Things to do in Athens

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The Parthenon in Athens, Greece, illuminated at night.
A narrow street with shops on both sides, including a store with bags and accessories.
Ancient columns of a historical building with intricate carvings.
A street with a gelato shop and a gallery.
A market with colorful clothing and signs for 'NIK' and 'APHRODITE'.

Things to do

Poros, Hydra & Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch

From Athens: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch

￥24,794
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
From Athens: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch
Athens: Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Sunset Day Trip

Athens: Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple Sunset Half-Day Trip

￥4,924
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Athens: Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple Sunset Half-Day Trip
Buckets of spices on Athens food tour

Athens Walks Food Tour: Markets, Tastings & Meals

￥12,837
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Athens Walks Food Tour: Markets, Tastings & Meals
From Athens: Small-Group Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Trip

From Athens: Small-Group Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Trip

￥6,876
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
From Athens: Small-Group Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio Trip
Picture 1 for Activity Athens to Meteora: Monasteries, Caves & Seaside Stopovers

Meteora Day Trip with Sunset, Caves, Beachfront Stop & Lunch

￥15,298
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Meteora Day Trip with Sunset, Caves, Beachfront Stop & Lunch
Athens: Ancient Greek Theater Performance

Athens: Ancient Greek Theater Performance

￥5,275
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Athens: Ancient Greek Theater Performance
Sunset Cruise Athens Riviera – Half Day Swimming&BBQ onBoard

Sunset Cruise Athens Riviera – Half Day Swimming&BBQ onBoard

￥17,409
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Sunset Cruise Athens Riviera – Half Day Swimming&BBQ onBoard
Big Bus Athens Panoramic Night Tour

Big Bus Athens Panoramic Night Tour

￥3,288
per adult
Big Bus Athens Panoramic Night Tour
Inside view of the new Acropolis museum

Skip the Line Ticket to Athens Acropolis Museum

￥4,572
per adult
Skip the Line Ticket to Athens Acropolis Museum
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Athens must see attractions

1. Acropolis

The Acropolis, the “sacred rock” of Athens, is recognizable from the air, various viewpoints in the city, or from the history books of your childhood. It’s a worldwide symbol of the Golden Age of ancient Greek civilization. Here, you’ll find major portions of Doric temples and other architectural masterpieces, as well as the remnants of sculptures and carvings from the 5th century B.C.
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A historic city on a hill with ancient ruins and modern buildings.

2. Syntagma Square

There’s always plenty going on at Syntagma (Constitution) Square, in the center of Athens. Walk up the marble steps and take a seat at one of the cafes to people watch, or go see the changing of the guard in front of the Greek Parliament. Pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and experience the pride that the locals have in their heritage.
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A grand building with classical architecture, a wide open plaza, and a busy street with light trails indicating movement.

3. Parthenon

The Parthenon, the most famous structure at the Acropolis, was completed in 438 B.C. and is a striking example of ancient Greek architecture. Over the centuries, this symbol of strength has survived the rise and fall of civilizations, wars and modern development and today is a source of great pride for the country. Tourists from around the world come to photograph, paint and just gaze in wonder at the Doric columns, statues and detailed reliefs carved into the white marble.
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The Parthenon, an ancient Greek temple with Doric columns, situated on the Acropolis.

4. Acropolis Museum

The new Acropolis Museum stands in the historic area of Makrygianni just to the south-east of the Parthenon. Construction was finally completed in 2007 - more than 30 years after it was originally conceived. Architects from around the world competed to design this modern structure with over 150,000 square feet (14,000 square meters) of exhibit space. That’s ten times more space than was in the old museum on the hill of the Acropolis.
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A modern building with glass facade, a palm tree, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

5. Monastiraki Flea Market

The Monastiraki Flea Market, at the center of what was once ancient Athens, is an experience not to be missed. Take your time wandering through Avissynias Square, stopping at antique shops as you walk through a maze of street vendors selling both junk and gems. Pick through old books, trendy second-hand clothes, souvenir trinkets, leather crafts, jewelry and more. The value is most often in the eye of the beholder, and street vendors are quite willing to bargain. Across the road is Psiri, which by day has dozens of craft shops and galleries and by night is a maze of cafés, bars, restaurants and night spots.
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A bustling market street with historical architecture, including a building with arches and columns, and a prominent sign with a blue and white symbol.

What to do in Athens

Stay near popular Athens attractions

A historic city on a hill with ancient ruins and modern buildings.

Acropolis

9.8/10 (19,146 reviews)
This ancient citadel crowns Athens with magnificent temples honoring Greek gods. Walk among the Parthenon's iconic columns and glimpse the city's panorama from this UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece.
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Where to stay in Athens

Find the best Athens areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Athens
Learn more about Athens
Ancient ruins with a prominent stone tower, a large rock formation in the background, and surrounding greenery.

Plaka

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travelers love about Plaka. Check out Adrianou Street or Roman Agora while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Akropoli Station to get around town.

A historic building with a dome and arches, a fortification on a hill, and a clear blue sky.

Monastiraki

Visitors to Monastiraki love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Monastiraki Square and Ermou Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Monastiraki Station.

A grand building with classical architecture, a wide open plaza, and a busy street with light trails indicating movement.

Syntagma

While you're in Syntagma, take in top sights like Syntagma Square and jump on the metro at Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

A cityscape with a prominent hill and a white building with columns in the foreground.

Kolonaki

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Kolonaki. If sightseeing is on the list, Benaki Museum is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Aristippou Station or Evangelismos Station to see more of the area.

The Acropolis of Athens, including the Parthenon and other ancient ruins.

Koukaki

Visitors to Koukaki love its fascinating museums, and you can check out Acropolis Museum and Museum of the Center for the Acropolis Studies. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Akropoli Station.

Popular day trips from Athens

An aerial view of a coastal town with a beach, clear turquoise waters, and a backdrop of mountains.

Vouliagmeni

An aerial view of a castle surrounded by lush greenery, a small pond, and a tennis court.

Kifisia

An aerial view of a coastal city with a dense urban area, a beach, and clear blue waters.

Palaio Faliro

A marina with yachts docked, a cityscape in the background, and pink flowers in the foreground.

Piraeus

Ancient ruins with stone blocks and columns, a watchtower, and a hillside with trees.

Elefsina

A cityscape with a complex highway interchange, modern buildings, and distant mountains.

Marousi

A cityscape with a mountainous backdrop.

Ilioupoli

A neoclassical building with columns and a statue in front.

Kallithea

Frequently asked questions

Is Athens worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Athens is visit Voula Beach. Check this leading sight off your list, then discover more of this area's views and culture.
How do I spend a day in Athens?
Voula Beach and Votsalakia Beach are two good places to start your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Athens while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Athens?
The top tourist attraction in Athens is Voula Beach, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Athens?
Three days will be enough time to check out the leading city attractions, such as Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens Concert Hall and Votsalakia Beach. The average stay in Athens is three days. If you have the time to extend your escape, Spata-Artemida isn't far away.
Is Athens a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Athens is a great place to tour on foot. Enjoy wandering between Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Athens Concert Hall. Then take a stroll around Monastiraki, located 0.16 kilometers from the center, and Makrigianni, which is roughly 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Athens with kids?
Planning what to do in Athens with kids has never been easier. Whether you're vacationing with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Athens for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Athens, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Faliro Sports Pavilion Arena or Ancient Agora of Athens.
Are there free things to do in Athens?
In Athens, Votsalakia Beach is a top spot for anyone wanting to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Athens.

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