Top 10 Things to See and Do in Athens, Greece

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore the top 10 things to see and do in Athens, Greece, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s ancient landmarks, vibrant culture, and stunning views.

You can still feel the ancients’ presence in Athens. It’s in the sculpted gods standing tall atop the Acropolis. In the ruins of temples dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. And in the marble seats of amphitheatres where playwrights like Sophocles and Euripides once staged their tragedies and comedies. More than just a gateway to the Greek islands, Athens deserves a starring role in your travel plans. This 3,400-year-old city is an equal parts open-air museum and cosmopolitan metropolis. Here are the top 10 things to do in Athens today:

1. Scale the Acropolis

Rising 150 metres above the city, the Acropolis is an essential Athens tourist attraction. Make the steep ascent early, before the heat and crowds set in. At the top, the Parthenon awaits – a 5th-century BC temple built in homage to the goddess Athena. Though battered by time, the honey-hued columns still inspire awe. Nearby, the Erechtheion features the famous Caryatids – six stone maidens whose flowing robes have been marvellously preserved.

Tips:

• Go at 8 am for cooler temps and lighter crowds

• Entry is €20 for adults, €10 for students

• Wear rubber-soled shoes for traction on slippery marble

2. Step Back in Time at the Ancient Agora

In Athens’ heyday, the Agora was a hive of commerce and politics. Socrates once walked these grounds, expounding his philosophy. The site covers 30 acres and includes the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus. Climb the steps of the Stoa of Attalos, a long collonaded building that now houses the Agora Museum. Inside, terracotta figurines and bronze votives offer a glimpse into ancient Athenian life.

Key Facts:

• Open daily 8 am – 8 pm, entry €10

• Located at the foot of the Acropolis

• Combine with a visit to the nearby Roman Agora

3. Get Lost in the Plaka

The Plaka is a maze of narrow cobblestone alleys, neoclassical mansions, and inviting tavernas. This historic district lies in the shadow of the Acropolis and is one of the most charming places to visit in Athens. Wander aimlessly and discover unique shops selling handmade sandals, olive-wood carvings, and evil eye talismans. When hunger strikes, duck into a cosy restaurant for moussaka and a glass of ouzo.

Plaka Highlights:

• Brettos Bar – serving their own liquors since 1909

• Melissinos Art – The Poet Sandal Maker of Athens

• Byzantino Restaurant – try the rooster in tomato sauce

4. Discover Greek Masterpieces at the National Archaeological Museum

Housing the world’s finest collection of Greek antiquities, this museum is a must for history buffs. The exhibits span 7,000 years, from the Neolithic era to the Roman conquest. Highlights include the gold Mask of Agamemnon, the bronze Artemision Jockey, and the Antikythera Mechanism – an ancient “computer” used to track planetary motion. With over 11,000 items on display, one visit may not be enough.

Pro Tips:

• Visit on a rainy or blazing hot day

• Entry is €12, free on certain holidays

• Allow at least 3 hours to properly explore

5. Relax in the National Garden

When you need a break from Athens tourist attractions, head to this lush oasis in the heart of the city. Towering palms, sweet-smelling oleanders, and gurgling fountains create a peaceful atmosphere. Joggers loop around the perimeter, families enjoy picnics on the lawns, and couples stroll hand in hand down the shaded paths. Look for the famous sundial and flower clock near the Zappeion Megaron.

Garden Info:

• 16 hectares of greenery in central Athens

• Open sunrise to sunset, entrance is free

• Keep an eye out for resident tortoises and peacocks!

6. Experience a Traditional “Bouzoukia”

For a taste of real Greek nightlife, spend an evening at a “bouzoukia” – a live music club featuring contemporary Greek folk music known as laïkó. Top-notch musicians play on stage while patrons drink, dance, and sing along to the often melancholy lyrics. It’s a lively, passionate, and quintessentially Athens experience. Stick around till dawn, and you may see flower petals raining down on the dancers.

Where to Go:

• Posidonio Music Hall in the Piraeus district

• Pyli Axiou near Omonia Square

• Club 22 by the old Olympic Stadium

7. Take a Day Trip to Delphi

Though not officially in Athens, Delphi is one of the most popular things to do in Athens, Greece. Just a 2.5-hour drive from the capital, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was considered the “navel of the earth” by the ancients. The star attraction is the mountainside Temple of Apollo, where the famed Oracle dispensed her cryptic prophecies. The views over the olive groves and the Gulf of Corinth are magnificent.

Getting There:

• Rent a car and drive via Thebes and Levadia

• Book a guided bus tour from Athens

• Catch the 7:30 am KTEL bus from Liossion Station

8. Indulge Your Inner Foodie on a Walking Food Tour

Greek cuisine is all about simple, fresh ingredients: ripe tomatoes, briny olives, creamy feta cheese, and tender lamb. There’s no better way to experience Athens’ culinary delights than on a small-group food walk. Visit fragrant bakeries, bustling markets, and hidden tavernas as your expert guide dishes out generous servings of both food and history. Come with an appetite and wear stretchy pants.

Recommended Tours:

• Athens Food on Foot by Athens Walking Tours

• Taste of Athens by Greeking.me

• Delicious Athens Food Tour by Urban Adventures

9. Catch an Open-Air Film at Cine Thision

Athenians love outdoor cinema, and on summer nights, you’ll find them flocking to open-air theatres like Cine Thision. Built in 1935, this historic theatre sits in the shadow of the illuminated Acropolis. Moviegoers settle into director’s chairs and sip wine from the garden bar. The lineup features mainly art-house and classic films. Even if you can’t understand the Greek subtitles, the atmosphere alone is worth it.

Cine Thision Quick Facts:

• 5-minute walk from Thissio metro station

• Tickets are €8, cash only

• Films start around 9 pm, box office opens an hour before

10. Shop till You Drop in Kolonaki

If you’re craving some retail therapy, make a beeline for Kolonaki. This posh neighbourhood is the stomping ground of Athens’ well-heeled set. International designers like Prada and Hermes line Voukourestiou Street, while concept stores like Luisa World showcase up-and-coming Greek talent. For a more down-to-earth shopping experience, hit Skoufa Street. This pedestrian thoroughfare is lined with chic cafes, artisan jewellers, and eclectic boutiques.

Insider Tip:
Many shops close on Sunday, but some stay open in Kolonaki Square. Stop by Artisanal for gourmet Greek condiments and Mastiha Shop for mastic-flavoured sweets.

No matter where your Athens itinerary takes you, staying connected is key to a stress-free trip. With Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming plans, you can use your phone just like you would at home. Instantly pull up walking directions on Google Maps when you’re lost in the Plaka. Message your travel buddy while exploring opposite ends of the Acropolis. And share that perfect shot of the sun setting behind the Parthenon on Instagram – without worrying about shock-inducing roaming charges. Talk about an effortless way to elevate your Athens, Greece holiday!

From ancient wonders to modern delights, Athens has something for every type of traveller. Start planning your Athenian adventure today – and don’t forget to pack your curiosity. The birthplace of democracy is waiting to share its secrets with you.