Athens is Greece's largest city with nearly one-third of all Greeks living there. Figuring out where to stay and what to do can be daunting, but never fear, Bubbly Tourist ranks the top sites and shows you which neighborhoods for you to consider. We've highlighted the must-do activities and created a multi-day itinerary for you to leverage. We've also stayed at multiple locations over the years and can guide you under varying circumstances. Whether you are arriving by plane or by ship / boat, or whether you're planning on spending several days or just one night, we've created the perfect Athens itinerary that also recommends where to stay and ranks what to do in this incredible historic city of Athens, Greece.
Our Top 10 Things to See and Do in Athens
1. Acropolis / Parthenon
This is truly a spectacular site to see and should be highest on your priority list. Bubbly Tourist recommends you plan your trip to Athens around your visit to the Parthenon. When you buy online tickets for the Acropolis from its official site, you are getting a timed entry to the Parthenon and its surrounding slopes that includes the Odeon (of Herodes Atticus) Theater and Mars Hill as well another five days to see the surrounding archaeological sites like Ancient Agora, The Roman Agora - Hadrian's Library, and additional sites. Buy your tickets online as early as possible. It gets crowded quickly and you want to be there early in the day, if possible, to avoid the heat of the day.
Bubbly Tip: To clarify, the Acropolis is not the same thing as the Parthenon. The Acropolis is the hill on which the Parthenon is built, but the two names are often used interchangeably.
2. The Acropolis Museum
After visiting the Acropolis itself, make sure you take the time to see all the artistic treasures that have been recovered from the Acropolis in the Acropolis Museum. It really is remarkable to see all the artifacts up close. The frieze of the Parthenon and the six 7.5 foot tall caryatids of the Erechtheion (the ones you see now on top of the Erechteion next to the Parthenon are replicas) are just two of the amazing sculptures worth seeing in the museum. The museum is quite modern with three levels and it's air conditioned, so it offers a nice respite from the heat of the day. If you download the audio guide at the museum (for free), you will need about 1.5 hours to see the entire museum. Note: the admission price of the Acropolis Museum is not included in your Acropolis multi-location pass described above.
3. Mount Lycabettus (Lycabettus Hill)
Without a doubt, the best views of Athens can be found on top of Mount Lycabettus, also known as Lycabettus Hill. From up top, you can see the entire city in a 360º view all the way to the port of Piraeus along the sea. It's a spectacular view. There are two options to get to the top: 1) hike or 2) by funicular. It's a very steep hill that takes between 20 and 30 minutes to climb to the top. The funicular takes less than five minutes to go up and leaves on the half hour. You can buy round trip or one-way tickets on the funicular. If you're like Bubbly Tourist, and some of your group decides to hike and the other decides to ride up, then meet at the Church of St George or the cafe / restaurant at the top.
Bubbly Tip: there is a cafe about a 10 minutes hike from the bottom with amazing views if you don't want to hike all the way to the top. Stop for a sip of a cool refreshment on your way back down just to relax and take in the views.
4. Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. Although the original stadium was built circa 400 BC on this site for the Panathenaic games, it was rebuilt in 144 AD to seat 50,000 but then later abandoned. It wasn't until 1896 that it was refurbished and then became the host site for today's modern Olympic games. Not only do you get a chance to walk around the stadium with its Olympic symbols proudly displayed, but there's a tunnel that allows you to visit the inner area of the stadium that now displays all the flags and memorabilia from each of the modern olympic games. You can even pose on the pedestals for the Gold, Silver and Bronze finishers, climb the bleachers for views around the stadium and the city or run the oval track if you so desire. There is a fee for gaining entry (i.e. this is NOT one of the sites included in the Acropolis combined pass)
Bubbly Tip: The Panathenaic Stadium is less than a 10 minute walk from the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Gate so try and tie those visits together.
5. Ancient Agora
The agora was a central, public space in ancient Greek city-states that was usually used for commercial shops, an assembly, and also served as a residential gathering place. Athen's Ancient Agora is the best known example of an ancient agora. It is mostly ruins, but it has within it the Stoa of Attalos which has been rebuilt as a museum with some pretty interesting artifacts that definitely make its visit worthwhile. The Stoa is also air-conditioned so consider it a nice break from the heat if needed. The Temple of Hephaestus on the hill is also largely intact. The Ancient Agora is a pretty large site so allow 90+ minutes for its visit. It is included in the Acropolis combined pass.
Bubbly Tip: There's a water fountain and restrooms located just outside the exit of the Stoa museum, so make use of them while you can.
6. The Roman Agora and Hadrian's Library
To the north of the Acropolis and east of the Ancient Agora, you'll find the Roman Agora with Hadrian's Library. It is included with your multi-site pass. Not to be confused with the Ancient Agora, this area was the center of organized commercial activity in Athens during Roman times. It contains monuments dating from the 1st century AD to the 7th century AD. Hadrian’s Library, an important part of the extensive rebuilding by the emperor Hadrian, was built in 132 AD in order to accommodate the city’s largest library and to also worship the emperor. A building of roman inspiration with colorful marbles in both its facade and interior, it was the largest spiritual and cultural center of the city during imperial times. Also within the Roman Agora, you will find what is considered as the first meteorological station in the world, the Tower of the Winds. The tower was built to identify the direction of the wind using a weathervane and to measure the passage of time both by a water device and by a sun-dial.
7. See a performance at the Odeon in the Acropolis
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an amphitheater within the Acropolis and is quite spectacular in itself. As mentioned above, it can be seen during your visit to the Acropolis. Built in 161 AD and renovated in 1953, it seats 5,000 people and is the primary venue of the Athens Festival, an annual arts festival that runs between May and October. Not only can you see a performance in the ancient Odeon Theatre but you can also see one in the ancient Theater of Epidaurus too. Throughout the years, there have been legendary performers for the festival. If you're lucky, you can time a performance for yourself!
8. Aristotle's Lyceum
The Lyceum was a place of philosophical discussion and debate well before Aristotle founded his school here in 335 BC. What makes this place so amazing - despite not having much to see - was the incredible brain power that spent time here and formed much of our current day philosophical thinking. Imagine being in this academy and learning from the most famous philosophers ever to teach such as Isocrates, Plato (of The Academy), and the best-known Athenian teacher, Socrates. The Lyceum, like the other famous Athenian gymnasia (the Academy and Cynosarges) was more than a space for physical exercise and philosophical discussion, reflection, and study. It contained cults of Hermes, the Muses, and Apollo, to whom the area was dedicated and belonged. It was also used for military exercises, the marshaling of troops, and for military displays. The Lyceum is included in your Acropolis multi-site pass.
Hidden Gem: If you like gardens and have extra time, veer off to your right when leaving the Lyceum and visit the Gardens of the Byzantine Museum. They are a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city where you can also view three exhibitions of historical and archaeological interest: The Well-Cistern, on how Athens was supplied with water from ancient times to tne present; Paradise, on the byzantine concept of Paradise in life and the afterlife; and The River ilissos, on the history of the river that used to run through ancient Athens (entombed in the mid-20th century).
9. The Temple of the Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch
The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, also known as the Olympieion, was built over several centuries starting in the 6th century BC and finally completed by Roman emperor Hadrian in 131 AD. Built with 104 colossal columns, it was renowned as the largest temple in Greece. Today, only 15 of the Corinthian columns are still vertical (one toppled during a storm in 1852). At the height of its glory, there stood both a huge golden and ivory statue of Zeus and one of Hadrian, both of whom were worshipped in the temple. The temple's life was short-lived, however, as it fell into disuse after being pillaged during a barbarian invasion in 267 AD, just about a century after its completion. The Temple of the Olympian Zeus is not free and falls near the bottom of our things to see and do in Athens given that there really isn't much to see and the temple itself is currently under refurbishment.
Hadrian's Arch, most commonly known as Hadrian's Gate, is visible from the Olympieion and from the street and is free to visit. It's mentioned here along with the temple due to its proximity to one another. Given the right angle, notice how you can capture the Parthenon on the Acropolis right through the arch of Hadrian's Gate.
10. The Changing of the Guards at Parliament
The Changing of the Guards takes place at the top of the hour, every hour every day in front of the Hellenic Parliament and lasts less than 10 minutes. There is a Grand Changing of the Guard that takes place every Sunday at 11am. The Presidential Guard, an elite unit of able-bodied young men who guard the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament, was first constituted in 1868 and is still considered a symbol of bravery. If you happen to be walking by it, say on your way to the nearby high end shops, then maybe it's worth it to see it. It is somewhat amusing though to see these Evzones march towards each other in an exaggerated extension of foot and leg dressed in their white jackets and white skirts with oversized slippers.
Where to stay in Athens
If you are staying for at least a couple of days in Athens, Bubbly Tourist recommends staying in the city near the Acropolis. Try to stay within .5 miles (1 km) of the Acropolis Museum. Everything you want to see will be close proximity to you. With that in mind, look at the map below, the areas you should target for your stay would be Plaka, Makriyanni, Monastiraki, Syntagma, or Koukaki.
If you have only one night in Athens, we'd still recommend that you stay in the city, but we have provided other options as well. On our last visit to Athens, we spent four nights near the Acropolis but then rented a car to visit the Apollo Sanctuary in Delphi and spent the night there. Since we didn't want to make the 2.5 hour drive back to Athens on the day of our departure, we considered staying at the airport (which is expensive) or along the sea only 25 minutes from the airport. We opted for the latter and stayed in the village of Mati (only 18 miles / 30 kilometers from the airport) right along the Aegean Sea. Not only was the hotel considerably cheaper, but we were able to enjoy one last day and night along the beautiful Aegean Sea. A much better alternative to staying at the airport. And as convenient it might be for your cruise, we would not recommend staying at the port of Piraeus as you'll be a long ways from any of the sites in the city.
Bubbly Tip: We highly recommend you use Bubbly Tourist's process for choosing a hotel. It will quickly narrow down your choices, and will guarantee you a high quality hotel that meets your specific needs.
Incredible Day Trips from Athens
1. The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi
On the slopes of Mount Parnassus, only 2.5 hours by car from Athens, you'll find the cute town of Delphi. Delphi sits right at the base of the Sanctuary of Apollo that includes the Temple of Apollo which housed the Oracle of Delphi. From the 8th century BC, kings and commoners alike would make the trek to visit the Oracle presenting gifts for a glimpse into their future. This priestess was believed to deliver prophecies directly from the Greek god Apollo and could influence many aspects of life, including when to plant crops and declare war. The setting of the Temple and today's museum, built around a sacred spring and tucked into the mountains, is just stunning. The Delphi Archaeolgical Museum is an essential part of the visit as it houses many of the relics and important statues of the Temple and of the Sanctuary in order to preserve them from nature's elements.
Bubbly Tourist debated doing an organized day trip from Athens from one of the local tour companies, but opted to rent a car from the airport and spend the night in Delphi. Not only was this a cheaper option for us, but it had other advantages as well. Firstly, we were able to choose to see the temple first thing in the morning before it got too hot and before the crowds arrived. We practically had the site to ourselves. And secondly, staying in Delphi itself was an unexpected delight! The town sits on a cliff's edge with absolutely stunning views over the Corinthian Gulf, and has plenty of restaurants and shops to occupy your evening.
2. Skiing in Parnassos
If you happen to be in Athens during the winter and wish to venture into the mountains for skiing, then there is an option for you. Just under three hours by car from Athens is the largest ski resort in Greece. The Parnassos Ski Center located at Mount Parnassus near Delphi consists of 19 ski runs with a total length of 36 km (20 miles) with the longest being 4 km (2.4 miles). The highest altitude of the resort is at 2,250m (7400 feet) and the base is at 1,600m (1 mile). Full disclosure: Bubbly Tourist did not go skiing but passed through the lovely town of Arachova (see photo) on the way to Delphi which has made a name for itself for ski lodging.
3. Island of Aegina
Only 45 minutes by ferry from the port of Piraeus, you can escape the heat and hustle and bustle of Athens for a day of lounging. There are several nearby islands that provide a escape for local Athenians and tourists alike. Bubbly Tourist went through a debate on whether to visit Aegina or Hydra and ultimately chose Aegina as a day trip because of its proximity to Athens. It's a lovely island with a bustling port at Aegina Town with plenty of coffee shops and restaurants to greet your arrival. On the island, we opted for a mix of tourism of Ancient Greece and beach time. We also had a beautiful meal including fresh fish and amazing cocktails with the friendliest service possible. For more options on what to do on Aegina, here's a complete list of things to do while on the island.
Bubbly Tip: There are two ports on Aegina that are on opposite ends of the island. Don't make the mistake of booking the wrong port back like Bubbly Tourist (even though our hotel said there was only one port)!
In Search of Bubbly in Athens
In an ongoing segment by Bubbly Tourist, we always search for a location - if not the best location - to have some champagne wherever we go.
Head to a rooftop bar for the best views of the Acropolis if you're looking for some bubbly in style. Bubbly Tourist went to several rooftops during our stay and appreciated every single one of them for their views. However, the selection of Champagne tended to be rather limited. For a wider selection of Champagne, with its cute indoor and outdoor seating area, Warehouse CO2 is a perfect refreshment and food stop. The location is convenient and the pricing is good. Highly recommended.
Go to a Rooftop Bar
Take your pick of which rooftop bar. There are so many with incredible views of the Acropolis. When you see the Acropolis at night, aglow by the lights from a reasonably close rooftop, the view can be breathtaking and the memory everlasting. Whether you go up for some bubbly, a cocktail or just something refreshing, don't miss the opportunity.
Getting Around Athens
Should I use Public Transportation in Athens?
Bubbly Tourist recommends you bring a good pair of walking shoes because it is likely you'll get in 20,000 steps per day. Athens is a very large city, but fortunately the sites are somewhat centralized. We investigated whether the metro should be utilized and our hotel and others suggested avoiding it. One, because it not as reliable as some other major cities. And two, it's frankly not all that convenient. We also inquired about using the bus and were informed they are not air conditioned. Bubbly Tourist recommends using a taxi if you need some form of public transportation. Note: using Uber will set you up with a yellow taxi as there is no UberX due to a dispute with the local unions. We took the taxi to and from the port of Piraeus and also to the airport. The drivers were always nice, the ride was always comfortable, and the costs were reasonable.
The Perfect Athens Itinerary of What to See and Where to Stay
This Bubbly Tourist itinerary ensures you see the key historical and cultural sites in Athens while taking into account their proximity to each other, allowing for a leisurely and enjoyable experience. Based on this information, choose where you want to stay (see above).
Day 1: Historical Heart of Athens
Morning:
1. Acropolis and Parthenon - Start your day early to beat the crowds and the heat. Spend a few hours exploring the ancient citadel and its iconic structures. Be sure to purchase your online tickets in advance!
2. Odeon of Herodes Atticus - Check the schedule for any performances during your stay and purchase tickets in advance.
Lunch:
Enjoy a meal at a nearby taverna offering great views of the Acropolis. Be sure to include a greek salad in your order.
Afternoon:
3. The Acropolis Museum - Just a short walk from the Acropolis, this museum houses artifacts found on the site. Allocate a few hours to fully appreciate the exhibits.
Evening:
Relax at your hotel or explore the Plaka neighborhood for dinner and shopping.
Day 2: Around the Ancient Agoras and Stadiums
Morning:
1. Ancient Agora - Start your day exploring this historic marketplace. Don't miss the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.
2. The Roman Agora and Hadrian's Library - Nearby, visit these significant archaeological sites to continue your journey through ancient Athens.
Lunch:
Have lunch in Monastiraki Square, where you can find many traditional Greek restaurants. Be sure to include a greek salad in your order.
Afternoon:
3. Panathenaic Stadium - Take a short walk to this historic stadium, originally built for the Panathenaic Games and later refurbished for the first modern Olympics.
4. Aristotle's Lyceum - Finish your day with a visit to the remains of this ancient school of philosophy, located near the National Garden (and squeeze in the garden if you can).
Evening:
Enjoy a leisurely dinner in Kolonaki, a fashionable district with a variety of dining options.
Day 3: Hilltops, Temples, and Guards
Morning:
1. Mount Lycabettus (Lycabettus Hill) - Start early with a hike or take the funicular to the top for panoramic views of Athens.
Lunch:
Enjoy lunch at the café at the top or descend to the city for a meal in the nearby neighborhoods. Be sure to include a greek salad in your order.
Afternoon:
2. The Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch - Visit these impressive ruins, a short walk from Syntagma Square.
3. The Changing of the Guards at Parliament - Head to Syntagma Square to watch this traditional ceremony in front of the Hellenic Parliament.
Evening:
Depending on the performance schedule, attend a show at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus if available. Otherwise, enjoy dinner in the city, perhaps at a rooftop restaurant with views of the illuminated Acropolis. Have some bubbly to toast your stay in Athens.
Day 4 (optional): A Day Trip Escape to the Islands or Mountains
If you have another day, leverage the information above in Incredible Day Trips from Athens to escape the city for a day.
Evening:
If you're back in the city and depending on the performance schedule, attend a show at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus if available. Otherwise, enjoy your final dinner in the city, perhaps at a rooftop restaurant with views of the illuminated Acropolis. Have some bubbly to toast your stay in Athens.
Bubbly Tourist Bon Voyage!