20 things to do in Athens besides the Acropolis.

Athens like a local. Discover the best things to do in Athens, beyond the Acropolis. All the alternative attractions in Athens, beyond the main ones.

Skip the crowds! These hidden gems and secret spots will show you the real Athens, the way only locals know it. Athens is so much more than just ancient ruins like the Acropolis; it's a melting pot of cultures, created by a civilization that has influenced the city and all of Greece for centuries. I love this city!

We enjoyed exploring charming corners and off-the-beaten-path tourist trails. That's what inspired us to write this guide about things to do in Athens beyond the Acropolis.

From fantastic food tours to unusual neighborhoods in Athens you won't often find in typical guidebooks, this alternative Athens guide beyond the Parthenon is everything you need to plan the perfect off-the-beaten-path itinerary. Consider Athens, off-the-beaten-path, and hidden gems as you plan your next trip.

Our Alternative Guide to Athens

Of course, when you think of the capital of Greece, you immediately think of the famous, historic Acropolis. But that's not all. As stunning as it is, it's only a small part of what there is to see in Athens. We invite you to delve into the city's hidden gems.

This is where the soul of Athens resides, where locals live their daily lives. From the fantastic Philopappou Hill, where you can admire ancient ruins, to the local gem, the SNFCC, Athens' newest cultural center.

We walked with our guides to discover the city's flavor and history, and compiled this guide featuring 20 of the most interesting alternative attractions in Athens, besides the Acropolis. Put on some comfortable walking shoes and explore not only the main tourist attractions but also charming neighborhoods and creative hubs. Read on for the best tips from locals to experience Athens like a true city dweller.

20 Things to Do, in Athens Besides the Acropolis

Acropolis Museum of Athens

Wander the new Athens Cultural Center

Skate at the SNFCC

Watch the Changing of the Guard in Syntagma Square

Hadrian's Arch

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Philopappou Hill

Maria Callas Museum

Walk through the Cathedral of Athens

Take a cultural walking tour with Alternative Athens

Admire Monastiraki Square

Greek Food Tour

Olive Oil Tasting

Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant

Drink coffee with a view of the Acropolis

Enjoy a drink on a hotel rooftop

Discover Athens' nightlife

Get lost in the charming streets at the foot of the Acropolis

Go shopping on Ermou Street

Enjoy the best dishes at the fine dining restaurant Makris Athens

Acropolis Museum of Athens

Frankly, the entrance to the Acropolis Museum is as impressive as the treasures within. Of course, visiting the museum in the evening provides the requisite "wow" factor.

Once inside, you'll walk across a special glass floor, revealing ancient ruins uncovered during construction.

The Acropolis Museum houses sculptural treasures unearthed during the archaeological excavations of the Acropolis; the Acropolis Museum brings the history of Ancient Greece to life. Our guide led us through the history of Ancient Greece, taking us through the periods of invasion, from the Romans to the Persians, which influenced the appearance of the Acropolis and its surroundings.

Gaze in awe at the Parthenon Gallery, with its surviving fragments of the marble frieze and views of the Acropolis itself. Interactive multimedia displays reveal fascinating details about the Golden Age of Pericles, provide insight into ancient Athenian democracy, and offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the ancient Greeks.

Stroll through the atmospheric Plaka district

Although we're presenting a guide to alternative things to do in Athens, we visited the Parthenon on the Acropolis. Descending the hill, we found ourselves in Plaka, one of the city's most traditional neighborhoods.

As you descend the wide cobbled steps, surrounded by ruins and colorful buildings, you'll see people relaxing in the sun, sipping coffee or a refreshing drink, enjoying local food, and socializing.

Plaka is where I found the real Greece, the one you see in so many photographs.

Try traditional Greek food at Plaka Restaurant

At the foot of the Acropolis lies the charming Plaka neighborhood. One of the oldest residential areas of Athens, Plaka offers a true taste of traditional Greek life. You'll be amazed by the crowds of people mingling in bars and restaurants on weekends. When planning a trip to Athens, be sure to get lost in the maze of cobbled streets and neoclassical houses.

Stop by tiny churches, browse quaint ceramics and jewelry shops, and admire remnants of ancient history, such as fragments of the ancient city wall. Don't miss the Roman Agora with its Tower of the Winds. The ruins are in plain sight, and we've included them in our list of free things to do in Athens.

Sign up for a Greek Food Tour

The best way to get to know Athens better is to take a specialized food tour of Greece. We were accompanied throughout the picturesque neighborhoods of Monastiki and Plaka.

Early in the morning, we were drawn to the smells of fresh bread from local bakeries, signature snacks, and coffee.

Sign up for a food tour with , which will take you to authentic eateries in neighborhoods like Plaka, Psiri, and Kerameikos, rarely visited by tourists, accompanied by local guides.

Try succulent grilled souvlaki, flaky bulgatsa (both sweet and savory) hot from the oven, rich Greek yogurt drizzled with thyme honey, and sweet baklava, all washed down with a smooth local wine or coffee.

Between stops, your guide will show you everyday life in Athens as you wander through little-known spots. Be prepared to leave fully enlightened and already planning your return!

An olive oil tasting was our first stop on our culinary tour with Authentic Athens. Greek olive oil is considered one of the finest in the world, and Greece produces 275,000 tons of olive oil annually. While in Athens, be sure to visit Molotira, a specialty shop offering guided olive oil tastings that will delight your taste buds.

Sit at a rustic wooden table and sample several varieties of extra virgin olive oil from different regions of Greece. We'll appreciate the variety of aromas, flavors, and textures, from peppery to buttery, thanks to the expertise of experienced specialists.

Before you leave, pick up a few bottles of "green gold" or products like olive oil soap to bring home a piece of Greek charm!

Dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant

As you've probably guessed, most alternative entertainment in Athens revolves around the culinary heritage and outdoor cultural discoveries. To combine both, you'll need to book a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant. One of our options is the renowned Athenée.

The restaurant had a festive, almost Christmassy atmosphere, full of buzz. Indeed, winter in Athens is the perfect time to enjoy the city and its wonderful climate.

The best choices for lunch were undoubtedly the wine, shrimp pasta, and their signature Christmas dessert buffet.

Have coffee with a view of the Acropolis

If you've made it here, you know I'm a coffee lover, and most of our trips revolve around it. It was the same in Athens, and the best thing was drinking local coffee and admiring the stunning view of the Acropolis.

I loved this part. Walking along Ermou Street, you'll find numerous outdoor cafes overlooking the famous Acropolis. Climb up to the cobbled Anafiotika neighborhood for the most iconic viewpoint—its whitewashed houses and labyrinthine streets resemble a Greek island village transplanted to the Athenian hills.

Shops and cafes on Ermou Street

Want to immerse yourself in Athens' thriving cafe culture? Well, I do it everywhere I go. I love coffee! If you're looking for the same, I recommend heading to Ermou Street. This hidden gem is located right behind my hotel and is easy to reach for a quick bite, some shopping, or just some people-watching.

This pedestrian street stretches past Syntagma Square to the chic Kolonaki neighborhood. Along Ermou Street, you'll see historic neoclassical buildings that now house bustling cafes, fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops.

For a true Greek cafe experience, grab an iced Freddo espresso at one of the many patisseries along this street. Insider tip: I really enjoyed wandering the alleys. Even though time was short, I enjoy wandering Perikleous (though it has the most bars and nightclubs), Voulias, and Mitropoleos..

Enjoy a drink on the hotel rooftop

Besides sipping a Freddo cappuccino with a view of the Parthenon, another way to enjoy the cityscape is to have an evening cocktail at a rooftop bar or restaurant of a luxury Athenian hotel . We stopped at отеле Electra Metropolis Athens , Located at 15 Mitropoleos Street, in the heart of the city.

The 10th floor offers a stunning view of the Acropolis, perfect for watching the sunset. During the summer, you can also enjoy the glass-enclosed pool in Athens.

Discover Athens' nightlife

You can't visit Athens without enjoying the nightlife.

We took a self-guided tour of the city's nightlife, visiting three bars over the weekend. If you want to replicate our night of nightclubs, bar crawls, and live music, bookmark the following bars:

Juan Rodriguez: A small but lively bar with very affordable drinks and a pleasant atmosphere. It's one of the trendiest bars in the city, and reservations are required.

Bartesera Athens : The atmosphere was more relaxed than last time, with signature drinks. My friends ordered a refreshing basil cocktail, and I opted for a fantastic Jamaican-style rum punch.

However, your evening might not be complete without a couple of shots of ouzo in a truly local atmosphere. If you're unfamiliar with ouzo, it's an aniseed liqueur popular in Greece, very similar to sambuca, raku, and arak.

Enjoy the finest cuisine at Makris Athens Fine Dining.

Beyond culture, Athens is a place to enjoy the best Mediterranean cuisine. As mentioned, most recipes are an evolution and a fusion of cultures. The king of the table, of course, is olive oil. Our exquisite dinner at Makris began with a perfect tasting.

The atmosphere and the dishes complemented each other, immersing me in a whirlwind of flavors that seemed to travel across Greece.

This place may not be on your Athens itinerary, but you can't miss dinner here if you're looking for an alternative. You can complement your dinner with a visit to the Athenian Colonnade. Also plan lunch on the rooftop terrace,to admire the beautiful view of the Acropolis.

Take a stroll through the new Athens Cultural Centre

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) was certainly one of the highlights of my Athens itinerary. I still often talk to family friends about their wonderful project, which engages and promotes culture that elevates the local community.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) covers over 200 acres and is one of the most sustainable projects in the city and Europe.

The complex houses the National Opera, the National Gallery, and magnificent gardens surrounding the futuristic buildings. Designed by Renzo Piano, it offers a magical evening experience with fountain shows and various installations.

The breezy top floor offers a perfect panoramic view of Athens. During our winter visit, there was a festival of lights, an ice skating rink, and various performances and exhibitions. And the best part is, admission and participation in all of these events are free. Yes, including ice skating

Go ice skating at SNFCC

As mentioned above, we couldn't miss this incredible event while traveling through Athens on Christmas Eve. It's a shame I can't live in Athens to enjoy the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). In winter, this central Athens venue transforms its outdoor Great Lawn into a magical ice rink, open to everyone.

Grab a hot chocolate and put on your skates to enjoy some frosty fun against the backdrop of the glittering cityscape. Glide around this temporary ice park to festive music under the blazing Athenian winter sun.

The rink even offers training aids for beginners and hosts fun events, like silent discos on ice! If you need a break from skating, warm up by the bonfire scattered across the lawn or refuel with Greek street food from the Agora Market. Ice skating with a view of the ice is the quintessential Athens winter experience!

Watch the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square.

In the center of modern Athens is Syntagma Square, which means Constitution Square. This open square is home to the Greek Parliament building. Watching the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a beloved Athenian tradition.

This ceremony occurs approximately every hour, with two soldiers on guard changing and two new guards changing every hour.

The Presidential Guard, known as the Evzones, is an elite unit known for its unique uniform: a skirt, tights, and shoes with pom-poms. It was an impressive sight.

Hadrian's Arch

On our last day in Athens, we explored the city's cultural side. Passing ruins from various eras, I was captivated by Hadrian's Arch, built in 131 CE; this ancient marble arch is located north of the Acropolis and originally served as the boundary between Athens and the Roman quarter.

Hadrian's Arch was erected to commemorate the visit of the powerful Roman emperor Hadrian (beloved by the Greeks), who was revered for his Hellenophile admiration of Greek culture. Explore the intricate carvings depicting fortifications, weapons, hunting scenes, and, of course, Hadrian himself, depicted on the central plaque.

Today, the arch can be seen from both sides: either entering the upscale Kolonaki neighborhood or facing the Acropolis from the other side. I tried to capture the perfect angle in this photo, which features part of the Acropolis.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Directly in front of Hadrian's Arch lie the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It is the most important archaeological site after the Acropolis and the Parthenon. This colossal ruined temple was dedicated to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods.

The temple's history is controversial, as its construction took over 700 years, and several earthquakes destroyed it. At its peak, the temple was surrounded by 104 towering Corinthian columns, each 17 meters high.

Today, only 15 columns remain, but wandering among these gigantic columns and imagining the temple's former grandeur is still incredibly impressive. Don't miss the entrance gate (Propylaea), which gives a sense of the temple's original grandeur.

Philopappou Hill

For a panoramic view of the Acropolis without the crowds (or when Athens is less crowded in winter), head to Philopappos Hill. This green spot, dotted with pine trees, is also home to the magnificent Philopappos Monument. Built in 114 CE, this marble tomb is dedicated to Julius Antiochus Philopappos, a distinguished Roman consul in Syria.

Today, Philopappos Hill is frequented by locals seeking peace and quiet. It's one of the most popular Instagram spots, offering stunning views of Athens' most popular landmarks.

Visit the Maria Callas Museum

The Maria Callas Museum is definitely worth a visit, especially for opera lovers and those interested in the history of Greek culture. Located in the legendary singer's family apartment in central Athens, this small but charming museum offers a glimpse into her early life and work Maria Callas.

The modest apartment where she spent her childhood is filled with memorabilia: photographs, letters, costumes, awards, and even jewelry belonging to Callas.

Her gem-encrusted gloves and signature pair of T-strap heels are especially noteworthy. You can stop by the listening console to admire her legendary talent during live concerts and private lessons at the Juilliard School in New York.

Beyond the exhibits, the museum beautifully conveys the story of her vibrant yet tragic life—from her humble beginnings in Athens to international fame.

Watch a show at the historic Odeon of Herodes Atticus

To my surprise, I learned that one of the world's oldest theaters is still open and hosts performances year-round. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, built in 161 AD, is an ancient stone theater on the southern slope of the Acropolis.

The Old House of Arts and Drama of Athens is located within the Parthenon complex and was restored in 1950, preserving its original appearance. It now serves as a magnificent outdoor venue for concerts, ballets, theater performances, and annual Athens festival . Even Maria Callas performed here!

Visiting this ancient site against the backdrop of the glittering Acropolis is an unforgettable experience. Tickets sell out quickly, so it's best to purchase them before arriving in Athens.

Take a stroll through the Cathedral of Athens

The domed basilica in one of Athens' most charming neighborhoods was just a few steps from my hotel. The pink and whitewashed facades give the three-aisled cathedral a minimalist style that caught my eye. I had to return at sunset to catch the perfect light.

This neoclassical Greek Orthodox church, built in 1862, stands on the site of an ancient temple where Athenians worshiped the goddess Athena. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll a few minutes on your way to picturesque Monastiraki Square or across Syntagma Square.

Admire Monastiraki Square | Athens Ancient Agora

During my visit, I passed Monastiraki Square many times, at all hours of the day. The square was always crowded, but always made a strong impression. As one of the city's busiest squares, Monastiraki serves as a gateway to both modern Athens and its ancient history.

At one end of the square, opposite the restored neoclassical Tsisdaraki Mosque, is a flea market selling wares under the sun. The square is located just steps from the Old Agora, the center of ancient Athens, whose history dates back to 600 BC. You can make Monastiraki Square the center of any Athens tour, relaxing with street performers and enjoying succulent souvlaki kebabs or spanakopita among the simple eateries.

Visit the Monastiraki flea market.

On our second day in Athens, we strolled through the narrow streets of the Old Agora. A pleasant stroll led us to the Monastiraki flea market, one of the liveliest areas of Athens.

You can find everything from antiques to car parts on the stalls. I was drawn to the ancient coins and vintage cameras. It's a shame I don't have more time, but this place will be on my next visit list.

Take a cultural walking tour with Alternative Athens

Take a walking tour of Athens' culture with Alternative Athens. Wander the winding streets with a local's permission to soak up the local culture and eschew the popular sights for a unique cultural experience. Their experienced guides grew up in neighborhoods of Athens often overlooked by tourists but brimming with cultural treasures.

Explore the vibrant Kerameikos and Psirri neighborhoods to discover stunning street art murals and hidden architectural gems. Sample authentic Greek meze and wine at a rustic taverna filled with neighborhood regulars eager to socialize.

Wander the bustling markets and hidden corners of Athens, visiting the old bakeries that are part of the local heritage and give some of Athens's neighborhoods an authentic feel.

Athens is more than just the Acropolis!

While the Acropolis is a must-see in Athens, it's far from the only attraction to see in this captivating city.

Whether you're visiting Athens for a few days or a few weeks, there are plenty of interesting things to do that don't involve visiting the famous landmarks.

Stroll around the city and venture beyond the Acropolis and Plaka to get a complete view of the city!

Where to stay in Athens

We stayed in a magnificent hotel Electra Metropolis In the center of Athens. I got a cozy double room with a bathroom, a living room, and a view of the Acropolis.