Are you looking for a list of things to do in Athens Greece that goes beyond the ordinary?! You’ve made it to the right place! We are two people who absolutely LOVE Athens. We’ve been there over 20 times, and each time we go, we learn something new!
We’ve already written the classic 3-Day Itinerary for Athens, but here we’re going well beyond the basics!!
This post will give you 15 Memorable Things to Do in Athens Greece!!
Historical Things to Do in Athens (that aren’t the Acropolis)
National Archeological Museum
Everyone knows of the Acropolis Museum – the most visited and modern museum in Athens. But you should NOT overlook the Hellenic National Archeological Museum! It is housed in gorgeous neoclassical building right by a large park, the Pedion tou Areos. If you are hoping for a less crowded, still very impressive museum experience that takes you slightly away from the congested tourist centers, the National Archeological Museum is for you!
Temple of Olympian Zeus
An easy walk from the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is absolutely ENORMOUS, way less touristed than the Parthenon, and will take your breath away with its colossal columns. This is a great spot for pictures and walking around without the crowds! Located in the National Garden, the Temple’s green backdrop makes the structure that much more stunning.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
This ancient, open-air theater at the base of the Acropolis is the perfect venue for the most unforgettable concert or theater experience of your life! From modern musical acts to ancient Greek tragedies, watching a show here will be a highlight of your time in Athens! The schedule for Odeon of Herodes Atticus can be found here.
The Panathenaic Stadium
The home of the first modern Olympic Games, this stadium is a more recent historical landmark you shouldn’t miss! You can run the stadium, run the stairs, see the small attached museum, see a concert, and even pose with a laurel wreath!
Archeological Site of Sounion
Technically located outside of Athens, this is still an ancient wonder that you should consider if you have more than 2 days in Athens. This temple to Poseidon, with its dramatic location on a cliff overlooking the Aegean, feels totally different from either the Parthenon or the Temple of Olympic Zeus.
We would recommend booking a guided tour that picks you up from Athens. Check out this highly-rated sunset tour of Sounion! It’s about 5-6 hours long, offers pick-up and drop-off from Athens city center, and is super affordable.
Cheap Things to Do in Athens
Thision Open-Air Cinema
We absolutely love this outdoor movie theater that features a wide variety of old and artistic films! Many are in English with Greek subtitles. The outdoor cinema feels like you’re sitting in a garden, nestled under the acropolis, and the concession stand has a fun retro vibe. This is a great way to spend a memorable evening in Athens by yourself or with friends!
Cine Paris Outdoor Movie Theater
Ok, here’s one more open-air cinema that you should check out! Again, these are fun, creative ways to spend a magical evening in Athens, away from the crowds, without breaking the bank!
Varvakios Marketplace
Shopping around Varvakios is maybe our FAVORITE thing to do in Athens because, well, Greek food is our obsession! In this marketplace and the surrounding side streets, you can get very inexpensive meats, cheeses, yogurts, baked goods, fruits, olives, sweets, and everything in between!!
Whether you want to buy freshly butchered souvlaki to grill on your own, or you want some prepared foods at a restaurant stall, you’ll find everything you could want here!
This is a true, Athenian marketplace, which means you’ll encounter limited English signage and speaking. So, though it is totally fine to explore there by yourself, you might have a better experience taking a walking tour if you don’t speak Greek.
PLEASE – whether you’re on a tour or by yourself – be sure to actually purchase these merchants’ delicious products and support their livelihood. Don’t just show up to take pictures!!
Lycabettus Sunset
Lycabettus is a large hill in Athens near the neighborhood of Plaka. You can pay to take the funicular up, or you can walk up for free (it’s a very easy hike!) From there, you’ll find stunning views over the city. There is a church atop this hill with a large courtyard. Get there before sunset and watch the colors of the city change during golden hour and twilight. STUNNING and FREE!
Go for a Run
A great way to experience any city is to go for a run. Our favorite route to run goes from the Acropolis, through the National Garden, and to the Panathenaic stadium (if you’re willing to pay the entry fee). The sidewalk is quite uneven in many parts of the city, so you just need to be careful.
Non Touristy Things to Do in Athens
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Located in the neighborhood of Kallithea, the enormous campus of the SNFCC is home to the National Library and National Opera. It also offers walking paths, a great lawn, various gardens, playgrounds, cafes, art exhibits, and a design store. It has a large outdoor venue, where you might find a free music show. There is a free shuttle that leads there from Syntagma square. Learn more about the SNFCC here!
Glyfada
This is a neighborhood in Athens right on the water with a high-end marina! This is a very nice, safe area to walk or run by the sea. Then, enjoy a nice lunch while watching the yachts. Trams run to Glyfada from Syntagma Square.
Agiou Alexandrou
In the neighborhood of Palaio Faliro, you’ll find this beautiful broad street called Agiou Alexandrou lined with restaurants and shops. It’s a great way to spend a few hours, unwind, and escape the bustle of central Athens. It has a much more coastal feel than most of the city!
Flisvos Marina
Also in Palaio Faliro, you can walk this beautiful marina, the nearby sea-side esplanade, enjoy parks, playgrounds, or even swim in the beaches of Palaio Faliro! If you’re celebrating, we recommend a memorable dinner at NOPF Resto Nautical Club, right on the water at sunset!
Stroll the Arcades of Athens
The covered passageways, known as Arcades, that criss cross the city are a great way to find small shops and restaurants with an urban, authentic flair. Exploring the arcades is a great way to escape the tourists and get a break from the aggressive sun! Learn more about the arcades of Athens here.
