7 Things To Do In Athens (That Aren't The Acropolis)

Unpopular opinion: I really like the city of Athens. As Greece’s massive, sprawling capital, most visitors on their summer holidays simply spend one night at the beginning or end of their Greek island getaway.

I mean, the Greek islands are fantastic and are home to some of my favorite beaches in the world, and where I’d prefer to spend most of my time during a warm-weather trip to Greece.

However, if you have the time to spend a few nights or more in Athens, and you like cities in general, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, the beaches on the Athens Riviera are only 30-45 minutes away if you need a break from the city heat (yup, you read that right - beaches)!

I assume while you’re in the city you’ll be visiting the Acropolis, so here are seven other things to do in Athens!

Athens at a Glance

Country: Greece

Area: Eastern Europe

Currency: Euro

Language: Greek (though most people in tourism/hospitality speak English)

7 Things To Do In Athens (That Aren't The Acropolis)

1. Explore the market and cafes in Monastiraki

Monastiraki has a market that has been around for a very long time. It’s one of the oldest markets in Europe and it’s a great place to shop for souvenirs. There are countless shops, cafes, and restaurants that line the streets around Monastiraki Square.

The market itself is located at the end of Monastiraki Street, where it meets Athinas Street. It can get crowded, and some of the shops are full of cheap souvenirs, but there are many gems scattered throughout!

2. Walk up to Mount Lycabettus for sunset views

One thing I haven't done yet, that is on my list, is to go up to Mount Lycabettus for sunset.

Supposedly, the view from the top is breathtaking - you can see all of Athens, as well as many surrounding islands and mountains on a clear day.

3. Visit the beaches along the Athens Riviera, only 30-45 minutes from the city center by metro or taxi

There are many beaches along the Athens Riviera and they’re only 30-45 minutes from the city center by metro and taxi!

As for food, you’ll find some kiosks selling snacks, and you can rent a beach chair on a public beach or stretch out on the sand.

Alternatively, you can pay for a chair or bungalow at one of the Athens beach clubs for a little more of an upscale experience. I loved Astir Beach Club, personally, which was recommended to me by a local!

4. Take a boat or ferry to the islands

Greece is known for its many islands, and if you're looking for an island getaway closer to Athens, you can make it happen. The islands are a short ferry ride away, and there are a few beautiful islands to choose from.

You can choose islands close to the mainland, or head off to other popular islands (like those in the Cyclades, such as Santorini, Mykonos, or Milos), some of which take longer to get to.

The islands feel completely different than the city of Athens, so if you weren’t considering the islands on your trip, I highly recommend visiting (unless it’s during the peak of winter, as it’ll be cold and some islands won’t run touristic activities)!

5. Eat at the neighborhood tavernas in Psiri

Psiri is a lively neighborhood with a lot of bars, cafes, and restaurants.

If you're looking for some good Greek food in Psiri you’ll be sure to find it!

6. Experience a bit of nightlife at rooftop bars

Athens is home to many rooftop bars with beautiful views of the Acropolis and the city. I've been to a few rooftop bars in Athens, and wrote about my favorite one in this post here!

7. Venture to other parts of Mainland Greece

Looking to explore a lesser-visited part of Greece? Venture out to other parts of the mainland for a more authentic, local experience, and also find other locations rich in history!

During my most recent trip to Greece, I visited Meteora, a breathtaking area home to ancient monasteries built into cliffs and surrounded by mountains. It felt a world away from the Cyclades, but was so cool to see!

Read about my day trip from Athens to Meteora here.

There is more to Athens than just the Acropolis

*The Acropolis is worth a visit, of course*

While the Acropolis is certainly a highlight of Athens, it's far from the only thing to see and do in this vibrant city.

Whether you're on vacation for a few days or a couple of weeks, there are plenty of things to do in Athens that don't involve spending time at the major sites.

Walk around the city and explore beyond the Acropolis and Plaka area to get a well-rounded feel!

WHERE TO STAY IN ATHENS

Athens is a massive, sprawling city. Most visitors stay near the Acropolis in or near the neighborhoods of Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psiri. Plaka is the most popular and the streets/pathways are super clean, though it can get very crowded with foreigners in the summer who are staying there or walking around near the Acropolis. I stayed close to Monastiraki and really liked that area. There was plenty to do, amazing food, and only a short walk or metro ride away from other parts of the city I wanted to visit.

Budget

Selina - I stayed at Selina during multiple visits to Athens! This is one of my favorite Selina properties around the world, partially because of the rooftop bar, friendly staff, and free yoga classes. I always opted for a private room and bathroom (the suite is amazing and super spacious for European standards), but they have dorm rooms as well if you are on more of a budget.

The free WiFi meets the Selina standard of being high-speed and consistent, and they have an attached coworking space you can access as an optional add-on. If you eat at the rooftop bar or cafe downstairs, you can work in those areas easily as well! I made new friends during each of my visits here, plus enjoyed attending the events with DJs on the rooftop and how close it was to walk to Monastiraki Square.

Pella Inn Hostel- This hostel has a good rating (it meets my “must be 8/10 or above” standard) with reviews stating super friendly staff. The rooms and bathrooms look clean, and it’s in a great area! An affordable option if you’re looking to go the hostel route on your trip.

Mid-Range

The Stanley - I stayed at The Stanley on one of my recent trips to Athens, and it was lovely! The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable about Athens, and the rooftop pool had a nice view of the Acropolis. The rooftop pool is also attached to a restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating, which is nice to have if you’d like n Acropolis view but are visiting in the cooler months. There is also a gym!

The location is right next to the Metax metro stop to get around the city with ease, plus there is a bakery, a bunch of shops, and restaurants basically all next-door.

Colors Hotel Athens - This hotel is right by Omonia Square, a popular place to shop and also one of the main metro stations! I found myself walking through the Omonia area in Athens quite frequently during my visits, either for shopping or going out to eat, or taking the metro. The decor is colorful, modern, and trendy (perfect for the ‘gram), and it’s also pet-friendly!

Voulis Attico Rooms & Apartments - The modern, yet cozy and minimalistic decor from these photos makes me want to move in! With a 9.5/10 rating from over 450+ reviews at the time of writing, there’s no doubt that this hotel is a great and affordable option for your stay in Athens.

Luxury

Belle Epoque Suites - This hotel looks grand and gorgeous! It’s only a few minutes’ walk from Monastiraki Square, one of the main squares in Athens. It’s pet-friendly, has a restaurant on-site, and has an option to take an airport shuttle - conveniences to make your stay that much easier!

Hotel Lozenge - This luxury hotel is right in Kolonaki near many designer shops, but also close to the historic area. Best of both worlds! The front desk staff is available 24 hours per day, which is especially helpful for late-night check-ins or early-morning check-outs! They also offer bike rentals which can be a fun way to explore the city or take a ride through the nearby National Gardens.

Electra Metropolis - With a panoramic rooftop bar featuring views of the Acropolis, plus another restaurant and a cafe lounge, this hotel has it all! The decor looks beautiful and this would be a wonderful place to start a luxury trip in Greece!

Not fully sure what you are looking for? Click here to find other hotels in Athens. I recommend filtering by 8+ rating and also looking via the map to find the best properties in the best location!