Things To Do In Athens

Here are some of the most interesting things to do in Athens.

1. Climbing to the hilltops

The city of Athens is blessed with a diverse topography and thus has a number of hills which can be climbed up for a brilliant view from up there – from the pretty city on the land to the azure blue of the sea. One can take an entire day of hiking in Athens to enjoy climbing the different peaks the city has to offer. Other than the main Acropolis Hill, there is also the Filopappou Hill which overlooks the port of Piraeus. Vrahakia is the summit of the Areopagus Hill at the entrance of Acropolis. But the highlight of the trekking adventure would be up to the Lycabettus Hill, the highest peak in Athens. It looks over the entire city of blues and beiges. Heavenly is the word to describe how it looks from the top of Lycabettus Hill during sunset. It is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things to do around Athens.

2. See changing of the guards at Syntagma Square

The central Syntagma Square, dotted with numerous shops, outdoor cafes, and diners, also hosts a military performance by the Evzones – a ceremonial unit of Greek military. At the strike of every hour, a new unit comes down from Vasilissis Sofias Avenue from their barracks on Irodou Attikou and releases the previous guards from their posts. The manner in which they perform the march resembles an intricate form of performing arts and is witnessing it with the crowds is a fun thing to do in Athens. The show is a bigger one on every Sunday at 11 am.

3. Scuba diving and shipwreck diving along the Aegean Sea

Although not the most popular activities, water sports in Athens is certainly a rewarding one. The crystal blue of the Aegean Sea across the Attica Peninsula hides stretches of coral reefs and shipwrecks to explore. The Kalypso Reef in Saronida and the shipwrecks of SS Portugal and Apollonia II in Makronisos Island are a couple of popular spots. The beaches in Marousi, Varkiza, and Lagonisi have good places for scuba diving in Athens. Cape Sounion, known for the Temple of Poseidon is also among the top in the list.

4. Meet the poet-shoemaker Stavros Melissinos

The writer of many published poems and maker of Grecian sandals, Stavros Melissinos, is a legend of Athens. Meeting him in his small shoe shop, across Monastiraki Square would be the most unusual thing to do in Athens, Greece but you will regret it later if you don’t. His best-known work “The Rubaiyat” is taught at American and European universities, and his sandals have been worn by many Hollywood superstars. Who would not like to buy a sandal that even John Lennon had loved?

5. Taking a walk in Plaka

Not every activity has to be something exciting. Plaka in the Acropolis area is the oldest neighborhood in Athens. One can roam through the streets of Plaka shaded by colorful buildings and flower plants, do some shopping in Athens from the kitschy boutique shops, have a drink at the outdoor cafes, watch an outdoor movie at Cine Paris or take a glimpse of the old churches here and there. Walking in Plaka is your own time to spend in whichever way you like.