In Athens, you immerse yourself in the world of Ancient Greeks, wander through the charming Plaka neighborhood, and enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop bar. While Athens may not have an overwhelming number of attractions, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for two to three full days. It’s a great city for a weekend getaway or a relaxed start to your Greece itinerary. Here, we share our tips for the most enjoyable sights, cool hotspots, and comfortable accommodations in Athens.
What to Do in Athens?
The following sights and activities are worth experiencing during your city trip to Athens.
Explore Plaka, the Oldest Neighborhood of Athens.
Plaka is the most picturesque neighborhood in Athens and also the most touristy part of the city. It’s a labyrinth of charming streets, squares, churches, small shops, and restaurants. The entire neighborhood is enjoyable to wander through, but the most beautiful part of Plaka is Anafiotika. This is the oldest section of Plaka located at the foot of the Acropolis. Walk through the narrow white alleyways with colorful front doors and numerous flowerpots. This is where you’ll capture the most beautiful photos!
Recommended: Be sure to stop by Yiasemi to enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious meal. This cafe is located at the coziest spot in Plaka, along a long staircase with many charming seating areas.
The Acropolis of Athens
Iconic for Athens is the Acropolis, built on top of a 156-meter-high (511-feet-high) table mountain that can be seen from all over the ancient city. Initially constructed as a defensive fortress in the 5th century BC, it was later converted into a temple complex. The most famous structure on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. It is the main attraction of Athens, so it’s worth going as early as possible. The doors open at 08:00, allowing you to peacefully enjoy the architectural wonders and the view over Athens.
Recommended: It is highly recommended to pre-book your entrance ticket for the Acropolis online, so you can skip the often long queue at the ticket machines.
The Dionysus Theater and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus
In addition to the Parthenon, on the Acropolis, you’ll also find the Dionysus Theater and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. These were the most important theater buildings in Athens. The Dionysus Theater, built in the 5th century, could accommodate up to 17,000 people and hosted annual celebrations of the god Dionysus with various dance performances and plays. Even earlier, in the 1st century BC, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built. This theater was smaller, with seating for about 5,000 people. Both buildings were lavishly decorated and together formed the cultural heart of Athens.
The Ancient Agora of Athens
The ancient Agora of Athens used to be the city’s center. Agora means “market” in Greek, but it was much more than just a market. This is where the important buildings for the governance and justice of Athens were located. The highlight of the Agora is the Temple of Hephaestus. The temple was built in the 5th century BC and is one of the best-preserved Greek temples from antiquity.
The Roman Agora
Next to the ancient Agora of Athens, you’ll find the Roman Agora. It’s only a 5-minute walk away, so definitely worth a visit. The Roman Agora was built by the Romans in 11 BC. The best-preserved building in the Roman Agora is the octagonal Tower of the Winds. If you plan to visit both the Acropolis and the Agora, you can save money by purchasing a combination ticket.
A Bike Tour Through Athens
Join a fun bike tour if you want to see a lot of Athens in a short time. Athens has a fascinating history, and during a bike tour, you’ll learn all about the city from your guide. Baja Bikes offers a variety of bike tours, including tours with a Dutch-speaking guide. Alternatively, you can also rent a bike and explore Athens on your own. It’s a fantastic way to discover the city’s highlights and hidden gems while enjoying the freedom of cycling around at your own pace.
Pittaki Street and the Themed Cafe Little Kook
On Pittaki Street, you step into a fairytale world, with the themed cafe Little Kook as its centerpiece. Little Kook’s theme changes with the seasons, and they go all out for each theme. The cafe is a feast for the eyes, with something to see everywhere you look – from dragons to candy canes, and even the staff is dressed in theme. You can enjoy a meal here with a delicious pastry, but be prepared for higher prices. Alternatively, you can simply stroll along Pittaki Street, as it’s already an attraction in itself. In the evening, it becomes even more enchanting with its colorful lighting.
Drink Cocktails on a Rooftop Bar
Around Monastiraki Square, you’ll find many rooftop bars. It’s a delightful idea to treat yourself to a refreshing drink at the end of the afternoon after strolling through Athens all day. Most rooftop bars offer stunning views of Athens, including the Acropolis. If you’re in the mood for a tasty cocktail, head to 360 Cocktail bar. For a great lunch or dinner, check out the trendy venue Attic Urban Rooftop. At Anglais Athens rooftop bar, you’ll enjoy a cozy atmosphere and delicious drinks.
Enjoy a Delightful Afternoon on the Beach in Athens
Athens offers a perfect mix of city and beach. From the city center, you can reach the sandy shores in just 20 minutes. Kalamaki Beach is the most popular beach in Athens. It features a long sandy coastline and shallow waters, making it perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon.
If you prefer to chill at a beach bar on a comfortable sunbed with a cold drink in hand, then Bolivar Beach House is the place to be. This trendy spot is the hotspot of Kalamaki Beach. They serve delicious food, tasty cocktails, and often have a DJ playing music, creating a vibrant and enjoyable atmosphere.
Watch the Sunset from Lycabettus Hill
From all over Athens, you can see it: Lycabettus Hill. Athens is spread across seven hills, and Lycabettus Hill, standing at 227 meters (745 feet), is the highest among them. You can imagine that from the top, you have a stunning view as you can look out over the entire city. Especially during the sunset, when the sky turns a vibrant pink, it becomes a magical experience.
There are two ways to reach the top of Lycabettus Hill. You can take the cable car, which will bring you to the top in 5 minutes, or if you’re up for a fun physical challenge, you can hike up. The hiking path is well-maintained, and you’ll be surrounded by nature, walking through the trees. Of course, you can also take the cable car up and hike back down. Both the cable car station and the starting point of the hiking path can be found at this location.
Vintage shopping in Athens
Do you like vintage shopping? Then Athens is the place to be. Especially in the Psiri neighborhood, you’ll find an abundance of vintage and antique shops. This neighborhood isn’t large, so as you stroll through it, you’ll come across these charming shops naturally. If you prefer a more targeted shopping experience, the Concept Store Art & Industry, Kilo-Shop, and Treasure House are great clothing stores to explore. For unique home items, be sure to check out Retrosexual Vintage Shop. Happy vintage hunting!
The National Garden of Athens
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, find tranquility in the National Garden of Athens. This green oasis is located right next to the Plaka neighborhood and is popular among both locals and tourists. During your stroll, keep an eye out for turtles and parakeets, as they are often seen in the garden. It’s a perfect place to relax, connect with nature, and enjoy some peaceful moments away from the city’s busy streets.
Best Restaurants in Athens
Happy Blender – For your daily dose of vitamins, head to Happy Blender. They offer a wide variety of bowls, avocado toasts, and burritos on their menu.
The Brunch Factory – If you’re looking for an extensive breakfast or lunch, The Brunch Factory is a delightful choice. All their dishes are a celebration.
Veganaki – This cozy vegan restaurant proves that Greek cuisine can be incredibly delicious without any animal products.
Kuzina – For a fantastic dining experience, Kuzina is the place to go. If you make a reservation in advance, you can enjoy dinner on the rooftop terrace while admiring a breathtaking view of the Acropolis.
O Kostas – Craving a delicious Gyros sandwich? Head to O Kostas. This tiny restaurant is takeaway-only.
Klepsydra – You’ll find this charming Greek restaurant in a lovely little street in Plaka.
Falafellas – The best Falafel sandwiches in Athens are served here. There’s often a line, but the wait is never too long. This restaurant is also takeaway-only.
Vegan Beat Athens – If you want quick vegetarian sandwiches, Vegan Beat is the place to be.
Baba au Rum – They serve the best cocktails in town!
Where (Not) To Stay in Athens?
Athens is a city with significant contrasts, and you can see this reflected in its various neighborhoods. Some areas are considered unsafe and best avoided by tourists. Therefore, when booking your hotel, it’s essential to know which neighborhoods are safe. The three most enjoyable and safest neighborhoods to stay in are Psiri, Plaka, and Monastiraki. These three areas are interconnected, allowing you to enjoy your Athens city trip worry-free within that region. If you want to learn more about these neighborhoods, you can read our article about the best neighborhoods in Athens + hotel tips.
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Athens
Ederlezi Boutique Hotel is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a comfortable hotel in the Psiri neighborhood. As you step out of the hotel, you’ll find yourself surrounded by charming cafes and restaurants. The rooms are stylishly decorated, and you’ll find nice extras like a Nespresso machine, a mini-fridge, and a speaker. If you have a smaller budget and enjoy staying in a lively place, Selina is a great option! They have a large rooftop terrace with fantastic views of Athens and the Acropolis. In the evenings, there’s often live music, making it a fun place to connect with other travelers. However, if you prefer a quieter atmosphere and an early bedtime, it might be better to choose another hotel. If you want to stay in the Plaka neighborhood and enjoy affordable luxury, Cityzoe Athens Suites is the best choice!
  Ederlezi Boutique Hotel |
  Selina |
  Cityzoe Athens Suites |
