Top 10 things to do in Athens

Exploring Athens, or the cradle of Western civilisation, is always a highlight in a traveller’s life. The Greek capital is a unique historical reserve. You’ll discover archaeological treasures mixed with an exceptional cultural heritage.

One thing’s for sure: your stay will be memorable in every way. And the thousand-year-old monuments are not the only treasures to be seen in Athens…

Take the time to wander through the charming alleyways. Observe, smell, touch and, above all, taste everything that passes under your nose.

Athens is, so to speak, an absolutely delicious destination. You won’t be surprised to find that a large proportion of the activities – apart from cultural visits – are devoted to typical gastronomy. Not surprisingly, Greek specialities are among the favourites of European cuisine. Not to mention the world!

To be sure, here’s our selection of the best things to do in Athens.

10 things to do in Athens

As the capital of Greece, Athens is a mecca for Mediterranean tourism. Travellers flock here to visit the countless ruins and sites of ancient Greece. As well as trying out new outings and activities. Go from the Parthenon to the Acropolis, not forgetting the Agora and the lively districts of Plàka and Monastiraki. You won’t have time to get bored! Athens is the country’s economic mainstay. So it’s logical that the majority of attractions are concentrated here, and that the traditional culture is stronger than elsewhere.

1. Taste the best of street food

Category: €€ / Gastronomic

Description: Visiting Athens also means exploring authentic local flavours. Naturally, this starts with street food! This activity will take you to the best open-air canteens in Athens and let you sample the locals’ favourite dishes. Whether you opt for a private tour or want to meet some new faces, it’s sure to be a delicious time.

2. Cruise and lunch in Hydra, Poros and Aegina

Category: €€€ / Cultural

Description: The call of the open sea? A beautiful sunny day will be the starting point for a nautical escapade on the Greek islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina. Enjoy a day of uninterrupted views of the Greek coastline from the deck of a boat. Once ashore, explore Hydra and its historic secrets.

3. Swimming in translucent waters from a catamaran

Category: €€€ / Unusual

Description: There’s something enchanting about the Athenian coast, isn’t there? This activity aboard a luxury catamaran will give you the chance to enjoy it for longer. The expert crew will take you to the best spots on the coast. Relax, take your mind off things and enjoy the wines and mezze freshly prepared for you. With the fresh air and the gentle rocking of the waves, you’ll be in a state of zenitude.

4. Take off for an extraordinary dinner

Category: €€€ / Gastronomic / Sensations

Description: Here’s a rare gastronomic experience you won’t forget. At sunset or in the middle of the night, sit down 50 metres up for an exceptional dinner with an experienced chef. He will serve you a 5-course menu, accompanied by carefully selected Greek wines. Enjoy a meal with your loved ones, with a view of the sunset or the Acropolis illuminated in the dark of night.

5. Wine tasting under the Acropolis

Category: €€ / Cultural

Description: This is the must-do activity in Athens for all wine lovers. Join a sommelier for a tasting session of wines from local cellars. The moment will be graced with a fabulous view of the Acropolis. Your guide’s expertise will take this discovery to a whole new level. He will also accompany your tasting with a selection of Greek mezze, made from local produce.

6. Taste Athens on a gastronomic tour

Category: €€ / Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: Return to Athens’ culinary scene for a tasting session of local specialities. Try wine, cheese and cold meats, not forgetting sweets and other pastries! Start the tour with a traditional breakfast, followed by a visit to the delicatessens and various tastings. There’s plenty to lick your fingers clean!

7. Attend an ancient theatre performance

Category : €€ / Cultural

Description: Immerse yourself in the captivating world of ancient Greek theatre, at the foot of the Acropolis. You’ll laugh out loud in a unique ancient Greek setting and bring the ruins around you back to life. This performance will allow you to discover little-known myths and talented actors.

Good to know: To be accessible to all, this performance will be in English. To be avoided if comprehension is not optimal.

8. Street art in Athens

Category : €€ / Unusual / Cultural

Description: Let a street art specialist guide you through the artistic immensity of Athens. From one fresco to the next, decipher the hidden messages left by the artists. Marvel at the three Athenian districts where the works are most concentrated. Astonishment awaits you at almost every street corner!

9. Discover picturesque and Instagrammable sites

Category : €€ / Unusual

Description: Whether you’re a content creator or a fan of five-star photos, you couldn’t have asked for a better activity. Visit Athenian sites worthy of the best Instagram campaigns! You’ll be able to take some superb shots while exploring an urban and ancient Greek environment. The contrast of the places will capture your attention as you enter the working-class neighbourhoods. Enough chatter, get your cameras ready!

10. Take part in a cooking class with rooftop dinner

Category : €€€ / Gastronomic / Cultural

Description: The benefits of Greek cuisine are world-renowned. So how about learning the secrets of preparing typical dishes, such as a real tzatziki or spinach pie? Head to a popular bakery in the Monastiraki district to learn the recipes for various specialities. After a cooking session lasting more than 3 hours, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour over a delicious rooftop dinner.