Things to do in Athens

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

Athens Attractions

Has the glorious city of Greece, the gem known as Athens, filled your dreams? Have you had a fantasy to take Athens tours, visiting all of the attractions in Athens? This Mediterranean wonder is ripe for the picking. You only have one life to live. Don't put off traveling to one of the world's dearest, top destinations. Make a list of all of the things to do in Athens, take a look at the map to plot out all of your Athens excursions, and you'll find no shortage of things to do in Athens.

Expedia will help you to locate Athens activities to ensure you have the best experience as you visit all of the must see places.

When you head to Athens, you'll want to make sure you see the tourist spots and local top picks as well. No one will argue that history, architecture, and archaeology take center stage in this marvel of a city. You'll need to make a pilgrimage to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Areopagus, the Ancient Agora of Athens, Kerameikos, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Round out your visit to the past at the Temple of Hephaestus, Pnyx, Monastiraki, the Arch of Hadrian, the Stoa of Attalos, and the Prytaneion.

You can also step into modern times when Expedia.com helps you to find all of Athens' hidden treasures. Go cruising on the sea in one of the many rental boats that will let you be at the helm or let a tour service bring you around to all of the best sites while you sit back and relax. Shop in the boutiques in the Mall Athens and bring back a piece of Greece when your trip is over. Enjoy fine dining in one of the many establishments that will allow you to eat like the natives. Visit the quaint towns of Kolonaki and Plaka. When you've had your fill for the day, come back to a wonderful room, allowing Expedia.com to help you find the perfect accommodations. Set sail now and put Athens on your horizon in the near future.


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Athens must see attractions

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 landscape views, forest scenes and heritage elements

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 which includes a city, street scenes and an administrative buidling

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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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.

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 showing a city

5. Monastiraki Flea Market

The Monastiraki Flea Market, at the center of what was once ancient Athens, is an experience not to be missed. Take your time wandering through Avissynias Square, stopping at antique shops as you walk through a maze of street vendors selling both junk and gems. Pick through old books, trendy second-hand clothes, souvenir trinkets, leather crafts, jewelry and more. The value is most often in the eye of the beholder, and street vendors are quite willing to bargain. Across the road is Psiri, which by day has dozens of craft shops and galleries and by night is a maze of cafés, bars, restaurants and night spots.
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Monastiraki Flea Market featuring food, markets and street scenes

What to do in Athens

Free Things to Do in Athens

Leave your wallet in the hotel. It's a cinch to entertain yourself in Athens without paying a penny.

Exile Museum - Roam around and explore the intriguing displays and well-curated collections at this popular museum.

Deste Foundation, Centre for Contemporary Art - When you're ready to get cultured, stop by and witness the artistic talent on display.

General State Archives - Architecture enthusiast or not, you're certain to be awed by this landmark's modern-day design.

Stoa of Attalos - Spend time at this historic landmark and learn a thing or two about the region's cultural heritage.

Avissinias Square - This is a vibrant area where you can soak in the ambiance and join in on the local way of life.

Monastiraki Flea Market - Widely renowned among those who reside here, this site is worth visiting.

Tzisdarakis Mosque - Do a little quiet reflection and learn a thing or two about this site's religious importance.

Mars HIll - Take your camera and let the natural surrounds stimulate your imagination.

Plato's Academy Park - If you love pottering around the garden, this attraction will appeal to your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Athens with Kids

Athens is a terrific destination for a family vacation. Bring the little ones along and enjoy these fun family friendly experiences together:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Athens? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Athens

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Athens

Academy of Athens which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and an administrative buidling

Athens City Centre

4.5/5(2,178 area reviews)

Modern society owes much to this city’s incredible past. Antiquity is everywhere, while cultural life is colorful and days and nights are seamless.

Athens City Centre
Plaka featuring night scenes, dining out and street scenes

Plaka

4.5/5(637 area reviews)

Discover the "Neighborhood of the Gods" with its close proximity to the Acropolis and numerous archaeological sites. Wander through Anafiotika's traditional Cycladic architecture and visit some of the numerous museums.

Plaka
Athens showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a ruin

Monastiraki

4.5/5(473 area reviews)

Flea market vibes abound in this bustling shopping district, where you can find clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores. Easily accessible via Monastiraki Metro Station, it's perfect for bargain hunting and exploring Athens' old town.

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 featuring a city and mountains

Kolonaki

4.5/5(213 area reviews)

Upscale central Athens area on Mount Lycabettus' southern slopes, featuring boutiques, haute couture shopping, and museums like Benaki and Goulandris. Enjoy nightlife at bars, ouzeries, and ride the Lycabettus Funicular to the summit.

Kolonaki
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Psirri

3.5/5(203 area reviews)

Travelers come to Psirri for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Athens Central Market and Omonoia Square while you're in town.

Psirri

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Athens

Frequently asked questions

Is Athens worth visiting?
Famous for its views and culture, discovering cool things to do in Athens is a cinch. Remember to add Voula Beach to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Athens?
Once you’ve visited popular attractions like Voula Beach and Votsalakia Beach, spend the rest of your day exploring the food and retail options in Athens.
What is the top tourist attraction in Athens?
The top tourist attraction in Athens is Voula Beach, so make sure to add it to your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Athens?
Three days in Athens is enough to visit the city’s major attractions. Many guests stay for three days on average. Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens Concert Hall and Votsalakia Beach are among the top-rated sights. Want to see more? Stick around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Spata-Artemida.
Is Athens a walkable city?
That depends on what you’d like to see and do in Athens. Several key attractions, such as Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Athens Concert Hall, are accessible on foot. If you’re up for a stroll through some of Athens’s neighborhoods, Monastiraki is 0.1 miles away from downtown, while Makrigianni is 1 mile away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Athens with kids?
Deciding what to do in Athens with kids has never been so simple. Whether you’re getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there’s a range of family-friendly tours and activities to keep everyone busy here.
What to do in Athens for adults?
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there are plenty of things to do in Athens for adults including Faliro Sports Pavilion Arena and Ancient Agora of Athens.
Are there free things to do in Athens?
In Athens, Votsalakia Beach is a must-see spot for anyone looking to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local neighborhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It’s a great way to learn about the best free things to do in Athens.