While the capital city is famous for its many Ancient Greek attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Athens besides visiting the historic sights.
I’m not saying you should skip the Acropolis or Parthenon, but I totally get that not everyone enjoys the same sort of sightseeing. Luckily, Athens has plenty to offer to travellers who prefer a different experience.
If you’re not into ancient ruins or, like me, appreciate seeing them but don’t want to spend your entire trip waiting in queues and traipsing around archeological sites in the hot sun with other tourists, you’ll still find lots to see and do in Athens.
Tick off the main sights (including some of the top Athens attractions listed in this guide) with a Combo Pass. It gives you skip-the-line access to seven of Athens’ top archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, Roman Agora, and Ancient Agora.
Whether you’re an avid history hater or this isn’t your first visit to Athens and you’ve already ‘done’ the main sights, this guide will uncover all the alternative things to do in Athens as well as the usual touristy must-sees.
We did the hop-on hop-off City Sightseeing bus to get around. Even using this bus, we managed upwards of 19,000 steps per day in Athens! If you don’t want to use the local metro, it’s worth buying a 48-hour ticket to get around the top sights in Athens.
If you’re visiting Athens during a cruise, use the Beach-Riviera line to get from the port into the city.
Although its heavily graffitied streets don’t have the immediate charm of other European cities, Athens will quickly capture your heart.
Besides the ancient sites, Orthodox churches and labyrinth of streets polished smooth with footsteps over the years, Athens is studded with pockets of green space and its food and drink scene rivals that of other European capitals.
Based on my Jet2CityBreaks trip to Athens, here’s my pick of the more unique things to do in Athens, beyond the Acropolis.
Feel free to DM me on Instagram if you have questions, but also check the FAQ section at the end of this Athens guide as I may have already answered your query there.
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The best attractions and things to do in Athens
1. Browse Athens’ flea market
One of the things I enjoyed most during our city break in Athens was rummaging through the various shops and stalls at the flea market that threads off Monastiraki Square. You can find all manner of odds and ends here!
From antique furniture to dusty books, sterling silver crockery to jewellery, broken musical instruments to cameras and everything in between, the Athens flea market is the place to pick up a truly unique relic of your travels.
There are also some ‘normal’ shops selling the usual tourist tat like knock-off t-shirts and trainers which you’ll walk past when you first pass under the Flea Market banner. Keep going and you’ll find the real deal!
The Monastiraki flea market really comes to life on Sunday mornings when the tradespeople spill out into the alleyways with makeshift stalls, but we visited on Friday afternoon and it was relatively quiet.
There are a small number of cafes where you can sit outside and watch the treasure hunters with a cold drink.
2. Wander mini Mykonos
Anafiotika is a charming neighbourhood tucked into the hillside in the shadows of the Acropolis, where time seemingly came to a halt centuries ago.
It’s hailed as ‘the Mykonos of Athens’, and while I’m not sure I’d go quite that far, it is a lovely, unique place to see in Athens.
Anafiotika was established by builders who came to the mainland from the Cycladic island of Anafi to work on King Otto’s palace in the 19th century. I guess they missed the island aesthetic!
If you’re wondering how to get to Anafiotika, you’re not alone. We were convinced we were going the wrong way when we came upon the tight graffitied pathway, but keep going and you’ll be rewarded!
If you’re looking for the best photo spots in Athens, Anafiotika is worth visiting. The small rabbits’ warren of whitewashed buildings making up this traditional Greek neighbourhood is kept pristine despite the age of the buildings and worn steps.
In fact, there was wet paint when we visited, as the city prepared for the tourists who’ll undoubtedly stumble upon this hidden gem this summer.
Remember, this is a residential area so please respect the locals who live here if you choose to visit.
3. Take a day trip to the Saronic islands
Book a full-day cruise to the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina for a relaxing day trip from Athens. Laze on the boat’s sundeck, spot a once-upon-a-time pirates’ cove and spend free time exploring each Greek island.
While you’re on Aegina, visit the Temple of Aphaia, which is dedicated to the goddess Athena and dates back to 480 BC.
The day trip I’ve linked includes a buffet lunch and audio guide of Hydra plus a transfer from Athens city center to the port.
If you’d like to visit Aegina only, you might prefer to just buy a ferry ticket so you can explore the island at your own pace.
Alternatively, you can do a boat trip to Agistiri and Aegina that includes a stop for swimming at Moni. Buy your ticket online here.
There’s also the option just to get the ferry to Agistiri and go it alone.
4. Drink at Athens’ best cocktail bars
You didn’t think I was going to publish an Athens city break guide without including the lowdown on all the best places to drink, did you? I feel like I should write a whole separate post on the best bars in Athens!
The city actually boasts three of the official World’s 50 Best Bars: The Clumsies, Baba au Rum and Line.
We visited The Clumsies (number 19 on the list) and were super impressed. The menu is inspired by three emotions: happiness, excitement and tenderness; and each of the current cocktails falls within one of these categories.
We both opted for concoctions from the ‘old favourites’ section of the menu. I’ve tasted a lot of cocktails in my time, but these were definitely up there!
I also highly recommend trying their homemade vermouth. And that’s coming from someone who doesn’t even like vermouth! The bartenders are nice to look at, too…
Some of the other bars in Athens that we loved were Diego’s and Kuko’s.
5. Or drink at the oldest distillery in Athens
This counts as history, right? Brettos can be found in the picturesque Plaka neighbourhood of Athens and it first opened in 1909.
If you need to ask a local for directions, make sure you pronounce the bar’s name correctly – the B in Brettos is spoken as a V.
You’ll know you’re in the right place as soon as you peer around the doorway and see the impressive back bar. My years on the wrong side of a bar endowed me with a real appreciation for a good back bar!
Brettos still makes its own brandy, 50% ouzo and flavoured liqueurs.
6. Swim in a thermal lake
One of the more unique tourist attractions in Athens is popular with locals too.
Lake Vouliagmeni is a thermal ‘spa’ lake just 20 minutes drive from the city centre on the Athenian Riviera. It’s the best place to relax near Athens.
The lake’s water stays at a constant temperature between 28 and 35 degrees centigrade, so it’s a pleasant place to swim.
You can even get a free pedicure from the ‘doctor fish’ that you find in foot spas, which swim around in the shallows waiting to be fed!
You can spend the whole day at Lake Vouliagmeni. It is on the pricey side though.
Entry costs 19 euros but is a little cheaper on weekdays. Kids under 5 go free, and older kids pay 14 euros (17 on weekends).
If you go via the City Sightseeing bus, you can show your bus ticket for discounted entry.
There’s no requirement to hire one, but a sunbed or cabana for two costs 70 euros on a weekday or 90 euros at the weekend.
The last entry for swimming is at 6.30pm, but you don’t have to pay an entry fee if you visit after this time for dinner and drinks.
I feel like an evening meal here would be so romantic! I loved the aesthetic of the restaurant.
7. Visit Mykonos
If Greece’s most iconic island is on your bucket list, you can book a day tour from Athens. The city makes a great base for exploring more of Greece, once you’ve seen its main sights.
The tour I’ve linked above has great reviews and covers your hotel pick-up, bus, ferry and transport back to your hotel after your day on the island.
8. Soak up some sun on the Athens’ Riviera
Don’t you just love a destination that offers the best of both worlds? If you need a break from the pace of the city, the coast is within easy reach.
Head to the seaside and visit one of Athens’ many beaches and mini marinas. Learn from my mistake though, and do your research into the beach you want to visit before you set off.
We got off the bus at a beach that was mostly closed off for development, so we had to kill time there before we could get the next bus.
In hindsight, we should have visited Vouliagmeni Beach, which is near the lake. It’s considered the cleanest beach in Athens and has the most facilities, but can get crowded.
Oh, and pack sea shoes. The beaches near Athens are pebbly!
Fancy an active day out near Athens? Book a scuba diving experience! For a more relaxed outing, do this all-inclusive catamaran cruise.
9. Relax at a beach club
For a more luxurious experience of the Athenian Riviera, you can splash out on a day at one of the many beach clubs sprinkled along the coast.
Mavilli Beach, Banana Athens and Bolivar are some of the most chic places to hang out by the sea.
Even if you’re not a beach lover, you can enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the restaurants. The smell of sizzling food made my mouth water!
The beach clubs stay open late, so head to the Riviera if you’re looking to party in Athens.
10. See Hadrian’s Library
Hadrian’s Library is one of the most famous sights in Athens, and the great news is that you can mostly see it for free!
I took the above photograph from the street. This is one of the things I loved about Athens; you can see a lot of the history without actually paying or queuing to see it.
The remains of the largest of Hadrian’s structures, this is an Athens must-see.
11. Visit Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon
One of the most popular places to visit near Athens is Thorikos Theater and the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion.
Thorikos Theatre is the oldest theatre in the world and it can be combined with a visit to one of the oldest temples in Greece.
This sunset excursion has over 1000 positive reviews. It includes round-trip transportation to Thorikos Theatre, Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon on a bus with Wi-Fi, and an archeologist guide.
12. Eat in a Greek taverna
For authentic Greek food in Athens, you need to find a proper taverna. To do so, follow the rule of thumb and eat where the locals are eating.
Psaras Taverna has been going since 1898, while Diogenes is situated right in Lysikratous Square. Alternatively, try Saita Taverna, and order the bakalairo (fried codfish).
Try to experience a Koutoukia, which is an underground taverna.
One of the few existing katoukias in Athens is called Diporto. It can be found in a basement on Sokratous Street.
This place has all the quirks that make these casual eateries what they are: wine barrels lining the walls, no frills (as one Tripadvisor reviewer puts it, ” Shut up and eat whatever the grumpy waiter takes to the table”) and comforting Greek fair like fava beans and anchovies.
13. Visit Delphi
Delve into the center of ancient Greek mythology on a day trip from Athens to Delphi.
You’ll get to see the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the Oracle, ancient ruins like the amphitheater, and the Temple of Apollo.
This Delphi tour is carbon-neutral and will journey through stunning countryside. Pick-up from your hotel and lunch is included.
14. Run a lap of the Olympic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium isn’t just one of the most interesting historic attractions in Athens, it’s an integral part of the modern city too.
Built in the fourth century and revamped for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, it’s the only stadium in the world made entirely from marble.
It seats 70,000 people and is used for the finish line in the Athens marathon every year.
It costs 10 euros to enter the stadium and this includes an audio tour plus admission to a small exhibit on the modern Olympics. You can see all the past Olympic torches, which I thought was pretty cool!
The exhibit is accessed via a tunnel leading off from the track. You can almost hear athletes of the past thundering down the tunnel to spill onto the sunlit track.
For a super unique activity in Athens, join an Olympic workout. This would be so much fun!
15. Book a table at the wackiest cafe in Athens
Little Kook is one of the most unique places to eat in Athens. Yes, it’s a tad expensive and very touristy – but you’re a tourist!
The decor changes with the seasons, with a weird and wonderful theme dictating your experience.
Alice in Wonderland was the theme when we visited, and the waiting staff were in full costume, dressed as the Queen of Hearts and other famous characters.
This would be a fun place to go in Athens with kids because they’re bound to be dumbstruck. I’d absolutely love to see what they do at Christmas.
Little Kook is located in the Psiri neighbourhood. Order a dessert and take it all in.
16. Stargaze at the planetarium
If you happen to visit during the winter months, you might be looking for things to do in Athens when it rains. Thank your lucky stars, because Athens has one of the best planetariums in the world!
With a central dome with a 25 metre diameter, Eugenides Planetarium is a super interesting place to visit in Athens.
You can catch a show at Eugenides Planetarium from Monday to Friday from 9.30 until 14.30 and 10.30 until 16.30 on Saturday and Sunday. A normal ticket cost 6 euros.
17. People-watch on Plaka Stairs
Plaka is the most enchanting neighbourhood in all of Athens. Mostly pedestrianised, it sits on the Acropolis hillside and charms all who walk its picturesque yet rustic streets.
If you put your phone away for a minute, you could easily pretend you’re visiting the city 100 years ago.
Known as ‘the neighbourhood of the gods’, it’s the oldest area of Athens. Plaka spreads out from two main streets: Kydatheneon and Adrianou.
Alongside the various shops, you’ll find the Children’s Museum, the Music Museum, the Greek Folk Art Museum and the Jewish Museum in Plaka. All of these museums are worth a visit if you’re looking for indoor activities in Athens.
The most famous part of Plaka is the colourful Plaka Stairs, where people flock in the evenings for drinks, conversation and live music.
18. Catch a film at the outdoor cinema
One of Athens’ best-kept secrets is the open-air cinema in Plaka. During the summer months, you can join locals at a film screening under the stars. This is definitely one of the most romantic activities in Athens!
The cinema is on a rooftop that boasts views of the Acropolis, providing the backdrop for a seriously special date night.
Most of the films are in English with Greek subtitles, so you don’t need to worry about the language barrier.
Note: the cinema is unfortunately having work done so it won’t be open this summer, but check back next year!
19. Shop in local boutiques
I could have spent some serious money in Athens.
Particularly in Plaka, there are SO many gorgeous shops selling clothing that caters to the type of women who spend their lives sipping cocktails at expensive hotels. The type of woman I aspire to be, basically.
In addition to independent boutiques, you’ll also find designer shops like Louis Vuitton and Dior in the upmarket Kolonaki district.
Yes, Athens can hold its own among some of the heavyweight European cities when it comes to matters of fashion.
20. Visit the Museum of Cycladic Art
Art lovers will find plenty of interesting places to go in Athens. Among them, the Museum of Cycladic Art. It celebrates the ancient civilisations of the Aegean and Cyprus, with special emphasis on Cycladic art of the 3rd millennium BC.
Spread over five floors, this museum has one of the best private collections of Cycladic art in the world. People visit to see the marble figurines and to understand more about the origins of Greek culture.
21. People-watch in Monastiraki Square
Monistaraki Square is the nucleus of the city, and it’s an Athens must-see that would actually be hard to avoid.
It offers what I think is one of the most unique perspectives in Europe because in one eyeful, you can spot a mishmash of architectural styles from eras both long gone and more recent.
The Ancient Agora, the Hadrian Library, the Gate of Athena Archegetis and the Roman Agora are all accessed via the square, while the Acropolis watches over it all. Tzistarakis Mosque squats to one side, and has done since 1759.
Fruit sellers rub elbows with chic workers streaming out of the metro station while tourists stumble around in a dazed haze. It’s all part of the rich tapestry of Athens.
Some of Athens’ most intriguing streets trickle off the square like tributaries from a river, making Monistaraki Square a great meeting spot if you’re visiting Athens in a group.
22. See the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch
Thought to have been constructed around 470 B.C but never actually completed, the Temple of Zeus is another of Athens’ most famous attractions.
You can visit it in the archaeological site of Olympia, where you’ll also find Hadrian’s Arch.
23. Experience a local market
For a little sniff of local life in Athens, you might like to visit Varvakios Market, which is also known as Central Market.
I’ll be honest, you might prefer not to go inside if you’re squeamish. The interior is divided into fish and meat sections, and it’s not for the fainthearted! I thought I’d be fine, but I had to duck out before we got into the thick of it.
If raw meat gives you the ick, just check out the various stalls outside the market.
It reminded me of the souks of Marrakech with the dried fruits, nuts and spices on display there.
Alternatively, book an authentic Greek cooking class, which includes a morning visit to the market with your local guide to pick up ingredients.
24. Take in the views at a rooftop bar
For the best Instagram photos of Athens, check out one of the many rooftop bars. I took the above photo from MS Roof Garden, which I think has the best view.
Some of the other popular rooftop bars in Athens with good views are Couleure Locale, Thea Terrace and Attica.
The Foundry Suite Athens has one of the lesser-known rooftop bars where locals like to go.
Serious about getting good shots? You can book a local Instagram guide who will take you to all of Athens’ best Instagram spots. No, really!
25. Hunt for street art
Like most big cities, Athens has a thriving street art scene. You can find it wherever you look, but the grittier Exarcheia neighbourhood is where the most politically charged pieces are concentrated.
You can also find a lot of Athens street art in Psyrri, Anafiotika, Gazi and Metaxourgeio district.
A local guide can help you find the most interesting pieces and explain their backstory and meaning, so if you’d like to learn all about Athens street art book a guided street art tour here.
26. Explore Athens’ National Gardens
If Anifiotika is Athens’ Mykonos, the National Gardens is Athens’ answer to New York’s Central Park.
This oasis in the heart of the city stretches over 16 hectares. The lush greenery provides a little respite from the crowds.
The National Garden was created for the first queen of Greece. Originally, it was reserved for the use of the royal family but now it’s a completely free attraction in Athens and is open to all.
You’ll find ponds full of sunbathing turtles dotted around the park, as well as a handful of animal enclosures with goats, rabbits and birds.
The National Garden is a must-visit if you’re visiting Athens with kids. There are plenty of shaded spots where you can enjoy a picnic and there’s a playground too.
The lake even has mini beach areas on its shore and a cute bridge that’s perfect for romantic walks.
27. Watch the sunset
Some of the best sunset spots in Athens are Philopapou Hill and Lycabettus Hill. If you don’t fancy a hike, you can book a romantic sunset cruise instead.
For a romantic experience in Athens or if you’re celebrating something special while you’re there, book a table at the restaurant in St George Lycabettus Hotel for golden hour.
28. Linger over ouzo and meze
The Spanish have tapas, Brits have nibbles, and the Greek have meze. In Greece, alcohol is something to be savoured with food, not binged on.
In fact, the local anise-flavoured aperitif is never served without something to graze on.
Some of the best places for ouzo and meze in Athens are Athinaikon, To Ouzeri tou Laki and Hohlidaki.
Meze dishes can be as simple as a bowl of nuts or as substantial as meatballs, seafood or sausages. Find a mezedopolia (restaurant serving meze) with a nice ambience and wile away a pleasant evening in Athens!
29. Watch the changing of the guards
One of the best free things to do in Athens is to rock up at the parliament building and watch the changing of the guards. It’s very entertaining!
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier honours every unknown soldier who shed blood for the country. It is guarded by an infantry unit of the Greek army called the Evzones.
Their uniforms are quite unique!
The changing of the guards occurs every hour on the hour, but there’s a more elaborate ceremony on Sundays at 11am.
30. Visit the Archeological Museum
The National Archeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art.
You should dedicate around four hours for this museum. Entry is only 6 euros, but during peak season you can buy a skip-the-line ticket here.
31. Visit the Benaki Museum
The Athens Benaki Museum of Greek Culture exhibits ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and early modern artwork. The exhibition is spread over four floors.
The mansion the museum is housed in is vast, with a cafe balcony overlooking the National Garden where you can enjoy your coffee with a view.
Buy your entrance ticket here.
32. Visit the War Museum
Athens War Museum is spread over four floors on what was once an artillery camp.
There are old aircraft and even a submarine outside. Inside, you can see artifacts from Ancient to modern Greece including weapons from all periods.
33. Wander around Athens art galleries
There are a number of excellent local art galleries in Athens. Among them, Canvas Greece, Pandora Art Gallery, Eleni Marneri Galerie and Technohoros Art Gallery.
34. Shop in Glyfada
Get off the beaten path in Athens and visit some of the lesser-known neighbourhoods.
Glyfada, a town on the Athens Riviera, is nicknamed ‘the Hellenic Hamptons’, which should give you an indication of the type of shopping you can do there.
Start out on Metaxa, which is the main shopping street in Glyfada.
35. See some of Athens’ churches
One thing there’s no shortage of in Athens is churches.
Some of the most impressive Greek Orthodox and Byzantine churches in the city are the church of Panagia Kapnikarea, the Church of Metamorphosis, Agios Eleftherios Church and the church of Agios Nikolaos Ragavas, pictured below.
36. Visit the oldest house in Athens
For a glimpse of home life during the Ottoman times, visit Venizelos Mansion in Plaka.
This house dates back to the early 1500s and the philanthropic Saint Philothei lived here from 1545 to 1589. It opened as a small museum in 2017.
With restored features like a well in the walled courtyard, verandah and fountain, it’s a beautiful place to visi in Athens.
This is a free attraction in Athens! Voluntary donations are welcomed.
37. Visit the B&E Goulandris Foundation Art Museum
The B&E Goulandris Foundation Art Museum boasts a permanent collection spanning four floors. You can see works by Van Gogh’s, Rodin, Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec, Bonnard, Braque, Léger, Kandinsky, Chagall, Balthus, and Botero.
Buy an entry ticket here.
38. Taste Greek wine
Sure, you can freestyle in Athens’ many great bars, but if you’re keen to sample some of the best wine produced in Greece I recommend booking a wine tasting.
For a really special night, arrange a wine and meze tasting with a view of the Acropolis. You can book it online here.
Prefer beer? Here’s the tour for you.
39. Shop for Greek products
If you’re looking for some unique souvenirs to bring home from Athens, you’ll be spoiled for choice. A lot of the most popular Athens souvenirs are my favourite kind: edible!
As well as quality olive oils and cosmetics made from the oils, you can pick up all manner of Greek treats. Boxes of sticky baklava, jars of (also sticky) honey, jams, kalamata olives, Greek coffee, herbs, spices and cheeses… go wild!
If you prefer handcrafted items, you can find lots of beautiful leather sandals, clothing, jewellery and art in the small shops that line the streets of Plaka.
40. See the Hellenic Parliament
This impressive Neoclassical building was once a Greek royal palace and has been used as both a museum and a hospital, but today it houses parliament.
Frequently asked questions about planning a city break in Athens
How to get to Athens from the UK
Jet2 have flights to Athens from various UK airports. We flew to Athens from Manchester with Jet2.
Check out all Jet2 flights from Manchester for more inspiration.
How to get from Athens airport to Athens city center
The drive from Athens airport to the city centre takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic and costs €45 in a yellow taxi. Alternatively, you can take the metro which will be cheaper.
For less hassle, book a private transfer from Athens airport to your hotel.
Can I see Athens in a day if I’m visiting on a cruise?
You can definitely fit a lot of Athens attractions into one day. Use the hop-on-hop-off bus from the port (buy tickets here) to get into the city and back in time for sail away.
Alternatively, try this Athens highlights tour from the port.
What are the best day trips from Athens?
Below, you can book the top-rated day trips from Athens.
See all day trips from Athens on GetYourGuide
Where to stay in Athens
We stayed at Lighthouse Athens, which is conveniently located in Omonia, Downtown Athens. It’s a 10 minute walk to Monistaraki Square, which is sort of the heart of the city.
Lighthouse Athens has a rooftop pool and bar, a spa and underground club. The rooms are compact but very stylish and we loved having a glass of fizz in the uber cool lobby!
Breakfast is served until 12pm which is a massive plus for anyone who loves a lie in, and the buffet spread is impeccable.
I’d 100% recommend this hotel. You can book it as a Jet2CityBreaks Athens package.
Alternatively, a hotel in the Plaka district would put you right in the hub of Athens’ attractions.
Is Athens expensive?
Athens isn’t cheap, but that’s to be expected in most European capitals.
The average drinks prices in Athens are 8 euro for a glass of wine and 10 – 12 euros for a cocktail. A main meal costs around 15 euro.
Of course, it is possible to do an Athens city break on a budget but you’d need to do a fair bit of research and careful planning beforehand.
When is the best time to visit Athens?
We visited Athens mid-April, which I think is the perfect time for a city break in Athens. T
he weather was warm and sunny during the daytime which was ideal for sightseeing and it got a little cooler at night, so I took a light jacket.
I wore jeans and short-sleeved tops during the day but probably could have gotten away with shorts. Of course, locals were still wrapped up in April, but us Brits are built differently!
The best time of year to visit Athens is either side of the busy summer season. In April, the streets were busy but not unpleasantly so, and we had the benefit of comfortable temperatures.
It was Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday during our city break in Athens, which was lovely because we got to see the locals in celebration mode. There were fireworks over the weekend and there was a procession on the Saturday night which we watched with interest.
One thing to be aware of is that because Easter is the most important religious date in the year in Greece, some bars and restaurants close. We struggled to find anywhere open after 12 on the Saturday night before Easter Sunday.
Is Athens safe?
I was travelling with my husband and I felt safe in Athens. Like any busy city, you should keep a close eye on your valuables.
I’m not sure I would have felt super safe walking around parts of the city at night on my own, but that’s the case in most of the world for female travellers unfortunately.
We didn’t witness any obvious scams in Athens. After dark, I did notice men loitering in some of the main squares which could be intimidating if you were on your own.
How long should I spend in Athens?
Three days is a good amount of time for a first visit to Athens. Although there’s a boatload of things to do in the city, it’s surprisingly easy to pack a lot of the famous places in Athens into a three-day trip.
I was definitely surprised at how much we managed to see!
However, you could easily spend a couple of weeks in Athens and do something different almost every day. The city has a lot of different neighbourhoods to explore and each has its own unique feel.
Sightseeing can get tiring, especially if you’re not used to being super active, so if possible, plan in some downtime during your time in Athens.
A hotel with a rooftop pool provides a soothing retreat from the crowds, or a day at the beach or lake will give you a chance to charge your batteries before you hit the pavements again.
Is Athens worth visiting?
If you’ve got this far, you know my answer! I’ve got to admit that Athens wasn’t top of my list of places to visit before our trip, but it really wowed me and we had a brilliant time.
I was particularly surprised at how upmarket some of the bars, restaurants and shopping are there. Yes, Athens is worth visiting!
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