Things to do in Athens

Activities, attractions and tours

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

1. Acropolis

The Acropolis, the “sacred rock” of Athens, is recognizable from the air, various viewpoints in the city, or from the history books of your childhood. It’s a worldwide symbol of the Golden Age of ancient Greek civilization. Here, you’ll find major portions of Doric temples and other architectural masterpieces, as well as the remnants of sculptures and carvings from the 5th century B.C.
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Acropolis which includes forest scenes, heritage elements and mountains

2. Syntagma Square

There’s always plenty going on at Syntagma (Constitution) Square, in the center of Athens. Walk up the marble steps and take a seat at one of the cafes to people watch, or go see the changing of the guard in front of the Greek Parliament. Pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and experience the pride that the locals have in their heritage.
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Syntagma Square featuring street scenes, an administrative building 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 stands in the historic area of Makrygianni just to the south-east of the Parthenon. Construction was finally completed in 2007 - more than 30 years after it was originally conceived. Architects from around the world competed to design this modern structure with over 150,000 square feet (14,000 square meters) of exhibit space. That’s ten times more space than was in the old museum on the hill of the Acropolis.
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New Acropolis Museum featuring a city as well as a large group of people

5. Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympeion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, is an impressive ruined temple in central Athens. It’s located less than half a mile (700 meters) to the south of Syntagma Square. Stand in awe of the towering columns that still remain from this temple which was built in ancient times to pay homage to the father of all the Olympian gods.
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Temple of Olympian Zeus showing building ruins and heritage architecture

What to do in Athens

Popular places to visit

Port of Piraeus

Port of Piraeus

4/5(122 reviews)

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 which includes forest scenes, heritage elements and mountains

Acropolis

4.5/5(314 reviews)

The ancient Greek city rises like a phoenix from the city center of modern Athens, lighting up at night in splendid glory.

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

Syntagma Square

4/5(261 reviews)

This square was built in ancient times and remains at the center of political and social activity in modern Athens.

Syntagma Square
Parthenon

Parthenon

4.5/5(410 reviews)

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
New Acropolis Museum which includes a city

Acropolis Museum

4.5/5(331 reviews)

This modern museum is labor of love that has taken decades to complete and accommodates millions of visitors each year.

Acropolis Museum
Ermou Street

Ermou Street

4/5(14 reviews)

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

4/5(54 reviews)

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 showing building ruins and heritage architecture

Temple of Olympian Zeus

4.5/5(388 reviews)

Stand at the foot of towering columns which honor the father of all Olympic gods at this 1st Century temple.

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

Monastiraki Flea Market

4/5(352 reviews)

From souvenirs and oddities to artisan craft and Greek pastries, this buzzing flea market is a great place to experience the local culture.

Monastiraki Flea Market

Areas of Athens

Academy of Athens featuring 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 featuring dining out, night scenes 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 which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and building ruins

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 showing 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
Vouliagmeni

Vouliagmeni

Palaio Faliro

Palaio Faliro

National Library of Greece which includes an administrative building, heritage architecture and street scenes

Kallithea

Photo by C J West

Keratsini-Drapetsona

Photo by Billie B20

Chalandri

Photo by Kelly S

Peristeri

Filothei-Psychiko

Filothei-Psychiko

Photo by Ritsa Karametou

Vyronas

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.