Athens is a living, breathing museum—where every corner hums with stories of gods, empires, and revolutions. From the iconic Acropolis and the mighty Parthenon to tucked-away Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques, the city is layered in history and charm. But Athens isn’t just ancient marble and mythology—this is a city where the old meets the effortlessly cool. Think street art next to ancient ruins, third-wave coffee shops beside neoclassical gems, and a skyline pierced by centuries-old temples.
If you’re planning your first visit and wondering what to do in Athens Greece, you’re in for a treat. This guide to the best things to do in Athens Greece is your passport to peeling back the layers of this city—from epic ruins to buzzing neighbourhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki, and Kolonaki.
We teamed up with the locals at Alternative Athens Tours (who totally blew us away with their Mythology and Orientation tours) to make sure we didn’t miss a beat. Central Athens is super walkable, so grab your most comfortable shoes—nearly all of the top attractions in Athens Greece are just steps away from each other.
Ready to fall in love with the city of Athena? Let’s dive in!
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1. The Acropolis
The Acropolis is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Athens Greece and an absolute must for first-time visitors. Entry now requires booking in advance with a 15-minute time slot, so plan accordingly. We’ll admit—we underestimated it at first, thinking it was just a pile of ruins. But with a good guide (we went with Alternative Athens), the site came alive with myth and meaning. We entered via the southern gate and met Dionysus—god of wine and festivity—before seeing the spectacular Theatre of Herodes Atticus, where legends like Pavarotti and Sting have performed.
At the summit, the Parthenon’s sheer size took our breath away, while the petite yet powerful Temple of Athena Nike stood quietly nearby. The Erechtheion, with its stunning caryatid statues, was the final stop—and what a poetic end to this marble-clad journey. The Acropolis isn’t just a site—it’s the ancient heart and soul of Athens, timeless and unforgettable.
2. The Acropolis Museum
One of the most essential things to do in Athens, Greece is visiting the Acropolis Museum—an architectural marvel that deepens your understanding of the Acropolis itself. After our hilltop visit, our guide insisted we explore it, and wow, were they right. We were instantly captivated by the original caryatids from the Erechtheion—elegant and imposing at 2.28 metres tall. The real highlight was the third-floor Parthenon Gallery, a glass-walled space that mirrors the original temple layout and displays the frieze at eye level for an immersive experience.
But the museum’s magic didn’t stop there. On the lower level, we stumbled into a real archaeological site: a preserved neighbourhood where Athenians lived from the 4th century BCE to the 12th century CE. With over 4,200 artefacts and intuitive displays, the museum does a stellar job of connecting ancient stories to modern visitors. Trust us—this museum is unmissable and absolutely worth your time.
3. Temple of Zeus: Monument to the King of Gods
Among the most impressive things to do in Athens Greece is a visit to the colossal Temple of Zeus. Nestled in the heart of the city, this ancient ruin is one of the top attractions in Athens Greece and part of the combo ticket that covers multiple archaeological sites. Dedicated to Zeus—the king of all gods and protector of humankind—this temple is a testament to ancient ambition.
Though only 15 of the original 104 Corinthian columns remain, they still tower at a staggering 17 metres high with a 1.7-metre-wide base, showcasing the temple’s former grandeur. Construction took nearly 700 years, finally completed under Roman Emperor Hadrian in 131 CE. Just nearby stands Hadrian’s Arch, built in his honour—a perfect photo stop. If you’re chasing myths, history, and monumental ruins, this site offers it all. Definitely add this to your Athens itinerary.
4. Ancient Agora: The Heartbeat of Classical Athens
If you’re wondering what to do in Athens Greece beyond the famous ruins, the Ancient Agora is a must. This was the epicentre of ancient life—where politics, trade, and philosophy collided in 6th-century Athens. Among the ruins, the Temple of Hephaistos steals the show as Greece’s best-preserved Doric temple. It’s remarkably intact and predates much of the Agora itself. Another highlight is the Stoa of Attalos, beautifully reconstructed and now home to the Agora Museum. For history lovers, this site is one of the most enriching things to do in Athens Greece.
5. Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds: Athens’ Ancient Forecast
If you’re exploring what to do in Athens Greece, don’t miss the Roman Agora near Monastiraki. Though smaller than the Ancient Agora, it once bustled with traders over 2,000 years ago. Its highlight is the Tower of the Winds—an octagonal marvel that served as an ancient weather station. With sundials, a water clock, and a wind vane, it helped merchants predict shipping arrivals. Remarkably well-preserved, this structure showcases ancient ingenuity. For architecture lovers and history buffs, it’s one of the underrated top attractions in Athens Greece worth adding to your walking route.
6. Panathenaic Stadium: A Timeless Olympic Icon
Visiting the Panathenaic Stadium is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in Athens Greece. Built entirely of marble in 144 CE, it once held 50,000 cheering spectators for ancient athletic contests. Standing in this historic arena, you can almost feel the echoes of the past. Abandoned for centuries, it was later excavated and magnificently restored to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and again in 2004. A symbol of resilience and continuity, the stadium beautifully connects ancient traditions with modern glory. Take a guided tour to truly appreciate its legacy and significance in sports history.
7. National Garden: Athens’ Peaceful Green Retreat
For a refreshing break from ancient ruins, one of the most relaxing things to do in Athens Greece is visiting the National Garden. Commissioned in 1838 by Queen Amalia, the garden served as her personal project after struggling with childlessness, creating a lasting connection with the Athenian people. Today, this leafy escape offers winding paths, shaded benches, turtle-filled ponds, and a lovely playground. It’s a peaceful place to recharge amid nature. At its southern end, the neoclassical Zappeion Hall adds grandeur—built in the 1880s and linked to the first modern Olympic Games, it brings a touch of history to this lush sanctuary.
8. Monastiraki
Monastiraki is one of the top attractions in Athens, Greece, offering a vibrant mix of history, culture, and shopping. Nestled beside Plaka and beneath the northern slope of Acropolis Hill, it’s a district where centuries collide. In Monastiraki Square, we admired the striking mix of architecture—the 1759 Ottoman-era mosque, the tiny Greek Orthodox Church of Virgin Mary Pantanassa, the neoclassical Metro station, and the ancient ruins of Hadrian’s Library. This lively hub pulses with energy and charm. Wander down to Avissinias Square for antiques, vintage books, handmade crafts, jewellery, leather sandals, and souvenirs. It’s a sensory journey through Athens—perfect for explorers, shoppers, and culture lovers alike.
9. Gazi: Athens’ Creative and Nightlife Hub
For those craving culture with a twist, Gazi is one of the most dynamic top attractions in Athens Greece. Formerly an industrial zone, it’s now a buzzing neighbourhood filled with stylish cafes, creative galleries, and bold street art—especially near the ILPAP Building. By day, it’s a laid-back area for brunch and art-spotting. By night, it transforms into a vibrant hotspot, with live music, nightclubs, and LGBT-friendly bars. At the centre lies Technopolis, a former gasworks now hosting festivals, exhibitions, and the popular Athens Jazz Festival. Gazi is where gritty history meets edgy, modern cool—Athens at its most alive.
10. Filopappou Hill: Serenity with a View
If you’re wondering what to do in Athens Greece, for stunning views and tranquil walks, head to Filopappou Hill. Just off Dionysiou Areopagitou boulevard, this pine-covered escape offers some of the best vantage points of the Acropolis—especially magical at sunset. One of the more peaceful things to do in Athens Greece, it’s also rich in history. At the summit stands the Filopappas Monument, honouring a Roman senator from the 1st century CE. Nearby, you’ll find the serene Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris with 16th-century frescoes and the mysterious Socrates’ Prison. Perfect for photography, quiet reflection, and a brush with ancient charm.
