The Best Things to Do in Athens

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, and its ancient monuments sit right in the middle of a lively modern capital. You can climb to the Parthenon in the morning, eat souvlaki in a busy square at lunchtime and watch the sun set from a rooftop bar in the evening.

1. Climb the Acropolis

The Parthenon and the other temples on the Acropolis are the reason most people come to Athens, and they don't disappoint. Book a timed ticket online and go as early as possible – the light is beautiful, and you'll avoid the worst heat and crowds. Wear shoes with good grip; the marble paths are slippery.

2. Visit the Acropolis Museum

At the foot of the hill, this modern museum displays the original sculptures from the Acropolis, with a glass floor that looks down onto an excavated ancient neighbourhood. The top-floor gallery, facing the Parthenon itself, is unforgettable.

3. Wander Plaka and Anafiotika

Plaka's narrow streets are full of neoclassical houses, small churches and tavernas. Just above it, the tiny whitewashed lanes of Anafiotika feel like a Cycladic island village in the middle of the city.

4. Walk through the Ancient Agora

The heart of ancient Athenian public life is now a peaceful, green archaeological site. Don't miss the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus.

5. See the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium

The few giant columns that remain of the Temple of Olympian Zeus give a sense of its enormous size. A short walk away, the marble Panathenaic Stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

6. Explore the National Archaeological Museum

One of the greatest collections of ancient Greek art in the world, including bronze statues, gold from Mycenae and the mysterious Antikythera mechanism.

7. Shop at Monastiraki

Monastiraki Square and its flea market are busy, noisy and fun. Look for antiques, leather sandals and souvenirs, then head to a rooftop bar nearby for a view of the Acropolis.

8. Eat your way through the Central Market

The Varvakios Agora on Athinas Street is a working market full of fish, meat, spices, olives and cheese. Small tavernas nearby serve some of the most authentic food in the city.

9. Eat souvlaki – and lots of it

Grilled meat wrapped in pita with tomato, onion and tzatziki is the classic Athenian street food. It's cheap, fast and delicious.

10. Order a freddo espresso

Athenians drink their coffee iced for much of the year. A freddo espresso or freddo cappuccino is the local way to cool down.

11. Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill

The highest point in central Athens offers a 360-degree view over the city to the sea. Walk up or take the funicular.

12. See the changing of the guard

The Evzones, the presidential guard in traditional uniform, change guard in front of the Parliament on Syntagma Square every hour.

13. Escape to the Athens Riviera

The coast south of the city has beaches, beach clubs and Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural swimming lake fed by warm springs.

14. Take a day trip to Cape Sounion

The Temple of Poseidon stands on a clifftop at the tip of Attica, about an hour and a half from the city. Arrive in the late afternoon and stay for the sunset.

Getting around

Athens has an efficient metro system, including a line from the airport to the city centre. The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot.

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