Top 10 Things To Do in Athens

      I visited Athens recently with my boyfriend (as you may be able to tell from the multiple Athens based blog posts), and loved it! It was the perfect mix of old and new, busy and peaceful, city and green. I have put together a list of our top 10 things to do in Athens to help you plan your trip. Bare in mind that this list is based on a tighter budget trip. Although I would have loved to do lots of day excursions and visit every museum possible, that just wasn't realistic with our budget or time limit. So here are our top things to do in Athens (if you're on a little bit of a budget...)

1.       Have a beer in a rooftop bar in Monastiraki

My favourite evening in Athens was spent on a hostel rooftop bar, enjoying a Greek beer whilst watching the sunset over the city and the Acropolis. It was just as magical as it sounds. The sun set in Athens at about 8:30 while we were there in June, so it was perfect for a drink before dinner, watching the sky turn different shades of pink and orange. The various Greek temples and ruins, that are all visible from a rooftop, are lit up at night, glowing orange over the bustling city. It was perfect. We would highly recommend AthenStyle hostel for relaxed rooftop with a stunning view of the acropolis and the city.

2.       Go see the Parliament building and explore the national garden

The parliament building is striking, impressive and grand, stood at the widest staircase, looking over Syntamn Square. If you time it well, you can watch the guards change! However, it was very hot stood in front of the Parliament building, so the national gardens next door provided ample shade and greenery, despite being in the centre of Athens. It’s a vast garden, peppered with Greek statues and remains to read about. Perfect for a midday walk when the sun gets too much!

3.       Relax with an ice-cream and a bit of souvenir shopping in Plaka

We walked through Plaka after visiting the Acropolis, in the early evening. It was bustling with tourists but still a picturesque, charming area, filled with cute shops and delicious looking ice cream displays. We were finally tempted. There are plenty of places to eat in Plaka as well if you’re looking for a sit-down meal. The area is filled with traditional Greek architecture, the ideal setting for an evening stroll.

4.       Hike to the top of Lycabettus Hill

While there is a cable car, we would recommend walking up. Not only saving money but enjoying the views all the way up at your own pace. Lycabettus Hill is one of the highest points in the centre of the city, from the top there is a breath-taking 360 degrees view. The city seems to continue in every direction, low rise and a little bit cluttered. The viewing point also has an incredible view of the Acropolis, as it is higher up than the Acropolis itself. As well as a dainty white church, from which a choir was practising during our visit. It’s completely free to do (if you walk), although there are a couple of very enticing restaurants just as you get to the top (and in desperate need of a glass of wine…)

5.       Enjoy an evening meal in Exarcheia

Exarcheia felt cool. It was less busy and touristy than areas near the Acropolis, but a mix of both locals and tourists. There are heaps of Greek restaurants, seating spilling across the pavements, offering food at a slightly cheaper price than other areas. The area seemed popular with young adults who filled the numerous bars and pubs. 

6.       Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum

A trip to Athens really isn’t complete without a trip to both the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum. The birth place of modern democracy and society, it’s an inspiring place to visit, as well as an incredibly interesting one. The museum provides in-depth stories and information about the creation and history of the acropolis, along side a vast collection of artefacts. For more information, and practical tips about visiting the acropolis, check out the blog post I wrote here!

7.       Explore the flea market in Monastiraki

Monastiraki during the day was lively and little chaotic. People trying to sell you everything: from their fruit to their CDs. Keep your wits about you, this was the only place we experienced ‘con’, trying to get money from unaware tourists. But it’s definitely worth walking down the flea market. It had a huge variety of stuff you could buy, (and if you wanting to buy a magnet or jewellery then there is no shortage!)

8.       Go temple spotting throughout the city

One of the most striking and unique things about Athens, compared to other European capitals, was the abundance of temples, ruins and excavation points that you walk past as you’re exploring the city. The juxtaposition between ancient Greek architecture and the modern city, full of Zaras and Starbucks, is very cool. Although we only paid to go into the site of the Acropolis, that did not stop us from seeing plenty more historic buildings. Even the metro stations had remains of ancient Greek architecture in, worth having a look at!

9.       Try some Greek Street Food (I’m thinking, GYROS!)

Don’t think street food like Bangkok, but Greek ‘fast food’ (can’t think of how else to describe it?), is to die for! Gyros, Tatsiki and other meat-based food could be served very quickly and for under 3.50 euros. I’m drooling a little bit thinking about them, imagine thick fluffy pitta bread filled with kebab meat (but quality meat, not like a kebab van in the UK), filled with crunchy lettuce, tomato and whichever sauce the vender chooses (sour cream was a popular choice.) They were perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, so you could continue taking in the sights. There were generally good vegetarian options available as well.

10.   Sip on a Greek coffee at a rooftop bar

It may become clear, as I write more and more, I love a rooftop. I can’t get enough. I read a post on Athens best rooftop bars (which I’ll link here!) and couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit a second when we wanted to stop for a coffee one of the days we were there. Our thinking was, if we were going to pay for an ice coffee anyway, we might as well get a rooftop with it. We visited MS Roof Garden which was a good mix of fancy, but not so fancy that we felt out of place in our exploring clothes. It had an amazing view over Monastiraki square, looking straight at the Acropolis. Due to its potion, and where the sun set, we don’t think you would have a very clear view of the sun set. But the Acropolis would certainly make up for it.

So that's everything, our favourite things to do to get a feel of Athens and having an amazing few days. If you have any other things that you would add, don't forget to leave a comment and let me know!

Thanks for reading,
Laura :)

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