ATHENS | Most visitors to Athens tend to spend only a day or two in the city before heading off to the islands. It’s a shame, because Athens has a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered, that could easily fill up an entire week. If you do only have a few days to explore in Athens, you’ll want to make every moment count. This is where my guide is essential.
Founded thousands of years ago, Athens sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, serving as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and Western civilisation. Today, that ancient past sits side-by-side with a buzzing contemporary food, art, and nightlife scene. It’s a city that’s always been defined by its past, but is increasingly putting its stamp on things as a modern, exciting city.
Below, you’ll find my curated guide to the best things to do in Athens to help you make the most of your time in the Greek capital.
At-A-Glance: Top Athens Highlights
| Category | Top Recommendation / Highlight |
| Ancient Sites | Acropolis & Parthenon, Ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus |
| Neighbourhoods | Koukaki, Exarchia, Plaka, Monastiraki, Neos Kosmos |
| Food & Drink | Traditional tavernas, modern Greek dining, exciting wine bars |
| Museums | Acropolis Museum, Benaki Museum, EMST Contemporary Art |
| Shopping & Markets | Varvakeios Central Market, independent vinyl record stores |
Discover Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece was one of the most influential civilisations in human history. The birthplace of democracy, and ground-breaking developments in areas like philosophy, science, the arts, and sports, Ancient Greece is considered to be the cradle of Western civilisation. Its influence on later powers, like the Roman Empire, and today’s nation-states, can be seen everywhere.
Many of that era’s grandest structures were built in Athens, and a lot of them are still standing today. There are famous spots like the iconic Acropolis of Athens & Parthenon, and lesser-known gems to be found all over the city. Check out my article, Discovering Ancient Greece in Athens, for a list of my top Ancient Greek sites to visit in Athens.
Enjoy Greece’s Wonderful Cuisine
Greek cuisine is one that’s been shaped by the country’s history and strategic geographical importance over thousands of years. Similar to neighbouring Mediterranean countries, Greek cuisine is centred around brilliant fresh produce, olive oil, grains, and vegetables.
You’ll find dishes that trace their history back to ancient times, as well as foods that showcase an interplay with Asian, Turkish, Balkan, and Italian flavours. Given Athens’ proximity to the coast, seafood is also a key part of the modern Athenian diet.
In recent years, Athens has experienced quite a culinary renaissance. This has resulted in a city that mixes traditional and modern, old and new. You can enjoy souvlaki at places that have been operating for over 100 years, alongside contemporary plates at venues redefining what Greek food can be.
Looking for restaurant recommendations? Check out my Athens Food Guide: Where To Eat for a full curated list of top spots.
Experience The City’s Diverse Neighbourhoods
Athens is a city that many people use as a quick transit base before heading out to the islands. If you stay super central, you can certainly get a flavour for what the city has to offer, but you will miss out on much of what makes Athens such a fascinating place if you don’t check out its distinct neighbourhoods.
With only 48 hours in Athens, you might be tempted to stick to neighbourhoods like Plaka (touristy, but fun), historic Monastiraki, and trendy Psiri. These are all great to visit, but I’d recommend dedicating a few hours to neighbourhoods slightly further out.
One of my favourite neighbourhoods is Koukaki. It’s a trendy spot that has grown in popularity while retaining a relaxed, local vibe filled with great bars and independent boutiques. If you’re into politics and counterculture, pay Exarchia a visit. For art galleries and up-and-coming creatives, head to Neos Kosmos.
Go To A Museum
Athens is home to several world-class museums focusing on both ancient history and contemporary culture. Popular stops include the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, and the National Gallery (Alexandros Soutsos Museum).
For a deeper dive, the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture offers an incredible collection of artefacts from prehistoric times through to modern Greece. For contemporary art, the National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMST), housed in the former FIX Brewery, is an absolute must-visit.
Head To The Waterfront
Once a separate city, the port city of Piraeus is now part of the greater Athens metropolitan area. Only a short metro ride from the centre, most travellers only venture past the ferry terminals en route to the islands. Taking the time to explore Piraeus reveals a gritty, working-class dockside charm, complete with brilliant seafood markets, waterfront dining, and great sea views.
Listen To Greek Music
Greece has a rich musical history spanning traditional folk music, blues-like rebetiko, and modern genres. If you are into vinyl records and physical music, you’ll be pleased to know that Athens is home to a thriving independent record store scene.
There are dozens of independent record shops scattered across the city centre and surrounding suburbs catering to every genre imaginable.
Crate diggers take note: check out my curated guide to the Best Record Stores In Athens for Vinyl.
Seek Out Street Art
Athens is widely considered one of the street art capitals of the world. Walk through the centre of town or creative quarters like Exarchia, and you’ll find an astonishing wealth of colourful large-scale murals and guerrilla paste-ups reflecting local community stories and political commentary.
For a detailed neighbourhood breakdown on where to spot the best works, take a look at my Athens Street Art Guide.
Sip On Greek Wine
Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, home to over 200 native grape varieties. From traditional retsina served at local tavernas to world-class modern low-intervention bottles, the wine scene here is exceptional.
A few standout wine bars to visit include Fysika, Fellos, Heteroclito near Plaka, and Pharaoh in Exarchia. Special mention also goes to Line, an innovative zero-waste bar famous for producing fermented fruit “why-ins” on-site.
Visit A Fresh Produce Market
To experience Greece’s legendary agricultural produce at its finest, head straight to Varvakeios Central Municipal Market. Operating since 1898, it houses dedicated meat, fish, and vegetable sections alongside bustling local stalls and small eateries.
For a polished, modern take on a local marketplace, check out the ground floor of ERGON House, which features a gourmet greengrocer, butcher, fishmonger, deli, and bakery all under one roof.