Each year, Greece attracts more tourists than the entire population of the country, highlighting the immense popularity of its capital, Athens. I visited Athens in January, and despite it being the low season, the streets were still bustling with visitors, particularly around the Acropolis. With so many people drawn to its rich history and culture, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. To help you make the most of your visit, here are seven of the best activities to experience in Athens:
- Explore the Acropolis of Athens – Parthenon
- Discover the Ancient Agora
- Shop at Monastiraki (Flea Market)
- Watch the Sunset
- Stroll through Piraeus
- Relax at Votsalakia Beach
- Eat at Little Kook (A Café Inspired by Fairy Tales)
1
Explore the Acropolis of Athens – Parthenon
The Acropolis is a hilltop complex that houses the Parthenon, a magnificent marble temple built between 447 and 432 B.C. Dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, the Parthenon not only dominates the Acropolis but also stands as a symbol of ancient Greece’s cultural and political achievements. It is a must-see if you have time for only one site in Athens.
Best Time to Visit: As the most popular attraction in Athens, the Acropolis can get quite crowded, so I highly recommend arriving at the opening time (8 am) to enjoy the experience with fewer people.
Entrance Fee: A ticket for the Acropolis grants you access to several monuments, including the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Tickets are priced at 20 euros (30 CAD) from April 1 to October 31, and 10 euros (15 CAD) from November 1 to March 31.
2
Discover the Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora was the central gathering place of the ancient city and is now one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in Athens. The ticket includes access to the Ancient Agora and the Agora Museum. In the Agora Museum, you can see a collection of ancient artifacts, including pottery, sculptures, coins, and everyday items that offer insight into the daily life and political history of ancient Athens.
This site is my favorite because it is vast and offers so much to explore. The Temple of Hephaestus, located within the Agora, is one of the few temples in Greece that remains largely intact.
Entrance Fee: Tickets for the Agora are priced at 10 euros (15$ CAD) during the summer (April 1 to October 31) and 5 euros (8$ CAD) during the winter (November 1 to March 31). The site is huge, and it’s well worth the price.
Important: In total, there are six sites you can visit in Athens: the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Aristotle’s Lyceum, and the Kerameikos archaeological site. I only recommended two because I find them to be the most significant and enjoyable. However, if you wish to visit all six, consider purchasing a combined ticket for 30 euros (44$ CAD), valid in both summer and winter.
Stay connected! Follow us on social media for exclusive content & updates on our travels.
On our website, you’ll find all the essential information and tips, while on our social media, you’ll get even more – including personal experiences, funny moments, stunning videos, and much more!
3
Shop at Monastiraki (Flea Market)
Monastiraki is a lively flea market worth visiting both during the day and at night. During the day, the market is filled with shops and vendors, and I really enjoyed strolling through the streets and exploring the various stalls.
At night, the market transforms with music and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet new people and spend time with friends.
Tip: My boyfriend bought a chess set here, which is why I recommend always negotiating. Trust me, the price you see on the tag is rarely the final price—you can often save some money.
4
Watch the Sunset
The best spot I found to watch the sunset in Athens is the Sunset Panoramic, Deme of Melite (use this name in Google Maps to find the viewpoint). The view was absolutely gorgeous, and the best part is that access to this spot is free.
The picture shows the sunset spot during midday.
5
Stroll through Piraeus
Piraeus is the main port of Athens and one of the largest and most important ports in Greece. Walking around the port and the nearby streets is definitely worth your time. On a hot summer day, feeling the breeze beside the water can be quite refreshing.
Tip: My favorite street in the area was Sotiros Dios, a pedestrian street lined with shops and a lively atmosphere.
6
Relax at Votsalakia Beach
Athens has several beaches, and Votsalakia Beach is the one I visited in January. Despite the winter season, people were swimming, so the water likely isn’t too cold even during the colder months. The beach is large, with plenty of space for visitors to relax. It’s a pebble beach with clean, blue water, and best of all, access is free!
I recommend visiting the beach in Athens if you’re not planning to visit one of the islands. However, if you are visiting the islands, you might want to skip this activity, as the beaches there are generally much nicer.
Information: There are no restrooms available on the beach, so plan accordingly. It’s highly recommended to bring your own umbrella and chairs, as a new café opened on the beach in July 2024 and is charging 14 euros (21$ CAD) for two sunbeds.
7
Eat at Little Kook (A Café Inspired by Fairy Tales)
I stumbled upon Little Kook by chance, and it turned out to be a delightful experience. The entire café, both inside and out, is adorned with fairy tale themes, creating an atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world. Even the staff are dressed in costumes that match the theme. The menu consists exclusively of desserts, all inspired by various fairy tales.
Tip: I highly recommend sharing a plate with someone, as the portions are large and very sweet.
My Opinion and Experience: While the prices are on the higher side, the unique experience makes it worth it. My friend and I shared the “Mad Hatter’s Oreo Cup,” which cost 13.50 euros (20$ CAD), and it was absolutely delicious!
Like this post? Pin it for later!
Don’t want to miss out on our latest articles? Be sure to subscribe to our website, and you’ll receive a notification every time we publish something new!