftop bar here too; I came again this trip.
2. King George, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Syntagma Square) — If you want an equally good address as Hotel Grande Bretagne, but lower in cost, the King George is another alternative that is very sophisticated and has a boutique luxury feel.
3. Gatsby Hotel (Syntagma Square) — Gatsby Hotel is smaller, with 33 rooms, and has a more boutique feel to it in the 1930s building. You still have a private rooftop with Acropolis views, and it’s just off Syntagma Square.

Airbnbs

1. Modern 2 Bedroom Flat — A good upscale apartment in the neighborhood, very clean and modern in style.
2. Luxury 2 Bedroom Flat with Terrace — One of the most luxurious apartments I’ve seen in the city with 2 bedrooms and a bath. An architect designed the house, so it has a lot of thoughtful details, and it’s fully equipped for a stay.
3. Loft with Skyline View — For this neighborhood, this is my choice for an apartment with an Acropolis view. One-bedroom loft with a huge terrace looking out over the city.

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What to Do in Athens

Visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon: Why I Recommend a Guided Tour and How to Do it Right

Visiting the Acropolis is a must-do on any first-time visit to Athens. When I went over a decade ago, I remember self-visiting and was reminded just how long the lines were to get in and then up the hill. With changes in ticketing and how it is all now pre-reserved (I recommend the 8 am time slot if self-visiting), this summer I opted to book this early guided Acropolis tour because I was not able to get early morning tickets.

I found the guided tour informative and well worth the time, getting early entry into the Acropolis and skipping the lines since the tickets were included in the option I booked. The tour to the Parthenon and the Acropolis was really informative and gave me a deeper understanding of what I was actually visiting during my time in Athens’ most famous ruins. You’ll want to visit the Acropolis Hill, including the Parthenon, before heading to the museum.

What You’ll See on the Acropolis Hill

When you visit the Acropolis, what you’re actually seeing is the ruins that are spread across the Acropolis Hill itself. As you enter, you’ll pass by the Propylaea, the incredibly large gateway to the Acropolis. You’ll see the Parthenon, the main focal point and the ancient temple dedicated to Athena. It’s absolutely enormous in person, with these Doric columns made from marble.

The Acropolis Hill is home to the Erechtheion and the iconic six Caryatid maidens on the Porch of the Caryatids. Fun fact: the ones you see there are actually replicas, with five of the originals on display inside the Acropolis Museum, while the sixth is in the British Museum. Another sight on the hill that you can see is the small Temple of Athena Nike, dedicated to Athena as the goddess of victory. You’ll see the Theatre of Dionysus, famous for being the birthplace of Greek theatre, and just past it, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a still-used-today Roman theatre just below the Acropolis (Note: the theatre is currently closed for a multi-year restoration).

A Guided Tour vs. Self-Visiting for The Acropolis

I personally find guided tours for these kinds of historical places very helpful, as you’re not just walking around unsure of what you’re looking at. By joining a guided tour, you’ll have a sense of place, learn the historical importance, and gain pertinent insight that otherwise can’t be gleaned by just walking through the sights. This trip, I opted to do this guided tour for the Acropolis because I really wanted to learn about what I was seeing. It also had an option for early morning entrance, which was a real perk and something I couldn’t secure on my own — so it was a double benefit. I think self-visiting is definitely possible, potentially using the Digital Guide from the Hellenic Heritage, which walks you through the sights on an app in 8 languages (bring headphones).

Acropolis Tickets in 2026 (verified October 2026)

As of October 2026, the standard ticket price is €30 full / €15 reduced for the Acropolis archaeological site. This is a regular admission ticket, not the Acropolis Museum ticket. The tickets are booked on a time entry system, which means your ticket is available for one-hour entry zones; you must enter within this one hour. The daily cap for visitors is set to 20,000 visitors, so do know that tickets will sell out, especially in peak summer months.

• Where to Buy Tickets — The safest and most secure way to self-purchase tickets is on the official  Hellenic Heritage e-ticket service website, operated by Greece’s Hellenic Organization of Cultural Resources Development. You can also purchase tickets physically at the ticket offices, but I can’t stress enough the need to pre-book.
• Best Time Slot to Book — I recommend booking the very first or second time slot of the day for two reasons: the heat and then the crowds. The hill is completely exposed to the sun, so the earlier the start, the better. By mid-morning, the crowds really come in to walk up the hill. Remember that it is recommended you show up 30 minutes before your ticket time, so for an 8:00 am slot, arrive at 7:30.
• What to Do if There’s A Heat Closure — Very rarely does the hill close midday, but it has before due to heat. My recommendation is exactly this: book early morning slots when you can. If it does close midday, you can head to the Acropolis Museum as a backup option for something to do.

Exploring More of Ancient Athens: Ancient Agora and More

I found that on this trip to Athens, because I had several days to visit, I wanted to dive more into Ancient Athens. There are so many ruins and important sights to visit. If I had to prioritize any two, the most rewarding visit after the Acropolis would be the Ancient Agora and then Hadrian’s Library. Beyond this, there are a lot of other choices depending on your interests. Here are the Ancient Athens sights I would consider visiting:

Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus

Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours

When it comes to one of the best-preserved sights in Athens, the Ancient Agora is it. Beyond being well-preserved, this is where to go to understand the city’s political and cultural center for daily life. Within the site is the Temple of Hephaestus, an incredibly well-preserved temple from the 5th century BC with a roof that is still mostly intact. The sights do have some shade from the trees, and it’s the one archaeological site I would choose to visit after the Acropolis for historical context.

Roman Agora (Roman Forum of Athens) and Tower of the Winds

Time Needed: 30-45 Minutes

Small in size and rather compact, the Roman Agora was built during the Roman era of Athens as effectively a marketplace. One of the main draws of visiting the Agora is going to see the Tower of the Winds. It’s this unique structure that was a former water clock, sundial, and a wind indicator made of marble. It’s worth seeing if you’re already in the Monastiraki area or walking from Anafiotika. You’re only about 5 minutes away, and it’s quick to see.

Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch

Time Needed: 15 Minutes

If I had to name the one outstanding feature of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, it would be its size. I actually would opt not to go in, but view it from the outside walls and pass by the Arch of Hadrian instead. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is impressive because the original temple had 104 columns, but only 15 remain standing today. I don’t think this one is fully worth going into, mostly because it’s just a few columns and there isn’t much more to visit — rather walk by, appreciate it from afar, and enjoy the free Hadrian’s Arch, which is equally impressive in size.

Hadrian’s Library and Kerameikos

Time Needed: 30-90 Minutes

If you’re in Monastiraki, I would consider adding Hadrian’s Library to your sights. It’s important to know this is not an actual library but rather an archaeological site that used to function as a storage space for books and lectures. The library is small but can be worth visiting if it’s of interest. On the other hand, Kerameikos is one of the most extensive ruin sites in all of Athens, home to the largest cemetery with a museum showcasing the finds from the tombs. It’s not visited as frequently, so I think it’s a much quieter experience for Ancient Athens.

Visit Athens’ Best Museums

On this trip to Athens, I wanted to revisit the extensive Acropolis Museum, a must for any first-time trip to Athens, but also wanted to explore more of the museums in the city. I was wonderfully smitten with the diversity of museums in the city, beyond the archaeological-focused ones. And I think it’s easy to say that Athens is much more than just the ancient sights, so do consider visiting beyond these to dive into Athens’ local culture in the arts.

Acropolis Museum

Time Needed: 1.5 Hours

A must for any first-time visitor, the Acropolis Museum is well paired after a visit to the Acropolis. It’s somewhere you can spend several hours, as the multi-floor museum details the archaeological and cultural history of the Acropolis. It is a museum that does require some planning; same-day tickets can be challenging to get, so I would recommend getting them pre-booked online to bypass the ticket line on arrival. I really enjoyed this museum, even on a second visit, because it details so much, and you can get very close to the historical artifacts. One of my favorite spots in the museum is the top gallery because it has these floor-to-ceiling windows with a stunning view of Acropolis Hill.

National Archaeological Museum

Time Needed: 1.5 to 2 hours

On this trip, I made the effort to get out to the National Archaeological Museum. I enjoyed it. It’s more geared towards Greece’s national collection that spans Greek history from prehistory into late antiquity. The challenge is that it’s not super close to anything in particular, but you’re rewarded with an extensive gallery of Archaic and classical sculptures, bronzes, and Mycenaean and Cycladic antiquities. It’s a really large museum and is a good stop if you’re interested in historical art and sculptures beyond the Acropolis. Good to know: In 2026, renovation work will affect several galleries. The Vase Collection galleries (49–53) and the Gold Jewelry Collection gallery (62) are closed Monday–Saturday, and the Stathatos Collection gallery (42) is closed every day. Check the latest notice before visiting if these collections are important to you.

Benaki Museum

Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours

One of my favorite visits on this last trip was the Benaki Museum, something entirely different from the other more history-focused museums. Benaki is the Museum of Greek Culture set in this mansion near Syntagma. It’s all about how people lived, not just the monuments of Greek history. I really enjoyed the textile and jewelry halls, and there is a free audio-guided tour that you can scan via a QR Code inside.

Alekos Fassianos Museum

Time Needed: 1 Hour

My favorite side-quest museum of the trip was the Alekos Fassianos Museum. This small yet most interesting museum is dedicated to the famous Greek artist Fassianos and his lifetime of work, from paintings to furniture. The house that it is housed in is itself part of the experience: this stunning space with mosaic floors and skylights. I really enjoyed the modern art perspective on Greek culture and a counterpoint to the more ancient Athens art I had seen previously.

Explore Plaka and Anafiotika

It’s quintessential Athens, a stroll through the historic neighborhood of Plaka and then into Anafiotika. It’s a must for a first trip, whether you go early morning to have it sans the crowds, midday to pop into the shops, or even at night for sunset drinks and the buzziest atmosphere. My suggestion? Try all three because each time of day feels really different in this corner of Athens.

The difference between Plaka and Anafiotika is that Plaka is the historic old quarter, and Anafiotika is the whitewashed, Cycladic-looking area set up the hill over a series of stairs. Anafiotika is a small area within upper Plaka, so it’s easy to explore both together. In Plaka, follow Vyronos Street, which falls into Tripodon Street for all of the boutiques and restaurants. Adjacent to it is Adrianou Street, which is set aside and has even more restaurants — this area can feel really busy come late morning as tour groups do crowd it up, so keep this in mind.

Past it, head up to Anafiotika, it’s so charming here, with pockets of bougainvillea growing off the walls and a series of stairs called The Mnisikleous Stairs lined with restaurants and terraces. I liked beginning by the Holy Church of Saint George of the Rock, and going up the staircase right there to reach the upper part of Anafiotika. Just around the corner was one of my favorite stores called Mouki Mou, worth popping into, and then the restaurant Aerides Plaka that we enjoyed lunch at after.

Catch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma

One unique thing to do in Athens is to catch the changing of the guard at Syntagma, where the Evzones change hourly and it’s free to watch in front of the Parliament building. If you’re there on a Sunday, they wear full dress for the 11:00 a.m. ceremony, though you’ll need to arrive at least 30 minutes before because it gets so busy. I’d stand over by the Monument of the Unknown Soldier for the best view, and this is one of the free things to do in Athens.

Visit the Varvakeios Central Market and Lunch

One of the places I sought out to visit while in Athens was the Varvakeios Central Market. It’s the central focal point for Athens in terms of food and local produce, and home to a few streets lined with taverns. My recommendation is to go later in the morning, and then pair it with an early lunch at one of the nearby taverns that are just adjacent to it. I would begin in the fish hall first and then continue onto the meat hall (not for the faint of heart or those sensitive to smells). After that, exit out onto Evripidou Street, which is lined with vendors selling olives, nuts, and even cured meats. After that, two taverns to consider are Diporto (the famous underground one) and Karamanlidika, where I’d reserve ahead.

Enjoy Sunset From Either a Rooftop or Hill

I think sunset in Athens has to be one of my favorite things to do, and to enjoy while there. I’ve found myself on the last two trips revisiting my favorite rooftop bar at the Hotel Grande Bretagne, which has unparalleled views of the Acropolis from its open-air bar and restaurant. The city is also home to several hills that you can climb, and they’re super popular come sunset to see the sun setting over the city, like Philopappos Hill and Mount Lycabettus. Here’s where I’d go:

Best Rooftops with Sunset Views in Athens

• GB Roof Garden at Hotel Grande Bretagne — The bar is open, but the restaurant requires a reservation (drinks are €12–20 per cocktail). The views are more of greater Athens, with the Acropolis in the distance.
• Dolli S at The Dolli — This is probably the most chic rooftop bar and sits right under the Acropolis. The setting is unreal. You’ll want advance reservations here because it’s quite popular (drinks and coffee don’t require a res).
• Electra Roof Garden — One of the restaurants you can pre-reserve a table at; the views are amazing, and it’s a more elegant option.
• Couleur Locale — A good option that is more casual and right in Monastiraki, with drinks being around €12–16 range. The spot to come for a drink!

Best Hills with Sunset Views in Athens

• Philopappos Hill — If you want one of the best free up-close views of the Acropolis, I’d make the journey up to Philopappos Hill that sits southwest of the Acropolis. It’s one of the closer spots (still budget 45-90 minutes to do the full walk) and gives a wonderful view come sunset. I’d say the experience coming up here feels more like a walk, but you’ll eventually meet the viewpoint that makes it famous. Expect crowds at sunset, so arrive a touch earlier than later.
• Mount Lycabettus — If you’re looking for a grander view of Athens, I’d ride the Lycabettus Hill Funicular for €10 one way or €13 round trip, which makes it really easy to get high up for a view sans the walk. You could even ride it up and then walk down. The viewpoint is higher than the Acropolis, so you’ll be looking down at it.
• Areopagus (Mars Hill) — For the easiest and quickest viewpoint to access, Areopagus or Mars Hill is it. It’s more of a large rock; effectively, you’re walking up, but it still gives you an eye-level elevated view of the Acropolis. It has become very popular because of its ease, so give yourself extra time to visit.

Shop Greek Designers

During my time in Athens, I had so much fun exploring local Greek designers and unique stores throughout the city. It had changed drastically from the previous time I had been there, so my list of places to visit was long. The shopping in Athens is amazing; beyond the typical tourist things, you can consider buying elevated leather pieces, apothecary items, and even art. Here are the shops I’d seek out:

• ERGON House Athens, for all things gourmet and culinary
• Mouki Mou Athens, for modern fashion and design
• MARTINOS Antiques, for antiques and art
• Ancient Greek Sandals, for leather sandals and shoes
• 10AM apotheke, for lifestyle and apothecary
• The Naxos Apothecary, for Greek face and body products
• Anthologist, for handcrafted homewares and textiles
• mastihashop, for specialty mastiha products
• ERE Athens, for home and fashion (set inside a cafe)
• HERMINA ATHENS, for jewelry
• A Future Perfect & Friends, for lifestyle
• Hyper Hypo, for books

Catch an Open-Air Cinema at Cine Paris

One of the most unique experiences in Athens, if you can catch a showing, is the open-air cinema called Cine Paris. They offer evening showings under the sky with a large movie projected on a screen. It’s such a fun experience, and you can enjoy drinks as well right there. The seats are first-come, first-served, and you get tickets right there at the office. This is very much a seasonal thing for summer, and they even do family nights with kids’ movies.

Dive into the Coffee & Bakery Scene in Athens

If you love a good coffee or baked goods, boy do I have a list for you. One of my favorites is the quaint Little Tree Books and Coffee, which we visited several times. It’s a charming bookstore that doubles as a cafe. If you want just coffee, Coffee Dive around the corner is really good too. Across the city near Syntagma is the famous 72H Artisanal Bakery & Eatery Athens. It’s next to ERGON House, and every time I passed by, there was a line waiting for its baked goods. Finally, one afternoon it was pretty short, and I grabbed a few things like their croissant with Nutella and the chocolate coffee monkey bread. It was amazing, and I do recommend waiting for it.

Enjoy the Greenery in the National Garden

During our trip, I traveled with my husband and four-year-old daughter, so we made several trips out to the National Garden as it’s such a lovely green space within the city. It’s quite expansive, with several little green yards, two wonderful kids’ parks, a huge turtle pond, and more. When you’re in the city and looking for a break from it, this is where I’d go even for a short stroll. It continues onto the Zappeion Garden, which isn’t nearly as impressive, but works as a good continuing point if you’re headed to the Panathenaic Stadium.

Try Loukoumades, Greece’s Doughnuts

Often known as the dessert of Greece, loukoumades are these small, fried doughnuts that are served with a variety of toppings. One of the most classic is, of course, honey and cinnamon, and some stands even top them with Nutella, which is so delicious. LUKUMAΔΕΣ is the most modern spot to get them, almost like a fast-food-style version, with a few shops in town. Otherwise, if you see them on a restaurant menu, I’d order them for something more housemade.

Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

I did the Panathenaic Stadium on my first trip to Athens, and do recommend visiting and actually going inside. I walked by it again this trip and was reminded that it is much more impressive when standing within it as you’re surrounded by the Pentelic marble. It sits on a former ancient stadium and was then reconstructed for the 1896 Olympic Games. A lot of historians connect it with the modern Olympics we know today as the original site. My recommendation is to go earlier than later because it’s very exposed to the sun and can get hot at midday.

Visit Athens’ Historic Churches

As I walked around Athens, I found myself popping into several churches from the Byzantine era. These domed churches are incredibly beautiful, have traditional artwork inside, and are still active places of worship. I would stop into Panagía Kapnikaréa Church, a Greek Orthodox church on Ermou Street from the 11th century with stunning artwork done by Fotis Kontoglou. Another great one is the very small Holy Church of the Virgin Mary Gorgoepikoos and Saint Eleutherius (Little Mitropolis). You almost miss it beside the main cathedral. One more worth stopping in if you pass is the Holy Church of Saint Nicholas Rangava, which dates to the 11th century and is one of the oldest continuously running churches in Athens.

Stop in For Drinks at One of The World’s Best Bars

Winner of the 2025 Legend of the List Award from The World’s 50 Best Bars, Baba au Rum is an institution for drinks in the city. It’s known for rum drinks and has over 400 rums from around the world. It’s quite busy during peak bar hours around 7-9 pm, so come on the earlier side if you want fewer crowds. While there are tiki-inspired drinks, we really enjoyed more classic cocktails here too.

More Time in Athens? Consider a Day Trip

If you find yourself looking to go beyond the city, there are a few day trips worth considering. You could go to the beach and venture out to the Athens Riviera or go more historical to sights further from Athens. Here’s where to consider going:

• Athens Riviera — If it’s warm out and you’re looking to get into the water, I think people forget that the coast is right there and the Riviera is fantastic for a quick beach day. You can take the tram from the city center to Glyfada (changing at Pikrodafni) and be in the water in about an hour because it’s so quick to visit.
• Delphi — For more of ancient Greece, one of the most popular day trips is a visit to the ancient oracle called Delphi. It sits on Mount Parnassus and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing in many visitors to see the site. This is one of those day trips that is best done on a guided tour that includes transport, like this small group tour or this day trip that includes an Arachova stop.
• Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon — I’ve saved the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion for my next trip. The Temple of Poseidon looks fantastic with sunset views over the Aegean and offers more scenery in addition to the important archaeological site. This guided tour is what I would book and aim to be there for sunset.
  

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Where to Eat in Athens

Editor’s Note: I do ample research on where to eat in each city I visit because I believe this is an equally important thing to do when traveling somewhere new. I like a mix of modern and traditional cuisine, so this list represents a bit of all the best places to eat in Athens.

Victory

The first meal off the plane was at Victory, a first-come service restaurant that is no-frills but incredibly excellent for local cuisine. It’s the kind of place I imagine for just the classic Greek cuisine, and because it does it so well, there’s almost always a line. I’d order the souvlaki and gyros; both portions are massive, so keep this in mind when ordering.

Akra

When it comes to modern Greek cuisine, Akra is my first choice. An open-air kitchen encircles the entire restaurant with prep stations lining the spaces, something I had never experienced before. The food here is pretty fantastic, with a more modern take on Greek ingredients, all plated beautifully. I really enjoyed the house crudo and amberjack for two. *Reserve ahead of time

Iodio

I felt like I was right in with the locals at Iodio, set at the top of a steep hill. Iodio is all things fish in Kolonaki, and one of the top spots to reserve in the city. I loved the raw fish and the pasta topped with bottarga.

ERGON House Athens

We walked into ERGON for an early lunch, a restaurant set inside a culinary store and market. The concept is cool, surrounded by shelves of a supermarket (definitely shop after). The food here was delicious, from their classic Greek salad to the steak.

Aerides Plaka Restaurant

I wanted to do a more traditional style tavern meal, and Aerides was one of my favorites of the week in Plaka. Surrounded by bougainvillea and lots of friendly cats(!), it’s a good spot to get the classics done well. The housemade meatballs and then the Revani cake served at the end were delicious.

ΛΙΝΟΥ ΣΟΥΜΠΑΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΣΙΑ (LS&SIA)

One of the best meals of the week was at ΛΙΝΟΥ ΣΟΥΜΠΑΣΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΣΙΑ (or LS&SIA). From grilled pita, fish soup, and fresh oysters, to their house tiramisu, this is Greek food done elegantly with a modern twist. It’s a top spot to eat right now, but it’s worth trying to get a reservation.

Manári Taverna

A wonderful classic for all things Greek tavern but elevated. Think white tablecloth, house classics from traditional pies of the day to tzatziki with grilled bread. *Reserve in advance

Birdman Japanese Bar + Grill

The one restaurant I could not get a spot at was the famous Japanese spot called Birdman. This was recommended to me several times for its noodles, nigiri, and unique sandwiches. A good alternative to Greek food while in Athens.

Dopios Athens

If you can’t get into Manari, this is where I’d go next. It’s more laid-back but has all of the classics done well, from souvlaki to gyros.

Django Gelato Athens

Our favorite gelato of the week goes to Django. We stopped by almost daily to eat through all of the flavors.

Ugly Rolls

I wasn’t sure if it would live up to the hype, but it did. Ugly Rolls really was amazing, and their fluffy cinnamon rolls with different flavors were to die for. Go later in the morning for shorter lines, and get the pistachio!

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