Best things to do in Athens for first-timers

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, full of ancient history, vibrant neighbourhoods, art, cuisine, and culture. If it’s your first time here, this guide will help you get the best out of your stay — landmarks, hidden gems, tips, and must-see spots.

Quick Tips Before You Go

• When to visit: Spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) offer milder weather and fewer tourists. Summers can be very hot, winters mild but rainy.

• Getting around: The centre is walkable; there’s metro, tram, buses, and taxis. Buy museum/archaeological site combo tickets to save money and skip queues.

• Stay in a central neighbourhood: Plaka, Monastiraki, Koukaki, or Kolonaki are good choices because you’ll be close to many landmarks.

• What to bring: Comfortable shoes (lots of marble and cobblestones), sunscreen, hat, refillable water bottle, adapter, and light layers for evenings.

Top Sights & Things to Do

Here are the must-see places and experiences you should aim to include on your itinerary.

1. The Acropolis & the Parthenon
   The iconic Athens landmark. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midsummer heat & big crowds. The Parthenon is part of the Acropolis complex, which includes several temples, monuments, and ruins.

2. Acropolis Museum
   Just outside the Acropolis hill, this modern museum contains many of the artifacts from the site. It gives context to what you see on the hill — architecture, sculpture, the history behind the Parthenon etc.

3. Neighbourhoods: Plaka, Anafiotika & Monastiraki
   Wander through these old quarters at the foot of the Acropolis. Narrow winding streets, neoclassical buildings, shops, small cafés, and lovely views. The Plaka area is especially charming in the evening.

4. Ancient Agora & Hephaestus Temple
   Below the Acropolis, this was the heart of ancient civic life. The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples. Nice place for both history and atmosphere.

5. Roman Agora & Hadrian’s Library
   These are also good to pair with the Ancient Agora walk. They give insights into later periods of Athenian history.

6. Mount Lycabettus
   For panoramic views. Either hike up or take the funicular. Great at sunset. You’ll get sweeping vistas of Athens spread out beneath you, plus the Acropolis lit up.

7. Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)
   The marble stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held (1896). Very impressive structure, good for history buffs and also for photo-ops.

8. National Archaeological Museum
   If you have more than a day, this museum is unmissable. It houses Greece’s greatest archaeological finds: sculptures, artifacts from the Mycenaean, Classical, and Hellenistic periods.

9. Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hadrian’s Arch
   Near each other, very central. The Temple is gigantic, though only a few columns survive. Still impressive. Hadrian’s Arch is a nice contrast.

10. Walk the neighbourhoods / enjoy local food & markets
    Try traditional Greek food (souvlaki, moussaka, loukoumades, etc.), sit at a café, wander through markets like Monastiraki Flea Market. The food and street life are part of what makes Athens magical.

11. Viewpoints & Hills
    Filopappou Hill, Pnyx, hills around the Acropolis give you beautiful views of the city and the Parthenon from different angles. Great for photos.

12. Gardens & Relaxation
    National Garden is peaceful. Kifissia (a borough north of Athens) if you want greenery and cooler zones. For a break from ruins, a slow walk or sitting in a shaded café is rejuvenating.

Sample 2- or 3-Day Itinerary

To help you fit a lot in without rushing:

DayMorningAfternoonEveningDay 1Acropolis + ParthenonAcropolis Museum + Ancient AgoraDinner in Plaka; watch sunset from LycabettusDay 2Panathenaic Stadium + Temple of Olympian ZeusNational Archaeological MuseumWalk through Monastiraki & enjoy street food or local tavernasDay 3Filopappou Hill / Pnyx viewpoints + Hadrian’s ArchRoman Agora + Byzantine / Christian Museum (optional)Stroll through Anafiotika & Plaka, keep camera ready at night

Hidden Gems / Local-Favoured Spots

• Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum — for something off the beaten path, unique and less crowded than big museums.

• Byzantine & Christian Museum — gives a different perspective of Greece’s history, especially post-ancient era.

• First Cemetery of Athens — quiet, historic, interesting tombs and architecture.

Practical Tips & FAQs

• Tickets: Buy the Acropolis ticket in advance; consider combination tickets for archaeological sites.

• Best time of day for major monuments: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.

• Wear good shoes: Marble, ancient stone, uneven paths; comfortable footwear makes a big difference.

• Stay hydrated: Especially in summer; bring water, take breaks.

• Local customs: Greeks are friendly; learning a few phrases goes a long way (“efharisto” = thank you, “kalimera” = good morning).