Athens, the beautiful capital of Greece. It is a beautiful and bustling city full of picturesque alleys, fascinating history, amazing food, lively nightlife, pleasant hotels, abundant music and ouzo flowing from every direction. Get your sneakers ready, because if you’ve asked yourself about hiking in Athens, know that this is a city you plow on foot. So what is there to do in Athens? Ready to get recommendations regarding this question? Proceed to the rest of the article.
What to do in Athens? A little information on the city
Athens, the capital of Greece, is the largest city in Greece. The population of the city is about four million people.
Athens is a colorful and fascinating city. It has historical buildings alongside houses with graffiti paintings, a combination of old and new, ancient and modern. These contrasts make Athens a special and spectacular city.
How many days do you need for a vacation or trips in Athens? You can enjoy the city and explore it in depth in four full days. Of course, even if you spend a week in the city, you will not get tired of it and you will be able to discover beautiful hidden corners that you have not seen before. If you have more than four days, you can combine it with Peloponnese.
Excursions in Athens - when is it recommended?
Excursions in Athens can take place throughout the year, but the most recommended periods are autumn, spring and winter. In the summer, it is less recommended to visit Athens because the temperatures there are very high and it is too hot to walk the streets. On the other hand, in winter the city is very bustling. The shops, restaurants and cafes are open, and the real plus is that the flight prices during this period and the hotels are much cheaper than the rest of the year.
Hotels in Athens - recommendations for accommodations in the city center
5 star hotels in the center of Athens –
Hotels with a heated pool in Athens for the winter –
Excursions in Athens: the Acropolis - the most famous location in the city
The name Acropolis means “upper city”. The Acropolis is actually the most famous relic of ancient Athens. What will you see in the Acropolis? Historical sites and remains of ancient temples. You can learn about the history of Greece and of course enjoy the amazing view of the city and the sea.The name Acropolis means “upper city”. The Acropolis is actually the most famous relic of ancient Athens. What will you see in the Acropolis? Historical sites and remains of ancient temples. You can learn about the history of Greece and of course enjoy the amazing view of the city and the sea.
You will see the Acropolis from almost any point in the city. There are those who are content to see it from afar when making trips in Athens, and there are those who want to go up to it and get an up close impression. The cost of entry to the Acropolis, as of this time, is 13 euros per person. How do you get to the Acropolis? When you make a trip in Athens, by a pleasant walk through the alleys, or by train that comes almost to this place. You can get off at one of the following stations – Acropolis or Monastiraki. Opening hours 20:00-08:00.
Click here for the Acropolis website
Christmas in Athens - where will you find Christmas markets?
If you are interested in making a trip to Athens in December, you can enjoy a decorated and happy city, with a Christmas atmosphere in the streets. Christmas markets are held in the central squares of the city, where you can spend time with your family and enjoy a classic European atmosphere.
A central Christmas market in the city is called The Christmas Factory and is located in the Gazi Technopolis neighborhood. If you come with children, you can enjoy a small amusement park, food stalls and street performances.
Another place you can walk is Syntagma Square, where there are many decorations, lights and decorated Christmas trees. If you visit the Little Kook cafe area in the Psiri neighborhood, you will most likely be treated to an ornate setting.
And what about desserts? If you want to taste some of the traditional desserts for the Christmas season in Greece, try the Melomakarona cookies (don’t be alarmed by how sweet they are and full of spices), and don’t miss the wonderful Kourabiedes almond cookies filled with powdered sugar. Keep in mind that on December 26-25 the shops in the city are closed and so are some of the restaurants, but don’t worry, you won’t go hungry.
Neighborhoods in Athens - these are the must-visit neighborhoods when traveling in Athens
The neighborhoods in Athens are undoubtedly one of the main attractions in the city. When you take a trip to Athens, it is important that you know that there are so many beautiful neighborhoods that you can wander around for a whole day without feeling bored. Get to know the most beautiful neighborhoods –
Psiri neighborhood
The Psiri neighborhood is one of the most bustling and worthwhile neighborhoods in the city, and many tourists enjoy it when they are on a trip to Athens. This neighborhood is also called the “hipster neighborhood”.
This neighborhood is old, and in the past you probably wouldn’t have enjoyed visiting it while on a trip to Athens, but in recent years the buildings in the neighborhood have been renovated, a lot of graffiti has been painted on the walls, lots of decent restaurants and cafes and dozens of bars have opened there, and the nightlife here is bustling. The neighborhood is an excellent base for staying in Athens for those who want to be close to the nightlife and sleep in the heart of things. When you are on a trip to Athens, don’t miss a visit to the colorful Evripidou street full of spices and delicacies.
Where to eat in Psiri? Tavern Klimataria
A recommended cafe in Psiri – Zoubourlou
If you are a fan of chocolate cakes, and desserts in general, visit Nancy’s Sweet Home cafe
And if you want to taste the loukoumades (the traditional dessert of Greece), you can find one of the best in the city in the Psiri area. You may be offered to put chocolate on it in a variety of flavors, but I suggest you go for the real loukoumades that only contains honey and cinnamon. Click here for their website
If you want to taste traditional Greek coffee that is brewed before your eyes on sand, visit MOKKA SPECIALTY COFFEE
3 recommended hotels in Psiri when making a trip to Athens –
Vasi – a charming boutique hotel with a good breakfast.
SOUL Athens Hotel – a hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop bar for the summer and parties once a fortnight on Sundays on the roof.
Pame House – a charming apartment hotel in a perfect location, some rooms include a bathtub on the balcony.
Plaka neighborhood
The beautiful Plaka neighborhood, located at the foot of the Acropolis, is the oldest part of the city and is an excellent experience when making a trip to Athens. The alleys in the neighborhood are beautiful and picturesque, the houses in this area of the city are charming, and the rent in the area is expensive compared to the other neighborhoods. What do you do in Plaka? Getting lost in the alleys, peeking in the various souvenir shops on the street, sitting in one of the local bars, taverns or cafes and enjoying a pleasant and touristy atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit the Roman Agora. Even if you don’t go inside, you can admire the beautiful entrance gate.
Where to eat in Plaka? Taverna Saita
3 recommended hotels in Plaka –
Electra Metropolis – a luxurious 5-star hotel, with an outdoor pool for the summer and a heated pool for the winter.
Ergon House – a charming and chic boutique hotel in the heart of Plaka
Art Pantheon – charming apartments in the center of the Plaka neighborhood
A trip to Athens in the Anafiotika neighborhood
Anafiotika is the neighborhood adjacent to Plaka. This is one of the picturesque neighborhoods in Athens that is well worth visiting. When walking in Athens in this neighborhood, you will find whitewashed houses with colorful doors and windows and backyards covered in flowers. Strolling along the cobbled alleys will make you feel like you’re on a Cycladic island far from the noise of the city.
Worth noting, the neighborhood is a paradise for cat lovers. There are many stray cats that roam the streets of the area waiting for passers-by to pet them.
Kolonaki neighborhood
Kolonaki is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city with brand stores, good restaurants and chic cafes. It is also called the prestigious shopping district of Athens, and there you will find the city’s rich. Besides jewelry stores, cafes, restaurants and bookstores, you’ll also find art galleries and museums here, so it’s definitely worth visiting there when making a trip to Athens.
If you are a chocolate lover, visit the Leonidas chocolate shop. They have great Belgian chocolate!
You can combine a visit to the Kolonaki neighborhood with the Lycabettus hill (the highest point in the city), from which there is a stunning view of the city and the sea. You can go up on foot (not suitable for everyone) or take a cable car from the Kolonaki neighborhood.
Where to eat in Kolonaki? To Omorfo
3 recommended hotels in Kolonaki –
The Modernist Athens – a charming 4-star hotel, with a pleasant roof
Monsieur Didot – charming and spacious apartments in the heart of Kolonaki
Shila Athens – a charming boutique hotel with an elegant design
Excursions in Athens in the Thissio neighborhood
If you are planning to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city a little while traveling in Athens, know that Thissio is a beautiful and quiet neighborhood designed for exactly this purpose. The neighborhood is close to Monastiraki Square and offers a selection of cafes mainly on Iraklidon Street.
If you are walking around the neighborhood, there is a recommended cafe called The Underdog.
Monastiraki square
Monastiraki is one of the oldest neighborhoods, it is located in the heart of the city and it is definitely recommended to visit it when making trips in Athens. Monastiraki Square is a famous meeting place for Athenians, and its surroundings offer many things to see. If you stand in the middle of the square, you will see a combination of history, culture and architecture. If you are coming from the airport by metro, you can get off at the Monastiraki station which is a central station in the city. Near the square you will find the ancient Agora, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in Athens, which used to be the center of its ancient city. In Monastiraki you can find the flea market of Athens, many shoe stores, clothes and antiques (for fans of the genre).
Recommended hotel in Monastiraki Square –
The Residence Aiolou Suites & SPA – a boutique hotel in a 100-year-old building in a central location in Athens
Excursions in Athens: rooftops in the city center
In Monastiraki Square you can find really fun rooftops with an amazing view of the city and the Acropolis.
These are my 3 recommendations –
360 Cocktail bar – it is recommended to come during the day as well as at night. Lovely place with a good atmosphere.
A for Athens – a fun cocktail bar in the heart of the square.
Attic Urban Rooftop – Instagrammable rooftop with a swing in front of the view. The perfect place for photos.
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the most famous square in Athens and where you can find many iconic landmarks.
In the center of the square you will find the Hellenic Perlant, a large and impressive building erected between 1836 and 1842 as the royal palace of the first king of Greece.
In front of the Parliament building is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded day and night by two presidential guards dressed in strange traditional uniforms. If you like special things when taking trips, and in particular when taking a trip to Athens, know that every round hour you can watch the changing of the guard (highly recommended).
At the top of Syntagma Square is Ermou Street, one of the main shopping streets of the city.
Recommended hotel in Syntagma Square –
Athens Ivy Suites – a charming boutique hotel near Syntagma Square
Athens shopping - get to know "Ermou" street
If you start at the top of Syntagma Square and walk down the stairs, you will pass the fountain. At the bottom of the square is the beginning of Ermou Street, which is a paradise for those who came to Athens for shopping. Ermou Street is the main shopping street in Athens, where you can find shops such as Bershka, H&M, Zara and more.
Being the main foot route between Syntagma Square and Monastiraki, you’ll always find Ermou Street full of people when you’re out and about in Athens. Besides shops, you can also come across musicians doing covers on the street (mostly not bad at all), clowns, street vendors, and also the less beautiful sides of Athens such as beggars, homeless people and pickpockets (this is an excellent opportunity to tell you to keep your bag well and put it on the front of your body).
Another street recommended for shopping is Perikleous.
3 recommended hotels on Ermou Street –
A trip to Athens: recommended taverns
Athens has a lot of recommended restaurants and taverns, the city is known for its extensive culinary selection, so there is a high chance that you will enjoy the restaurant – overall, Greek food is quite hard to destroy :).
Still, I will list here 3 recommendations on taverns and restaurants that you should visit when you make trips in Athens –
KLIMATARIA – excellent tavern with authentic Greek food. Almost every evening there are performances there, so you can enjoy good food with a happy atmosphere, music and dancing. It is recommended to reserve a place in advance.
Avli Psiri – an authentic tavern with simple and delicious food located in an invisible side alley.
To paradosiako – an old tavern in the Plaka neighborhood.
Athens attractions - tours in Athens to get to know the city
If you are looking for attractions in the city of Athens, know that there are several companies that do tours in the city, and you can book with them independently through the website Getyourguide
Recommended museums in Athens
Acropolis Museum – the Acropolis Museum. It is a 3-story building, where on each floor you can see archaeological finds from different periods. To order tickets in advance, click here.
Jewish Museum of Greece – The Jewish Museum in Athens presents the life of the Jews over 2,300 years in Greece.
National Archaeological Museum – The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world dedicated to ancient Greek art.
Excursions outside Athens
If you are looking for trips outside of Athens, and you are coming to Athens for more than four days, we recommend a day trip outside of Athens. The truth is, there is so much to do outside of Athens, that if you ask me, I would recommend you book a flight to Athens for at least seven days, and so You can enjoy both a city and a currency, the sea and an authentic Greek atmosphere that you will not find inside the city.
My first recommendation for a day out of the city is a trip to the beautiful city of Nafplio. The city, which used to be the capital of Greece, is now considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece, and rightfully so. What to do in Nafplio? You can read in the detailed article we prepared on the subject of Peloponnese.
Another recommendation is a day trip to the Athens Riviera, which is only a 40-minute drive away. It is a beautiful promenade near the beach, with restaurants on the water, beach bars, cafes, beautiful beaches and one freshwater lake that is very much worth visiting – Lake Vouliagmeni. The water temperature all year varies between 22 and 29 degrees. Not far from the lake is Vouliagmeni Beach, which is a good choice to spend a day in the sun. In this area of Greece you can find some of the most luxurious hotels in Greece such as –
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
If you don’t feel like going too far from the city, at only a 20 minute drive you will reach Piraeus. There you will find a nice market, excellent taverns and a small and picturesque harbor called Mikrolimano. It is a charming and lively port with taverns, restaurants, bars and cafes next to the water. It is highly recommended to stay in the area until sunset and enjoy a particularly romantic atmosphere.
Islands near Athens
If you come to Athens for at least seven days, you can combine a vacation of several days in the city with a vacation on one of the nearby islands. Did you know that there are islands that are less than two hours sailing from Athens? Get to know the Saronic Islands, which are seven main islands, the most famous of which are Hydra, Agistri, Aegina, Spatsas and Salamis. All these islands are magical and are a short distance from Athens. If you want to visit a pristine and beautiful island that is only two hours by ferry from Athens, I recommend Andros Island , which is a green island, with nature trails, beautiful villages, excellent food and a great atmosphere! Access to it is through Rafina port. For planning and recommendations in Andros, send us a message.
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