Quick answer: In Athens, don’t miss the Acropolis (€30, timed entry), the Acropolis Museum (€20), the Ancient Agora, Plaka and Anafiotika, Monastiraki, the Changing of the Guard, a sunset on Lycabettus Hill or Filopappou Hill, and a day trip to Cape Sounion. Visit the ancient sites early, before the heat and the cruise groups.
Athens mixes 2,500-year-old monuments with street art, rooftop bars and some of Europe’s best-value food. Here are the 20 best things to do, grouped by area. Prices are 2026 rates.
Ancient Athens
- The Acropolis: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Propylaea. Entry is €30 with a timed slot. See Acropolis tickets.
- The Acropolis Museum: the Parthenon frieze gallery and the excavations under glass floors. Entry is €20, and it’s open until 10pm on Fridays (Art Visit Guide).
- The Ancient Agora: Socrates’ marketplace, with the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.
- The Temple of Olympian Zeus: the huge columns next to Hadrian’s Arch.
- The Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library: compact sites in Monastiraki.
- The Panathenaic Stadium: the all-marble stadium of the first modern Olympics in 1896.
- The National Archaeological Museum: the mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera mechanism.
- Kerameikos: the ancient cemetery, quiet and atmospheric.
Neighbourhoods and viewpoints
- Plaka: the oldest neighbourhood, with neoclassical houses and tavernas.
- Anafiotika: a tiny island-style village of whitewashed houses on the Acropolis slopes.
- Monastiraki Square and the flea market: souvlaki, vintage stalls and Acropolis views.
- Psyrri: street art, bars and late-night meze.
- Filopappou Hill: a free sunset view straight across to the Parthenon.
- Lycabettus Hill: the highest point in the city, reached on foot or by funicular.
- Syntagma and the Changing of the Guard: the evzones in front of Parliament, on the hour and free.
- The National Garden: a shady escape behind Parliament.
Food, coast and day trips
- A food tour: the Varvakios central market, loukoumades, koulouri and tavernas.
- A rooftop bar at sunset facing the floodlit Parthenon.
- The Athens Riviera: beaches and the Lake Vouliagmeni thermal lake.
- Cape Sounion: the Temple of Poseidon at sunset. See day trips from Athens.
Compare Athens tours, food walks and day trips.
Tips
- Book the Acropolis for 8am or the last slots, and wear shoes with grip, because the marble is slippery.
- Carry water. There’s very little shade on the archaeological sites.
- Many sites are free on the first and third Sundays from November to March, but you still need to reserve.
More Athens guides
- Athens travel guide
- Athens itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Athens
- Acropolis tickets and the Acropolis Museum
- Best day trips from Athens
- Athens Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Athens
FAQ: Things to do in Athens
What is Athens best known for?
The Acropolis and the Parthenon, ancient Greek history, and its role as the gateway to the Greek islands.
What can you do in Athens for free?
You can watch the Changing of the Guard, walk Plaka and Anafiotika, see the sunset from Filopappou Hill, wander the National Garden and browse the Monastiraki flea market.
Is 2 days enough for Athens?
Yes, for the main sights. See our Athens itinerary.
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