Here’s a list of the top 8 things to do in Athens, Greece during your first visit.
Athens, Greece is a spectacular city that’ll transport you back to ancient Greece with its many ruins from temples and theaters found all over the city.
Known for its historic landmarks and delicious Greek food, Athens is sure to give you an unforgettable trip!
Continue reading for the 8 top things to do in Athens Greece during your first visit.,
What To Know Before You Go
Language – Greek is the official language in Greece. However, English is often spoken especially in touristy areas like Athens.
Currency – Greece’s currency is Euros (EUR).
1 USD~ .93 EUR
Climate- Athens has a Mediterranean climate with warm long summers that begin in June to September with an average temperature of 85ºF. The hottest month is July with an average temperature of 91ºF and a low of 73ºF. The winter months are from mid-November through mid-March with an average high of 62ºF.
Safety- Athens is a very popular tourist destination in Greece which means it is relatively safe. However, pickpocketing is a major issue all over Europe. I would recommend keeping an eye on your belongings at all times, especially phones and purses, and when using public transit or walking around tourist areas.
Daily Budget- I would budget around 50€ to 65€ including food, attractions, and accommodations (a hostel). Food is relatively affordable, you should be spending around 40€ a day on food. Breakfast and lunch prices are cheaper (~10€) compared to dinner prices (20-25€). If you want to upgrade to more comfortable accommodations I would add another 100/200€ per day.
8 Top Things To Do In Athens, Greece
Climb to the Acropolis And Visit The Archeological Sites
One of Athens (and even the world’s) most visited and magnificent archeological sites! An ancient citadel situated on top of a hill containing ancient remains that date back to the Bronze Ages. It is a breathtaking landmark with architectural and historical significance that will transport you back to Ancient Greece! Though most of the actual artifacts or in the Acropolis Museum it is still a magnificent experience! And breathtaking views of Athens from above!
The Acropolis is open year-round and located in the heart of Athens. Tickets are available at the entrance, though in the high peak season, the line to purchase tickets can be a long wait. You can purchase tickets here to skip the line and get an audio tour. Or if you want to go to all 7 archeological sites (Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Zeus, Aristotle’s School, Hadrian’s Library, and Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery) located throughout Athens, I recommend going to the other sites as there is usually no line and buy tickets for all the sites including the Acropolis without having to wait in a long line.
If you purchase all 7 archaeological sites, the ticket is around 35 euros and you have 2 days to see all the sites which I highly recommend doing!
Tip: wear comfortable shoes, especially if you are walking up to the Acropolis!
Another helpful tip: go to Underdog for brunch before heading up to the Acropolis!! Delicious food will give you fuel to climb up the hill to see the marvelous Acropolis.
Shop in Plaka
Plaka is a tourist hub- with its narrow cobbled stone streets filled with jewelry, clothes, and souvenir shops! It is a great area to wander about in its small streets, shop locally, and stumble upon family-owned cafes/ restaurants! It is known to be one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens and you can even come across some of the ruins such as the popular Roman Agora.
TIP: If you’re big into jewelry and want to buy something to remember Athens by, I recommend stumbling into a jewelry shop. They have all sorts of jewelry that can also make for a great gift! Also, check out Brettos Bar located in Plaka. It is known to be the oldest bar in all of Athens!
Monastiraki Square
Located in the heart of Athens, Monastiraki Square is a popular meeting spot for both locals and tourists. With its proximity to the metro station, shops, restaurants, and Athens’s major tourist areas Monastiraki Square is a can’t miss spot!
TIP: Be aware of pickpockets here, as it is a busy, chaotic tourist area.
Grab a Drink in Psyri
Psyri (Psiri) is one of the trendiest and up-and-coming neighborhoods in Athens. It has several bars, cafes, and restaurants to choose from that will surely make a memorable night! Check out Hero’s Square located in the heart of Psyri which is surrounded by bars and restaurants at night there is live music and the atmosphere is lively.
Indulge In Something Sweet At Little Kook
Located in Psyri, Little Kook is a whimsical Alice and Wonderland theme dessert restaurant that gives off a Disneyland feel. The street where Little Kook is located is full of decorations and it is worth seeing especially if you are traveling with children! Though their desserts are overpriced it is still worth walking around and taking in the ambiance of the alleyway where Little Kook is tucked away.
Syntagma Square aka Constitution Square
The square is adjacent to the Hellenic Parliament which was built as the Royal Palace to be home to the first king of Greece, King Otto. Across the Hellenic Parliament is situated the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier where Presidential Guards protect the tomb. You can see the changing of the guards every hour on the dot!
Syntagma is a historical public location where many protests take place along with festivals and concerts!
TIP: Go to Thea Terrace Bar for amazing views and food!
Shop down Ermou Street
Located at the bottom of Syntagma Square, Ermou Street is popular for its big store brand names like H&M, Zara, and Bershka to name a few. It is a pedestrian-only street where you can leisurely get some shopping done. You’ll also come across the small church of Kapnikarea situated in the middle of the street where you can take a break and sit on the stone walls that surround the church. As you head down Ermou Street you’ll reach back to Monastiraki Square where you can do more shopping in the alleyways filled with local shops.
Take a Free Walking Tour of Athens
One of the best ways to see Athens and its main points of interest is by doing a free walking tour. Usually guided by a local, these walking tours give you a great introduction to Athens along with learning some rich history the city is most known for. Though they are free, you usually leave a tip at the end of the tour which may last around 2 hours. The great thing about these “free walking tours” is that you decide how much you think the tour was worth and you get a local’s perspective of Athens. I highly suggest doing this to grasp a better understanding of all of Athen’s (adj) history. Here are some free walking tours t check out –
https://www.athens-free-tour.com/about-us
https://www.guruwalk.com/athens?listing_page=true&origen=search
https://www.athensfreewalkingtour.com/book-now/
Greek Cuisine to try out
- Souvlaki – grilled meat, a traditional Athens meal
- Gyros- classic grab-and-go meal
- Baklava – a filo pastry with nuts and honey, this thing is to die for
- Try Loukoumades – traditional donuts
- Tzatziki – a creamy tangy sauce made out of yogurt and olive oil
- Dolmades – minced meat and rice wrapped in pine leaf
Final Thoughts
Athens is one of those cities that will leave you falling in love with the culture, food, and people. Though it’s a very popular city attracting many tourist year round, Athens Greece is famous for a reason. With many archaeological sites, museums, restaurants, and local shops to see you’ll never find a dull moment in Athens!
I had an exceptional time, not to mention the cuisine! Athens is a very walkable city, not once did I use public transit and I found the locals to be very friendly! I highly recommend Athens Greece for an unforgettable trip, especially if you were a Percy Jackson fan growing up!
I hope these top 8 things to do in Athens Greece helped plan and make the most of your trip!