Athens, often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, is a unique city full of gems and archaeological sites to explore; however, besides monuments, Athens is a fun and vivid city that offers a huge array of adventures for every taste!
Athens is your go-to destination if you want to satisfy your wanderlust and explore a unique blend of culture, history, and vibrant energy.
If you can’t wait to live your trip to the fullest, keep reading our guide as we unveil 10 cool things to do in Athens!
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Athens is a unique city steeped in history, where the past meets the present, forming an amalgam of extraordinary beauty.
It offers a plethora of fascinating experiences of a lifetime, and that’s why we’ve created a well-curated list, in case you might be a little overwhelmed.
Let’s start with no other than Acropolis.
1) Explore the iconic Acropolis
If it’s your first time visiting Athens, then you should definitely explore the iconic Acropolis, home to ancient ruins like the Parthenon.
Since it’s a unique landmark, you should expect big crowds, especially at midday, and that’s why it’s advisable to book in advance.
At an altitude of 157 meters, the view from the top is breathtaking!
Near the Acropolis’s ancient ruins is the Acropolis Museum, an archeological museum that houses the artifacts found on the Acropolis and its surrounding slopes.
The operating hours for the Acropolis Museum are as follows:
Winter season (1 November – 31 March):
- Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. (Last entry: 4:30 p.m.)
- Friday: 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. (Last entry: 9:30 p.m.)
- Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. (Last entry: 7:30 p.m.)
Summer Season (1 April – 31 October):
- Monday: 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. (Last entry: 4:30 p.m.)
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. (Last entry: 7:30 p.m.)
- Friday: 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. (Last entry: 9:30 p.m.)
Ticket prices to enter the Acropolis Museum:
- Winter season (1 November – 31 March):
General admission: 10,00 €
- Summer Season (1 April – 31 October):
General admission: 15,00 €
Ticket prices to the Acropolis site and surrounding slopes are as follows:
- Winter season (1 November – 31 March):
General admission: 10,00 €
- Summer Season (1 April – 31 October):
General admission: 20,00 €
The operating hours for the Acropolis site and surrounding slopes are as follows:
From 1st of November until 31 of March 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Last entrance to the site at 4:30 p.m.)
Address: Acropolis of Athens, Athens 105 58
2) Stroll through the National Garden of Athens
The National Garden of Athens (formerly known as the Royal Garden) is a public park spanning 38 acres in the heart of the Greek capital, Athens.
Situated between the neighborhoods of Kolonaki and Pagrati, is a serene green oasis in the heart of the city, where visitors can enjoy greenery, walk among trees, and explore its various paths.
The operating hours of the garden may vary depending on the season.
Typically, the garden is open to the public during daylight hours.
Address: Athens National Garden, Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athina 105 57
3) Indulge in delicious Greek cuisine at local tavernas in Plaka
The old historical neighborhood of Athens, Plaka, is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens, incorporating unique neoclassical architecture.
During your time there you can savor delicious dishes, indulging in traditional Greek cuisine at local tavernas.
You can try traditional dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and Greek salads; after all, Greek dishes are the epitome of Mediterranean cuisine!
4) Discover the picturesque neighborhood of Anafiotika
The area of Anafiotika is located on the upper side of the Plaka neighborhood.
Constructed by builders from the island of Anafi (hence the name), this little corner of Athens looks incredibly out of place with the rest of the city.
Strolling through the tiny pathways of Anafiotika, surrounded by whitewashed windows and blue-roofed houses, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to some Greek island!
5) Shop at the bustling Monastiraki flea market
If you want to hunt for unique souvenirs, antiques, and local crafts, then the bustling Monastiraki flea market is a unique place to find unique bargains.
On Sundays, traders bring tables and carpets and sell all kinds of stuff from junk to antiques.
If time is on your side, then you might find some treasure troves, like vintage clothing and magazines to mid-century furniture.
Address: Monastiraki Flea Market, Ifestou, Athens 105 55
6) Climb Philopappos Hill
Philopappos Hill, also known as Filopappou Hill, is a significant historic site located southwest of the Acropolis and is part of the larger area known as the Hills of the Muses.
If you are ready for a unique backpacking experience, then you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to hike up Philopappos Hill for panoramic views of Athens and the Acropolis.
The hill is accessible by foot, and there are walking trails leading to the top.
At the top of Philopappos Hill, you’ll find the Philopappos Monument, an ancient Greek mausoleum and monument that was built in 114-116 AD.
Address: Filopappou Hill, Athens 117 41
7) Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Athens and go back in time
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens houses an extensive collection of artifacts from ancient Greece, spanning several millennia.
During your time there, you can explore permanent art collections and temporary exhibitions.
The permanent art collection houses artifacts from a vast span of Greek history, covering the prehistoric period to late antiquity.
Opening times:
November 1st – March 31st
- Tuesday: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- From Wednesday until Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
April 1st – October 31st
- Tuesday: 1 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- From Wednesday to Monday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Ticket prices:
- From April 1st until October 31st: 12€
- From November 1st until March 31st: 6€
Address: 44 Patission Street, Athens 10682
8) Visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a cultural complex located in the municipality of Kallithea, Attica.
This stunning center was designed by architect Renzo Piano and hosts concerts, exhibitions, and outdoor activities.
It houses various facilities, including the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, making it a significant landmark in Athens.
Plus, It’s surrounded by a beautiful big park which is a perfect spot to relax.
Address: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Syggrou Avenue 364, 17674 Kallithea
9) Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Witnessing the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek Parliament building is a unique experience if you plan to visit Syntagma Square.
Two guards are always in residence there, dressed in traditional Evzone costumes, not moving from their positions protecting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Only when it’s time to change guards, do they start to march in perfectly choreographed synchronicity, kicking their legs high.
10) Visit the Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is a remarkable multi-purpose stadium in Athens that was primarily constructed for the Panathenaic Games.
The Panathenaic Stadium is world-renowned because it is the only stadium built entirely of marble.
Nowadays, it remains a symbol of ancient and modern athletic excellence and serves as the finishing point for the annual Athens Classic Marathon.
So, make sure to include it on your bucket list and not miss the chance to explore this historic marvel!
Opening hours:
- March – October: 8 a.m. – 7:00 pm
- November – February: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ticket prices:
- General Admission: 10 €
- Disabled visitors and the person accompanying them: free admission
- Children up to the age of 6: free admission
- Students: 5 €
Getting Around Athens
Getting around Athens is relatively easy, as the city has a well-developed transportation system.
Some of the most common transportation options for getting around Athens are the metro, bus, tram, and taxis.
Athens has a modern and efficient metro system with three lines (green, red, and blue) that connect key areas of the city.
For instance, you can use the metro (Line 3) to get from Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to the city center.
Moreover, Athens has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city, reaching areas that are not served by the metro.
Apart from the options above, a traveler can use the tram that connects the city center with the coastal suburbs or can go for a more convenient yet more pricey option which is taking a taxi.
If you’ve come this far you might wonder what will happen with your luggage, if it’s to explore all of these magnificent places to the fullest.
Dragging around your heavy bags with you isn’t a piece of cake.
So, let’s see right away how to store your luggage in Athens!
How to Store Your Luggage in Athens
A pain point that travelers often have to deal with is finding a safe place to store their bags in Athens while immersing themselves in the cool adventures we mentioned earlier.
That’s where we’re stepping in!
At Stasher, we’ve partnered with hotels, cafes, hostels, and local shops, in over 890 cities worldwide to cater to the needs of every traveler, looking to safely store their luggage for a few hours or days.
Let’s walk you through the simple step-by-step process of how to store your bags in Athens with the help of Stasher.
After selecting Athens, you need to choose the date or dates and the amount of bags that you’ll carry with you.
Next, all you have to do is press the search button and a map will be presented to you along with the available nearby hotels, Airbnbs, shops, etc.
Moving on, you can choose the desired place to store your bags (we call them “Stashpoints”) and then press the “book” button.
Up next, it’s time for your checkout; move forward with your payment and you are good to go!
Quite simple, right?
Stasher is super easy to use and store your bags and you can book a location either through our platform or app (Android or iOS) in under 2 minutes!
Go ahead and give it a go yourself in the interactive demo below.
At this point, if you feel that Stasher is the best fit for you, you can simply head over to our homepage or download our app for Android or iOS, and store your luggage anywhere with Stasher!
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