Things to do in Athens

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

The Parthenon in Athens, Greece, illuminated at night.
A narrow street with shops on both sides, including a store with bags and accessories.
Ancient columns of a historical building with intricate carvings.
A street with a gelato shop and a gallery.
A market with colorful clothing and signs for 'NIK' and 'APHRODITE'.

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.

Things to do

Poros, Hydra & Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch

From Athens: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch

$158
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
From Athens: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch
Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

$38
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour

Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour

$23
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus Tour
Athens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with Tickets of Acropolis

Athens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with Tickets of Acropolis

$98
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Athens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour with Tickets of Acropolis
Athens: Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Sunset Day Trip

Athens: Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple Sunset Half-Day Trip

$31
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Athens: Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple Sunset Half-Day Trip
Picture 1 for Activity Athens to Meteora: Monasteries, Caves & Seaside Stopovers

Meteora Monasteries Tour, Caves, Beachfront Stops & Lunch

$94
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Meteora Monasteries Tour, Caves, Beachfront Stops & Lunch
Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Sunset Experience

Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Sunset Experience

$36
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Sunset Experience
From Athens: Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Half Day Tour

Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon: Small Group Tour

$40
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon: Small Group Tour
Athens & Acropolis Tour with optional Acropolis Museum

Athens & Acropolis Tour with optional Acropolis Museum

$90
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
Athens & Acropolis Tour with optional Acropolis Museum
See all activities in Athens
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

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.
Learn more
A historic city on a hill with ancient ruins and modern buildings.

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.
Learn more
A grand building with classical architecture, a wide open plaza, and a busy street with light trails indicating movement.

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.
Learn more
The Parthenon, an ancient Greek temple with Doric columns, situated on the Acropolis.

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.
Learn more
A modern building with glass facade, a palm tree, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

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.
Learn more
A bustling market street with historical architecture, including a building with arches and columns, and a prominent sign with a blue and white symbol.

Recommended things to do in Athens

Number of things to do
743
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Athens: Unlimited Greece Internet with eSIM Mobile Data Plan: $3
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

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!

 

 

Stay near popular Athens attractions

A historic city on a hill with ancient ruins and modern buildings.

Acropolis

9.8/10 (19,146 reviews)
This ancient citadel crowns Athens with magnificent temples honoring Greek gods. Walk among the Parthenon's iconic columns and glimpse the city's panorama from this UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece.
See properties

Where to stay in Athens

Find the best Athens areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Athens
Learn more about Athens
Ancient ruins with a prominent stone tower, a large rock formation in the background, and surrounding greenery.

Plaka

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travelers love about Plaka. Check out Adrianou Street or Roman Agora while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Akropoli Station to get around town.

A historic building with a dome and arches, a fortification on a hill, and a clear blue sky.

Monastiraki

Visitors to Monastiraki love its fantastic nightlife, and you can check out Monastiraki Square and Ermou Street. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Monastiraki Station.

A grand building with classical architecture, a wide open plaza, and a busy street with light trails indicating movement.

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.

A cityscape with a prominent hill and a white building with columns in the foreground.

Kolonaki

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Kolonaki. If sightseeing is on the list, Benaki Museum is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Aristippou Station or Evangelismos Station to see more of the area.

The Acropolis of Athens, including the Parthenon and other ancient ruins.

Koukaki

Visitors to Koukaki love its fascinating museums, and you can check out Acropolis Museum and Museum of the Center for the Acropolis Studies. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Akropoli Station.

 

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

An aerial view of a coastal town with a beach, clear turquoise waters, and a backdrop of mountains.

Vouliagmeni

An aerial view of a marina with numerous boats docked, surrounded by a coastal cityscape and mountains in the background.

Alimos

An aerial view of a castle surrounded by lush greenery, a small pond, and a tennis court.

Kifisia

An aerial view of a coastal city with a dense urban area, a beach, and clear blue waters.

Palaio Faliro

A marina with yachts docked, a cityscape in the background, and pink flowers in the foreground.

Piraeus

A cityscape with mountains in the background.

Dafni-Ymittos

Ancient ruins with stone blocks and columns, a watchtower, and a hillside with trees.

Elefsina

A coastal landscape with olive groves, a clear blue sea, and distant islands.

Lagonissi

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?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a schedule filled with fun activities makes all the difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Athens with kids.

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.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia