Unforgettable Things to do in Athens Greece
During summer 2016, I went back to Europe for the first time since studying abroad in Spain.
I took this wonderful trip to Greece with my cousins and friends and we had the BEST time!
Our Greece trip started in Athens, the capital of the Southern European country, where there are so many great things to do. We then made our way to the magical islands of Santorini, Paros and Mykonos.
Greece was one of my favorite destinations and you will soon find out why!
In this blog post, discover the best things to do in Athens Greece.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
When to Travel to Greece:
I traveled to Greece at the beginning of July, which is considered to be the prime time for tourism.
Even though Greece makes for the perfect year round trip, the best time to visit Athens is during the shoulder seasons. The weather is a perfect temperature and you won’t be stuck dealing with crazy crowds in extreme heat like I did.
Where to Stay in Athens:
Athens is a beautiful metropolitan city with mountain views from every corner.
There are plenty of options to choose from such as Airbnbs and high-end hotels
.
Even though you could find a plethora of quaint Airbnbs and Vrbos in Athens, I highly recommend staying at a hotel with a rooftop pool so that you could relax after a day of touring and enjoy some amazing views. There are also a plethora of hostels
to chose from as well.
The hotel I stayed at during my time in Athens was the President Hotel. It is the perfect mid-budget hotel!
What to Eat in Athens:
Greek food is fresh, healthy and delicious! Throughout Athens, you could find amazing cafés, restaurants and bars.
Below are my recommendations on some of the best places to savor gyros (traditional Greek sandwiches), souvlaki (skewers), moussaka (Greek version of lasagna), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), spanakopita (spinach pie with feta cheese) and so much more!
You could also discover several great restaurants in Athens’ Pláka, which is the beautiful downtown area.
A for Athens Café and Cocktail Bar: Located in downtown Athens’ main square called Monastiraki, A for Athens is the perfect place to hang out with friends and savor a fresh souvlaki platter filled with pieces of meat such as chicken, lamb and beef with warm pita bread and the best olive oil.
It is also a wonderful place to grab a drink and enjoy the stunning views of the famous Greek Acropolis, Pláka neighborhood and Monastiraki Square.
In addition to being a café and cocktail bar, A for Athens is also a hotel and apartment complex!
Kitro – Café Restaurant and Bar: Situated in the Pláka is an authentic Greek restaurant called Kitro.
It is here where I had some of the best wine in Athens and also savored some delicious stuffed peppers and grape leaves. I absolutely loved the ambiance at this restaurant and the owners made us feel welcomed.
The Plàka: Throughout the Pláka are several restaurants, cafés, bakeries and stands where you could grab gyros and baklava. These two foodie items are my absolute FAVORITE!
During my time in Athens, I savored a delicious chicken gyro with Greece’s famous tzatziki sauce that is made with Greek yogurt and mixed with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil and other freshly grown herbs.
It is absolutely delicious and you cannot go wrong with a gyro for lunch.
In addition to gyros, the baklava was out of this world!
Even though baklava originated in Turkey, it is a major staple in Greek cuisine. It consists of layers of filo dough, chopped nuts as well as sugar, cinnamon and ground cloves.
Things to do in Athens Greece
Go Back in History:
Stadium of Olympia: Also known as the original Olympic Stadium starting from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD, the Stadium of Olympia is a site you cannot miss.
In 2004, the Summer Olympic games were held in Athens after many years. It was awesome to actually be standing in the stadium where these games have been held for centuries.
Acropolis: One of the number one things to do in Athens Greece is visit the Acropolis.
After spending some time in Olympia, we headed to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon. The Acropolis is one historical site you cannot miss when visiting Athens!
Since Greece barely gets rain throughout the year, the atmosphere is very desert-like. Make sure that if you are visiting during the summer, like I did, that you wear light clothing and keep yourself hydrated, as it is very hot and dry at the top.
Luckily, the day we went, the weather was very windy, so we were comfortable and able to enjoy the archeological sites without suffering in the heat.
When you walk up the steps, you enter the Propylaea, which is the entrance that was completed in 432 BC, just before the outbreak of the Peloponnesian wars.
Once you enter, you can see the Pinacotheca (picture gallery) and a Hellenistic pedestal. On the right, is the tiny temple of Nike Athena, which commemorates the Athenians’ victory over the Persians.
The main archeological site to see while you are at the Acropolis is the famous Parthenon that was built by Pericles in the 5th century BC as a monument to recognize Athens’ political and cultural achievements.
Being in front of the Parthenon was surreal for me. It felt like my middle and high school history books came to life! If you are visiting the Acropolis with kids, discover what you cannot miss!
Another great site to see when visiting the Acropolis is the Erectheion that sits on the most sacred site there – where Poseidon and Athena had their contest over who would be the Patron of the City.
It is also a MUST to go over by the Greek flag in the northeast corner of the Acropolis where you can catch the best views of Athens and take great pictures.
Acropolis means the upper city. Many of the city-states from Ancient Greece were built around the Acropolis. It was a place where people were able to escape to in times of invasion.
The most sacred and important buildings were built usually on or around the Acropolis during ancient times.
Walk through the Pláka:
Another one of the top things to do in Athens Greece is explore the hidden gems in the downtown area of the city.
The Pláka in Athens offers a wonderful European ambiance. The locals are very friendly and accommodating; all of the tiled buildings feature warm colors and beautiful flowers hanging from their stucco walls; the shops have items you cannot find anywhere else and the restaurants are authentic and comforting.
Some specialties that you could find in the Pláka are handcrafted jewelry with rich stones found in the surrounding Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. I bought a ring with an orange stone from the Mediterranean that I wear almost every day.
Another specialty in Greece is olive oil. Not only could you buy bottles of olive oil for cooking purposes; you could also purchase different soaps that make your skin nice and soft. I purchased a bar of soap that I used to take a bath with. It made my skin feel great!
Watch the Sunset at Mars Hill:
Out of all of the places I have been to, Greece has the best sunsets! (Bali has some great sunsets as well.)
Not only did I experience some epic sunsets on the islands, I also got to see a great one during my time in Athens.
Before dinner one night, we stopped at Areopagus, which is also known as Mars Hill. This area is famous for a few reasons: in the bible, Apostle Paul delivered his famous speech there about the identity of “the unknown God”. (According to the biblical account Acts 17.)
During pre-classical times, it was the council of elders of the city and in classical times, it functioned as the chief homicide court of Athens.
According to Greek mythology, Ares (the god of war, known to the Romans as Mars) was tried here (by the gods) for the murder of Poseidon’s son.
The Areopagus is located across from the Acropolis. We climbed up the marble hill where we watched the sun setting over the gorgeous ancient city.
Please make note that when visiting Mars Hill to wear comfortable shoes. I was wearing flat sandals and had a tough time climbing up and down the hill.
When you are at the top, please watch your step, as it is easy to fall on the marble.
Enjoy the Nightlife:
In addition to food, historical sites and culture of Athens, the city also offers a fun nightlife! Here are two of my favorite places to party in the ancient city:
360 Cocktail Bar: This fancy bar and restaurant offers a gorgeous rooftop view of Athens. You will seriously feel like you are on top of the world at this place!
To top it off, 360 Cocktail Bar provides some of the best drink options in the city. There is seriously no better way than to enjoy a delicious mojito with a view of the Acropolis lit up under the stars!
Six d.o.g.s: Known as a trendy culture bar with live music, art exhibitions and a dreamy outdoor atmosphere, Six d.o.g.s is a wonderful place to enjoy during a night out in Athens.
At this bar, you could drink some amazing cocktails, wine and beer under a forest of stringed lights. It is absolutely adorable.
Click here to discover to do and see in Athens.
Now that You Know of the Best Things to do in Athens Greece:
I hope you all enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Athens Greece.
If you have any questions about my time in Athens or my trip to Greece in general, please feel free to email me [email protected]
Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!
Basic Facts of Greece:
Currency: Euro, Capital: Athens, Time Zone: Eastern European Standard Time
Click here to join my private blog sharing Facebook group.
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop my Athens looks:
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38 Comments
Leave a Comment
Unforgettable Things to do in Athens Greece
During summer 2016, I went back to Europe for the first time since studying abroad in Spain.
I took this wonderful trip to Greece with my cousins and friends and we had the BEST time!
Our Greece trip started in Athens, the capital of the Southern European country, where there are so many great things to do. We then made our way to the magical islands of Santorini, Paros and Mykonos.
Greece was one of my favorite destinations and you will soon find out why!
In this blog post, discover the best things to do in Athens Greece.
**Please note that this blog post uses affiliate links meaning that if you make a purchase via my affiliate link, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only promote and talk about products and services that I have used and like.
Pin the Below Image to Keep Handy
When to Travel to Greece:
I traveled to Greece at the beginning of July, which is considered to be the prime time for tourism.
Even though Greece makes for the perfect year round trip, the best time to visit Athens is during the shoulder seasons. The weather is a perfect temperature and you won’t be stuck dealing with crazy crowds in extreme heat like I did.
Where to Stay in Athens:
Athens is a beautiful metropolitan city with mountain views from every corner.
There are plenty of options to choose from such as Airbnbs and high-end hotels
.
Even though you could find a plethora of quaint Airbnbs and Vrbos in Athens, I highly recommend staying at a hotel with a rooftop pool so that you could relax after a day of touring and enjoy some amazing views. There are also a plethora of hostels
to chose from as well.
The hotel I stayed at during my time in Athens was the President Hotel. It is the perfect mid-budget hotel!
What to Eat in Athens:
Greek food is fresh, healthy and delicious! Throughout Athens, you could find amazing cafés, restaurants and bars.
Below are my recommendations on some of the best places to savor gyros (traditional Greek sandwiches), souvlaki (skewers), moussaka (Greek version of lasagna), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), spanakopita (spinach pie with feta cheese) and so much more!
You could also discover several great restaurants in Athens’ Pláka, which is the beautiful downtown area.
A for Athens Café and Cocktail Bar: Located in downtown Athens’ main square called Monastiraki, A for Athens is the perfect place to hang out with friends and savor a fresh souvlaki platter filled with pieces of meat such as chicken, lamb and beef with warm pita bread and the best olive oil.
It is also a wonderful place to grab a drink and enjoy the stunning views of the famous Greek Acropolis, Pláka neighborhood and Monastiraki Square.
In addition to being a café and cocktail bar, A for Athens is also a hotel and apartment complex!
Kitro – Café Restaurant and Bar: Situated in the Pláka is an authentic Greek restaurant called Kitro.
It is here where I had some of the best wine in Athens and also savored some delicious stuffed peppers and grape leaves. I absolutely loved the ambiance at this restaurant and the owners made us feel welcomed.
The Plàka: Throughout the Pláka are several restaurants, cafés, bakeries and stands where you could grab gyros and baklava. These two foodie items are my absolute FAVORITE!
During my time in Athens, I savored a delicious chicken gyro with Greece’s famous tzatziki sauce that is made with Greek yogurt and mixed with cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil and other freshly grown herbs.
It is absolutely delicious and you cannot go wrong with a gyro for lunch.
In addition to gyros, the baklava was out of this world!
Even though baklava originated in Turkey, it is a major staple in Greek cuisine. It consists of layers of filo dough, chopped nuts as well as sugar, cinnamon and ground cloves.
Things to do in Athens Greece
Go Back in History:
Stadium of Olympia: Also known as the original Olympic Stadium starting from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD, the Stadium of Olympia is a site you cannot miss.
In 2004, the Summer Olympic games were held in Athens after many years. It was awesome to actually be standing in the stadium where these games have been held for centuries.
Acropolis: One of the number one things to do in Athens Greece is visit the Acropolis.
After spending some time in Olympia, we headed to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon. The Acropolis is one historical site you cannot miss when visiting Athens!
Since Greece barely gets rain throughout the year, the atmosphere is very desert-like. Make sure that if you are visiting during the summer, like I did, that you wear light clothing and keep yourself hydrated, as it is very hot and dry at the top.
Luckily, the day we went, the weather was very windy, so we were comfortable and able to enjoy the archeological sites without suffering in the heat.
When you walk up the steps, you enter the Propylaea, which is the entrance that was completed in 432 BC, just before the outbreak of the Peloponnesian wars.
Once you enter, you can see the Pinacotheca (picture gallery) and a Hellenistic pedestal. On the right, is the tiny temple of Nike Athena, which commemorates the Athenians’ victory over the Persians.
The main archeological site to see while you are at the Acropolis is the famous Parthenon that was built by Pericles in the 5th century BC as a monument to recognize Athens’ political and cultural achievements.
Being in front of the Parthenon was surreal for me. It felt like my middle and high school history books came to life! If you are visiting the Acropolis with kids, discover what you cannot miss!
Another great site to see when visiting the Acropolis is the Erectheion that sits on the most sacred site there – where Poseidon and Athena had their contest over who would be the Patron of the City.
It is also a MUST to go over by the Greek flag in the northeast corner of the Acropolis where you can catch the best views of Athens and take great pictures.
Acropolis means the upper city. Many of the city-states from Ancient Greece were built around the Acropolis. It was a place where people were able to escape to in times of invasion.
The most sacred and important buildings were built usually on or around the Acropolis during ancient times.
Walk through the Pláka:
Another one of the top things to do in Athens Greece is explore the hidden gems in the downtown area of the city.
The Pláka in Athens offers a wonderful European ambiance. The locals are very friendly and accommodating; all of the tiled buildings feature warm colors and beautiful flowers hanging from their stucco walls; the shops have items you cannot find anywhere else and the restaurants are authentic and comforting.
Some specialties that you could find in the Pláka are handcrafted jewelry with rich stones found in the surrounding Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. I bought a ring with an orange stone from the Mediterranean that I wear almost every day.
Another specialty in Greece is olive oil. Not only could you buy bottles of olive oil for cooking purposes; you could also purchase different soaps that make your skin nice and soft. I purchased a bar of soap that I used to take a bath with. It made my skin feel great!
Watch the Sunset at Mars Hill:
Out of all of the places I have been to, Greece has the best sunsets! (Bali has some great sunsets as well.)
Not only did I experience some epic sunsets on the islands, I also got to see a great one during my time in Athens.
Before dinner one night, we stopped at Areopagus, which is also known as Mars Hill. This area is famous for a few reasons: in the bible, Apostle Paul delivered his famous speech there about the identity of “the unknown God”. (According to the biblical account Acts 17.)
During pre-classical times, it was the council of elders of the city and in classical times, it functioned as the chief homicide court of Athens.
According to Greek mythology, Ares (the god of war, known to the Romans as Mars) was tried here (by the gods) for the murder of Poseidon’s son.
The Areopagus is located across from the Acropolis. We climbed up the marble hill where we watched the sun setting over the gorgeous ancient city.
Please make note that when visiting Mars Hill to wear comfortable shoes. I was wearing flat sandals and had a tough time climbing up and down the hill.
When you are at the top, please watch your step, as it is easy to fall on the marble.
Enjoy the Nightlife:
In addition to food, historical sites and culture of Athens, the city also offers a fun nightlife! Here are two of my favorite places to party in the ancient city:
360 Cocktail Bar: This fancy bar and restaurant offers a gorgeous rooftop view of Athens. You will seriously feel like you are on top of the world at this place!
To top it off, 360 Cocktail Bar provides some of the best drink options in the city. There is seriously no better way than to enjoy a delicious mojito with a view of the Acropolis lit up under the stars!
Six d.o.g.s: Known as a trendy culture bar with live music, art exhibitions and a dreamy outdoor atmosphere, Six d.o.g.s is a wonderful place to enjoy during a night out in Athens.
At this bar, you could drink some amazing cocktails, wine and beer under a forest of stringed lights. It is absolutely adorable.
Click here to discover to do and see in Athens.
Now that You Know of the Best Things to do in Athens Greece:
I hope you all enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Athens Greece.
If you have any questions about my time in Athens or my trip to Greece in general, please feel free to email me [email protected]
Make sure to pin this post if you find it useful!
Basic Facts of Greece:
Currency: Euro, Capital: Athens, Time Zone: Eastern European Standard Time
Click here to join my private blog sharing Facebook group.
*Anything could happen during your travels. Always make sure you are insured in case there are unforeseen circumstances such as lost luggage/theft, natural disasters, personal liabilities and more. Click here to get insured for your next trip.
Shop my Athens looks:
38 Comments
Such a good post Taylor! Dreaming of being back here as we speak
Looking forward to the day that I get to explore Athens! I went to Santorini last year and loved it so much!
I love Greece as a country so much and visited three islands already. Unfortunately I never made it to Athens tho. Really hoping to go there soon 🙂
Definitely need to visit Greece. The history in Athens just looks so incredible!
I cannot wait to get to Greece someday soon! I love how many historical sites there are in Athens, and its so beautiful!
Lovely! Adding Greece to my list of places to go.
a beautiful place, maybe one day I can go there
Great blog! Made me fall in love with this historic city!
Can’t believe I have never viste Greece. It looks like such an amazing destination. Thanks for sharing your tips. I will save them for when I travel to Greece in the future.
I was briefly in Greece a couple years back but would love to go back to explore some more!! *-*
Love this guide and your food pictures look amazing! I was supposed to be in Greece in a week but I guess I’ll be going later. Definitely saving this for the future!
Such good Post Taylor ! Your food pictures are amazing and I loved the Plaka neighbourhood. It looks like islands of Greece which is so colorful. adding Athens in my list now.
What a beautiful guide to Athens, Taylor!! Brings back great memories of this place and reminds me that I need to go back! 🙂 Thanks for all the useful tips, I’ve pinned this so that I can read it again before my return visit! 🙂
Aw, you make me wanna go back to Athens!! I absolutely LOVED the food and was amazed by how walkable everything was. You listed a few things I didn’t get to on my trip, so have saved this for someday when I go back 🙂 Thanks!
Literally less than ten minutes prior to me stumbling on this post I was telling my boyfriend as soon as we’re able to travel again, we need to visit Greece! So I’m totally considering this fate. Can’t wait to check out some of your recommendations and I’m especially excited for the sunsets!
Ahhhh I want to go to Athens so badly! I hear amazing things about the city, and I want to explore all the ruins. Thanks so much for this thorough post on everything to do in Athens!
Excellent post! I studied abroad in Dublin last spring and sadly didn’t get to Greece, but it’s on my list. It looks epic!
I would love to go back to Greece. Also the baklava made my mouth water!
I’ve been thinking to visit Athens for many years, but for some reason, I always pushed it to the back and went to other places instead. Your pictures and words really made me want to have that trip soon!
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Such a good post Taylor! Dreaming of being back here as we speak
Thank you Katie and yes, Greece is such a beautiful country. 🙂
Looking forward to the day that I get to explore Athens! I went to Santorini last year and loved it so much!
You would be very fascinated by Athens! The Acropolis is cool to see in person. 🙂
I love Greece as a country so much and visited three islands already. Unfortunately I never made it to Athens tho. Really hoping to go there soon 🙂
Yes, you totally should go at some point. I’m looking to go back to Greece and visit new islands too.
Definitely need to visit Greece. The history in Athens just looks so incredible!
Yes, the historical sites in Athens are absolutely amazing! 🙂
I cannot wait to get to Greece someday soon! I love how many historical sites there are in Athens, and its so beautiful!
Yes, it’s such a beautiful country and the historical sites are so fascinating! 🙂
Lovely! Adding Greece to my list of places to go.
Thank you Erin and it is such a beautiful country! 🙂
a beautiful place, maybe one day I can go there
It definitely was! You would love it Geri! 🙂
Great blog! Made me fall in love with this historic city!
Thank you so much Lekha! 🙂
Can’t believe I have never viste Greece. It looks like such an amazing destination. Thanks for sharing your tips. I will save them for when I travel to Greece in the future.
You totally have to go at some point! It is such a beautiful country! 🙂
I was briefly in Greece a couple years back but would love to go back to explore some more!! *-*
Yes, I am hoping to go back at some point too! 🙂
Love this guide and your food pictures look amazing! I was supposed to be in Greece in a week but I guess I’ll be going later. Definitely saving this for the future!
Thank you so much Bettina, this was actually before I got a real camera and started blogging. That is a bummer you had to postpone your Greece trip. You will love it when you eventually go 🙂
Such good Post Taylor ! Your food pictures are amazing and I loved the Plaka neighbourhood. It looks like islands of Greece which is so colorful. adding Athens in my list now.
Thank you so much Mayuri and I loved the Plaka too. I hope to go back one day 🙂
What a beautiful guide to Athens, Taylor!! Brings back great memories of this place and reminds me that I need to go back! 🙂 Thanks for all the useful tips, I’ve pinned this so that I can read it again before my return visit! 🙂
Thank you so much Jiayi! I would love to go back to Greece too. 🙂
Aw, you make me wanna go back to Athens!! I absolutely LOVED the food and was amazed by how walkable everything was. You listed a few things I didn’t get to on my trip, so have saved this for someday when I go back 🙂 Thanks!
Thank you Susan! The food was really amazing and I need to get back to Greece too at some point. 🙂
Literally less than ten minutes prior to me stumbling on this post I was telling my boyfriend as soon as we’re able to travel again, we need to visit Greece! So I’m totally considering this fate. Can’t wait to check out some of your recommendations and I’m especially excited for the sunsets!
Ah I’m happy to hear that Destiny! Greece really is a magical place. 🙂
Ahhhh I want to go to Athens so badly! I hear amazing things about the city, and I want to explore all the ruins. Thanks so much for this thorough post on everything to do in Athens!
It’s such a fascinating city with so much history! You would love it Catherine! 🙂
Excellent post! I studied abroad in Dublin last spring and sadly didn’t get to Greece, but it’s on my list. It looks epic!
Thank you so much Krystianna! I also loved Dublin too. Well, next time you will need to check out Greece 🙂
I would love to go back to Greece. Also the baklava made my mouth water!
Ah yes, the baklava was so amazing!
I’ve been thinking to visit Athens for many years, but for some reason, I always pushed it to the back and went to other places instead. Your pictures and words really made me want to have that trip soon!
It’s definitely a must-visit destination when you visit Greece. The historical sites are so cool! 🙂