{"id":886468,"date":"2026-03-20T18:01:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T17:01:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=886468"},"modified":"2026-03-24T11:59:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T10:59:14","slug":"what-to-do-in-athens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/what-to-do-in-athens\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do in Athens, by Greece Expert Alice Barnes-Brown"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Athens, the lively Greek capital, marks the start (and end) of many tours in Greece<\/a>. No doubt you\u2019ll tick off the major archaeological sites while you\u2019re there: the breathtaking Acropolis, Agora and Parthenon must be seen to be believed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s still so much more I want to do. So, before you head home, make sure you add an extra night \u2013 or three \u2013 to fully experience Athens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the meantime, here are my top things to do in the Greek capital \u2014 from outdoor cinemas to mountaintop bars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Top things to do in Athens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those who want to learn more about Athens\u2019 ancient past than the typical Acropolis tour allows, visit the Acropolis Museum<\/a> \u2013 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 \u2013 a village continuously inhabited from the 4th<\/sup> millennium BC to 12th<\/sup> century AD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Acropolis Museum is a mecca for archaeology enthusiasts. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Culture vultures can explore Athens\u2019 art scene at the \u0395\u039c\u03a3\u03a4<\/a>, the national museum for contemporary art. Housed in the former brewery of one of Greece\u2019s best-known beers, FIX, this cool space houses 21st<\/sup>-century art, sculpture and political commentary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If walking tours are more your speed, take a stroll around the vine-covered Plaka neighborhood \u2013 as Athens\u2019 oldest \u2018hood, you\u2019ll 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<\/em> (spoon sweet).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Athens’s Plaka neighborhood is a maze of narrow, pastel-colored streets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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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\u2019s well-heeled. If the sea\u2019s too cold, dip into Lake Vouliagmeni \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n Related blog<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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\n Greek phrases and words you should know before your trip to Greece <\/h2>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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2. Nightlife in Athens<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When the sun goes down, catch the view from Lykavittos (Lykabettus) Hill, central Athens\u2019 highest point at 908 feet above sea level. Those who don\u2019t fancy the pine-lined walk up can take the funicular: either way, you\u2019ll find a beautiful, blue-roofed chapel and a fabulous bar to drink Aperol spritzes in at the top, framed by a fiery Aegean sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lykavittos Hill is Athens’s highest viewpoint, and the perfect setting for a refreshing sundowner. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Head to one of Athens\u2019 outdoor cinemas to experience a favorite summer pastime: outdoor cinemas. There are around 65 al fresco screens to choose from: Dexameni<\/a>, on the base of Lykavittos, opened in 1905 and offers an island vibe with whitewashed steps and reasonably priced drinks, while Cin\u00e9 Aigli<\/a> near the Botanic Gardens offers a grander atmosphere and views of the Acropolis. Don\u2019t worry \u2013 movies are mostly in English with Greek subtitles, but check the schedule before you visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re 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\u2019s 50 Best Bars<\/a> list \u2013 embark on a bar crawl to taste some truly exotic cocktails, from tonka bean-infused negronis to tsipouro-spiked gimlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t usually come on until after midnight, but with traditional dancing, powerful vocals and flower-throwing, it\u2019s worth the tiredness the next day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n <\/i><\/span>\n Go on tour<\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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Best of Greece<\/p>\n\t\t\t
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