Best Things to Do in Athens
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7 Best Things to Do in Athens in 2024

If you are planning to visit Greece in your coming holiday, you would have definitely included Athens on your list of must-visit places in Greece. 

The capital of Greece is the epitome of Greek culture and tradition that will compel the visitors to spend a day or more here. Even there are a number of tourists who only visit Athens as they have a short time to stay in Greece. 

Athens is the city of Greece which is standing on the bridge where the ancient culture and tradition have amalgamated with modern and contemporary society.

You will lose yourself in the pages of history book when you step into the ‘Theatre of Dionysus’, and again the ‘Modern City of Plaka’ will give you the taste of modern-day Greece.

Top 7 Things You Should Do in Athens

So, if you are excited enough to visit Athens now, you need to make a full-proof plan so that you can visit maximum places out there. It is true that visiting everything at one go is quite difficult while you are in Athens, and that’s why we are presenting the top 7 things to do in Athens to make your trip happening. Read on to know more!

#1. The Acropolis

  • Address: Athens 105 58, Greece
  • Opening Time: Everyday in the week from 8 AM to 8 PM 
  • Entry Fee: 20 Euros
  • Time to Spend: The complete tour requires around 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Nearest Metro Station: Syntagma Station

While talking about the best places to visit in Athens, the Acropolis will be on the top of the list. Visiting the Acropolis is really a great idea where you can visit the Greek architecture of ancient times. 

Though people mainly prefer to visit the Acropolis, the other monuments like the Arrhephorion, the Erechtheion, etc. will also make you spellbound.

#2. National Archeological Museum

  • Address: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece
  • Opening TimeWinter Hours – Monday: 1 pm- 7:30 pm, Other Days: 8.30 am- 3 pm, Summer Hours – Monday: 1 pm- 7:30 pm, Other Days: 8:30 am- 7:30 pm
  • Entry Fee: 10 Euros
  • Time to Spend: You can spend the entire day here
  • Nearest Metro Stations: Omonoia and Viktoria

If you are a history buff and interested in ancient Greece, there is no better place than spending a day in the National Archeological Museum, Athens. 

Once you are here you will be confused about which section to visit and what not as the museum is filled with magnificent exhibits that will give you a tour of different ages. 

To mention some of that, you can’t miss the gold funerary mask of Agamemnon from the Mycenaean Era. Also, the frescos from the Bronze Age and the Egyptian collections and other exhibits will blow your mind.

#3. The National Garden

  • Address: Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athina 105 57, Greece
  • Opening Time: Everyday from 6 am – 9 pm
  • Entry Fee: Absolutely Free
  • Time to Spend: You can spend the entire day in the garden and the restaurants here, though 2 hours are enough
  • Nearest Metro Station: Syntagma Metro Station

If you want to stay away from the hustle-bustle of the crowded city to spend a few hours in serenity, you can visit the National Garden, Athens. 

This majestic garden was commissioned by the first queen of Green, Queen Amelia in 1838 and it was completed after two years. Now, the gravel roads, bushes and plants, and the ponds inside the garden can take you away from the urban grayness. There is also a small zoo that will excite your kids.

#4. Edem Beach

  • Address: Leof. Posidonos 73, Paleo Faliro 175 62, Greece
  • Opening Time: Everyday from 8.15 AM – 12 am
  • Entry Fee: Absolutely Free
  • Time to Spend: You can spend an entire day
  • Nearest Tram Station: Edem Stop

If you prefer to think out-of-the-box, then you will definitely like to visit Edem Beach once. Take your umbrella and bathing suit, and spend a day at one of the best beaches in Athens. 

Soak yourself in the sun, play beach volleyball, and dance with the waves. The pristine beauty of nature will make you feel calm and peaceful.

#5. Temple of Hephaestus

  • Address: Athens 105 55, Greece
  • Opening Time: Every day from 8 am – 3 pm 
  • Entry Fee: 8 Euros
  • Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
  • Nearest Metro Station: Thissio or Monastiraki Station

Located within Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus is one of the most well-preserved ruins that will give you an exciting tour of history. This temple was built within 460 and 420 BC and also served as a Church for a long time. 

This temple was designed by Ictinus and is dedicated to Hephaestus, the ancient Greek God of fire, sculpture, and forges.

Besides enjoying the beauty of the temple, you can also get astonished by the sculptures of Hercules, Theseus, the Battle of Lapiths and Centaurs. Many experts often opine that Temple of Hephaestus should get more acknowledgment than the Parthenon.

#6. Benaki Museum

  • Address: Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74, Greece
  • Opening TimeWednesday and Friday: 9 am – 5 pm, Thursday and Saturday: 9 am-midnight, Sunday: 9 am – 3 pm
  • Entry Fee: 6 Euros for adults; children and students get free entry (Free entry on Thursday)
  • Time to Spend: 1 hour to half day
  • Nearest Metro Station: Syntagma Metro Station

If you are an art lover, this is the museum that will woo you at once. From ancient art to the modern and contemporary arts, you can visit the exhibits of all ages including the masterpieces, created by the renowned artists of all eras.  

The Benaki Museum was established in 1930 when the art collector, Antonis Benakis, donated his great art collection of thirty-five years to the Greek state. The extensive collection of this museum comprises of the artworks from the 3,000 BC to the beginning of the twentieth century. 

Once you are here, you can experience the huge collections of art from the Byzantine Period, Post-Byzantine Period, Neo-Hellenic Art, and others.

#7. Theatre of Dionysus

  • Address: Mitseon 25, Athina 117 42, Greece
  • Opening Time: Everyday from 8 am – 5 pm 
  • Entry Fee: the combined adult ticket is of 30 Euros
  • Time to Spend: 1 hour to 2 hours
  • Nearest Metro Station: Akropoli

Finally, to culminate the list of the best places to visit in Athens, there is nothing better than the Theatre of Dionysus. It is located on the south side of the Acropolis and is dedicated to the Greek God of Drama, Dionysus. 

During ancient times, the seats of this theatre were wooden and then turned into marble seats The first row of the theatre was reserved for the creams of the society.

Final Words

So, these are some of the best places that you can visit in Athens during your first visit. Actually, there are numerous places to visit and things to do. But obviously it’s not possible to visit all in a single trip. 

Athens is one of the ancient cities in Greece which still holds its tradition and culture to mesmerize the tourists. Once you walk along the streets of the city and see that one of the greatest civilizations of the ancient was here only, you’ll feel the thrill in you.  

The nightlife in Athens is also ravishing that can make your trip full of excitement. What you need is perfect planning to make your tour memorable for the lifetime. Hopefully, this list will help you enjoy your Athens trip to the best!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 2 days enough to see Athens?

2 days are not enough in Athens as there are many tourist attractions to explore in this ancient city.

Are 7 days too long in Athens?

7 days in any city is a perfect duration to enjoy the feel of that city, taste the food, meet new people, and explore the culture.

Which part of Athens is the nicest?

Plaka, Syntagma, Monastiraki, Acropolis, and Thissio are popular destinations for tourists visiting Athens, Greece. These areas are known for their rich history and cultural attractions and are great places to explore on foot.

In addition to these well-known tourist areas, there are also some beautiful residential neighborhoods located in the center of Athens, such as Koukaki, Mets, and Kolonaki, which are worth visiting for their charming atmosphere and local character.

What is the best month to visit Athens?

Athens has a Mediterranean climate, which means it experiences hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The summer months (June through September) are generally the busiest tourist season in Athens, with hot temperatures and long days. This is a great time to visit if you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities, but be prepared for crowded tourist attractions and higher prices for accommodations and flights.

Is Athens a cheap city?

Yes, Athens is a very budget-friendly and affordable city. Greece’s currency is the euro (€) and things are quite affordable in Athens.

Can you walk around Athens at night?

Yes, it is generally safe to walk around Athens at night, although as with any city, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions to protect your personal safety.

What is the coldest month in Athens?

The coldest month in Athens, Greece is typically January, when the average low temperature is around 8°C (46°F), and the average high temperature is around 16°C (61°F).

Does Athens have a beach?

Yes, Athens has several beaches within the city limits or surrounding areas.

Here is a list of some of the beaches that are located within the city limits or in the surrounding area of Athens, Greece:

Voula Beach
Glyfada Beach
Varkiza Beach
Alimos Beach
Lagonisi Beach
Schinias Beach
Loutsa Beach
Artemida Beach
Agia Marina Beach
Nea Makri Beach
Vouliagmeni Beach
Kavouri Beach
Saronida Beach
Anavyssos Beach
Vravrona Beach

What is Athens most famous for?

Athens is Greece’s capital city and one of the world’s oldest cities. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage and is often referred to as the “cradle of Western civilization.”

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