Athens, the lively Greek capital, marks the start (and end) of many tours in Greece. No doubt you’ll tick off the major archaeological sites while you’re there: the breathtaking Acropolis, Agora and Parthenon must be seen to be believed.
But Athens is a city that enthrals all the senses and ensnares you with its warmth, vitality and vibrancy. Spending only a couple of nights in Athens barely scratches the surface; I used to live there, and there’s still so much more I want to do. So, before you head home, make sure you add an extra night – or three – to fully experience Athens.
Top things to do in Athens
Do you love poring over museums and reflecting in galleries, or are you a keen walker who likes getting out in nature? Athens offers an activity to suit every traveler.
For those who want to learn more about Athens’ ancient past than the typical Acropolis tour allows, visit the Acropolis Museum – built to house all the artifacts found on the adjacent hill. They range from high art to everyday objects: a collection of beautiful Caryatids (statues of young women), dressed in flowing robes, watch over a section of the first floor, while you can get down and dirty with history at the Makriyianni excavation site – a village continuously inhabited from the 4th millennium BC to 12th century AD.
Culture vultures can explore Athens’ art scene at the ΕΜΣΤ, the national museum for contemporary art. Housed in the former brewery of one of Greece’s best-known beers, FIX, this cool space houses 21st-century art, sculpture and political commentary.
If walking tours are more your speed, take a stroll around the vine-covered Plaka neighborhood – as Athens’ oldest ‘hood, you’ll encounter a mix of gorgeous Byzantine, Ottoman and Neoclassical buildings. Head here at sunrise to see it at its sleepiest, then refuel with a stiff Greek coffee and sugary glyka tou koutaliou (spoon sweet).
Like a swim? The Athens Riviera has plenty of beaches. Take a bus to Vouliagmeni for a crescent-shaped stretch of sand, shallow and clear waters, and the chance to spot some of the city’s well-heeled. If the sea’s too cold, dip into Lake Vouliagmeni – a swimming lake fed by warm underground currents that keep it at a toasty 70F year-round. Sip a cocktail on the sunbeds, swim a few lengths or even have your feet nibbled by the red garra fish that live there: it tickles, but your skin will feel so much smoother.
Nightlife in Athens
When the sun goes down, catch the view from Lykavittos (Lykabettus) Hill, central Athens’ highest point at 908 feet above sea level. Those who don’t fancy the pine-lined walk up can take the funicular: either way, you’ll find a beautiful, blue-roofed chapel and a fabulous bar to drink Aperol spritzes in at the top, framed by a fiery Aegean sunset.
Head to one of Athens’ outdoor cinemas to experience a favorite summer pastime: outdoor cinemas. There are around 65 al fresco screens to choose from: Dexameni, on the base of Lykavittos, opened in 1905 and offers an island vibe with whitewashed steps and reasonably priced drinks, while Ciné Aigli near the Botanic Gardens offers a grander atmosphere and views of the Acropolis. Don’t worry – movies are mostly in English with Greek subtitles, but check the schedule before you visit.
If you’re in search of a nightcap, The Bar in Front of the Bar, Barro Negro and Baba au Rum, all located near Klafthmonos Square, are all featured in the World’s 50 Best Bars list – embark on a bar crawl to taste some truly exotic cocktails, from tonka bean-infused negronis to tsipouro-spiked gimlets.
Looking to truly get down with the locals? A bouzoukia is a type of music venue where popular Greek acts have residencies: the stars don’t usually come on until after midnight, but with traditional dancing, powerful vocals and flower-throwing, it’s worth the tiredness the next day.
Where to Eat in Athens
Gyros and souvlaki are everywhere in Athens, and it’s hard to go wrong with creamy tzatziki, olive oil fries and meat, all wrapped in a fluffy pitta. However, head to the more residential neighborhoods to eat like the Athenians: in upmarket Pagrati, reliable spots include Alexandrino Kebab and To Pikantiko.
Prefer to take your time over food? Pay a visit to a koutouki, a type of family-run restaurant hidden away from the tourist spots. My favorite is To Koutouki tou Thoma in Neos Kosmos: run by a charming husband-and-wife, diners head into the kitchen to select their dishes from giant steel pots (the owners will explain what’s cooking), sit down under the terrace and drink local wine from carafes. Sometimes, there’s a musician, but the pleasant courtyard chatter creates a friendly ambience.
If you still have room for dessert, Athens offers plenty of places for a creamy gelato — but for something more traditional, try loukoumades. These crispy, hot doughnut balls, are usually served dripping in flower-scented honey and nuts. Loukoumades Ktistakis, just off Omonoia Square, serves these classic bites by the kilo. For something more Insta-friendly, head to Lukumades in Monastiraki, where a scarlet neon sign highlights what’s served inside. As well as the trad variety, you’ll find portions covered in white chocolate, Oreo, feta and even crunchy Dubai chocolate.
Shopping in Athens
No trip to Athens would be complete without a souvenir trawl. Ermou, which leads right up to Syntagma Square, is the city’s main shopping street. But for more unique boutiques, stroll down parallel Kolokotroni street for handcrafted jewelery, vintage stores and The Naxos Apothecary, a homeopathic pharmacy and perfumier whose products are infused with Greek-grown ingredients.
Monastiraki’s eclectic flea market, open every day until 10PM, is a one-stop shop for souvenirs: you can pick up anything from collectible cards, shot glasses and magnets to antique books, ancient-inspired leather sandals and even backgammon boards. It’s a bustling place that proves my theory: in Athens, there’s a surprise around every corner.
Heading to Athens on your next tour and want some advice? Or want to tell us about a recent trip? Let us know in the comments below.