Within just a few days, Athens completely won me over. It’s now one of my favorite cities in Europe – a place where ancient history and modern creativity collide. And once you go beyond the big-ticket sights, you’ll discover a raw, vibrant city full of character, community, and incredible food. ➳ Read more: 3 Days In Athens: A Complete Itinerary And no, I’m not about to gatekeep. Here’s my carefully curated list of 10 unique things to do in Athens – for curious travelers who want to go deeper and experience the city like a local. Sunset is the most magical time to visit, when the sky turns golden and the city glows beneath you. To get to Lycabettus Hill you can take the metro to Syntagma or Panepistimio. From the foot of the mountain, it’s a fairly easy 20-minute hike. Not up for the climb? There’s also a cable car that takes you to the summit. It runs regularly and costs €10 for a return ticket – check the official schedule in advance. Whether you hike or ride, Lycabettus Hill is absolutely worth adding to your Athens itinerary! The ideal time to visit? An hour before sunset. Order a drink and wait for the city to bathe in warm light and the Parthenon to glow against the dusk sky. Here are a few of my personal favorite rooftop bars in Athens:
A for Athens – Iconic views in the heart of MonastirakiAnglais – Stylish and social with a buzzing crowdRetiré at ERGON House – Sophisticated and perfect for a romantic drink
While you’ll definitely spot murals just by walking around, taking a guided street art tour brings a whole new level of insight. You’ll not only learn about the artists and their messages but also gain a deeper understanding of Athens’ recent history and social struggles – all told through the lens of spray paint. I took a tour with Kalliopi from Awesome Athens Experiences, and it was a highlight of my first trip to Athens. Her passion for art, local stories, and neighborhood tips made it feel like exploring the city with a super-informed friend. Highly recommended if you want to see Athens beyond the postcard version. Stretching along Kallidromiou Street, the market is packed with stalls selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to olives, herbs, honey, and homemade preserves. Grab some fresh produce for a picnic, buy a bag of sun-dried figs, or simply wander with a coffee in hand and people-watch. Go here for an afternoon coffee, bring your book, and just relax on their sunny patio. Pro tip! Pair your coffee with their delicious peanut butter cookie. The bar itself is intimate and welcoming, with only a handful of tables, which makes the experience feel personal and relaxed. You won’t find a formal, stuffy wine tasting here. Instead, you choose from a thoughtfully curated menu of wines – organized by region or style – and each one comes with a brief intro from the friendly staff, plus a tablet-guided tasting to walk you through the notes and stories behind each bottle. Pair your wine with one of their delicious cheese or charcuterie boards (highly recommended), and you’ve got yourself a perfect pre-dinner activity or a slow, cozy evening in Athens. Insider tip: The owner is incredibly kind and knowledgeable – don’t hesitate to ask for pairing suggestions or Greek wine recs to take home. Opening hours: The market is open on Sundays The city is famous for its open-air cinemas, a beloved summer tradition for both locals and visitors. My personal favorite is Thision Open Air Cinema, one of the oldest in Athens and hands-down one of the most scenic. Tucked in a quiet spot near the Acropolis, it offers a unique blend of culture and charm – plus a view that might just steal the spotlight from the film itself. They screen a mix of international classics and newer releases (usually in their original language with Greek subtitles), and you don’t need to book in advance. Just show up and buy your ticket at the counter before the movie starts. Arrive a bit early to grab a good seat and enjoy some popcorn or a cold beer from the kiosk. Come here for a relaxed dinner of meze (Greek tapas), a glass of local wine, and that classic Athenian evening buzz. My go-to spot here is Anefani, a lovely little taverna with great service and tasty small plates. Pro tip: Arrive a bit earlier in the evening to snag a good spot, as the stairs fill up quickly, especially on warm nights. Already full when you arrived? Many restaurants, including Anefani, have a gorgeous rooftop with a great view of the Plaka neighborhood. They bake their bread fresh, use high-quality ingredients, and put real thought into every combination on the menu. The vibe is minimalist and cool, and the space is tiny – more of a grab-and-go spot than a sit-down café – but that just adds to its charm. It’s the perfect place for a quick, delicious lunch while exploring the city. Local tip: It gets busy around lunchtime, so try to go a little earlier to beat the queue. And yes, it really is that good!
Monastiraki: Montastiraki is Athens’ historic center, where you are close to many historic sites such as Roman Agora, Ancient Agora, and Hadrian’s Library. Hotel recommendation: Beautiful City SuitesPsyrri (or Psirri): My favorite area in Athens! Hotel recommendation: Selina Athens.Plaka: Plaka’s characteristic narrow streets, colorful houses, flower-filled courtyards, and local restaurants attract many tourists – maybe a bit too many if you ask me. Hotel recommendation: Athens Plaka Family Suites.Thiseio: Just like Plaka, Thiseio is located at the foot of the Acropolis, but on the northwest side. Hotel recommendation: Live in Athens, THISEIO Historic House.
Tavern KlimatariaAvli PsiriL’œuf Du CoqMozzart PizzaKaramanlidikaAnefaniFalafellasERGON House
How to Get to Athens
You can either grab a taxi, which will take 45-60 min depending on traffic. A taxi should cost around €40.Another great option is to take the train. There’s a train departing from Athens International Airport every 30 minutes, that takes you directly to Monastiraki square in 45 minutes. You can buy a ticket using one of the machines at the train station. A one-way ticket costs €9 for adults, and €4,5 for children.
How to Get Around Athens
Athens is surprisingly walkable, especially in central neighborhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psirri. But when you need to go farther, the metro is a great option. It’s clean, fast, and easy to use (3 main lines; English signage available).
