Athens has a fresh new look it can't wait to share with the world
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Best things to do in Athens

Updated: May 30, 2025
READING TIME
As long as it takes to eat a Greek salad
READING TIME
As long as it takes to eat a Greek salad

Athens is one of those cities you think you know before you even get there. The Acropolis, the Parthenon, ancient ruins around every corner... and yes, they’re every bit as impressive as you’ve imagined. But the real joy of Athens is how it constantly surprises you. One minute you're standing in the birthplace of democracy, the next you're sipping coffee in a leafy square, exploring the craft stores of an up-and-coming neighbourhood, or joining the locals for sunset cocktails by the sea. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit to the Greek capital, this guide brings together the best activities and things to do in Athens – from must-see museums and family activities to Athens neighbourhood strolls and local beaches. We’ll also reveal why spring and autumn are the most magical seasons to enjoy Athens at its best.

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Athens blends iconic ancient landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon with a lively, modern city culture, offering surprises from leafy squares and craft shops to vibrant nightlife and seaside escapes. The city’s highlights include world-class museums, diverse neighbourhoods, renowned food tours, green spaces, and easy access to beaches and nearby islands. Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, with fewer crowds and a packed events calendar. Excellent public transport and walkable districts make exploring Athens straightforward and rewarding for all types of travellers.

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Athens blends iconic ancient landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon with a lively, modern city culture, offering surprises from leafy squares and craft shops to vibrant nightlife and seaside escapes. The city’s highlights include world-class museums, diverse neighbourhoods, renowned food tours, green spaces, and easy access to beaches and nearby islands. Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting, with fewer crowds and a packed events calendar. Excellent public transport and walkable districts make exploring Athens straightforward and rewarding for all types of travellers.

In a nutshell

First time in Athens? Here’s what to know

  • Many top attractions in Athens are concentrated within and around the Historic Centre. This is the area bordered by Stadiou, Ermou and Pireos streets and includes neighbourhoods such as Syntagma, Thissio, Plaka, Psirri, Monastiraki, Metaxourgio, Keramikos and Omonia. Other districts around the Historic Centre that are loved by Athenians include Koukaki, Petralona, Kolonaki and Pangrati.
  • Athens is packed with restaurants, from traditional tavernas to high-end and even ethnic cuisine. But note that Athenians love dining out as much as you, so it’s worth making a booking.
  • Love nightlife? You’ll love Athens! There’s something for everyone in the restaurants, bars and clubs of the city centre.
  • English is widely spoken in Athens and you’ll find most important signs repeated in English.
  • Athens has a coastal area with great beaches and spots to eat and drink that can be easily reached by taxi or public transport.
  • How about adding a Greek island to your stay in Athens? The Saronic Gulf has a choice of islands that are perfect for a day trip or extended stay.
  • If you’re on a city break or a stopover, you’re likely to have just 1-2 days for sightseeing in Athens… so make sure to tick off the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum and all the cultural landmarks around Plaka and elsewhere in central Athens. But with so many things to do in Athens, it’s worth dedicating more days to this great city.
  • Visiting during Greek public holidays is a perfect way to get a feel for the city, but make sure you check the opening times of the places you want to visit as they might be affected. Quite a few cultural sites and museums and some restaurants are closed on holidays.

Who Athens is great for

  • History buffs: Ancient temples, world-class museums and neighbourhoods layered with stories – Athens is the ultimate open-air history book.
  • Culture lovers: Whether it’s contemporary art, live music, outdoor theatre or street murals, Athens delivers a rich mix of experiences all year round.
  • Foodies: From traditional tavernas and market stalls to modern Greek cuisine and international flavours, Athens is made for curious appetites.
  • Families: Kid-friendly museums filled with myths and epic tales, unexpected green spaces, and short walking distances between activities make Athens an easy and rewarding city to explore with children.
  • Romantics: Sunset at a rooftop bar, a moonlit stroll or dinner with a view of the Acropolis – Athens has serious charm.
  • Night owls: Bars, rooftop terraces, late-night eats and clubs keep Athens buzzing long after dark.
  • Urban explorers: For those who love discovering a destination on foot, Athens is made up of villages within the city – each with its own vibe, cafes and local secrets.

🗺️ Athens historical centre map

A map of Athens' historical centre with key landmarks like the Acropolis and Ancient Agora, along with vibrant neighborhoods such as Plaka, Monastiraki, Thissio, Psiri, and Anafiotika, each rich in history and character.

Top things you can’t miss in Athens

 

The Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis tops most lists of things to do in Athens for good reason. It’s the eternal symbol of the city and its most recognisable landmark. A tour of the Acropolis brings you face to face with the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, who gave the city its name. You’ll also witness the Erechtheion, known for its elegant Caryatids (female figures replacing traditional columns), and the small but striking Temple of Athena Nike – other hallmarks of the general Pericles, who masterminded the transformation of Athens during its 5th century BC Golden Age.

To complete the experience, head to the Acropolis Museum, just a short walk away. Modern and understated, it is designed to let the antiquities shine. Inside, you’ll find marble sculptures, friezes and everyday artefacts uncovered during excavations on the Acropolis and beneath the museum itself – where a glass floor reveals an ancient Athenian neighbourhood. The museum’s layout creates a powerful visual and thematic link between the exhibits and the site itself. On the top floor, the Parthenon Gallery includes the complete Parthenon frieze (originals and replicas).

A walk around the Acropolis

While the Acropolis tops your list of things to do in Athens, the best way to get a feel for the city is to follow its silhouette and explore the neighbourhoods surrounding it. The pedestrianised Dionysiou Areopagitou Street sets the tone and you’ll adore the alleyways of Anafiotika, a tiny slice of island life by the Acropolis, built by workers from the Cyclades island of Anafi in the 19th century. The neoclassical mansions, little shops and restaurants in Plaka’s cobbled streets come next, as does the flea market near Monastiraki Square. And nearby, Thissio and Psirri offer a more urban vibe, with street art, cafes and small galleries blending old and new. Grab a coffee or a bite. You’ll find the mood in Athens isn’t something you can plan – it’s something you feel.

Feel the vibe of Athens around the Acropolis

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Cultural highlights in plain sight

Few cities shower their visitors with cultural treats as generously as Athens. There are landmarks all around you in plain sight: the Panathenaic Stadium (Kalimarmaro), entirely made of marble and home to the first modern Olympic Games; the Temple of Olympian Zeus, once among the largest temples in the ancient world; the Ancient Agora, where democracy took its first steps, and the Roman Agora, built as the city’s commercial and civic centre under Roman rule; and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, still hosting starlit performances every summer. Less visited is the archaeological site of Kerameikos, Athens’ very first cemetery and the start of the ancient Greeks’ Sacred Way to Eleusis. Meanwhile, the Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved examples of classical architecture in the city. In Athens, culture isn’t tucked away – it’s everywhere you look.

A stroll around the cultural landmarks of Athens

The world-famous museums of Athens

Athens has a way of celebrating its museums. If ancient history is your thing, there’s the National Archaeological Museum – the largest museum in Greece and one of the most important of its kind in the world. It takes you on a journey through Greek civilisation from prehistory to late antiquity, with highlights including the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera Mechanism (described as the world’s first analogue computer), and larger-than-life kouroi statues.

For art lovers, the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMΣT) features leading Greek and international artists whose innovative and experimental works are expressed through painting, photography and digital and industrial design. Meanwhile, the Benaki Museum has numerous satellite museums around Athens but its flagship museum, dedicated to Greek culture, is housed in a beautiful neoclassical mansion close to the Hellenic parliament. Its collections trace centuries of Greek history and tradition. It also has an excellent rooftop terrace. Close by, the Museum of Cycladic Art is also housed in a neoclassical mansion and is home to a wonderful collection of Cycladic figurines – minimalist marble sculptures from the Early Bronze Age that feel surprisingly modern.

Discover the best museums in Athens

A food tour of Athens

Booking a food tour is the best ways to be introduced to the culinary scene of Athens in a short amount of time. Not only will you sample a mouthwatering range of flavours, but you’ll also gain a window into Athens’ neighbourhoods, markets and street life – all served with a side of local stories and warm hospitality. Many food tours start with a classic Athenian breakfast – a koulouri (a sesame-covered bread ring), a bougatsa (a flaky filo pastry filled with custard or cheese), or a savoury pie like a spanakopita. Next comes a stroll through the Varvakios Central Market, where butchers, fishmongers and grocers keep century-old traditions alive. From there, you might visit Evripidou Street, whose historic stores sell spices, pulses, dairy products, charcuterie and more from all regions of Greece. Along the way, you’ll stop for a Greek coffee or freddo espresso, and you might pop into a dine-in deli – the kind of place where the owner insists you taste their best olive oil or sample cheese from a family-run farm. You’ll learn about PDO products, local herbs, Greece’s meze culture, and perhaps even enjoy with a cheeky glass of tsipouro or ouzo.

Take the ultimate Athens food tour

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The parks and greenery of Athens

Another favourite pastime for locals (and a great addition to your family activities in Athens) is to seek out the leafy pockets of the city. Philopappou Hill and Areopagus Hill, opposite the Acropolis, are wonderful to walk or climb. And Lycabettus Hill rewards you with some of the best panoramic views of the city. Meanwhile, behind the Panathenaic Stadium is a pine tree-lined path that’s a favourite with early-morning joggers. But when it comes to green spaces, the National Garden – just next to Syntagma Square and the Hellenic Parliament – is the must-see in Athens. Once the royal garden of Queen Amalia, it’s now a peaceful retreat with shady paths, small ponds and a cafe tucked within. Bring a book or just enjoy the change of pace – it’s a different kind of Athens.

Discover the green spaces of Athens

The Athens nightlife scene

Athenians love being out – especially on warm evenings from spring through to late autumn – and it shows in the city’s nightlife. Bars and restaurants spill onto pavements and rooftops, often reflecting the vibe of their neighbourhoods. For rooftop cocktails and Acropolis views, Monastiraki and Thissio are perfect – especially for couples. Koukaki offers cosy bars, tavernas and great brunch spots, while Kolonaki comes into its own with its elegant bar scene. Pangrati has an artsy cafe culture, and Petralona is known for low-key tavernas and live folk music at rebetadika (intimate music venues rooted in Greece’s urban blues tradition).

Younger crowds looking for things to do on a night out in Athens, head to the clubs and bars of Keramikos, Gazi and Exarchia bars, which also has a selection of mezepolia (meze restaurants). Finally, if you prefer something more private, some of Athens’ luxury hotels serve cocktails with Acropolis views on the side.

A guide to nightlife in Athens

Shopping in Athens

It can feel that around every corner in central Athens there’s a boutique and studio run by a local designer or artisan – many of whom emerged during the Greek capital’s recent creative renaissance. From stylish beachwear by rising Greek fashion labels to jewellery inspired by ancient forms with a modern twist, the focus is always on quality and storytelling. Ask shop owners for tips – they’re often connected to the designers. Whether you’ll be tempted by a one-of-a-kind item of homeware or a handmade gift, shopping in Athens feels personal. And if you run out of time, Athens International Airport has a good selection of curated shops filled with Greek design, flavours and keepsakes to take home.

A guide to Greek designers and memorabilia

Local tips for exploring Athens

 

Pick museums that match your interests

Athens seems to have a museum for every taste. So apart from the world-renowned highlights mentioned earlier, there are plenty more to visit depending on your interests. The Goulandris Museum of Modern Art is a treasure trove of classics from the likes of Picasso, Van Gogh and Matisse, as well as works by leading Greek contemporary artists, while no Greek battle or struggle is neglected in the War Museum. The Byzantine and Christian Museum celebrates religious art, while the Numismatic Museum is a treasure trove of ancient coins and other artefacts.

The Benaki Museum’s collection of satellite museums includes Pireos 138 and the Museum of Islamic Art and the Museum of Ancient Greek Musical Instruments in Plaka is a must for music lovers. Two of Athens’ recent cultural additions are the Maria Callas Museum, dedicated to the life and voice of the legendary soprano, and the Alekos Fassianos Museum, an immersive journey through the inspiration and work of one of Greece’s most beloved contemporary artist. All this and much more. You really are spoilt for choice when it comes to Athens museums.

Discover the city one step at a time

Once you’ve explored the streets around the Acropolis, you’ll want to dig deeper – and Athens rewards you at every turn. Head up Panepistimiou Avenue and you’ll pass the trio of neoclassical landmarks known as the Athenian Trilogy (the National Library and the University and Academy of Athens) – three buildings that are musts for architecture lovers in Athens. The scene couldn’t be more different to Exarchia, a nearby boho district historically linked to bookbinders and one of the stops on a street art tour of Athens.

All the neighbourhoods of downtown Athens have their own character that reveals more of itself the more you wander. There’s a neighbourhood stroll for every type of traveller. Pangrati is a favourite with locals – full of low-key bars, small galleries and one of the city’s best rooftops at the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation. Or try Kypseli, one of Athens’ most diverse neighbourhoods, where a walk down Fokionos Negri Street gives you a sense of how multicultural and lively the city has become.

How to get the best out of Athens on foot

Eat like an Athenian

Nothing beats eating like a local in Athens – not just what, but how. Brunch has become a weekend ritual for many Athenians, with inventive takes on eggs, pies and coffee, while the Athens street food scene answers cravings at any time of day or night. It could be a quick koulouri (sesame-covered bread ring) on-the-go or a mouthwatering souvlaki wrap with all the trimmings. Traditional Greek food is everywhere, from tavernas serving homely classics to family-owned koutoukia and meze spots.

For something more upmarket, a new wave of Greek chefs has brought creativity and flair to traditional recipes with modern Greek dishes and fine dining restaurants. And Athens continues to broaden its palate with a range of ethnic eateries, reflecting tastes from the Middle East, Asia and beyond. Every neighbourhood in Athens has its food scene and discovering it is half the fun.

A foodie guide to Athens

Delve into the Athens crafts scene

Among the most authentic things to do in Athens is to explore the craft stores and workshops hidden in the streets of the Historic Centre. Featuring skills that have been passed down through generations, they can feel like living museums. You’ll find pottery and ceramics studios where ancient shapes and decorative styles are brought to life in contemporary pieces (you might even try your hand at a ceramics workshop). Likewise, leatherworkers and sandal-makers continue a tradition that goes back to the ancient Greece.

Weaving, embroidery, and textile arts also have deep roots in Athens, with small studios producing everything from hand-loomed scarves to homeware in timeless patterns and natural fibres. And you’ll find hat-makers hand-shaping and stitching each piece and instrument makers who craft bouzoukis and lutes using methods that date back centuries. What links them all is the care and storytelling embedded in every creation. These aren’t just souvenirs – they’re windows into Old Athens, a way of life that continues to thrive in the city and its people.

A guide to the traditional crafts of Athens

Pick your event in Athens

Athens is a city that loves a celebration, and there are events and festivals to enjoy throughout the year. If you’re visiting in spring, the Athens City Festival sets the tone. Held throughout May, it fills public spaces with music, food, free walking tours, pop-up markets, outdoor cinema screenings and rooftop experiences – all tapping into the city’s creative energy and local talent. Summer is when Athens feels most alive for culture lovers. The Athens Epidaurus Festival is the headline act, with performances of ancient drama and international theatre, music and dance staged at iconic venues like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, beneath the Acropolis, and Ancient Epidaurus. Some productions include English supertitles.

Athens also hosts concerts from world-famous and local artists at fantastic venues, such as the Megaron Concert Hall, the National Opera at the SNFCC, the Onassis Foundation’s Stegi, and the open-air Lycabettus Theatre overlooking the city. And then there’s the Athens Marathon, held every November and known as the Authentic as it follows a route from Marathon (north of Athens) to the Panathenaic Stadium in the city centre. Even if you’re not running, the city is filled with a special energy.

Get planning your event in Athens

Chill out at the SNFCC

A little south of the city centre, by the sea, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) is a favourite local hangout and a must for anyone wanting to see how modern Athens expresses itself. It’s home to the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, housed in a striking and sustainable complex designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. There are sloping gardens, water features and panoramic views over the city and sea. Come for a walk, rent a bike, or just relax on the lawn or in the shade of the Mediterranean garden. There are often open-air concerts, art installations, family activities and food pop-ups. The canal area hosts everything from rowing to winter ice skating – among the favourite things to do in Athens at Christmas.

A tour of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre

Discover why Piraeus is more than a port

Not far from the SNFCC is Athens’ main port, Piraeus, the gateway to the Greek islands but also a destination in its own right. It has a dynamic spirit, full of local life, with cafes, tavernas and a thriving nightlife scene, as well as events held throughout the year. History lovers can visit the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus and the Hellenic Maritime Museum, which trace the city’s long naval legacy as the maritime hub of Ancient Athens.

There are plenty of walks to enjoy by the seafront or in neighbourhoods like Piraiki and hilltop Kastella, with its neoclassical houses and sweeping sea views. Nearby Marina Zeas and Mikrolimano are also atmospheric and great spots for seafood. Piraeus is full of surprises, with neoclassical buildings found among the apartment blocks. It is also easy to reach from central Athens. The Dimotiko Theatro (Municipal Theatre) is the final stop on Line 3 of the metro and features displays of archaeological finds uncovered during construction, including remains of the city’s ancient irrigation system.

Best things to do in Piraeus

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Discover the beaches of Athens

A string of beaches stretches along the coast of the southern suburbs of Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza and all the way to Cape Sounion – collectively known as the beaches of the Athens Riviera. You’ll find a mix of options: organised beaches with sunbeds, beach bars and water sports and quiet strips of sand or rocky coves perfect for a morning swim or an end-of-day dip. Vouliagmeni is especially popular, home to the luxurious Astir beach (entry fee required) and the family-friendly Akti Vouliagmenis. A little further south, Yabanaki beach in Varkiza combines facilities with a relaxed vibe.

And the beaches of Athens aren’t just limited to the Riviera. On the eastern coast of Attica, Schinias beach near Marathon is backed by a protected pine forest and is popular with families and windsurfers. Further down, Loutsa (Artemida) and Porto Rafti are weekend favourites for locals, each with its own character and waterside tavernas.

The best beaches up to 90mins from Athens

Enjoy the Athens Riviera lifestyle

Beyond its beaches, the Athens Riviera gives you a taste of Greek island life without leaving the mainland. From Paleo Faliro near Piraeus to Varkiza and as far as Sounio, you’ll experience seaside living with a relaxed, modern vibe. There are waterfront cafes perfect for people-watching, water sports and marinas with sleek yachts. The Flisvos Marina near Palaio Faliro is home to the Floating Naval Museum and the Ellinikon Experience Park is a popular escape for families. For a wellness fix, head to Lake Vouliagmeni – a mineral-rich lake in a limestone setting, with year-round warm waters and a shaded, boutique feel. There are fantastic walking paths above the lake but nothing beats the Lavrio-Sounion National Park for hiking. All along the coast, you’ll find everything from fish tavernas to stylish cocktail bars with sunset panoramas, along side little coves, parks and sculptures by local artists. Discovering the Riviera is one of those things to do in Athens that will change your perception of the Greek capital.

The best of the Athens Riviera

A day trip to Cape Sounion

The highlight of Cape Sounion, the last stop on your Athens Riviera journey, is the Temple of Poseidon. Around 70km from the centre, it is one of the city’s most popular day trips, built in the 5th century BC to honour the god of the sea. The temple stands on a cliff overlooking the Saronic Gulf, offering panoramic views that are especially famous at sunset. The drive along the coastal road is part of the experience, with stops along the way to swim or enjoy a seaside meal, although it’s best to leave both for when you get there. Sounio beach is well organised and you will enjoy views of the temple as you swim. Nearby you’ll find traditional fish tavernas serving freshly caught seafood. Go early or stay late and imagine the temple as it once was — a sacred landmark guiding travellers home.

Island escapes a short ferry ride from Athens

If a day at the beach leaves you wanting more, you’ll be glad to know that a full Greek island experience is just an hour or two away. Ferries and hydrofoils leave from Piraeus year-round, taking you to nearby islands like Aegina, Agistri, Hydra, Poros and, a little further out, Spetses. Each offers a different flavour of island life – from fishing harbours and fish tavernas to car-free streets and neoclassical charm. You can visit for the day or stay longer, and if you’re short on time, a mini island-hopping cruise or a private sailing trip let you experience two or three in one go. It’s the perfect way to add a little island magic to your Athens escape.

Discover the islands right next to Athens

More day trips from Athens

Athens is also a perfect base for easy day trips to other mainland destinations. Heading southwest, there’s Ancient Corinth and, crossing the Corinth Canal and entering the Peloponnese, historic destinations such as Nafplio, Epidaurus and Mycenae. To the north, the battlefield of Marathon offers insights into a defining moment of ancient history. Beyond that, Ancient Delphi is a world-renowned archaeological landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nature lovers can head to Mount Parnitha on the outskirts of Athens, where hiking trails allow you to enjoy a mountain escape just a short drive from the centre. And the Mesogaia district in eastern Attica, right by the Athens International Airport, is filled with vineyards, villages and other secrets that feel a world away from the city.

Day trips from Athens

Getting around Athens

  • Sightseeing in Athens couldn’t be easier. An excellent public transport network includes the metro, bus, tram and electric railway. 
  • Metro, tram and electric railway timetables can be found here.
  • Standard tickets allow you to use all modes of public transport, except for airport routes, which require a separate ticket. You can buy a ticket from the machines or tap your bank card directly on the ticket validation reader.
  • To get from the airport to the city centre, you can take the metro (blue line), bus or a taxi.
  • The metro is quick, clean and has an extensive network across Athens.
  • OASA (Transport for Athens) has an app (IOS and Android) that you can download. It includes bus routes and live schedules that can be used alongside Google maps and other map applications. (Note that OASA app has more up-to-date information).
  • The Athens City Pass (for 1-6 days) is a combination ticket that offers priority access to numerous Athens landmarks, museums and galleries and use of the Hop-on-hop-off bus.
  • There are numerous luggage storage options in central Athens as well as self check-in services in Piraeus Port (with suitcases being delivered to the airport), allowing you to enjoy Athens luggage-free.
  • We recommend using a taxi app, as they offer fixed prices and make it easy to find a ride wherever you are.

Best things to do in Athens

Athens is a city that rewards curiosity – layered with history, full of flavour and buzzing with energy, from sunrise to way past sunset. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re back for more, you’ll always find new things to do in Athens. So take your time, follow your instincts and let the Greek capital surprise you.

The best city tours in Athens right now

First time in Athens?

Visiting the Acropolis and exploring the Plaka neighborhood just beneath the Acropolis Rock is a must for anyone coming to Athens. The Acropolis, home to the Parthenon, is the city's most iconic landmark and offers breathtaking views over Athens. After taking in its ancient history, stroll down to Plaka, one of the oldest and most picturesque areas in the city. Its charming streets, neoclassical houses, and traditional tavernas provide the perfect setting to relax after exploring the ancient

While two days in Athens allow you to visit the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, and the neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki, it might not be enough to see all the must-sees. With more time, you could explore additional historical sites such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, visit local markets, or even take a short trip to the nearby coastal areas. If you want to fully experience the city's vibrant culture, gastronomy, and nightlife, consider staying an extra day or two.

First-time visitors should explore:

  • The Acropolis & Parthenon – The most famous landmark in Athens.
  • Acropolis Museum – A modern museum with artifacts from the Acropolis.
  • Ancient Agora – The heart of ancient Athens' public and political life.
  • Plaka & Monastiraki – Picturesque neighborhoods full of history, traditional tavernas, and shopping spots.
  • Lycabettus Hill – For a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
  • Athens Nightlife & Gastronomy – Athens comes alive at night with rooftop bars, live music, and vibrant tavernas. Don't miss trying traditional Greek dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, and fresh seafood in the city's food markets or trendy restaurants.

By visiting these places, first-time travelers can experience the perfect mix of history, culture, food, and local life in Athens.