Top Things to Do in Athens

The Plaka neighborhood beneath Acropolis Hill is one of Europe’s most ancient settlements, with narrow, cobbled streets home to ancient ruins, Byzantine temples, and neoclassical buildings. The main attractions are archaeological sites and museums, including the Museum of Folk Art and Tradition, the Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Athens University Museum. Families with kids shouldn’t miss the Museum of Greek Children’s Art. Other highlights include the Tower of Winds archaeological site and the Ancient Agora, a complex structure of buildings that were used to deposit state archives during ancient times. This is also a popular place to shop, beyond the Acropolis miniatures and souvenirs, with some of the trendiest jewelry in town, original bronze artifacts, handmade leather handbags, and more.

Anafiotika is a tiny but incredibly scenic neighborhood that sits just above the Plaka neighborhood along the northern slopes of Acropolis hill next to the Agora entrance. Step inside to discover whitewashed cubic homes, narrow alleyways, vibrantly painted doors and window frames, many of which have flamboyant sprays of bougainvillea. You might just think you’ve somehow ended up on one of the Cycladic islands. As the story goes, in the early 1800s, King Otto wanted to revamp his palace and invited builders to come to Athens, some who hailed from Anafi Island in the Cyclades. They constructed their homes in the style of their island home along the flanks of the Acropolis, calling the new village Anafiotika which means little Anafi.

Mount Lycabettus offers one of the best vantage points for a panoramic view over the city and beyond. While you could don a helmet and climb the hill using ropes, most visitors reach the summit via the funicular train. It runs up and down the mountain allowing passengers to take in various interesting sights along the way. Once at the top, the reward is that sweeping vista from nearly 750 feet above the capital, stretching to the seemingly endless blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Nearby is Agios Georgios, a little white chapel, along with an amphitheater that hosts frequent live music, and a cafe where you can grab a refreshing drink and a bite to eat.

If tourist crowds and the general hustle and bustle are starting to get to you, enjoy a stroll through the National Garden of Athens. It’s the perfect place for a bit of tranquility enjoyed with the songs of nightingales, and it’s located right behind the Parliament building. Once owned by the royal palace, the city of Athens owns it today, gifted to the public so visitors and residents can immerse themselves in a tropical oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle. There are a wide range of colorful flowers and trees lined along the winding pathways. Plus, there are other attractions too, including ancient ruins and a zoo with monkeys, a lion, goats, wolves, peacocks and other various birds.

There are a wide range of delicious local foods that can be enjoyed in Athens. As noted, the city offers everything from street food to fine dining restaurants. A great way to sample a variety of local eats is to take a Greece private tour focused on street food or just try different offerings like koulouri, a Greek version of the bagel that’s been consumed since the Byzantine era and readily available throughout Athens. Don’t miss the chance to try souvlaki, the most popular street food in the capital which traditionally consists of souvlaki meat, garnished with onion, tomato, and tzatziki, and then wrapped up in a grilled pita. Finish by indulging your sweet tooth with loukoumades (Greek donuts with honey).