Athens: what's actually worth it
Athens breathes with a chaotic warmth where ancient stones meet bustling modern life, feeling less like a museum and more like a living, breathing neighborhood. This resilience was forged when the city survived the occupation of World War II, emerging not as a relic but as a vibrant hub that refuses to be defined solely by its past. Today, you will find yourself navigating narrow streets lined with indie cafes and neoclassical facades, discovering that the true magic lies in the slow, deliberate pace of evening apertivos shared among locals who treat history as a backdrop for everyday joy rather than a monument to stare at from afar.
Top things to do in Athens
Acropolis of Athens
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.8 (146,274 reviews)
Ruins of iconic 5th-century B.C. temple complex on Athens' rocky hilltop undergoing restoration.
Check tours & tickets →Parthenon
Historical Landmark · ★ 4.8 (86,740 reviews)
Restored, landmark temple ruins on archaeological site with iconic Doric columns built from 447 BC.
Check tours & tickets →Acropolis Museum
Museum · ★ 4.7 (83,880 reviews)
Ultramodern glass & steel museum housing ancient artifacts from the Acropolis archaeological site.
Check tours & tickets →Ancient Agora of Athens
Museum · ★ 4.7 (40,146 reviews)
Famous landmark featuring the ruins of an ancient Greek gathering place & a museum with artifacts.
Check tours & tickets →Athens National Garden
Park · ★ 4.6 (43,563 reviews)
Big historic park with native & exotic plants, plus archeological remains & a children's library.
Check tours & tickets →National Archaeological Museum
Museum · ★ 4.6 (38,523 reviews)
Neoclassical museum of Ancient Greek art & archaeology, with sculpture, metalwork, vases & jewelry.
Check tours & tickets →Philopappos Hill
Park · ★ 4.8 (22,284 reviews)
Views of Athens & the Acropolis attract hikers to this small peak with an ancient monument.
Check tours & tickets →Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Amphitheater · ★ 4.9 (17,966 reviews)
Concerts & other performances are held at this restored stone theater constructed in 161 CE.
Check tours & tickets →Lycabettus Hill
City Park · ★ 4.7 (25,544 reviews)
Walkway through a wooded, steep-sloped park to a lookout near a chapel, popular for sunset views.
Check tours & tickets →Monastiraki Square
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.5 (27,603 reviews)
Public plaza surrounded by restaurants & rooftop bars, home to a centuries-old Byzantine church.
Check tours & tickets →Where to eat
Karamanlidika
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (13,936 reviews)
Website →Ατίταμος
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (8,286 reviews)
Traditional dishes served in a popular, country-style restaurant with a terrace.
Website →Maiandros Restaurant
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (9,956 reviews)
Classic open-air cafe serving generous plates of traditional Mediterranean comfort food.
Website →MIRONI Restaurant - Greek Kitchen
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (6,069 reviews)
Website →LIONDI Traditional Greek Restaurant
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (7,011 reviews)
Website →Aspro Alogo - Traditional Greek Food
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (6,875 reviews)
Website →Bandiera
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (5,409 reviews)
Website →Thanasis - Kebab | Monastiraki
Kebab Shop · ★ 4.2 (18,390 reviews)
Bustling restaurant serving classic no-nonsense souvlaki grills & pitas at indoor & outdoor tables.
Website →Tours worth booking ahead
Athens Free Tour - Official | Free Tour Atenas - Oficial
Tour Agency · ★ 4.9 (4,962 reviews)
Check tours & tickets →Get outside
Stavros Niarchos Park
Park · ★ 4.8 (45,342 reviews)
Expansive green space next to a cultural center with landscaped walking paths & a playground.
Website →Athens National Garden
Park · ★ 4.6 (43,563 reviews)
Big historic park with native & exotic plants, plus archeological remains & a children's library.
Website →Philopappos Hill
Park · ★ 4.8 (22,284 reviews)
Views of Athens & the Acropolis attract hikers to this small peak with an ancient monument.
Hymettus, Kesariani & Vyronas Aesthetic Forest
Park · ★ 4.8 (5,822 reviews)
Lush getaway featuring forested hiking paths, historic structures & a summit with sweeping views.
Veikou Grove
Park · ★ 4.7 (6,719 reviews)
Sprawling hillside park with indoor & outdoor sports facilities, including a soccer stadium.
Website →After dark
Couleur Locale
Bistro · ★ 4.5 (11,232 reviews)
Vibrant rooftop bistro with a terrace serving local & global fare, plus cocktails & Acropolis views.
Website →The Clumsies
Bar · ★ 4.5 (8,782 reviews)
Cocktails & classic pub fare are served in this quirky, multi-room bar that has a warm atmosphere.
Website →360 Cocktail Bar
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.3 (10,961 reviews)
Vibrant bar with an industrial-style interior & a rooftop garden serving signature cocktails.
Website →Attic Urban Rooftop
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.5 (6,453 reviews)
Stylish rooftop haunt offering all-day global eats & cocktails, plus views of the Acropolis.
Website →More guides
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