Photo: Contiki
Athens isn’t just a city. It’s an open-air time machine where ancient ruins, buzzing neighbourhoods, and modern café culture collide. Looking for the best things to do in Athens? From visiting the Acropolis to chilling in hidden streets of Anafiotika, here’s your complete, action-packed itinerary for exploration and inspiration.
1. See the ruins of the Acropolis
The ultimate Greece attraction that has towered over the city for 2,000+ years. Sure, the Parthenon steals the show, but stroll past temples of Athena and Dionysus, and take in sweeping city views. The climb’s steep – so grab water and go early. Visiting the Acropolis is more than sightseeing, it’s a pilgrimage into the heart of what to see in Athens, and of course, one of the best things to do in Athens.
2. Explore the Acropolis Museum
Right at the foot of the hill, the Acropolis Museum blends ancient artefacts with sleek, modern design. You can marvel at statues and friezes that once adorned the Acropolis, and stare into ruins beneath a glass floor. Oh, and don’t skip the rooftop café – it’s perfect for pairing your Greek coffee with a view of the Parthenon.
Image source:Contiki
3. Walk through the Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora was Athens’ old hub of culture, commerce, and debate. Wander the grounds, visit the Stoa of Attalos museum, and linger at the beautifully preserved Temple of Hephaestus. It’s less crowded than the Acropolis, letting you soak in Athenian history at your own pace.
4. Discover the Roman Agora
Less grand but full of charm, the Roman Agora reveals how Greeks met Rome. The star? The Tower of the Winds – an ancient marble clocktower that once combined sundials and weather instruments. Perfect for lovers of small yet quirky points of interest in Athens.
5. Admire the Temple of Hephaestus
Hidden inside the Ancient Agora, this gem is one of the world’s best-preserved temples (and a must visit one on your trip to Greece). Dedicated to the god of craftsmanship, you can practically feel the details of its Doric columns. It’s quieter, photogenic, and a smart detour for what to see in Athens beyond the beaten track.
6. Watch the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square
At Syntagma Square, catch the iconic changing of the guard by Evzones in front of the Greek Parliament. It’s both solemn and mesmerizing. Plus, it’s a major metro station and public transport hub. Perfect to kick off your city explorations with ease.
Image source:Contiki
7. Escape into the National Garden
Just steps from Syntagma, the National Garden is your leafy reset button. Meander past ponds, shady walkways, a mini zoo, and remnants of history. It’s a peaceful antidote to archaeological fatigue – and one of the best things to do in Athens if you wanna soak in Greek nature without leaving the city.
8. Climb Lycabettus Hill for epic views
Get a dose of Olympian-level views from Lycabettus Hill – a 300-meter climb or funicular ride up. At the top, the chapel, café, and sunset vista are unbeatable. On a clear day (possibly in September – one of the best times to visit Greece), you can see the sea the way only the Greeks did. Pure Athens magic.
Image source:Contiki
9. Shop and people-watch at Monastiraki Square
One of the busiest points of interest in Athens, Monastiraki Square is all energy. Think flea markets, street food, and nonstop views of the Acropolis. Grab a frappe, take in the hustle, and then dip into Varvakios Central Market for a foodie’s delight. Oh, and here’s a tipping guide you’ll find useful.
10. Wander the colourful streets of Plaka
The storybook alleys of Plaka – cobbled, sun-kissed, and blooming – are often called “the neighborhood of Gods” Think bougainvillaea, pastel architecture, and the most beautiful tavernas around every corner. Want a primer? Check out our Greek street food guide before diving in.
Image source:Contiki
11. Stumble upon Anafiotika’s hidden island vibes
Tucked above Plaka, Anafiotika feels like a mini Cycladic island dropped into the city. White houses, blue doors, flowering lanes – it’s a tranquil, photogenic escape that proves Athens’ surprises never stop.
12. Run a lap at the Panathenaic Stadium
AKA the marble marvel where the first modern Olympics took place. Panathenaic Stadium is both a monument and a chance to sprint history. Jog a lap or just climb the stands. There isn’t a more iconic spot to get those miles in.
13. Snap a photo at Hadrian’s Arch & Library
Built in 131 AD, Hadrian’s Arch marks the divide between the old and new Athens. Its stance near the Temple of Olympian Zeus makes it a great quick stop – and a striking reminder of the city’s blending eras. One of the best things to see in Athens? For sure.
14. Step back in time at Kerameikos Cemetery
Off the beaten path, Kerameikos is an atmospheric cemetery with funerary monuments and olive groves that feel frozen in time. Quiet, reflective, and rich in history, an underrated Athens attraction with a strong heartbeat.
15. Taste your way through the Central Market
Varvakios Agora, Athens’ Central Market, is a sensory overload in the best way. Fish, spices, olives – raw, local, and lively. Grab a bite at a tucked-in eatery and get to know the real city through its flavours, it’s one of THE best things to do in Athens if you’re a goodie and foodie lover.
16. Explore the nightlife in Psiri District
By day, Psiri is full of street art and quirky cafés. By night, it’s the kind of place where live music, friendly locals, and bars spilling onto the streets come alive. Explore this creative enclave for Athens’ young and local energy.
Image source:Marco Montero Pisano / unsplash
Are 3 days enough in Athens?
Three days in Athens? Totally doable. You’ll have time to tick off all the epic things to do in Athens – see the Acropolis, wander through Plaka’s charming streets, and grab a gyro or two along the way. Add a few hidden gems, a sunset viewpoint, and maybe a museum or two, and you’ve got the perfect intro to Greece’s capital.
