If you are in Athens longer than a few days you might want to do something different than the ruins. I am not a history buff and to me after a while everything starts looking the same. I use to fall into the trap of “I have to see this, it’s on trip advisor” and then hurry through it. While in Athens I saw the Acropolis, the Pantheon and the Roman Agora. I could not appreciate any more ruins after that. So if you are like me then fear not there are lots of alternative things to do in Athens besides touring the ruins.
This guide will give you some useful information to know before your trip to Athens such as where to stay, how long to go for and how to get around. Then I share some alternative things to do in Athens if you have gotten your fill history for the trip.
Guide Contents
Things To Know Before You Go To Athens
Not interested? Skip down to Alternative things to do in 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.
Getting To Athens
Istanbul’s main international airport is Eleftherios Venizelos (AIA). Currently, approximately 62 airlines operate flights from here, this includes budget airlines Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz along with international airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines and Korean Air.
Greece’s national carrier Aegean Air offer competitive prices and are a full service airline meaning you will get a meal and bit more comfort.
Remember that flight prices can fluctuate, and it’s essential to compare fares across different airlines and booking platforms. To check the best prices use a flight comparison site such as expedia or skyscanner.
Did You Know… Eleftherios Venizelos (AIA) sees an average of 2,061 daily flights!
Getting From Athens Airport
By Metro Line 3
This is the quickest and easiest way to reach Athens city centre. Metro line 3 runs from the airport to Syntagma Square. It takes only 40 minutes and costs €9 for a single ticket or, €15 for a return.
This service runs between 6:30am to 11:30pm.
By Bus
The Athens airport bus is X95, this bus will take you to the centre of Athens, Syntagma Square in 60 minutes. The bus stop is located at arrivals hall exits 4 and 5. The cost of this fare is €5.50 for adults and €2.70 under 18’s. Tickets can be purchased onboard or at the airport ticket offices.
By Airport Transfer
If you would like to just arrive without trying to come to terms with the public transport then consider booking a private airport transfer. Although this is the most expensive option it is super convenient with your driving meeting you at the arrivals halls and driving you directly to your accommodation.
Getting Around Athens
The following are the types of tickets that are most suitable for tourists, these tickets are for use on the metro, buses, and commuter trains.
- 3-day tourist ticket including a return journey to the airport : €22
- 90-minute ticket: € 1.20
- 24-hour ticket: € 4.10
- 5-day ticket: € 8.20
Tickets must be validated on the yellow vending machines, there are no turnstiles so keep a look out for the machines as you will be fined if this is not validated.
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.
Athens Hub Hostel – this highly reviewed hostel has a rating of 9/10. Rooms are bright, spacious and fitted with air con. Each room is also fitted with a comfy seating area. Facilities include a large terrace and bar. The hostel offers 6 – 8 bed rooms that are mixed, female only or male only. Located close to Monastiraki Square. Prices start at €28 a night.
Athenaeum ? 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.
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.
Attalos Hotel – enjoy incredible views of the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace. Rooms are cosy and modern, some rooms have a balcony. The location is brilliant, in the heart of Athens close to all main attractions. Prices start at €100 a night.
Neapolis 1897 Boutique Hotel – start your day with a coffee from your balcony overlooking the trendy neighbourhood of Neapoli, just 400m from Lycabettus Hill. This recently refurbished hotel offers large, elegant rooms, each with a marble bathroom . Prices start at €140 a night.
Hellenic Vibes Smart Hotel -5 star hotel with modern and cosy rooms that feature a seating area. and. a waterfall shower. Some rooms have a terrace and a view of the Parthenon. Prices start at €160 a night.
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.
NYX Esperia Palace Hotel – the ultimate treat, take a dip in their luxurious infinity pool with a view of the acropolis. Rooms are vibrant with a coffee machine, mini bar, desk and large bathroom. Facilities include a large terrace, sauna, hot tub. Along with a rooftop pool there is an indoor pool and fitness centre Prices start at €203 a night.
Did You Know… Athens is Europes oldest capital
How Many Days is Enough In Athens
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?
Is 2 Days is Enough In Athens
Two days is enough time to see all the top attractions such as the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Partheon and check out the city centre. I think your itinerary would be tightly packed and maybe you would not get a good feel for the city.
Is 3 Days is Enough 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.
But, I think 4 to 5 days will allow you to experience it all. This amount of time opens up more opportunities to see the historical site, explore a few neighbourhoods, climb one of the cities hills, do a food tour, take a day trip, experience the nightlife or of course just taking it easy.
10 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 so much fun, an experience you shouldn’t miss!
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.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/littlekookgr
Location: https://g.page/littlekook?share
Price: €10 – €15
2. Athens Hall of Horrors
Going here was a happy accident because it was a super fun 30 minute self guided tour of a 2 storey 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.
Website: https://www.athenshallofhorrors.gr/en/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/y8RfJhmVLbqAFcd39
Price: €12
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 this coffee was so good that the Sultans classified it as a drug and banned it?!
This coffee is prepared in a totally different way, 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. I learned this the hard way! You also get some delicious Turkish delight with your coffee.
Website: https://mokka.coffee/
Location: https://g.page/mokka-specialtycoffee?share
Price: €2
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 once an open air amphitheatre hosting concerts, Slipknot even played there once.
You have the option to walk up the hill 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 stairs (at the end), it gets quite steep at the end but I saw all ages climb it. 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. Be Mesmerised By The Evzones Standing Gaurd
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 gaurds 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 gaurd 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 gaurd.
During the hourly ceremony the gaurds are perfectly in sync, slowly coordinating their movements. This movement is believed to allow the gaurds some circulation after standing still for one hour. These gaurds are so disciplined that in 2001 a molotov cocktail was thrown and the gaurd remained still and expressionless.
6. Indulge In Delicious Greek Food
Greek food is divine, from the cheese filled pies, honey draped pastries to the juicy meaty gyros. There is something for every palette and is much more affordable than other EU capitals. For example, you could get a mixture of pastries from a bakery for under €5.
A fun way to explore any cities food culture is by taking a food tour with a local, who will give 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.
Check out my blog post on GLUTEN FREE food in Greece
7. Explore Local Neighbourhoods
Athens has some really cool neighbourhoods to visit, it would be a shame to miss out on seeing different sides to the city. 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 buzzing 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.
Be In Awe Of 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 Flight
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.
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. Hellenic Car Museum
I know, a car museum, does not really sound too thrilling does it? I do not have an interest in cars, I don’t even drive! However, this museum is pretty cool and I was pleasantly surprised!
Located a few minutes walk from Olypiam Square, the Hellenic Museum showcases 3 floors of vintage cars. Walking around this car-utophia 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). I visited on a Saturday and it was really quiet, with maybe 3 other people there which was great as I could take my time looking at everything.
Website: https://www.hellenicmotormuseum.gr/en/
Location: https://g.page/hellenicmotormuseum-athens?share
Price: €10 for adults; €8 for students
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