A Nomad's Guide to Athens: the Top 10 Things to Do
The ten best things to see and do in the Greek capital
Athens is one of those cities that is constantly surprising you. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you turn the corner and find something new and amazing to discover.
When I first arrived to the city, I was fully expecting to be blown away by all the archeological sites and the ancient history that is intrinsic to it (it is one of the oldest cities in the world, after all), but what I wasn’t expecting was to find a thriving and hip contemporary scene that cemented it as one of my new favorite cities in Europe.
I spent a month in Athens and could easily write a list of 100 things to do in Athens, but I’ve managed to narrow it down to the top ten. If you’re anything like me you like switching it up when you travel, so I’ve tried to include a balance between ancient and modern Athens.
1. The Acropolis
Yep, no surprises here. There’s a reason why the Acropolis is at the top of every Athens list – it really is just that impressive. Not only is this ancient citadel the birthplace of the city of Athens but it’s also been an enduring symbol of human civilization since the 5th century BCE.
Most famously known for the Parthenon, a Classical temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, it’s also home to other incredible monuments such as the Erechteion (the Temple of Athena Polias), the Propylaea (the ceremonial gateway to the Acropolis), and the Temple of Athena Nike, amongst other things.
It’s also one of the legendary seven hills of Athens, so when you’re up there, don’t forget to drink in the views of the surrounding city beneath you. You are at its very heart, after all.
2. Plaka Neighborhood
Nestled right underneath the Acropolis, in the center of the city, lies the cute neighborhood of Plaka. The colorful buildings and cobblestoned lanes look more like they belong to a picturesque village than the capital of Greece, and walking through some parts – like the whitewashed houses of Anafiotika – feel like you’ve been transported to one of the islands.
Plaka is famous not just because it’s pretty, but also because it’s the oldest neighborhood in Athens. Some even call it the “neighborhood of the Gods” because so many the area is filled with so many ancient Greek monuments.
Today, the area is known for being one of the most touristy in all of Athens and it’s filled with souvenir shops and overpriced cafes. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit though! There are still many places where you can get a decent bite to eat and it’s the only area in Athens that hasn’t been touched by modern development, making it also one of the prettiest.
3. Climb one of the Seven Hills of Athens
I know what you’re thinking: the Acropolis is already on this list, and that’s one of the seven hills so why do you need to climb another one? The answer is simple. Even though the Acropolis is well worth the climb for the history alone and has stunning views of the surrounding city to boot, climbing one of the other hills is just as important because what you really want to see is stunning views of the surrounding area with the Acropolis in it!
There are six to choose from (not counting the Acropolis), so which one should you pick? For me, it’s between two: Mount Lycabettus or Philopappos Hill, though if you have the time, I’d suggest you climb them both.
Mount Lycabettus is the tallest of the Seven Hills and therefore has the most sweeping views. Climbing to the top (or taking the cable car) gives you the feeling of being on top of the world.
Philopappos Hill, on the other hand, is a less strenuous climb and has amazing views of the nearby Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus on one side, and the sparkling sea on the other.
4. Monastiraki Flea Market
Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, precious antiques, or relics from your childhood, Monastiraki Flea Market is the place to go. It sells everything that you and your grandmother could possibly imagine, and while you might have to sift through some junk, the treasures you can find are worth it.
Technically open every day of the week, the real flea market only takes place on Sunday (try and get there before 11 am for the full experience). Sunday is when the tables full of tchotchkes and treasures come out; the rest of the week mostly only the small shops selling tourist trinkets and jokey t-shirts are open.
Monastiraki Flea Market is the perfect mix of chaos and clutter and should be considered an unmissable stop on your visit to Athens.
5. The Ancient Agora
If you’re in Athens for more than a couple of days, I would highly recommend getting the Athens Combo Ticket which grants you access to seven major archeological sites including the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora. However, if you don’t have time to see all the sites, but you want to see one more other than the Acropolis, then make that that one is the Ancient Agora.
The ancient Agora was once the heart and soul of ancient Athens. All the political and social activities took place here and it was the center of Athenian administration. Everyone from philosophers to politicians to prostitutes would gather and mingle here.
Today, it’s a large site where you can see the Temple of Hephaestus (one of the best preserved temples of its kind in Greece); the Stoa of Attalos (the center of commercial activity, and now a museum); and the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles, amongst other things.
6. A Rooftop Bar
It might be touristy and cliché but there’s nothing quite like sipping on an overpriced cocktail while taking in the majestic views to make you feel like you’re on vacation, and Athens is such a great city for it.
A for Athens, a hotel bar with an unrivaled view of the acropolis directly in front, is located just off Monastiraki Square and is one of the most popular places for it. Head up there at sunset to see the golden light basking the Parthenon in its glow and watch until the sky slowly fades to black and the Acropolis lights up dramatically with spotlights.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll then ditch the rooftop bar and head down to Psyrri, a popular nightlife area, for cheaper drinks and party vibes.
7. Varvakios Central Market
To see one of the more authentic sides of Athens head over to the Varvakios Central Market, a bustling food market selling the freshest products in the city. If you’re squeamish, however, you may want to give this one a miss.
The market is a great place to buy traditional and fresh Greek products and to take atmospheric photographs. The meat section has little natural light and whole animal carcasses hang on hooks lit by bright lights while the butchers bustle around in white coats trying to sell their wares. Next door is the fish market, where the catch of the day lies on display on the ice.
It’s also one of the best places to grab lunch, as it’s lined with local little restaurants supplied by the market itself. Anthony Bourdain even ate there on one of his trips to the city. You can’t get a higher recommendation than that!
8. The Changing of the Guard
Something fun and free to do in Athens is to see the changing of the guard. The guards, known as the Evzones, are stationed 24/7 in front of both the Presidential Palace and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (in front of the Greek Parliament building off Syntagma Square). The change happens every hour on the hour.
The most impressive and ceremonial change happens every Sunday at 11 a.m. when hundreds of guards appear, marching down the street in the traditional manner (it looks like they’re marching in slow motion at times) and wearing beautifully intricate handmade uniforms.
One of the most notable features of the uniform is their pompom shoes, copies of which can be found in almost every tourist shop in Athens. The shoes, officially called Tsarouchia shoes, weigh over 3 kg and have 60 nails embedded into the sole of the shoe, intended to replicate the sound of battle.
9. The Acropolis Museum
Athens is bursting with incredible museums so it was really hard to choose just one for this list, but if you are going to visit a museum on your trip to Athens, then make it the Acropolis Museum. Not only does it contain incredible treasures found on the site of the Acropolis, but the building itself is an architectural feat.
The museum has three levels of artifacts such as sculptures, votive offerings, and everyday objects. It also hosts parts of Parthenon frieze sculptures, incomplete because many were stolen by Lord Elgin for the British Empire.
Underneath the museum building (supported by columns) you can find the remains of an old Athenian neighborhood, and if that weren’t enough, from the terraced cafe (which you can also enter without buying a museum ticket) you can see spectacular views of the Acropolis from below.
10. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre
Lastly, I’ve added something a little untraditional. The SNFCC is a large free public space that is home to the Greek National Opera, the National Library of Greece, and one of the largest green areas in Athens: Stavros Niarchos Park. There’s always something fun, cultural, or educational being hosted there and it was my favorite off-the-beaten-track site in Athens.
The Centre is a 30-minute bus ride from the city center of Athens, but it’s completely worth it. The building itself is a beautiful design by the Renzo Piano (the architect who designed the Shard in London) Building Workshop. Its construction helped revitalize the surrounding area as well.
The roof has incredible views of the surrounding area, including the waterfront and the mountains surrounding Athens. It also has a couple of cute cafes and a restaurant. It was the perfect place to relax and enjoy the afternoon far away from the tourists.