The vibrant city of Athens is a dream destination for many owing to the fact that there are so many things to do in Athens. Famous for its rich cultural heritage, shopping sites, delicious food, and happening nightlife, Athens never fails to surprise travelers. You need not worry about what to do in Athens, as there is a lot that awaits you in this beautiful and interesting city.
Top 15 Things To Do In Athens
There are both touristy and non touristy things to do in Athens. Here’s what all you can do in this attractive city.
1. Lake Vouliagmeni
One of the internationally acclaimed things to do in Athens, Greece is to visit this lake located in the suburbs of Athens approximately 25 km from the city center. It is popular for its waters that have therapeutic value and 24°C of temperature year-round. There is a quaint cafe nearby where you can gorge on scrumptious meals and a playground where children can enjoy.
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2. Street Dancing Milonga
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Do Cha-Cha-Cha on the streets! 8 years ago, an Athenian couple fond of Tango placed a portable stereo in Ermou and started dancing in the street. Gradually, their friends followed their steps and the troupe kept increasing in size. Now, each Monday, a “Street Dancing Milonga” is organized where people from every age come together with their dancing shoes on. This is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Athens at night.
3. Benizelou Mansion
Tour the oldest surviving residence! Surviving even today, the Benizelou Mansion from the times of the Ottoman empire belonged initially to an aristocratic family of Revoula Benizelou, who renounced her life and became a nun to be finally canonized. The house is also known as St Filothei, the Athenian on the name of the nun. It is a museum today and gives an Old Greek feeling to tourists via its audio and video screenings, and interactive digital applications for kids.
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4. Lost Statues Of Knossos Escape Room
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Try an Escape Game if you like adventure! Escape Games are evolving into a very interesting concept around the world. One of the most popular things to do in Athens is to visit the Lost Statues of Knossos escape room where you can spend a good number of hours with your their friends trying to solve tricky riddles and escaping the room. This is one of the top adventure things to do in Athens.
5. My City My Sounds tour
This is definitely one of the most interesting things to do in Athens. Try this guided walk where your smartphone is your only guide helping you all the way through! Just install the free application My City My Sounds and download the English version to playback a soundtrack containing narrations, interviews and even noises on the streets of Athens.
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6. Pandrossou Market
This flea market is unlike any you have ever seen. Visit on a Sunday when hawkers from the hills set out their blankets and sell all sorts of wacky stuff. If this scene appears a little too crowded for your liking, you can just sit in the cafes overlooking the ancient agora for some quiet times. The highlight is the street musicians and stores selling fur around the street.
7. Al Hammam
If you are thinking about what to do in Athens, Greece, you should consider visiting ‘Al Hammam’, the traditional bathhouse in Plaka. Lay down on the warm marble to relax in the hands of experts equipped with ‘aketse’ (a special sponge for exfoliation) and natural olive oil soap. It’s the best place for a soothing massage and head wash and there are special packages for couples.
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8. Diomedes Gardens
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One of the best things to do in Athens is visiting the Diomedes Botanical Gardens. It is a 18.6-hectare oasis and houses about 500 species of flora along with more than 2,500 plants from around the world. The plants are segregated into ornamental, medicinal, aromatic, and historic types. If you are looking for things to do in Athens with kids, then go for a picnic in the Diomedes Gardens.
9. Plaka
If you are looking for fun things to do in Athens, Greece, you should consider walking through the oldest neighborhood in Athens, the Plaka. The best time to visit Plaka is early in the evening when one can attend workshops and browse through hundreds of shops. The Plaka also houses the nicest restaurants in Athens with traditional Greek food, amongst the best things to do in Athens.
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10. Open-air Cinema
Watch a movie under the stars! One of the most popular Athens Greece things to do is to go to an open-air cinema and watch a movie with traditional Greek snacks in hand, homemade spoon sweets, gourmet Greek fish roe (avgotaraho), wine, and fiery tsipouro. Cine Paris is also a great place where one can catch fascinating views of the Acropolis. Don’t you think watching a movie under the stars with your partner is one of the romantic things to do in Athens.
11. Acropolis
If you are looking for things to do in Athens in 2 days, then you should consider climbing the Acropolis. This is one of the most popular attractions here and therefore one is advised to visit the place early in the morning. It opens around 8 am which is the perfect time to explore it. One can also take a cruise, and Acropolis is usually a part of the cruise tours. One can also join a private walking tour here to learn about the history of this famous attraction.
12. Edem Beach
If you are a beach bum and looking for a beach destination, then Athens might not be your top choice. But there are some of the best beaches close to Athens, which are just a few hours drive away. One of these beaches is Edem Beach. It is a pretty beach to relax and unwind. Head here for a day trip from Athens, and enjoy the pristine sea views. There are other beautiful beaches too in Greece, for those who want an exclusive beach vacay!
13. Street Art Tour
One of the most interesting things to do in Athens is to take a street art tour. One can either opt for a tour which is given by a street artist or explore Athens on one’s own and find these artistic treasures. Coming across street art is Athens is quite easy as it has a common culture of graffiti and modern street art. Lose yourself to the vibrant street colors when in Athens. Plaka area has the most interesting street art here.
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14. Benaki Museum
The Benaki Museum, located in Athens, Greece, was established in 1930. It is a great place for history buffs and art lovers. It houses priceless works of Greek art dating back to the prehistoric times to the modern day. There are timely exhibitions too that take place here at the museum. People who enjoy cultural experiences should definitely visit the Benaki Museum. Other than art there are aesthetic sculptures, and other documents dating too the prehistoric times too housed here.
15. Monastiraki Square
No trip is complete unless one shops for local items and gets back quirky souvenirs. So, here is another neighborhood in Athens to explore, if shopping is on your mind. Monastiraki is a flea market neighborhood and has some boutique stores and souvenir shops. Do not forget to bargain, while shopping here. Put your skills to the best use! Have a great time collecting unique trinkets at this flea market square.
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We bet you didn’t know there were so many enthralling things to do in Athens! It has been living in the shadow of popular overcrowded tourist destinations for too long now. Book a trip to Greece at once and experience the never-ending charm of this fabulous place on Earth.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Athens
What can you do for free in Athens?
One can visit the National Garden for free, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from Filopappou Hill, among many other interesting activities.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
