Written by Celine Fournier, Julien Lambert, Maria Gaulto
16/09/2025
Ted McDonnell, Pexels
Athens offers a compelling blend of ancient history and vibrant contemporary life, drawing visitors to its iconic archaeological sites and bustling modern districts. It serves as both a historical journey and a dynamic urban experience, often acting as a key stop for those exploring the wider Greek landscape.
For socializing, numerous areas cater to tourists and backpackers. Plaka, with its charming pedestrian streets and tavernas, provides a picturesque setting for interaction. Monastiraki Square is a lively hub known for its rooftop bars, offering stunning views of the Acropolis, and is popular for both shopping and nightlife. Psyrri (also spelled Psirri) is recognized for its alternative atmosphere, featuring numerous bars, tavernas, and live music venues where social gatherings often extend onto the streets. Gazi is the city's LGBTQ-friendly district, vibrant with nightclubs and cocktail bars attracting a diverse crowd. Additionally, many hostels, such as Athens Backpackers, actively foster a social environment with common areas and rooftop bars, making it easy for solo travelers to connect.
Top 7 Things to do in Athens
Exploring Athens involves delving into its ancient archaeological marvels, gaining insights into its rich history through world-class museums, experiencing the charm of its historic neighborhoods, and ascending to panoramic viewpoints.
1. The Acropolis of Athens
Standing atop the sacred rock, one experiences the profound weight of over 2,500 years of civilization. The Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Propylaea command breathtaking views across the city, truly embodying the birthplace of democracy and philosophy. Arriving early morning or late afternoon helps in avoiding the peak crowds and intense sunlight, offering a more serene visit. It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes due to slippery marble surfaces and bring water.
Cost: A single entry ticket costs €20 from April 1 to October 31 and €10 from November 1 to March 31. Reduced admission applies for non-EU citizens aged 6-25, and EU citizens under 25 enter for free. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which is highly recommended due to timed entry and to avoid queues. A combined ticket for €30 is available, offering access to the Acropolis and six other archaeological sites (Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Library, Kerameikos, and Aristotle's Lyceum), valid for 5 days.
Transport: The Acropolis is centrally located and easily accessible. The most convenient way is by Metro, with 'Akropoli' station (M2 Red line) being a 5-7 minute walk from the side entrance near the Acropolis Museum. Monastiraki station (M1 Green and M3 Blue lines) is also a 10-minute walk away. A standard public transport ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes. Taxis can drop visitors near the main entrance or the Acropolis Museum.
2. Acropolis Museum
Located at the foot of the Acropolis, this modern museum provides invaluable context to the ancient site, housing artifacts found on the Acropolis from the Archaic to the Roman periods. The displays are thoughtfully arranged, offering a clearer understanding of the Parthenon sculptures and other treasures. It's a perfect complement to a visit to the Acropolis itself.
Cost: General admission is €15 from April 1 to October 31 and €10 from November 1 to March 31. Reduced admission is €10 for non-EU citizens aged 6-18. EU citizens aged 6-18 and children under 5 (any nationality) enter free. Skip-the-line tickets can be purchased online.
Transport: The Acropolis Museum is a short walk from the 'Akropoli' Metro station (M2 Red line). It is in walking distance of the Acropolis and the Plaka district.
3. Ancient Agora of Athens
Wandering through the Ancient Agora, one traces the footsteps of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. This sprawling archaeological site was the heart of ancient Athenian public life – a marketplace, political center, and philosophical hub. The well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos (housing the Agora Museum) offer tangible connections to classical Greek democracy.
Cost: A single entry ticket costs €10 from April to October and €5 from November to March. Reduced admission is available. Free entry days include March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend of September, and October 28. The €30 combined ticket (valid for 5 days) includes access to the Ancient Agora and several other sites.
Transport: The Ancient Agora is within easy walking distance of the Monastiraki and Thissio Metro stations (M1 Green and M3 Blue lines). A standard public transport ticket costs €1.20.
4. Temple of Olympian Zeus
Standing before the colossal remnants of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one can still grasp the immense scale and ambition of this ancient sanctuary. Though only a few of its original 104 massive columns remain, they offer a powerful testament to its past grandeur as one of the largest temples in ancient Greece. The site is conveniently located near the Acropolis, making it easy to combine with other historical explorations.
Cost: A basic ticket costs €8 for adults and €4 for people over 65 or non-EU citizens aged 6-25. Entry is free for EU residents up to 25 and children younger than 5. This site is also included in the €30 combined archaeological ticket.
Transport: The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a short walk from the 'Akropoli' Metro station (M2 Red line). Several bus lines (e.g., 165, 227, 790, 856 to Makrygiannē) and trolleybuses (e.g., 2, 4, 11 to ΑΓ.ΦΩΤΕΙΝΗ) serve the area. A standard public transport ticket costs €1.20.
5. Mount Lycabettus
Ascending Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in central Athens, rewards one with unparalleled panoramic vistas of the entire cityscape, the Acropolis, and the distant Aegean Sea. It is particularly magical to witness a sunset from this vantage point, as the city lights begin to twinkle below.
Cost: The Lycabettus Funicular (cable car) provides a quick ascent. A roundtrip ticket costs €12, while a one-way ticket is €9. Alternatively, one can hike up, which takes about 20-24 minutes from the base.
Transport: To reach the funicular's base station on Aristippou Street in Kolonaki, one can take the Metro to 'Evangelismos' (M3 Blue line) and walk to Plutarchou Street, then up to the funicular. Public buses, such as line 022, also serve the area, costing €1.20 for a standard ticket. Taxis to the funicular base typically cost €4-€6.
6. Explore Plaka and Monastiraki
Strolling through the charming, pedestrianized streets of Plaka, the oldest district, feels like stepping back in time with its neoclassical architecture, traditional tavernas, and artisan shops. Monastiraki Square, a bustling hub nearby, is famous for its flea market and vibrant atmosphere. Both areas are perfect for soaking in local culture, finding souvenirs, enjoying Greek cuisine, and experiencing Athens' lively social scene.
Cost: Walking around Plaka and Monastiraki is free. Prices for food, drinks, and shopping vary widely. Self-guided walking routes are available.
Transport: Both Plaka and Monastiraki are central and highly walkable. Monastiraki Square is a major public transport hub, served by the Metro (M1 Green and M3 Blue lines). Plaka is easily reached from 'Akropoli' Metro station (M2 Red line). A standard public transport ticket costs €1.20. Taxis within the city center usually cost €3-€5.
7. Day Trip to Delphi
Embarking on a day trip to Delphi offers a profound immersion into one of ancient Greece's most important religious and cultural centers, home to the famous Oracle of Apollo. Exploring the archaeological site, with its Temple of Apollo, theater, and stadium, nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, provides a powerful connection to ancient mythology and history. The Delphi Archaeological Museum, showcasing significant artifacts, enhances the experience.
Cost: Admission to the Delphi archaeological site and museum costs €20 for a full ticket (April-October) and €10 (November-March). Guided day trips from Athens start around €30-€60 per person, typically including round-trip transport and an English-speaking guide, though entrance fees and lunch are often extra. Private tours are also available at a higher cost.
Transport: Delphi is approximately 2.5-3 hours northwest of Athens by car. Public transport via KTEL bus departs several times daily from the Liosion station in northern Athens, with a return price around €30.20. Many organized day tours include air-conditioned bus transportation.
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