Athens, the birthplace of democracy and some of the most important philosophers in history, this European capital combines ancient history with modern life. In this blog, we take you to explore the must-sees and also those surprising and original things to do in Athens, so get ready to discover all its secrets!
Did you know that you can wander between ancient temples, modern graffiti and taverns overlooking the Parthenon… all in the same afternoon? That’s Athens: chaotic, fascinating and full of history. If you’re planning your trip and wondering things to do in Athens, here’s a guide to the places you can’t miss.
“They say that whoever hasn’t strolled through Athens at sunset, between ancient ruins and modern cafes, hasn’t felt the true spirit of the city. Do you dare to check it out?”
Things to do in Athens: Landmark monuments
Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis of Athens is the one of the first things to do in Athens. It is one of the most important monumental ensembles of the ancient world and the undisputed symbol of Greek civilisation. Standing on a hill almost 150 metres high, it has been a sacred site since Mycenaean times, although its present form is largely due to alterations made during the 5th century BC, under the leadership of Pericles.
Some of the most influential temples in the history of Western art were built here, with the collaboration of artists such as Phidias, Ictinus and Callicrates. Most of the structures were dedicated to the goddess Athena, protector of the city.
Visit this famous ancient citadel by entering this link to get tickets.
👁 Curiosities
- The Parthenon housed a gigantic gold and ivory statue of Athena by Phidias. Although it has disappeared, it was one of the most admired sculptures of antiquity.
- The Acropolis has been a pagan temple, a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque and a powder magazine, which explains the damage it has suffered over the centuries, especially during the explosion of 1687.
- In 1987 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Many of the original sculptures to see in Athens were moved to the Acropolis Museum, built right at the foot of the hill. Some pieces are also kept in the British Museum, amidst much international controversy.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus (or Olympeion) was the largest temple in ancient Greece. It was begun in the 6th century BC, during the rule of the tyrant Pisistratus, but was not completed until almost 700 years later, under the emperor Hadrian, in AD 131.
Dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Olympian gods, the temple reflected the ambition to turn Athens into an imperial capital. Its design was Corinthian in style, much more ornate than classical Doric temples, with 104 Pentelic marble columns, each about 17 metres high. Today only 15 remain standing, and one more fell to the ground from a storm in 1852.
Inside, there was a gigantic statue of Zeus and another of Hadrian himself, a symbol of the emperor’s divinisation and his connection with the Olympic power. We leave you this link to visit it, one of the greatest things to do en Athens.
👁 Curiosities
- Although we see it today almost in ruins, the temple was for centuries one of the most colossal architectural works of the Roman world.
- From the enclosure you can see Hadrian’s Arch, which marked the entrance between the ancient Greek city and the new Roman city.
- In Byzantine times, the temple was abandoned and its materials reused for other constructions.
- It was a symbol of power for both the Archaic tyrants and the Roman Empire: it took longer to build than the Acropolis.
Ancient Agora of Athens
The Ancient Agora was the political, commercial, social and religious heart of classical Athens. Here not only goods but also ideas were exchanged: it was the place where citizens debated, voted and participated in the democratic life of the city. Its use began in the 6th century BC, and over time it became filled with temples, stoas (covered porticoes), fountains, courts and administrative offices. It’s fascinating to think that one of the best things to do in Athens is walking where the great thinkers, Socrates and Plato, walked. To enter to see it, follow this link.
👁 Curiosities
- It was the first place where a form of direct democracy worked: citizens voted by raising their hand or casting their vote on ostraca (pieces of pottery).
- Here was the prison where Socrates was executed after being accused of corrupting the Athenian youth.
- The word “agora” literally means “meeting place”.
- During the Roman occupation, a new Agora was built further east, but this remained a meeting place searching things to do in Athens.
Panathinaiko Stadium
The Panathinaikó Stadium (also called Kallimármaro, meaning “the beautiful marble”) is one of the most unique sporting structures in the world. It stands on the site of the ancient Greek stadium where the Panathenaic Games, in honour of the goddess Athena, were held since the 4th century BC.
What we see today is a complete reconstruction in white marble, carried out in the 19th century, promoted by the benefactor Evangelos Zappas and designed by the architect Anastasios Metaxas. It was completed in 1896 to host the first Olympic Games of the modern era, with a capacity then in excess of 60,000 people. Its U-shape and monumentality make it a truly unique venue. It is currently used for events, and is also the finishing point of the classic Athens marathon. To visit it, click on the following link.
👁 Curiosities
- It is the only stadium in the world built entirely in white marble.
- It was the venue for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, and every four years the Olympic flame is handed over to the organisers of the next Games.
- From its steps you get a spectacular view of things to do in Athens, such as the centre of Athens and Mount Lycabettus.
Hadrian’s Arch
Hadrian’s Arch is a Roman-style triumphal arch built in 131 AD in honour of Emperor Hadrian, a great admirer of Greek culture and responsible for numerous public works in Athens. The structure, made of Pentelic marble (the same as that of the Acropolis), is almost 19 metres high and symbolically marks the division between the old city of Theseus and the new city of Hadrian.
👁 Curiosities
- Two symbolic phrases can be read in the inscriptions on the arch:
- On the side facing the Acropolis: ‘This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus‘.
- On the opposite side: ‘This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus‘.
- This represents the emperor’s attempt to show respect for the past, but also to mark his personal mark on the present.
- It does not commemorate a military victory, like other Roman arches, but a civil and cultural work: the remodelling of the city.
Things to do in Athens: a Museum with history
Acropolis Museum
Opened in 2009, the Acropolis Museum is one of the most modern museums in Europe, designed by Bernard Tschumi and Michalis Fotiadis. It is located at the foot of the Acropolis hill and built on the remains of an ancient Roman and Byzantine city, visible through a transparent floor. The museum focuses on the findings of the Acropolis, such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea, following a chronological path from the Archaic period to the Roman era. Its rooms include the Gallery of the Acropolis Slopes, the Floor of the Archaic Period, the Parthenon Hall and the Gallery of the Caryatids. The museum has been recognised several times as one of the best in the world for its design, museography and accessibility. Obviously one of the greatest things to do in Athens. To see it, click on this link.
National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is the most important museum of its kind in Greece and one of the world’s leading archaeological museums. Founded in 1889, it houses a vast collection of over 20,000 pieces, ranging from prehistoric to late antiquity. Highlights include the Mask of Agamemnon, kouros statues from the Archaic period and a wide variety of artefacts from the Cycladic and Mycenaean civilisations. The museum is housed in an elegant neoclassical building in the centre of Athens. Click here for tickets.
Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens houses one of the most outstanding collections of art from the Cycladic Islands, with over 350 objects including marble statuettes, ceramics and metal objects from the Cycladic civilisation (3200-2000 BC). It also has an extensive collection of ancient Greek art and objects from the Cypriot civilisation. To see it, click on this link.
Founded in 1986 by the Goulandris Foundation, this other museum is housed in a modern building designed by Ioannis Vikelas, complemented by the Stathatos Mansion. Its collection spans from 2000 BC to the 4th century AD, with highlights including marble female figures, which are emblematic of Cycladic culture. Another mandatory stop if searching things to do in Athens.
Museum of Ancient Greek Technology
The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, or Kotsanas Museum, exhibits more than 300 working models of ancient Greek artefacts and machines, including catapults, pulley systems and the earliest known robot. Founded by Kostas Kotsanas, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the technological advances that influenced many modern inventions. The museum is accessible for people with reduced mobility and offers family tickets. It is a recommended visit in Athens for those interested in the history of science and technology, highlighting the influence of ancient Greece on modern technological development. Tickets at the link here.
Herakleidon Museum
The Herakleidon Museum in Athens, founded in 2004, combines art, science and education with an innovative approach. Located in the Thissio neighbourhood, in a restored neoclassical building, the museum offers interactive exhibitions on geometry, optics and mathematics, highlighting the work of artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Maurits Escher. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, it organises temporary events and educational workshops. One of its main exhibitions explores the legacy of Da Vinci, focusing on his studies of human proportions and machinery, and is also devoted to the work of Escher, famous for his visual illusions. If you’re wondering things to do in Athens beyond the classics, this museum is a fascinating stop to understand the relationship between art and science. To visit, click on this link.
benaki museum
The Benaki Museum is one of the most important cultural institutions in Athens, offering a comprehensive overview of the evolution of Greek culture from prehistoric to modern times. Founded in 1931 by Antonios Benakis, the museum houses an extensive collection of over 40,000 objects, including jewellery, Byzantine pieces, ceramics, regional costumes and much more. These pieces are distributed in 40 rooms across its four floors, allowing visitors to explore Greece’s rich cultural history in a detailed and fascinating way.
Things to do in Athens: Sightseeing tours near the capital
Cape Sunion and the Temple of Poseidon
Located about 70 km southeast of Athens, Cape Sunion is famous for its spectacular view of the Aegean Sea and its temple dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea. The temple was built in the 5th century BC and is an excellent example of classical Greek architecture. Today, its golden columns, especially at sunset, offer one of the most impressive views in Greece. It is an ideal destination for a half-day excursion if searching things to do in Athens.
Corinth and the canal
About 2 hours west of Athens, Corinth was one of the most powerful cities in ancient Greece. Here you can see the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the ancient Agora and the City Gate. One of the highlights of this area is the Corinth Canal, an impressive piece of engineering built in the 19th century, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea, considerably shortening the sailing time between the two seas. The canal is spectacular to visit, as you can see how the huge walls of the canal cut through the land.
Marathon
About 40 km northeast of Athens, Marathon is famous for the legendary battle fought here in 490 BC between the Greeks and the Persians. The battlefield is marked by a burial mound that houses the remains of fallen Athenian soldiers. The area is also known for being the birthplace of the Marathon race, in which the messenger Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to announce victory. Today, if you´re searching things to do in AThens, you can tour the historic site and the local museum which displays artefacts found in the area.
Islands of the Saronic Gulf: Hydra, Poros and Aegina
The islands of the Saronic Gulf are a popular destination related to things to do in Athens, all of which are easily accessible by ferry.
- – Hydra: This island is known for its natural beauty, cobbled streets and stone houses. It is a pedestrian island, so there are no cars, which makes it even more picturesque. It is also famous for being a haven for artists and for its calm and relaxed atmosphere.
- – Poros: This island is small but charming, with its lively harbour and beautiful sea views. It is ideal for leisurely strolls, enjoying the beaches or sampling the delicious fresh fish. (photo)
- – Aegina: Famous for its Temple of Aphaia, one of the most impressive temples of ancient Greece. Aegina is also known for its almonds and relaxed atmosphere. It is perfect to spend a day exploring its small villages or enjoying its beaches.
Things to do in Athens: different places to visit
1. Theatre of Herodes Atticus
The Theatre of Herodes Atticus is one of the best things to do in Athens, is an ancient Roman theatre located on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis. It was built in the 2nd century AD by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, and has a capacity of about 5,000 people. It is still in use today and is famous for its exceptional acoustics. During the summer festivals, the theatre hosts concerts, opera performances and Athens Festival events, offering a unique experience with the Acropolis as a backdrop.
2. Kerameikos Cemetery
The Kerameikos Cemetery is an archaeological site located northwest of the Agora of Athens. It was the main cemetery of the city during the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods. Some of the oldest tombs in the city are located here, and the site includes funerary monuments, sculptures and marbles of great historical importance. The museum houses an interesting collection of funerary reliefs and other artefacts. Although not as well known as other things to do in Athens, it is a fascinating stop for history and archaeology buffs.
3. National Garden
One of the most beautiful things to do in Athens, the National Garden, located in the heart of the city, near the Zocalo and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, is an oasis of greenery. Created in the 19th century, this 15-hectare garden is home to a variety of Mediterranean plants, ponds and shady paths. It is also famous for its population of peacocks that roam freely in the space. The garden is ideal for a leisurely stroll, a break from the bustling city centre or even to enjoy an afternoon picnic.
4. Museum of Musical Instruments
The Museum of Musical Instruments in Athens houses an impressive collection of traditional Greek folk instruments. It is housed in a restored building in Kifisia and displays over 1,000 instruments dating from ancient to modern times. The instruments on display include lyres, lutes and other instruments representing the rich Greek musical tradition. It´s one of the fascinating things to do in Athens for ethnography and music enthusiasts, who can enjoy the sonorous history of Greece.
5. Gazi Quarter
The Gazi quarter is one of the most modern and dynamic things to do in Athens. In recent years, Gazi has evolved from an industrial area into an epicentre of nightlife, with bars, nightclubs, cafés and art exhibitions attracting locals and tourists alike. The Gazi Theatre and other cultural centres host concerts and art events, while the area is full of murals and street art that give it a creative and vibrant character. If you’re looking for a young and bohemian atmosphere, Gazi is the perfect place to enjoy the city’s nightlife.
Remember that with DareMapp you can take a multitude of interactive guided tours, including many of these “European most famous routes” for fun sightseeing around the main destinations.
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