What to do in Athens

Activities, attractions and tours

Acropolis showing night scenes, heritage elements and building ruins
Acropolis showing night scenes, heritage elements and building ruins
Monastiraki Flea Market showing street scenes, a city and a square or plaza
Greece showing street scenes and a city
Temple of Hephaestos featuring heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Athens Attractions

Has the glorious city of Greece, the gem known as Athens, filled your dreams? Have you had a fantasy to take Athens tours, visiting all of the attractions in Athens? This Mediterranean wonder is ripe for the picking. You only have one life to live. Don't put off traveling to one of the world's dearest, top destinations. Make a list of all of the things to do in Athens, take a look at the map to plot out all of your Athens excursions, and you'll find no shortage of things to do in Athens.

Expedia will help you to locate Athens activities to ensure you have the best experience as you visit all of the must see places.

When you head to Athens, you'll want to make sure you see the tourist spots and local top picks as well. No one will argue that history, architecture, and archaeology take center stage in this marvel of a city. You'll need to make a pilgrimage to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Areopagus, the Ancient Agora of Athens, Kerameikos, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Round out your visit to the past at the Temple of Hephaestus, Pnyx, Monastiraki, the Arch of Hadrian, the Stoa of Attalos, and the Prytaneion.

You can also step into modern times when Expedia.com helps you to find all of Athens' hidden treasures. Go cruising on the sea in one of the many rental boats that will let you be at the helm or let a tour service bring you around to all of the best sites while you sit back and relax. Shop in the boutiques in the Mall Athens and bring back a piece of Greece when your trip is over. Enjoy fine dining in one of the many establishments that will allow you to eat like the natives. Visit the quaint towns of Kolonaki and Plaka. When you've had your fill for the day, come back to a wonderful room, allowing Expedia.com to help you find the perfect accommodations. Set sail now and put Athens on your horizon in the near future.


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Top places to visit

1. Syntagma Square

There’s always plenty going on at Syntagma (Constitution) Square, in the center of Athens. Walk up the marble steps and take a seat at one of the cafes to people watch, or go see the changing of the guard in front of the Greek Parliament. Pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and experience the pride that the locals have in their heritage.
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Syntagma Square which includes an administrative building, street scenes and a city

2. Acropolis

The Acropolis, the “sacred rock” of Athens, is recognizable from the air, various viewpoints in the city, or from the history books of your childhood. It’s a worldwide symbol of the Golden Age of ancient Greek civilization. Here, you’ll find major portions of Doric temples and other architectural masterpieces, as well as the remnants of sculptures and carvings from the 5th century B.C.
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Acropolis which includes heritage elements, forests and landscape views

3. Parthenon

The Parthenon, the most famous structure at the Acropolis, was completed in 438 B.C. and is a striking example of ancient Greek architecture. Over the centuries, this symbol of strength has survived the rise and fall of civilizations, wars and modern development and today is a source of great pride for the country. Tourists from around the world come to photograph, paint and just gaze in wonder at the Doric columns, statues and detailed reliefs carved into the white marble.
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4. Acropolis Museum

The new Acropolis Museum stands in the historic area of Makrygianni just to the south-east of the Parthenon. Construction was finally completed in 2007 - more than 30 years after it was originally conceived. Architects from around the world competed to design this modern structure with over 150,000 square feet (14,000 square meters) of exhibit space. That’s ten times more space than was in the old museum on the hill of the Acropolis.
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New Acropolis Museum which includes a city as well as a large group of people

5. Monastiraki Flea Market

Head to the Monastiraki Flea Markets to discover a buzzing hive of stalls and vendors overflowing with knick-knacks, souvenirs, antiques and oddities.
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Greece showing street scenes and a city

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What to do in Athens


Discover the most popular places to visit in Athens

Explore areas of Athens

Academy of Athens showing heritage architecture, an administrative building and heritage elements

Athens City Centre

4.5/5(410 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes, and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Athens City Centre. Top attractions like Syntagma Square and Acropolis are major draws. Catch the metro at Panepistimio Station or Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Athens City Centre
Plaka which includes street scenes, night scenes and dining out

Plaka

4.5/5(92 area reviews)

Discover the "Neighborhood of the Gods" with its close proximity to the Acropolis and numerous archaeological sites. Wander through Anafiotika's traditional Cycladic architecture and visit some of the numerous museums.

Plaka
Athens featuring heritage architecture, a ruin and heritage elements

Monastiraki

4.5/5(99 area reviews)

Flea market vibes abound in this bustling shopping district, where you can find clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores. Easily accessible via Monastiraki Metro Station, it's perfect for bargain hunting and exploring Athens' old town.

Monastiraki
The Presidential Guard

Syntagma

While you're in Syntagma, take in top sights like Syntagma Square and jump on the metro at Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Syntagma
Sunrise in Athens

Koukaki

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Southeast of Athens, Koukaki boasts the charming Drakou and G. Olympiou pedestrian zones filled with cafes and restaurants. Easily accessible via Akropoli and Syngrou-Fix metro stations, tram lines, and numerous bus routes.

Koukaki
Mount Lycabettus which includes a city and mountains

Kolonaki

4.5/5(52 area reviews)

Upscale central Athens area on Mount Lycabettus' southern slopes, featuring boutiques, haute couture shopping, and museums like Benaki and Goulandris. Enjoy nightlife at bars, ouzeries, and ride the Lycabettus Funicular to the summit.

Kolonaki

 

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Day trip destinations from Athens

Frequently asked questions

Is Athens worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Athens is visit Voula Beach. Check this leading sight off your list, then discover more of this area's views and culture.
How do I spend a day in Athens?
Voula Beach and Votsalakia Beach are two good places to start your vacation adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Athens while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Athens?
The top tourist attraction in Athens is Voula Beach, so make sure to include it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Athens?
Three days will be enough time to check out the leading city attractions, such as Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens Concert Hall and Votsalakia Beach. The average stay in Athens is three days. If you have the time to extend your escape, Spata-Artemida isn't far away.
Is Athens a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Athens is a great place to tour on foot. Enjoy wandering between Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Athens Concert Hall. Then take a stroll around Monastiraki, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Makrigianni, which is roughly 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Athens with kids?
Planning what to do in Athens with kids has never been easier. Whether you're vacationing with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Athens for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Athens, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Faliro Sports Pavilion Arena or Ancient Agora of Athens.
Are there free things to do in Athens?
In Athens, Votsalakia Beach is a top spot for anyone wanting to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a simple way to learn about the best free things to do in Athens.

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