Athens, Europe’s oldest capital is basically an outdoor museum. Packed with iconic ancient ruins that allow you to peak through the curtain to the past. However, if you are in Athens for a few days you might want to do something different than visiting its historical sites. Athens is a modern city, with much more to offer than its past, and this guide will show you some of the best unique things to do in Athens.
- Things To Know Before You Go To Athens
- 11 Alternative Things To Do In Athens
- 1. Have A Sweet Treat In Little Kook
- 2. Athens Hall of Horrors
- 3. Relax With A Turkish Coffee In Mokka
- 4. Climb Mount Lycabettus
- 5. Watch The Evzones Standing Guard
- 6. Indulge In Delicious Greek Food
- 7. Explore Local Neighbourhoods
- 8. Take A Day Trip
- 9. Turtle Pond In Athens National Park
- 10. Dromeas (The Runner)
- 11. Hellenic Car Museum
- Athens FAQ
- Related Posts
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Things To Know Before You Go To Athens
Best Time To Visit Athens
Athens enjoys a Mediterranean climate, which means it experiences hot, dry summers and sometimes cold and wet winters.
Peak season in Athens is Summer, between the months of May, June, July, and August. Although during this time the weather is at its hottest with temperatures between 30°C and 40°C. It is also the busiest time for tourists, expect accommodation to be more expensive and long queues for the top attractions.
The best time to visit is after the peak season during September and October. There will not be as many crowds and the weather is still hot in the high 20°s, with only a small amount of rainfall.
Whereas, the worst time to visit Athens is late November to February. During this time the weather is the coldest with average low temperatures of 8°C and rainfall is at its highest with an average of 9 rainy days per month.
Did You Know… the hottest temperature ever in Europe was recorded in Athens. 48.0°C in July 1977.
Where To Stay In Athens
Athens is not that big, so wherever you stay you will not be too far from the centre.
I have shared several accommodation options that are in excellent locations. Please note that these prices fluctuate depending on the dates you book, the prices below are just a guide.
Budget | Athenaeum K 29 – centrally located only 4 minutes from Omonia Square. The rooms are vibrant and cosy. There is also a well equipped gym. Prices start at €68 a night.
Mid-range | The Stone Manor , Noho boutique hotel – this hotel looks like it belongs on a Greek island. Rooms are beautifully designed, they are spacious, bright, most rooms have a large outdoor seating area. Located close to Nymphs Hill and just a 1km from the centre. Prices start at €71 a night.
Luxury | Gatsby Athens – party like its 1920! Rooms are aesthetically pleasing with luxurious velvet seating, brightly tiled pink bathrooms and elegant mini bar. The rooms are also equipped with a coffee machine and some have a balcony. The hotel also features a gym. Prices start at €190 a night.
11 Alternative Things To Do In Athens
1. Have A Sweet Treat In Little Kook
Come for the decor, stay for the cake. Little Kook is an eye grabbing cafe in the centre of Athens. During my visit, the cafe had decorated every inch according to the Alice in Wonderland theme, with chairs hanging from the ceiling and waiters dressed (and fully in character) as the Mad Hatter, while a giant Alice figure was displayed in the middle of the room.
The menu also adhered to the theme, and I ordered Alice’s shoe, a pink chocolate shoe filled with chocolate mousse, along with a teacup of vanilla ice cream. They even played the Alice in Wonderland theme song in the background. It was one of the most fun unique things to do in Athens.
The theme changes every few months so keep an eye on their website for the most up to date information on what their theme will be during your visit.
RELATED: Epic 1 Day Athens Itinerary
2. Athens Hall of Horrors
Another unique and unusual thing to do in Athens is this spooky Athens Hall Of Horrors. super fun 30 minute self guided tour of a 2 storey haunted house. There are actors and various other props to scare you, it guarantees a laugh and some silly photos at the end.
The actors don’t touch you and nothing crazy happens. I have been to some horror houses where the actors grab you and shout in your face, but it is more tame here so I think it is suitable for all ages. I do not have any photos as no cameras are allowed.
3. Relax With A Turkish Coffee In Mokka
I confess that I am a self-proclaimed coffee addict and love to try coffee from all over the world. When I heard Mokka was the go to place in Athens for traditional Turkish coffee I could not pass up on the opportunity to visit.
Fun fact but did you know that Turkish coffee was considered so good that the Sultans classified it as a drug and banned it?!
Turkish coffee is prepared in a totally different way to your typical Western cup. Firstly, it is brewed in a pot called an ibrik, the ibik is then placed in a heated sand pit and slowly warmed up. Although it takes a little longer than a normal coffee but the wait is so worth it.
Just a tip, when you are pouring it into your cup make sure to pour it gently. There is a lot of grit in the ibrik and your don’t want to drink it, you need to let your cup sit for 2 mins and then pour. I learned this the hard way! You also get some delicious Turkish delight with your coffee.
4. Climb Mount Lycabettus
At 277 metres above sea level, Mount Lycabettus is the highest point of Athens. Legend has it that Mount Lycabettus was once a refugee for wolves which explains the meaning of the name – “the hill that is walked by wolves“. It was also an open air amphitheatre hosting concerts, Slipknot even played here once. I mean, the views you’d get mid head bang are stunning!
To reach the top of Mount Lycabettus you can either walk or take a funicular. However, I really recommend walking, it is a moderate and short climb (30 – 45 mins) with stunning views of the city; yet if you take a funicular you will be going through a tunnel and will miss out on the views up and down.
The hike up is a winding tarmac path and a few steep stairs at the end. There is no shade so it can be extra hard on a hot day. It is a very popular spot for sunsets so bring a beer, sit back and relax!
5. Watch The Evzones Standing Guard
There is something so profound about the changing of the gaurds. This ceremony occurs at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier every hour 365 days of the year.
The guards are called Evzones and it is the highest honour to be selected as one. I ignorantly assumed it was a role that was done by a new / training guard but in reality these Evzones are hand picked to very strict requirements. They have to be 1.9m tall, peak physical condition and be able to withstand any expression or movement during their time standing guard.
During the hourly ceremony the guards are perfectly in sync, slowly coordinating their movements. This movement is believed to allow the guards some circulation after standing still for one hour.
These guards are so disciplined that in 2001 a molotov cocktail was thrown and the guard remained still and expressionless.
6. Indulge In Delicious Greek Food
Greek food is divine, from the cheese filled pies, honey drenched pastries to the juicy meaty gyros. It’s a fusion of al the good stuff, citrus, cheeses, herbs, oils, and grilled meat.
A fun alternative way to explore Athens culture is by taking a food tour with a local, who will take you all the best places and food to try. Because the are a local they know all the best off the beaten track gems. This highly rated 3 hour food tour can be done privately or with a group which is cool if you are solo travelling.
Related: Gluten Free In Greece | Guide To Athens
7. Explore Local Neighbourhoods
Athens has some interesting neighbourhoods to visit, that you should definitely check out. I have listed three that I really think should not be missed.
- Plaka: The oldest neighbourhood of Athens, it is so so beautiful! Located at the foot of Acropolis it has pedestrianised streets, bright quaint buildings and feels like a small village, even though it attracts large crowds. Make sure to check out the area of Anafiotika, this is a tiny but incredibly scenic neighbourhood within Plaka.
- Kolonaki: Located at the bottom of Mount Lycabettus, Kolonaki is an upscale neighbourhood with designer boutiques and fancy restaurants but also so cool trendy yet humble cafes, bars and restaurants.
- Psirri: Trendy Psirri is full of stylish bars, cool eateries, art galleries and live music bars. It is super cool and in my opinion the best atmosphere for a fun night out.
8. Take A Day Trip
Taking a day trip is one of the most interesting things to do in Athens. It allows you to see a totally different side to Athens than just exploring the city. Even just the bus journey gives you an insight into how locals live and the surrounding scenery. Take a look at the different type of day trips you can go on.
- Take A Cruise To The Saronic Islands: Visit the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina on this 12 hour cruise. You will also have the freedom to explore on your own. These islands have dramatic cliffs, picturesque stone paved streets and white sandy beaches.
- Meteora: Check out the dramatic rock formations of the UNESCO heritage site of Meteora. It is home to one of the largest built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries.
On this full day tour you will travel on a train from Larissis train station with a local guide, visit the 8 monasteries of Meteora and explore the hidden Hermit Caves. This is an unforgettable trip. - Hot Air Balloon: For something a little different see the outskirts of Athens from above. You will fly over the mainland between Athens and ancient Thebes with views of Lake Yliki.
Related: 3 Days In Istanbul Itinerary
9. Turtle Pond In Athens National Park
A large group of turtles reside in Athens National Park, a serene park with lush green scenery that makes you feel like you are in a tropical garden and not in the centre of Athens. The highlight of this park (for me, at least) was the turtle pond. This small turquoise pond is full of cheeky turtles all climbing on one another for the top spot.
Not only will you get to see turtles but there are other wildlife calling this place home. Expect to see colourful parrots, ducks and geese. In general it’s a peaceful place to get some shade under the trees.
10. Dromeas (The Runner)
The Dromeas is a cool statue that looks like a runner in motion. This effect has been created by layering thousands of individual pieces of glass on top of one another. This unusual statue was built in 1988, it took 6 years to finish.
This is one runner you do not want to bump into!
11. Hellenic Car Museum
Located a few minutes walk from Olypiam Square, the Hellenic Museum showcases 3 floors of vintage cars. Walking around this car-utopia felt like I was in the 1940’s or 1950’s. The cars are kept in pristine condition. Additionally, each car has an explanation of its origin, speed, and previous owners (some of whom are very famous).
Athens FAQ
Did you know that most people only spend 24 hours in Athens? Using it as a stopover before heading to the islands. However, I think this is a big mistake because Athens has some amazing and fun things to offer. So how long should you spend in Athens? Three days in Athens will allow you to comfortably fit in the top attractions, visit a neighbourhood or two and maybe climb one of the cities hills for sunset.
The Acropolis is a must visit. The ancient citadel is one of the most striking and historically significant sights in Athens.
Yes, Athens is perfect for exploring by foot. Walking around Athens allows you to discover local neighbourhoods outside of the usual tourist locations.
Athens is a very affordable destination for tourists, especially when compared to island locations like Santorini and Mykonos.
