20 Must-See Things to Do in Athens, Greece

Athens is the birthplace of Western civilization, which means it’s an especially fascinating place to visit. There are many things to do in Athens, Greece, including visiting architectural wonders, admiring the natural beauty and other unique experiences.

Experience Greece in Athens by planning your itinerary from top to bottom. We’ve researched and handpicked the top 20 sightseeing locations to prioritize while on vacation in Athens so you can take in every second of this rich and diverse experience. Since many of the sightseeing adventures in Athens involve being outdoors in the direct sun, remember smart packing tips, like bringing lightweight clothing, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. 

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The Acropolis of Athens attracts an impressive 3 million visitors yearly, making it a top Athens must-see. This historic citadel is perched 490 feet above sea level above the city and serves as an enduring symbol of ancient Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s important to know that there is a dress code while visiting the Acropolis and its buildings—no shorts or tank tops are allowed. 

The Acropolis is home to several critical Greek buildings, including the Erechtheion, a temple dedicated to the gods Poseidon and Athena; the Temple of Athena Nike, a small temple dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike; and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a magnificent open-air theater used for concerts, operas and ballets.

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You can’t visit Athens attractions without stopping at the Parthenon. This temple, dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, symbolized the city’s cultural and political dominance in the ancient world. Though it has suffered some damage due to earthquakes and general pollution, extensive restoration efforts have been made to preserve this iconic piece of history. 

The Parthenon is part of the Acropolis, so you can easily fold it into your itinerary.

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For visitors to Athens who enjoy museums, the Acropolis Museum should be at the top of their list. It houses many special artifacts from the Acropolis, including sculptures, inscriptions and architectural fragments. 

While seeing the magnificent wonders the museum offers, take a guided tour for even more historical information. There’s also a cafe if you need to stop for a light meal during your visit. To truly take in what the museum offers, you should allow at least two hours. 

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You can’t think of ancient Athens without thinking of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This massive temple (the largest ever built in Greece) was dedicated to Zeus, the god of the sky, lightning, thunder and weather. Initially, this temple had 104 columns, but only a few remain today. While the sight might not be as impressive as it would have been in the 6th century B.C. when it was first created, it’s still worth seeing if you’re new to Athens or love architecture. 

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If you are wondering what to do in Athens that is cost-effective, consider heading to the Plaka neighborhood. This historic neighborhood is filled with cobblestone streets and a lively atmosphere. Within the neighborhood limits, you can reach the Acropolis Museum, the Roman Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus, all within walking distance. 

Plaka is one of the oldest Athens neighborhoods, but that doesn’t mean it’s underdeveloped. Stop by one of the many restaurants and enjoy a meal or pop into one of the specialty souvenir shops to buy some authentic Greek olive oil. 

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While visiting the Acropolis of Athens, stop at the Theatre of Dionysus, a huge ancient Greek theater that can seat up to 15,000 visitors. This is the oldest surviving theater in the world and while it’s no longer used for performances, visitors can walk through history and relive plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides.

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Mt. Lycabettus is the highest point in Athens, standing at an impressive 909 feet above sea level. Visitors can either hike up the mountain or take a cable car to the top for a small fee, where you can enjoy a snack or meal at one of the many restaurants available. Take in the panoramic view of Athens and the Aegean Sea, but remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and a sweater, because even in summer, the top of the mountain can get cold. 

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One of the must-see neighborhoods in Athens is Anafiotika, a quiet, charming area on the northern slope of the Acropolis. Here, you’ll find whitewashed houses and winding streets, with incredible views of the Acropolis and the city of Athens. 

Take your time exploring the neighborhood and enjoying some local Greek cuisine at one of the many restaurants. However, be aware that it is a popular tourist attraction and can get crowded in the summer. 

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If you want to truly experience the energy of Athens, head to Syntagma Square, the essential central square of Athens. This area has seen its fair share of significant political events and celebrations over the years and now houses many hotels, shops and cafes. 

The Greek Parliament is on the square’s eastern side, with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier standing in front of it. Nearby is Ermou Street, the best shopping street in Athens, so you should allocate some extra time to browse the shops. 

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History buffs and archaeology enthusiasts should put visiting the Ancient Agora of Athens at the top of their to-see list. This center and birthplace of democracy is home to many architectural landmarks, like the Stoa of Attalos and the Hephaisteion Temple. Not surprisingly, the Agora is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historical and cultural value.

While visiting, take time to explore the Stoa of Attalos, Hephaisteion Temple and the Agora Museum, which displays the many sculptures, pottery and inscriptions from the Agora. 

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Dedicated to Hephaestus, the Greek god of fire, the Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best preserved ancient temples in the world, making it one of the top things to do in Athens. Unlike other ancient temples, it was continuously used when converted to a Christian church, which helped keep it so pristine. The temple has rich sculptural decorations depicting Heracles and Theseus on the front and sides.

The Acropolis is just a short walk from the Temple of Hephaestus, making your sightseeing itinerary easy to manage. Since this temple is located within the Agora of Athens, the entrance fee is included in that admission cost. 

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Are you wondering what to do in Athens to relive important history? Look no further than the Panathenaic Stadium, home to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. What used to be a sacred space dedicated to Athena was used for the Panathenaic Games in her honor. It was rebuilt, abandoned, excavated and rebuilt again into the all-marble wonder that stands today (the only one in the world). 

Stop at this highly visited attraction to walk in the footsteps of ancient athletes and Olympic heroes. Make sure you travel to the upper bleachers of Section 21 for unforgettable views of sights, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Zappeion. 

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No trip to Athens is complete without visiting Monastiraki, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. While Plaka is well-known for its historic architecture and ancient ruins, Monastiraki is famed for its bustling flea market and lively energy. Be sure to visit Hadrian’s Library’s ruins, which were used to store ancient literary works or Tzistarakis Mosque, the Ottoman-era mosque now a folk art museum. 

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The National Archaeological Museum should be the top priority of any visitor to Athens who treasures history and museums due to its vast collection of Ancient Greek art and archaeology. Inside, you can see exhibits on Egyptian and Cycladic artifacts and more, in addition to one of the largest sculpture collections in any museum. 

While you are allowed to photograph antiquities — without flash — in most of the museum, photography is not permitted on certain exhibits. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to explore the whole museum — since there are many exhibits and rotating temporary ones, allow at least three hours for your trip. 

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Another top-rated thing to do in Athens, Greece, is to visit the Benaki Museum, a collection of several museums spread throughout the city. Each museum has a specialty, from Greek culture to Islamic art — there’s even one dedicated to toys — meaning there’s much to see and explore. 

Each location has its own hours and entrance fee, but it’s worth seeing the different artifacts, paintings, ceramics and sculptures collected over the years. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy at least a half-day of adventure. 

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If you crave exploring the outdoors, head to Philopappos Hill on your trip to Athens. This historic hilltop offers stunning views of the Acropolis, Saronic Gulf and the surrounding city, making it a perfect place for a picnic. Different paths for walking and hiking allow you to enjoy the visit at your own pace. 

While visiting the area, explore the National Observatory of Athens on the nearby Nymphs Hill. 

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To experience the authentic side of Athens, visit Exarcheia, a neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere and student population. Take a walking tour of Exarcheia to explore the Athenian way of life and learn about the city’s alternative culture and political activism. 

While in the area, stop at some of the independent bookstores and art galleries, which gives this neighborhood a smaller feel than the hustle and bustle of the main city. Be prepared to check out some street art while in the area, a testament to the area’s expressive culture. 

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Visit and explore more than 25,000 artifacts, mosaics and textiles at the Byzantine & Christian Museum. Here, you can view the famous "Virgin and Child" icon by Theophanes, the Greek and examples of Byzantine and post-Byzantine silver objects, among other works of art. It is easy to spend multiple hours exploring historical artifacts, so wear comfortable shoes. 

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The Athens War Museum is dedicated to Greece’s military history, making it a must-visit for any history or military buff. Its exhibits span ancient times to the present day and visitors can see weaponry from Greece’s wars and a vast collection of uniforms and flags. 

Not only can you see indoor exhibits at this museum, but it also has an outdoor exhibit area featuring military vehicles and artillery pieces. It's important to note that most exhibits are in Greek, with few English translations. 

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No trip to Athens, Greece, is complete without stopping at the Temple of Poseidon. Dedicated to Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, this Doric temple offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, which was the first thing they saw when they returned home from battle. 

The statue of Poseidon that once stood at this temple has been moved to the Archaeological Museum of Athens for preservation, but you can still see the tall white marble columns and stand in the spot where, according to legend, King Aegus threw himself into the Aegean after he thought his son had perished during battle. 

With everything to do in Athens, Greece, use your AAA membership to let a dedicated travel agent help book your dream vacation so you can get packing. With Trip Canvas, you can get the best deals on hotels and travel, allowing you to enjoy even more activities while in Athens.