Things to do in Athens

Activities, attractions and tours

Acropolis showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and night scenes
Monastiraki Flea Market which includes street scenes, a city and a square or plaza
Athens
Temple of Hephaestos featuring a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture
Athens which includes markets, street scenes and signage
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Top places to visit

1. Acropolis

The Acropolis dominates the modern skyline of Athens, reminding visitors of the city’s ancient past at every turn. Its architectural masterpieces date from the 5th century BC, crowned by the elegant columns of the Temple of Athena Nike and the world-famous Parthenon.
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Acropolis showing a small town or village, mountains and heritage elements

2. Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) is one of the busiest locations in Athens, not least because it is the hub of the public transport system. Buses, trolley buses, trams and the metro disgorge passengers night and day into the city centre, from where it’s a short walk to the Acropolis and all the most popular tourist attractions as well as the entertainment and shopping districts.
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Syntagma Square featuring an administrative building, street scenes and a city

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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4. Acropolis Museum

The new Acropolis Museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of artefacts from classical antiquity in an award-winning building representing the pinnacle of modern architectural imagination and creativity.
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Acropolis Museum showing a city as well as a large group of people

5. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Just to the south of Syntagma Square stands one of central Athens' most impressive ruins. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, sometimes known as the Olympeion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, was built in honour of the father of the Olympian gods. Of its original 104 Corinthian columns, only fifteen remain standing today. However they still give a powerful impression of the awe-inspiring scale of this massive building.
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Temple of Olympian Zeus which includes building ruins and heritage architecture

What to do in Athens

Popular places to visit

Port of Piraeus

Port of Piraeus

Explore the waterfront in Athens with a trip to Port of Piraeus. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Port of Piraeus
Acropolis showing a small town or village, mountains and heritage elements

Acropolis

The crowning glory of Athens is one of the surviving masterpieces of Greece’s Golden Age.

Acropolis
Syntagma Square featuring an administrative building, street scenes and a city

Syntagma Square

This ancient square is the beating heart of modern-day Athens as well as the city’s main transport hub.

Syntagma Square
Parthenon

Parthenon

Step back in time and explore the ancient myths etched into the walls of the largest Doric temple in Greece, originally dedicated to the warrior goddess Athena.

Parthenon
Acropolis Museum featuring a city

Acropolis Museum

This stunning new museum on Athens’ ancient hill has become one of the city’s most visited attractions.

Acropolis Museum
Ermou Street

Ermou Street

During your trip to Athens, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Ermou Street. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Ermou Street
Glyfada's Second Beach

Glyfada's Second Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Glyfada's Second Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Glyfada. Amble around this family-friendly area's seaside and enjoy its lively bars.

Glyfada's Second Beach
Temple of Olympian Zeus which includes building ruins and heritage architecture

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Pay homage to the father of the gods at this famous Athens landmark which took seven hundred years to build.

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Monastiraki Flea Market featuring street scenes, food and markets

Monastiraki Flea Market

This lively area of shops, stalls and eateries is a dream come true for lovers of fun, food and fashion.

Monastiraki Flea Market

Areas of Athens

Academy of Athens showing heritage architecture, an administrative building and heritage elements

Athens City Centre

4.5/5(483 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Athens City Centre. Top attractions like Syntagma Square and Acropolis are major draws. Catch the metro at Panepistimio Station or Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Athens City Centre
Plaka which includes night scenes, dining out and street scenes

Plaka

4.5/5(120 area reviews)

Enjoy this historical Athens hub that offers extensive shopping and dining, intermingled with ancient attractions such as the library of Adrianos.

Plaka
Athens featuring a ruin, heritage architecture and heritage elements

Monastiraki

4.5/5(90 area reviews)

Monastiraki is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Monastiraki Square and Ermou Street, and you can get around town on the metro at Monastiraki Station.

Monastiraki
Syntagma Square which includes a city

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.

Syntagma
Mount Lycabettus which includes a city and mountains

Kolonaki

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Benaki Museum while getting to know Kolonaki, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Aristippou Station or Evangelismos Station to see more of the area.

Kolonaki
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Psirri

3.5/5(67 area reviews)

Psirri is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Athens Central Market or Omonoia Square.

Psirri

 

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Piraeus

Piraeus

Photo by C J West

Keratsini-Drapetsona

Spata-Artemida

Spata-Artemida

Voula

Voula

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 holiday 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 neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, 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 kilometres from the centre, and Makrigianni, which is roughly 2 kilometres 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 holidaying 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 neighbourhoods 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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