Athens is one of the most iconic cities in the world. It's known for its historic sites, inspiring architecture, and lively culture. So, if you're looking for a vacation that's filled with history, great food, and unique experiences, Athens is just what you need. Here are nine recommendations for things to do in Athens that will make your trip truly memorable.
1. Immerse Yourself in History
Athens is a city with a long and storied past. It was the capital of Greece for over 1,000 years and has been home to some of the world’s most important events.
If you want to understand why the Greeks are so proud of their heritage, then there are several places you can visit that will give you a good idea of what life was like in ancient Athens.
The Acropolis is an iconic sight everyone should see when they come to Athens. It has been considered one of the most important archaeological sites since its discovery by Schliemann in the nineteenth century.
It is also home to many museums that house artifacts from ancient Greece and modern-day replicas of some famous structures from ancient times, such as Pericles' Odeon (or outdoor theater).
In addition, there are other smaller sites, such as the Agora area, where Socrates taught his students with other monuments, such as Temple Olympian Zeus, a dedicated temple built by Peisistratus during his reign between 561 BCE - 527 BCE.
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2. Learn About the Past at the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is the largest in Greece and contains a vast collection of artifacts from the Acropolis.
The museum is located in downtown Athens, at the foot of the Acropolis and next to Syntagma Square. It is free to enter and open every day except Mondays and Tuesdays.
For those planning on making a trip to this incredible site, here are some things worth knowing before you go:
There are two entrances. One faces Dionysiou Areopagitou Street (the street that leads down from Omonia Square), and one faces Plateia Kallimarmaro (the square where buses drop off passengers).
Both entrances lead directly into the exhibit area. There aren't any ticket sales points or gift shops inside.
The ticket price includes entrance for all three sites that comprise Athens' Ancient Olympia complex –The Temple of Zeus, Theatre of Dionysus, and Ancient Agora.
These sites are located close together with only one entrance fee required for all three locations – you don't have to buy separate tickets if you want to see more than one attraction.
3. Catch a Performance in Athens’ Ancient Theater
Greece’s theatrical culture is one of pure artistry. There is no better example than the ancient theater of Athens.
Home to many great Greek tragedies and comedies, this venue is where you'll find some of the world's most famous plays performed.
The acoustics are stunningly good, so it's easy to hear every word the actors speak on stage (even if it's in Greek).
The theater also hosts a variety of other performances, from traditional folk dances to modern dance pieces. Tickets for these events can cost anywhere from free up to €20 per seat.
However, even if you don't have any money for tickets, you can still visit the theater grounds and enjoy watching rehearsals or exploring the museum inside.
4. Attend a Cooking Class in Plaka
You can also take a cooking class at the Athenian Cooking School in Plaka.
You’ll learn how to make authentic Greek dishes, including spanakopita (spinach pie), dolmades, tiropita – and sample traditional desserts like galaktoboureko (milk pudding) and baclava.
If you have a sweet tooth but prefer something more exotic than your standard American fare, this is worth checking out.
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5. Eat Your Way Through the City
One of the best ways to experience Athens is to eat your way through it. This can be daunting, as there are so many delicious options.
The best way to start is with a Greek salad that combines fresh tomatoes and cucumbers with feta cheese and kalamata olives.
If you're feeling adventurous, add some extra protein like chicken or steak – but be warned that this will make your salad more expensive.
Greek food is also healthy – don't forget to order plenty of vegetables on top of your main course!
6. Stroll Through the Famous Food Market
Athens Market may be your best bet if you’re looking for a place to shop for souvenirs or some new mementos.
Located near Monastiraki Square, this market houses traditional Greek products in many shops and stands. This is also a good place to sample Greek cuisine and learn about the culture from local vendors.
You will find everything from handmade leather goods and jewelry to paintings, clothing, and art pieces at this open-air market. You can purchase these items at discounted prices.
7. Enjoy Drinks With a View of Monastiraki Square
Monastiraki Square is an awesome place to hang out with friends, drink beers, and watch people. The square has many restaurants and bars where you can enjoy drinks with a view.
It's also known for its nightlife. Sometimes live bands perform on the square or a DJ spins tunes in one of the bars.
If you're looking for something more laid back, check out Erotokritos at number 4 (stop by during happy hour).
Monastiraki Square is located just steps away from Syntagma Square (the main square), so it's easy to make your way over if you need some peace of mind after spending much time in Omonia Station or Exarchia neighborhood.
8. Take One of These Incredible Day Trips From Athens
Delphi is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a day trip from Athens that combines ancient history and stunning natural beauty.
The Temple of Apollo (including the famous gallery of statues) dates back to the 6th century BC, while other ancient ruins remain well-preserved.
You can spend as long as you like exploring these ruins before meeting some friendly goats at their home in nearby Arachova.
The rock monasteries of Meteora are an awe-inspiring sight that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Greece. Especially since it only takes 2 hours by bus from Athens.
These monasteries perch atop towering cliffs with views over endless valleys.
Arrange a tour through your accommodation or visit independently – either way, prepare yourself for spectacular landscapes and some frazzled nerves when climbing up narrow staircases.
9. Experience Authentic Greek Culture
The Greek Festival is an annual celebration of Greek culture, music, and food. The event has been held in Athens for over 50 years and features authentic cuisine from numerous restaurants representing different regions throughout Greece.
The festival also features performances by local musicians as well as children’s activities, such as face painting and games.
The best way to get there is by taking public transportation – the #12 bus runs regularly throughout the day. Or you can take a taxi from downtown Athens for about USD 35 per person (ensure you have cash).
10. Tour the Islands off the Coast of Athens
If you’re looking for a less touristy experience, Athens has plenty of islands within easy reach that are worth your time. The most popular is Hydra (also known as The Floating Island), but there are several others worth visiting:
Aegina. A short ferry ride from the port at Poros will get you here in less than an hour. You can spend the whole day on its beaches and explore its historic center if you have time.
Spetses. This island is a bit farther away from Athens than Aegina, but it's still easily accessible by boat from several ports in Piraeus and Salamis.
It takes about 100 minutes to get there by sea and another 20 minutes by bus or taxi into town. The result?
A beautiful town packed with things to see and do. There's great food here too, so eat up before leaving — you won't regret it.
Your Takeaway
Athens is a great city to visit. It has a lot of history – and it's the birthplace of democracy. You can eat delicious food and buy souvenirs from the many shops in Athens. There are also many museums that you can visit. If you want to see some live music or theater, Athens has plenty of venues for that as well.
Conclusion
Athens is a city that is full of history and culture. The best way to experience the city is by exploring its neighborhoods, visiting museums, and seeing its famous landmarks. It has something for everyone.
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