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.
Do Athens the way locals do: start slow at Stavros Niarchos Park, eat where the regulars do at Karamanlidika, let the evening run long at Couleur Locale.
Top things to do in Athens Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
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 2
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 3
Acropolis Museum
Museum · ★ 4.7 (83,880 reviews)
Ultramodern glass & steel museum housing ancient artifacts from the Acropolis archaeological site.
Check tours & tickets 4
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 5
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 6
National Archaeological Museum
Museum · ★ 4.6 (38,523 reviews)
Neoclassical museum of Ancient Greek art & archaeology, with sculpture, metalwork, vases & jewelry.
Check tours & tickets 7
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 8
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 9
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 10
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 Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Karamanlidika
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (13,936 reviews)
Website 12
Ατίταμος
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (8,286 reviews)
Traditional dishes served in a popular, country-style restaurant with a terrace.
Website 13
Maiandros Restaurant
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (9,956 reviews)
Classic open-air cafe serving generous plates of traditional Mediterranean comfort food.
Website 14
MIRONI Restaurant - Greek Kitchen
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (6,069 reviews)
Website 15
LIONDI Traditional Greek Restaurant
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (7,011 reviews)
Website 16
Aspro Alogo - Traditional Greek Food
Greek Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (6,875 reviews)
Website 17
Bandiera
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (5,409 reviews)
Website 18
Thanasis - Kebab | Monastiraki
Kebab Shop · ★ 4.2 (18,390 reviews)
Bustling restaurant serving classic no-nonsense souvlaki grills & pitas at indoor & outdoor tables.
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Athens
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Athens Free Tour - Official | Free Tour Atenas - Oficial
Tour Agency · ★ 4.9 (4,962 reviews)
Check tours & tickets Get outside 25
Stavros Niarchos Park
Park · ★ 4.8 (45,342 reviews)
Expansive green space next to a cultural center with landscaped walking paths & a playground.
Website 26
Athens National Garden
Park · ★ 4.6 (43,563 reviews)
Big historic park with native & exotic plants, plus archeological remains & a children's library.
Website 27
Philopappos Hill
Park · ★ 4.8 (22,284 reviews)
Views of Athens & the Acropolis attract hikers to this small peak with an ancient monument.
28
Hymettus, Kesariani & Vyronas Aesthetic Forest
Park · ★ 4.8 (5,822 reviews)
Lush getaway featuring forested hiking paths, historic structures & a summit with sweeping views.
29
Veikou Grove
Park · ★ 4.7 (6,719 reviews)
Sprawling hillside park with indoor & outdoor sports facilities, including a soccer stadium.
Website After dark 30
Couleur Locale
Bistro · ★ 4.5 (11,232 reviews)
Vibrant rooftop bistro with a terrace serving local & global fare, plus cocktails & Acropolis views.
Website 31
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 32
360 Cocktail Bar
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.3 (10,961 reviews)
Vibrant bar with an industrial-style interior & a rooftop garden serving signature cocktails.
Website 33
Attic Urban Rooftop
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.5 (6,453 reviews)
Stylish rooftop haunt offering all-day global eats & cocktails, plus views of the Acropolis.
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