Best Tours & Things To Do in Athens

Greece › Athens › Athens Tours
Updated: December 4, 2025 • By Santorini Dave

See Also
• Where to Stay in Athens
• Best Hotels in Athens
• Best Family Hotels in Athens
• Best Museums in Athens
• Best Archaeological Sites in Athens

At the Acropolis Museum in Athens, with the Parthenon just visible behind me.

The Best Tours in Athens

• Ultimate Greek Food Tour of Athens
  The single best tour for exploring the urban core of modern Athens. This is a fun walking tour of the best food and restaurants in central Athens. There’s also a stop at the iconic Central Market (fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, spices). You’ll get a good overview of the city’s culture (and a bit of history) while eating some great food with a friendly guide. There’s a 10am morning tour and a private tour option. I know I sound like a broken record on this but food tours are an awesome way to explore a new city.
• Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
  A 4-hour small-group guided tour of the Acropolis, Parthenon, and nearby Acropolis Museum. Includes entrance tickets to both the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. (A huge advantage of doing a tour is that you get skip-the-line tickets. When you visit on your own you need to queue for tickets and that line can be insanely long.)

The entrance to the marvelous Acropolis Museum.

• Athens City Highlights Tour (Private Tour)
  This is a great private tour of the Acropolis and surrounding area (Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, Temple of Nike, Dionysus Sanctuary, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and Ancient Agora) and is the best way to see the highlights of Athens and learn the city’s history. Like all tours, your guide will have access to skip-the-line tickets for the Acropolis which allows you to bypass the long entrance queues. This tour is very flexible with time, duration, and route.
• Athens Original Street Art Tour
  Awesome tour of the graffiti and street art of central Athens. Many tours describe themselves as “off the beaten path” that only visit the expected top sights. This one really does explore a side of Athens tourists rarely explore or think about. Very cool and great for families with teens.
• Traditional Greek Cooking Lesson
  Great introduction to Greek food and how to make it. Recipes will be sent to you so you can prepare them at home. Very family-friendly. There’s also an excellent Night Food & Wine Tasting Tour.
• Old Town Highlights Electric Bike Tour
  Fun and easy-going tour of the highlights of central Athens on simple-to-use electric bikes. The 9 KM route takes in most of the top historic sights and tours Plaka and National Gardens. Tour starts at 10am in an easy-to-find spot in Plaka.

The Best Things To Do in Athens

1. The Acropolis and Parthenon

The Acropolis is the symbol of Athens and the bedrock of Western civilization. A visit to this ancient hilltop citadel is an unforgettable experience and my single favorite thing to do on every visit to Athens. As you ascend the sacred rock, you will pass through the Propylaia, the monumental gateway that serves as the grand entrance. Inside, you will walk among history’s most important structures, chief among them the Parthenon. This temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is the crown jewel of the Acropolis and a timeless symbol of classical Greece. Nearby is the elegant Erechtheion, famous for its stunning “Porch of the Maidens” featuring six caryatid columns. You will also see the small, perfectly preserved Temple of Athena Nike perched on a bastion overlooking the entrance. On the southern slope sit two historic theaters: the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (still used for concerts today) and the Theater of Dionysus, the birthplace of European drama.

How to Visit (Important 2026 Updates):
Visiting the Acropolis has changed significantly. You can no longer just show up and buy a ticket without a plan.

• Mandatory Timed Entry: You must book a specific time slot (e.g., 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM) online in advance. You can only enter during your 15-minute window. Slots sell out weeks ahead for summer dates.
• New Ticket Rules: As of 2025, the popular “Combo Ticket” (which included 6 other sites) has been discontinued. You must now buy a single-entry Acropolis ticket (approx. €30).
• The Best Time: Book the 8:00 AM slot (the first of the day). Arrive at the Side Entrance (southeast, near the Acropolis Museum) by 7:30 AM to beat the cruise ship groups. Alternatively, go in the late afternoon (after 5:00 PM) when the crowds thin out and the light is golden.
• Heat Warning: In July and August, the site sometimes closes in the middle of the day (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) due to extreme heat. An early morning booking is your safest bet.
• Guided Tours: Because signage is limited, I strongly recommend a guided tour. A good guide will handle the logistics and bring the ruins to life.

Tickets & Tours for Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

• Acropolis Museum Ticket with optional Audio Guide
• Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
• Acropolis Ticket

2. Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is a modern architectural masterpiece and the essential companion to the Acropolis itself. If you have only one day in Athens, the two non-negotiable stops are the Acropolis site and this museum. The building is brilliantly designed; you enter over glass floors revealing ancient ruins below, then ascend through galleries filled with life-sized archaic statues. The crown jewel is the top-floor Parthenon Gallery, a glass-walled hall with the exact dimensions and orientation of the temple, allowing you to view the original friezes while looking directly at the Parthenon itself.

Tips for Your Visit:

• Order of Visit: I strongly recommend visiting the Acropolis site first (early morning), then coming here around 11:30 AM or 12:00 PM. This allows you to see the temples in situ before seeing the details, and crucially, gets you into the museum’s air conditioning when the midday heat kicks in.
• Tickets: This is a separate ticket from the Acropolis site. It costs €15 in summer (April–Oct) and €10 in winter (Nov–March). You should book it online in advance to skip the ticket queue.
• Pro Tip (Friday Nights): On Fridays, the museum stays open until 10:00 PM. Visiting in the evening is magical; the crowds are gone, and you can see the Parthenon illuminated from the gallery windows.
• The Restaurant: The museum has an excellent restaurant on the second floor with an outdoor terrace. It offers one of the best views in Athens and high-quality Greek food. It is perfect for a lunch break.

3. National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is, in my opinion, the single most important museum in Greece. While the Acropolis Museum focuses on one specific hill, this museum tells the story of the entire Greek civilization. It is loaded with world-famous treasures that you have likely seen in history books. If you have two or more days in Athens, you must make the effort to come here.

Must-See Masterpieces:

• The Jockey of Artemision: A life-size bronze statue of a young boy riding a galloping horse.
• The Mask of Agamemnon: The iconic gold funeral mask from Mycenae.
• The Antikythera Mechanism: The mind-boggling “first computer” of the ancient world.
• The Artemision Bronze: A magnificent 2-meter tall bronze statue of Zeus (or Poseidon) throwing a thunderbolt (or trident).
• The Santorini Frescoes: Vibrant, colorful wall paintings from Akrotiri that predate Pompeii by thousands of years.

Important 2026 Updates:

• Ticket Price Hike: Starting January 1, 2026, the ticket price is set to rise to €20 year-round. (Throughout 2025, it remains at €12 due to ongoing works).
• Renovation Status: The museum is undergoing a massive expansion project (designed by David Chipperfield Architects) to create a new subterranean wing. While the museum remains open, you may encounter construction activity or scaffolding on the exterior.

Getting There:
The museum is not in the main Plaka/Acropolis tourist bubble. It is located in the Exarcheia neighborhood, north of the center.

• By Taxi (Best): A taxi from Syntagma/Plaka takes about 10 minutes and costs ~€6–€8. This is the easiest way.
• By Metro: Take the Green Line 1 to Victoria Station. From there, it is a 5-10 minute walk.
• Walking: It is a 35-minute walk from Syntagma. I do not recommend walking in the summer heat.

Visit the charming and chaotic Central Market on the Ultimate Greek Food Tour of Athens.

4. Plaka and Monastiraki

These adjacent neighborhoods at the base of the Acropolis are filled with historical sites like the Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Temple of Hephaestus, and Stoa of Attalos. Largely pedestrianized throughout, Plaka and Monastiraki feature a fun and lively atmosphere that’s great for wandering, shopping, eating, and sightseeing. They’re also two of our favorite areas to stay in Athens, and are home to many of our favorite restaurants and hotels.

5. The Agoras

Agora means marketplace in Greek, and there are two archaeological sites in Athens that house the remains and artifacts of these communal gathering spaces.

The Ancient Agora lies between Monastiraki and the base of the Acropolis. It’s easy to make out the ancient streets and squares here that were once the haunting ground of Socrates and Plato. This sprawling area includes sites such as the Temple of Hephaestus (shown above), the Stoa of Attalos (which houses a small and interesting museum), and the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles. Much of the Ancient Agora dates to the 2nd Century BC or even earlier.

The Roman Agora was built during the reigns of Julius Ceasar and Ceasar Augustus in the 1st century BC. It has an impressive entrance (the Gate of Athena Archegetis), but not as much going on as in the Ancient Agora. The most famous structure in the Roman Agora is the eight-sided, marble Tower of the Winds: combination weather vane, water clock, and sundial, built by a Macedonian astronomer in the 2nd century BC. The Roman Agora lies on the border between the Monastiraki and Plaka neighborhoods of central Athens.

6. Changing of the Guard (Evzones)

Every hour on the hour, there is a changing of the guard at the Hellenic Parliament building on Syntagma Square. The guards, known as Evzones, stand stock-still before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier until the ritual begins: a slow-motion dance of precision and strength. Usually, the practice involves two guards who are wearing a more understated version of the traditional uniform in khaki, black, and white (shown above). On Sunday mornings at 11am, however, visitors can expect to see many more guards and a more elaborate ritual, with Evzones led by a military band and dressed in the more traditional and colorful uniforms that are reserved for special occasions. (Interesting fact: the kilt of the Evzone uniform has exactly 400 pleats; one for each year of Turkish occupation.) It is free to watch the ceremony; arrive early on Sundays to secure a good view.

See the Changing of the Guard at the Unknown Soldier Monument on the excellent Private Guided Tour of Athens, Acropolis, and Acropolis Museum.

7. The National Garden

A short walk from Syntagma Square and the Greek Parliament buildings, The National Garden provides a relaxing break from the chaos of busy Athens. Take a picnic, let the kids run around and watch the ducks and turtles (there’s a nice children’s playground in the garden’s southeast quadrant), or simply relax in the shade for a bit. In addition to the greenery, the National Garden also has some ancient ruins, Corinthian columns, mosaics, and a small botanical museum on site. And it’s free.

8. Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus dates back to the 6th century BC; it once featured over 100 17-meter columns and was filled with statues of gods and emperors, but after centuries of damage, only 15 columns remain standing. It is the namesake and most prominent feature of the Olympieion archaeological site, which also includes ruins of Roman baths, Classical residences, a 5th century basilica, and a portion of the city’s fortification wall. The well-preserved marble Arch of Hadrian (132 A.D.) sits just outside the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and they’re both only a 5-minute walk from the Acropolis Museum, making them an easy stop in the central area.

9. Eco & Wildlife Tours

There is more to Athens than ancient ruins. The city makes an excellent home base for trekking into the wilds of Attica and beyond, a welcome break from the crowds. Natural Greece offers several sustainable tours where travelers can participate in conservation efforts on land or at sea, while led by a team of environmental scientists. Day tours leaving from Athens may focus on birdwatching, wildflowers, butterflies, or hiking. Multi-day tours are best (though day trips are possible) for studying the ultra-rare Mediterranean monk seal (seen above), one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. Private or small group tours available.

10. Athens Central Market

A wonderful and lively slice of modern Athens. Meats, olives, feta, spices, olive oil, fruits, vegetables – you name it, it’s here. The adjacent side streets are lined with shops of all kinds. The excellent Ultimate Greek Food Tour of Athens stops here and explains the markets origins and history. Located about 500 meters north of Monastiraki Square in central Athens.

11. Benaki Museum of Greek Culture

Established in 1930, this well-curated collection of Greek artwork and artifacts (ranging from ancient to modern) is set in the beautiful neoclassical family mansion of Antonis Benaki, who also donated over 35,000 pieces of his own art collection. Along with paintings and sculpture, the museum houses terrific examples of historic Greek textiles, jewelry, and other cultural artifacts. The Benaki also maintains satellite galleries throughout Athens, which include the Museum of Islamic Art, The Ghika Gallery, and the Toy Museum. Located in central Athens near Syntagma Square, across the street from the Parliament building and the National Garden. Closed Tuesdays.

The Athens’ restaurant scene is lively and fun. The Nighttime Food and Wine Tasting Tour is a great way to explore some of the best dining spots.

12. Monastiraki Flea Market

On Mondays to Saturdays, the “Flea Market” adjacent to Monastiraki Square is mostly a collection of narrow pedestrian lanes lined with souvenir and sandals shops, but on Sundays people come from miles around to sell all manner of used, cheap, and antique goods: books, clothing, trinkets, toys, furniture, textiles, home goods, electronics, anything you can think of and then some. It’s crowded and cramped, but fun and free and always interesting; arrive before 11am to avoid the crush. The best stuff is usually found at the stalls crowded into the market’s epicenter at Avissinias Square, with lanes of quirky vendors branching out from there in every direction.

13. National Historical Museum

The oldest of its kind in Greece, the National Historical Museum in Athens was founded in 1882, and has found its permanent home in the building that housed the Greek Parliament from 1875 to 1932. The museum’s permanent collection tells the story of Greek culture throughout the ages; corridors and rooms narrate different centuries and periods. Items on display include weapons, personal belongings and memorabilia from historical personalities such as Lord Byron, historical paintings by Greek and foreign artists, authentic manuscripts, and a large collection of traditional Greek costumes and jewelry from various regions of Greece. Located one block northwest of Syntagma Square. General admission is €10, with free entrance on Sundays; closed Mondays.

14. Athens Churches

Visiting churches in Athens offers a unique insight into Greece’s deep religious traditions and architectural beauty. From the historic significance of the Byzantine-era Panagia Kapnikarea nestled within Athens’ bustling district to the serene majesty of the Metropolitan Cathedral (pictured above) and it’s diminutive neighbor the “Little Metropolis“, each distinct church is a testament to Greece’s rich spiritual heritage and artistic achievement. These sacred sites not only serve as places of worship, but also as testaments to the city’s centuries-old history and singular spaces in which art, history, and spirituality intertwine.

Note that modest dress is required in Greek Orthodox churches and monasteries, which means avoiding exposed knees and shoulders for both women and men. If you’re wearing shorts, a short skirt, or a tank top, covering up with a wrap before entering is appropriate and appreciated.

15. Outdoor Cinema

Watch a movie in the heart of Plaka under the lights of the Acropolis at Cine Paris rooftop outdoor theater. Films are typically American (in English) with Greek subtitles. Beer, wine, and light snacks are available. Tickets are sold at the theater box office only; we recommend queueing up early or buying tickets in advance, as shows often sell out. With theaters generally operating from May to October, outdoor cinema is a highlight of summer in Greece.
More great outdoor cinemas in central Athens:

• Cine Thisio – Another excellent spot with Parthenon views, located on the Acropolis’ western side. Tickets sold at the theater only.
• Cine Aegli – Atop Zappeion Hall in the National Garden. Wonderful food and service. Tickets sold at the theater only.
• Cine Dexameni – In Kolonaki, at the foot of Lycabettus Hill. Online tickets available.

16. Hadrian’s Library

Built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 A.D., this complex once housed three stories of books, as well as areas dedicated to academic instruction, reading, philosophical walks and reflection, and athletic recreation. The site also includes what is believed to be the oldest Christian church in Athens. Hadrian’s Library is located very near Monastiraki Square and subway station.

17. Panathenaic (Olympic) Stadium

Also known as Kallimarmaro, this 50,000 capacity stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and was built on the site of the original stadium for the Panathenaic Games (330 BC), which were held every 4 years in honor of the goddess Athena. It is the only stadium in the world built entirely out of marble. The stadium continues to hold regular concerts in the summer, as well as host significant cultural, sporting, and ceremonial events. It is the finishing point for the annual Athens Classic Marathon, and during an Olympic Games year, it is the hand-off location for the Olympic flame from Greece. Enjoy impressive views of Mt. Lycabettus and the Acropolis by climbing to the top. Located in the district of Pangrati in central Athens, near the National Garden and the Temple of Olympian Zeus; about a 1km walk from Syntagma Square. Daily runs are held every morning from 7:30am to 9:00am.

18. Benizelos Mansion

Located in the Plaka neighborhood, the Benizelos Mansion is the oldest surviving house in Athens, built between the 16th and 17th centuries. The residence’s original occupants were Athenian aristocrats with Byzantine roots, and their 2-story house gives modern-day visitors a sense of the traditions and lifestyles of wealthy Athenians before the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire. The house is also known as the House of Saint Philothei, in honor of the couple’s daughter, Revoula, a philanthropist and freedom-fighter for Greek women enslaved into harems by the Ottomans. Severely beaten and later succumbing to death from her injuries, she is revered as a martyr and has been canonized as Saint (Agia) Philothei, which translates to “friend of God”. The Benizelos Mansion is open limited hours, entrance fee is by donation and goes to charity.

19. Mount Lycabettus

The highest point in Athens with dramatic panoramic views out over the entire city. Located across Plaka and Syntagma Square from the Acropolis (and shown here on the left), the 300 meter hilltop can be reached by foot or via a funicular tram that travels in a tunnel inside the hill. At the top sits the quaint and beautiful St George’s Chapel, an all-day cafe, and a panoramic fine-dining restaurant.

20. Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio

This ancient site is an 80-minute drive southeast of Athens. It’s super interesting, but only worth the trip if you have 3 days or more in the capital (any less and your time is better spent in central Athens). The excellent Cape Sounion Small-Group Tour with Sunset Viewing includes hotel pick up from central Athens.

21. Voluntourism at Let’s Be S.M.A.R.T.

This cat sanctuary south of the city has been caring for Athens many, many stray cats since 2011, nursing them to health and sheltering them until they can be adopted, often into homes abroad. Volunteers and veterinary interns are always needed to assist with daily operations of the shelter, feeding kittens, caring for elderly and infirm cats, aiding nearby feral cat colonies, and more. Multi-day stays at the shelter include accommodations, breakfast and lunch, organized activities, and more. Duties vary according the the volunteer’s or intern’s skill set and shelter needs.

The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Athens

Highly recommended: The Ultimate Greek Food Tour of Athens – a great introduction to the city’s food and culture. Visit markets, top restaurants, specialty shops, and trendy neighborhoods.

22. Best Gyros and Souvlaki in Athens

Athens is loaded with great restaurants, but for good cheap eats, nothing beats an authentic gyro from a local shop. There’s a strip of good gyro places just off Monastiraki Square (opposite the metro station). Our favorites in central Athens include Kostas and O Thanasis. If you have time, Kavouras in the Exarcheia neighborhood (and not far from the The National Archaeological Museum) and O Elvis in Kerameikos are worth seeking out.

23. Best Restaurant in Athens

The best restaurant in the Plaka area is Psarras Taverna. With a magical setting and great traditional Greek food, Psarras (also known as The Old Tavern of Psarras) has been around since 1898 – and for good reason. It’s wonderfully romantic, with a casual vibe, great house wine, and live music on weekend nights. If you only eat at one spot in Athens, make it this one. Reservations are recommended for dinner. (+30 21 0321 8734)

24. Best Bar in Athens

Warm and lively Baba Au Rum is my favorite place to get a drink in the tourist center. It’s world renowned for its excellent cocktails and often packed, but staff are friendly and helpful even when it’s busy.

25. Best Rooftop Bar in Athens

360° Cocktail Bar, the rooftop bar of Hotel 360° in Monastiraki, features signature cocktails, regional wine and food pairings, and killer rooftop views to the Acropolis. Go at sunset, but make a reservation in advance to secure a good table. (+30 21 0321 0006)

26. Best Gelato in Athens

Coco’s has the best gelato in Athens. It’s worth seeking this place out when you’re wandering through Plaka. La Greche in Syntagma is also really good.

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I know I’ve recommended a ton of stuff. If you’re still undecided, then remember the Parthenon and Acropolis are the must-see attractions for first time visitors to Athens. Doing an Acropolis Private Guided Tour is an awesome way to learn and explore.