Things to do in Athens

Athens is a great example of a historic city that can showcase its past accomplishments while simultaneously creating new reasons to visit with innovative cuisine, a lively bar scene, and beautiful green spaces.

Athenians enjoy many of the same things that draw visitors year round. They go for early morning hikes up the Acropolis to the Parthenon, catch exhibits in cultural institutions such as the Museum of Cycladic Art, and meet up for wine or coffee in the arcades (or stoas) around the main market. Neighborhoods like Kypseli evoke a more modern nostalgia with an open-air cinema, while Monastiraki is a place where you can still spot locals amongst the visitors as they pluck fresh produce from market stalls. Rooftop bars, clubs, and dives hum most nights in Psyri; meanwhile early risers can catch a sunrise on Mount Lycabettus before brunch or a trip to the hammam baths.

Olive oil, leafy greens, bright fruits, goat’s cheese, and the occasional meat protein — all served with a glass of wine. Sound familiar? Greeks mostly stick to the Mediterranean diet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t splurge now and again. Here are some of the best things to eat in Athens.

Souvlaki

Translated, it’s traditional Greek street food. Think meat seared to perfection on a skewer, or a real-deal gyro with a side of tzatziki. Take an Athens street food tour with a local foodie to find the best (and hidden) spots for the best bites.

Saganáki

There are few things in life more delightful than fried cheese — at least if you’re a true Athenian. This starter is best served with a slice of lemon, which you sprinkle on top to brighten the flavor. Head to the ​​Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods to find some of the best renditions of this Greek favorite.

Loukoumádes

Fried, doughy balls sprinkled in powdered sugar, and drizzled in Greek honey (which is a delicacy all on its own). What’s not to love?

Moussaká

This Greek comfort food is a delicious mound of potatoes, eggplant, and minced meat layered on top of one another, all the better with melted feta cheese as the final touch. Learn to make the staple in cooking classes with locals, or enjoy another spin on the classic during a vegan food tour of Athens.

Athens is a perfect starting point for island hopping, or going deeper into the history that surrounds the Greek capital. Here are some ways to get out of the city for a day.

A day tour for the gods

Enjoy a short drive (roughly an hour) out of Athens to go deeper into Greek mythology in places such as ancient marble quarries of Penteli, where the rocks were taken to sculpt and build (almost all) the great statues and structures including the Parthenon, the temples of Zeus, Hephaestus, and Poseidon. You’ll also see the archeological site of Vravrona, the mining town of Lavrio, and the upscale coastal town Vouliagmeni with its beautiful lake.

History in a day: Olympia, Sparta, Mycenae

Visit significant historical sites including the Archaeological Site of Olympia, a UNESCO World Heritage site; the Temple of Apollo Epikourios in Kaiadas; and Bronze Age–era Mycenae, which is today an archaeological site.

A day trip to Delphi and Meteora

Visit one of the most significant archeological sites in Greece, where you can see the Temple of Apollo and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi. The journey, one-way, from Athens is just over a 2-hour drive. Let an expert local guide handle the logistics with private and small-group tours.