Would you like to spend an unforgettable and adventurous holiday in Greece? Relaxing is important, but you would also go on cultural programs and visit monuments? The Greek capital has so much more to offer than the Mediterranean beaches and crystal clear water.
The article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Things to do in Athens: Discover the city of Athens!
- An encounter between modernity and antiquity
- What to do in Athens: A gastronomic journey in Athens
- Riding the waves or tips for water sports enthusiasts
Athens is the capital of Greece. The city is located on the peninsula of Attica. Athens was the first Cultural Capital of Europe in 1985 thanks to the Acropolis and The Monastery of Daphni. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Athens’ thousand years of history is perfectly illustrated in the impressive buildings and monuments that you have to see at least once.
Things to do in Athens: Discover the city of Athens!
Athens is the jewel of the Mediterranean. The city is attracting thousands of visitors every day from all around the world. Athens has truly fascinating attractions that you can visit in a tourist group or individually as well.
Bus tours in Athens
First of all, one of the most convenient ways to discover Athens is a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour. You will travel by an open-top double-decker bus, and you can customize the route by your own preferences. Get to know the history of Athens with the help of the onboard audio guide. Choose the route you like the best!
The most popular destinations are the Acropolis and the narrow cobblestone streets of the Plaka district. You should also visit the Acropolis Museum. The buses arrive at the stops every 30 minutes. You decide where to hop off and on. Your ticket is valid for 24 or 72 hours. On the bus, they provide you with a map so you can easily locate the stops. Just sit back and listen to the onboard audio tour guide, and when you’re ready, just hop off at any stop, take a walk, or visit a wonderful monument.
Half-day sightseeing tour
Discover the greatest treasures of Athens on a 3, 5-hour long afternoon sightseeing tour! On a guided tour like this, you can visit the most famous sites and buildings, like the Parliament or Panathenaic Stadium, which was the venue for the first Olympic Games. The next stop is the Acropolis. You can walk around the monumental complex and see the glorious Parthenon sanctuary. The tour continues along the Panepistimiou Street where tourists can visit the National Library and one of Greece’s most renowned Orthodox churches.
Next, you can admire the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The tour tells you all the interesting and useful information about the buildings, stops and sites during the tour. The next morning you can go see the Acropolis Museum by using this tour’s ticket. This gallery is very popular, and it exhibits more than 4000 ancient objects.
Visit Delphi!
Dive into Greek mythology and monuments on the Delphi-tour! It’s an organized tour starting in Athens. You can discover the archaeological sites of the UNESCO-listed Delphi with the help of an expert guide! You just have to book the tickets and go to the meeting point at the agreed upon time. A bus takes you to Delphi where you can hop off at the stops. Visit the unbelievable monuments of Greece like the Temple of Apollo.
If you’re interested in Greek history you should explore the Delphi Archaeological Museum. It is the home of some very unique artefacts. There are 15 rooms in the museum that exhibit the historic treasures in chronological order from the 4th century to the 15th century. Don’t forget to visit The Charioteer of Delphi statue and the Sphinx of Naxos. You can ask for more details on the tour in the harbour.
An encounter between modernity and antiquity
The allure of Athens is so much more than the historic ruins and sites. The harmony between traditions and modernity attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. During your stay in Athens, you can not only enjoy the history and culture but the outstanding cafés, restaurants, theatres and street art. The streets of Athens are covered by incredible graffiti arts, posters and wall paintings that dress up the squares and districts in a brightly coloured robe.
Psiri neighbourhood
This area has grown from being one of the most dangerous places in Athens to one of the most elegant, fashionable districts. You can admire the beautiful craft shops and street art when walking in this neighbourhood. There are also alternative art galleries like Sarilla 12 and AD Gallery.
Monastiraki
The Monastiraki is a popular flea market in Athens, similar to the bazaars in Istanbul, Turkey. This place comes to life by the crowds of people walking around and colourful wall paintings. You can encounter all kinds of graffiti arts here – from peculiar to funny, from professional to amateur, but there are some political sketches, too. This neighbourhood has become very popular, lots of tourists are coming to visit. There are many cafés and restaurants as well.
What to do in Athens: A gastronomic journey in Athens
What is a better way to get to know a country than to discover the gastronomy? We guarantee that you’ll see Athens and Greece in a new light after a tour like this. It’s an organized tour. You’ll get a taste of the best Greek pastries, wines, cheeses and salamis. During this gastronomic tour in Athens, you can eat an authentic Greek breakfast in a hundred-year-old café, buy cheese and meat at the local market. In the meantime, you can try the local delicacies. You should also get a taste of the Athenian coffee and the speciality with sesame seeds called koulouri.
It is advised to plan these tours in time and book your place a few days in advance. The tour is organized for smaller groups, so there must be a minimum number of tourists. The assembly point is preselected, and the gastronomic adventurers can listen to the tour guide who is usually speaking in English. It is a walking tour, so you should wear comfortable shoes, and we advise you to take a bottle of water with you.
Central Market
If you would like to try Greek specialities and feel the typical Greek atmosphere, then this is your place to be. The marketplace can be divided into two parts. One is the meat market and the other is where they sell the highest quality, freshest seafood.
Riding the waves, or tips for water sports enthusiasts
Without being exhaustive, here are some destinations that you have to visit.
Full-day tour to Aegina, Poros and Hydra
After experiencing the buzzing life of Athens, water programs are also worth a try. You can go on a full-day cruise to the islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina. The Island of Hydra is characterised by beautiful stone castles. The crystal clear water, villages and roads provide a picturesque landscape. You can also go hiking on the island.
Poros is also called the leafy island. It’s no coincidence since it’s covered by green pine forests and fragrant lemon groves. Thanks to the tranquillity and peace of the island, relaxing is guaranteed.
After visiting Poros we head towards Aegina. The island is famous for the pistachio groves and beautiful beaches. Tourists can visit the Temple of Aphea and the church of Agios Nektarios.
Diving near Athens
Immerse yourself in the water near the Saronic Gulf and discover the fauna of the sea! This opportunity offers several hours of diving. Sail along the Athenian coastline, explore the Blue Hole diving location and admire the magical view of the colourful coral reefs and exotic sea life! Diving in smaller groups is also available for personalized adventures.
Small-group kayak tours to the Temple of Poseidon at Athens
Leave the buzzing city behind and go on a half-day kayaking adventure along the Athens Riviera! Paddle along the picturesque coastline of the Saronic Gulf. You can go swimming here, discover hidden beaches and island on the way to Cape Sounion. Admire the exceptional view from the Temple of Poseidon, then go to the beach to explore the ancient archaeological site of the Greek sea god. Reward yourself with the amazing panoramic view seen from the peak of the mountain and a delicious Mediterranean Greek lunch! The small-group kayak tour along the Athens Riviera is available for up to 10 people.
Kiteboarding lessons
Besides its ancient history, Athens is known for having the best kiteboarding spots in Europe. Take advantage of the ideal wind conditions and get into this adrenaline-boosting adventure! The sandy beaches, that are just a short drive from the city centre, offer hours-long kiteboarding lessons to visitors. Beginners and experienced kiteboarders can enjoy the lessons as well.
Whether you are a party-goer or a history adventurer, you will surely spend an unforgettable holiday in Athens. We have shown you many colourful and adventurous programs in Athens. Read more if you plan sailing in Athens or rent a boat in Athens.