Best Things To Do in Athens
Exploring the Cultural and Culinary Riches
Is Athens just about visiting the Acropolis?
After visiting this beautiful city a couple of times, I’m completely in love with it. Athens is not just about the Acropolis; there is a lot more to do beyond visiting the famous iconic landmarks. This blog will guide you through some of Athens’s best things to do. We also have the best hotel recommendation in Athens, offering a breathtaking view of the incredible Acropolis. Not gonna lie, but everything here, from the breakfast with a view to the golden hours, is just magical. Click here to learn more about the must-visit places in Athens, covering everything from accommodation to the most touristy spots or hidden gems. We’ve got you covered.
From the Acropolis to hidden gems, Athens unfolds its cultural treasures like pages of an ancient script.
What is the Famous Food in Athens?
Talking about a guided tour, Alternative Athens is one of the best recommendations. We were accompanied by talented guides to explore Athenian landmarks and gastronomy. Food holds an integral role in Greek culture. In Greek families, meals are not just about nourishment but serve as a connection that binds families and communities together. Sharing a meal is intended as social glue, and it also plays a remarkable role in Greek festivals and religious ceremonies.
Here is a list of authentic Greek food that you need to have when visiting Athens. For the ultimate experience, book a gastronomy tour with Alternative Athens. Allergy advice may apply, so please ask for an alternative or seek allergy advice before having it.
> Koulouri
It is a traditional Greek sesame bread ring, considered a perfect breakfast or snack. It can be paired with coffee or enjoyed alongside Greek meze, such as hummus or tzatziki. It is made with simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and sesame seeds. If you want to taste the authentic Greek flavour, consider having it plain.
> Bougatsa
It is a popular Greek pastry known for its flaky layers and delicious fillings. Made with thin layers of phyllo dough, butter, and fillings such as custard, cheese, or minced meat. It is available in both sweet variations with custard or sweet cheese filling, sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon powder, and savoury options filled with minced meat or cheese. It also pairs well with Greek coffee or tea
> Souvlaki Wraps
When it comes to Mediterranean food, this particular dish holds the top spot. It is one of the most beloved Greek foods—a warm pita or flatbread wrap filled with an array of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers. The choice of grilled meat includes options like chicken, pork, lamb, or a combination, complemented by fries and various sauces. These wraps are perfect for quick meals during lunch or dinner and are often referred to as street food. For an authentic experience, the best places to enjoy these wraps are Kostas and Hootcut.
> Dolmades
One thing that strikes my mind when talking about Greek food is Dolmades. This is a vegetarian appetizer made from tender vine leaves wrapped into little rolls and stuffed with rice and fresh herbs. It is perfectly paired with Tzatziki or Greek Mezze.
> Baklava
This is one of the mouth-watering, irresistible Greek delights. A traditional Greek dessert made up of thin sheets of Phyllo Dough, it is stuffed with a mixture of finely chopped nuts such as walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. The filling includes a hint of cinnamon and sometimes cloves or nutmeg, with melted butter brushed between the layers. Finally, the pastry is soaked in sugar syrup for sweetness.
> Loukoumades
This looks exactly like a doughnut dipped in honey. Made from a simple yeast-based dough, it is deep-fried and coated with toppings such as honey, cinnamon, chopped nuts, or powdered sugar. For an authentic experience, the best place to enjoy Loukoumades is at Krinos.
> Greek Coffee
No trip to Greece is complete without having traditional coffee. Made from finely ground coffee beans, it is closer to a powder consistency. Served in small cups, the sediment at the bottom of the cup is an integral part of the experience. When ordering Greek coffee, remember a few names like Sketos for unsweetened, Metrios for medium sweetness, and Glykos for sweetened coffee, and order coffee as per your preference.
What are the Best Restaurants in Athens?
For an exclusive lunch or dinner experience, here is a list of some exclusive dining recommendations. Each dish is carefully curated by talented chefs. To be honest, it was too difficult to decide between the best items and the best restaurants because each has its uniqueness in its way. Detailed information, from budget to luxury restaurants in Athens, is provided below.
> Makris, By DOMES
A fine–dining restaurant located in the heart of Athens, this is not just an ordinary establishment but a perfect blend of gastronomy and theatricality. The staff is friendly, and the service is impeccable. The degustation menu is carefully designed to highlight the authenticity of modern Greek cuisine, elevating fine dining to the next level. The menu focuses on Greek gastronomy inspired by products from the MAKRIS farm and small local producers. Mark my words, after a full day of exploration, this place is the best to satisfy your taste buds, offering a stunning view of the Acropolis from its outdoor seating or terrace.
> Cherchez la femme
This restaurant is an excellent choice for savouring authentic Greek traditional cuisine, offering a budget-friendly dining experience. Conveniently situated in the historic centre of the city, just a stone’s throw from the Electra Metropolis Hotel, the concept of this place is to act as a bridge between the past and the present. They serve traditional food in a modern ambience, showcasing a contemporary approach to quality and service. Operating from 10 am until 12 am, the restaurant provides a diverse menu, including breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner.
It’s a paradise for seafood lovers; I honestly enjoyed every morsel and couldn’t resist ordering more. The variety of seafood, such as mackerel and octopus, is impressive. I would recommend seeking the friendly staff’s help to decide on the best-sellers from the incredible menu.
> Zohos Athens
Another cosy recommendation is Zohos by Electra Metropolis. Can you believe the menu is curated with flavours from the fertile land and sea throughout Greece? Located in the iconic garden of Electra Metropolis, every day at Zohos feels like a family gathering around the Sunday table. The main concept of this place is a belief in sharing plates and meze. What sets it apart is its commitment to sustainability; it grows its herbs, minimizes waste, and promotes sustainability by preparing dishes from nose to tail. Zohos works closely with local farmers and fishermen. They also boast the finest selection of Greek wines. The plating of each dish touched my heart, and the prices are competitive for an amazing, cosy date night.
> Athenee Athens
A luxury and award-winning restaurant located in the city centre, just a few meters away from Syntagma Square and the metro station. It offers all-day dining with outdoor seating and a sophisticated, impeccably designed interior. I still feel like I had the best chicken dish and salmon tartare of my life. The dessert menu was prepared and displayed at the centre of the hotel; you will get the privilege of ordering the one that pleases your eye the most.”
Does Athens have a good Nightlife?
You cannot underestimate the nightlife in Athens. This vibrant city is equally lively during the daylight and buzzing as the sun goes down. From traditional tavernas and rooftop bars to pulsating clubs, Athens offers an electrifying atmosphere throughout the city. They have a wide range of options fitting the needs of all age groups.
> Electrifying Nightclubs
For an electrifying night, there are clubs open until sunrise. One such recommendation is Juan Rodriguez, open until 3 am. Once you step inside, you will be transported to a completely different universe. The loud music will sway your mood, inviting you to tap your feet to the electrifying beats. This place is no less than a hidden gem. The best thing is that it starts as a normal all-day dining restaurant, transforming into a lively spot after sunset.
> Rooftop Bar with View
The rooftop bars and views are incomparable in Athens. The legendary Acropolis is perched atop the city, giving the privilege to all rooftop bars and chic hotels to offer stunning views while you sip your cocktails and drinks. One such recommendation is the ‘Hyper Astro Bar’, located in the Monastiraki area, standing in parallel to other famous rooftop bars like ‘A for Athens’ and ‘MS’. The best thing about this place is that you don’t have to wait in a long queue, neither do you have to pay cover charges to visit, yet it offers the best view from the top.
> Tavernas
Enjoying a late dinner at a taverna is not just a culinary experience; it’s a social ritual. These cosy places offer a genuine taste of Athenian culture, serving traditional meze dishes accompanied by local wines and spirits. My favourite in the city is Plaka. The vibe of this place is just incredible—a narrow street down the Acropolis with steps in between, guided by cute, vibey taverns on both sides. This part of the city has truly stolen my heart, and Athens ensures that the night is always young, offering something for every nocturnal seeker.
What is the unusual thing to do in Athens?
Do you have better recommendations than an olive oil-tasting tour? Yes, you heard it right. Olive oil is not just a cooking condiment or a salad dressing; it’s a journey into the rich and distinct world of liquid gold. This tasting experience is also a part of the gastronomy tour offered by Alternative Athens. Just like wine tasting, olive oil tasting requires attention and mindfulness. Different types of olive oil are first served in shot glasses or soup spoons along with freshly baked bread or cheese to enhance the experience. The taste can be fruity, spicy, bitter, or a combination of all. The distinctive colour palettes tell different stories of each olive oil.
The tour is guided by experts who provide well-explained insights, starting from the harvest process to the health benefits and pressing procedures. Adding olive oil to your everyday diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases related to inflammation, protect the brain from ageing diseases, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help manage weight. It is a staple in the Mediterranean diet and is associated with numerous health benefits.
What is the best time to visit Athens?
Greece is not just a summer destination. From the beautiful islands to the vibrant mainland, the uniqueness of this place makes it an ideal location throughout the year. This was my second trip to Greece in a year; tasting different climates has convinced me it is equally beautiful during winter, just like in other seasons.
The Christmas spirits take over Athens, much like in other parts of the world. Each street is uniquely decorated, and Christmas markets and lights have dazzled throughout the city. Talking about December, Athens greeted me with much warmer temperatures and ample sunlight. Winter could be the best time for the budget traveller due to reduced rates for air travel and accommodation costs. Unlike summer, tourist locations are less crowded, while the vibes in the city are never compromised.
What are the top places to visit in Athens?
A list of places to visit in Athens is explained in detail on a separate blog, starting from the iconic landmarks of Acropolis to the hidden gems and all you need to know before visiting Athens. I have carefully gathered all the information from our talented tourist guide and have described it in detail. You don’t have to worry about your trip to because your itinerary is already planned here. All you need to know before visiting Athens can be accessed here.
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