Best Things To Do in Athens: Exploring the Cultural and Culinary Riches

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 so much more to explore beyond the iconic landmarks. This blog will guide you through some of the best things to do in Athens. Plus, we share the top hotel recommendation in Athens, offering a breathtaking view of the incredible Acropolis. Not gonna lie, everything here—from breakfast with a view of the golden hours—is simply magical. Click here to discover the must-visit places in Athens, covering everything from accommodation to the most popular tourist spots and hidden gems. We’ve got you covered.

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What is the Famous Food in Athens?

When discussing guided tours, Alternative Athens is highly recommended. Our talented guides led us through Athenian landmarks and gastronomy. Indeed, food holds an integral role in Greek culture. Moreover, meals in Greek families do more than nourish—they connect families and communities. Consequently, sharing a meal acts as social glue and plays a remarkable role in festivals and religious ceremonies.

To truly understand Athens, you must taste its flavours. Here’s a curated list of authentic Greek dishes you should try during your visit. For the most immersive experience, we highly recommend booking a gastronomy tour with Alternative Athens.

Note: Allergy advice may apply, so please inform your guide of any dietary restrictions or ask for suitable alternatives before tasting.

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 classic fillings like custard, cheese, or minced meat, it’s a must-try. Additionally, you’ll find both sweet and savoury options. Sweet versions include custard or sweet cheese, topped with sugar or cinnamon. On the other hand, savoury ones are filled with cheese or minced meat. For the best experience, pair it with Greek coffee or a warm cup of tea. Bougatsa is one of the authentic Greek treats you should not miss while exploring the best things to do in Athens.

Greek Koulouri sesame bread ring, perfect for breakfast or snack

Loukoumades - Greek honey-soaked doughnuts topped with cinnamon and chopped nuts

Greek Bougatsa pastry with flaky phyllo dough filled with creamy custard or savory cheese

Greek Souvlaki skewers with grilled meat and vegetables served with pita bread

Souvlaki

When it comes to Mediterranean food, Souvlaki easily holds the top spot. This is one of the most beloved Greek dishes. It features a warm pita or flatbread wrap filled with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers. Next, it includes grilled meat options such as chicken, pork, lamb, or a combination. These wraps are often completed with fries and a variety of sauces. Typically, they’re considered the perfect Greek street food for a quick lunch or dinner. For the ultimate local experience, try Souvlaki at Kostas or Hootcut while exploring the best things to do in Athens.

Dolmades

One thing that instantly comes to mind when thinking about Greek food is Dolmades. These vegetarian appetisers are made using tender vine leaves wrapped into small rolls. Inside, you’ll find a flavourful mix of rice and fresh herbs. Typically, Dolmades are served cold and pair perfectly with Tzatziki or a traditional Greek Mezze platter. This dish offers a refreshing and authentic taste of Greece, making it a must-try

Baklava

This is one of the most mouth-watering and irresistible Greek desserts. Baklava is a traditional sweet made with thin layers of phyllo dough. It is filled with finely chopped walnuts, pistachios, or almonds, mixed with cinnamon and a hint of cloves or nutmeg. Between each layer, melted butter adds richness. Finally, the baked pastry is generously soaked in sugar syrup, making it perfectly sweet and sticky. Baklava is a must-try when exploring Greek cuisine and ranks high among the best things to do in Athens for food lovers.

Loukoumades

This treat looks exactly like a doughnut dipped in honey. Made from a simple yeast-based dough, it is deep-fried to golden perfection. Then, it is coated with toppings like honey, cinnamon, chopped nuts, or powdered sugar. For an authentic experience, visit Krinos, one of the best places to enjoy Loukoumades in Athens.

Cup of traditional Greek coffee with thick grounds at the bottom

Traditional Greek Baklava dessert with flaky phyllo layers, nuts, and honey syrup

Greek Dolmades - vine leaves stuffed with rice and fresh herbs

Traditional Greek coffee served in a small cup with thick grounds settled at the bottom, accompanied by a glass of water

Greek Coffee

No trip to Greece is complete without tasting traditional Greek coffee. It is made from finely ground coffee beans, almost like a powder. Usually, it is served in small cups, with sediment at the bottom being part of the experience. When ordering, remember these names: Sketos (unsweetened), Metrios (medium sweetness), and Glykos (sweetened). Choose your coffee based on your preference for an authentic taste.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Athens?

For an exclusive lunch or dinner experience, here is a list of top dining recommendations. Each dish is carefully crafted by talented chefs. Honestly, choosing between the best items and the best restaurants was challenging because each offers unique flavours. Below, you will find detailed information on the budget to luxury restaurants in Athens to help you plan your perfect meal during your trip to Athens.

Makris by Domes

It is a fine-dining restaurant located in the heart of Athens. This establishment offers a perfect blend of gastronomy and theatricality. The staff is friendly, and the service is impeccable. The degustation menu carefully highlights 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. After a full day of exploration, this restaurant is the best choice to satisfy your taste buds. Moreover, it offers a stunning view of the Acropolis from its outdoor seating or terrace, making it a must-visit during your trip to Athens.

Outdoor terrace seating at Makris by Domes

Dramatic plating of modern Greek cuisine at Makris by Domes restaurant in Athens

Fresh artisan bread served as an appetizer at Makris by Domes, highlighting local ingredients

Elegant and contemporary interior design of Makris by Domes, offering a fine dining atmosphere

Cherchez La Femme

This restaurant is an excellent choice for savoring authentic Greek traditional cuisine while enjoying a budget-friendly dining experience. Conveniently located in the historic centre of Athens, just a stone’s throw from the Electra Metropolis Hotel, the concept bridges the past and present. They serve traditional food in a modern ambiance, showcasing a contemporary approach to quality and service. Open from 10 am until 12 am, the restaurant offers a diverse menu, including breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner.

Seafood lovers will find paradise here. I truly enjoyed every morsel and couldn’t resist ordering more. The variety of seafood, such as mackerel and octopus, is impressive. For the best experience, ask the friendly staff for recommendations on the menu’s best-sellers during your trip to Athens.

Zohos Athens

Another cosy restaurant recommendation is Zohos by Electra Metropolis. Surprisingly, the menu features flavours from Greece’s fertile land and sea. Located in the iconic garden of Electra Metropolis, Zohos feels like a family gathering around a Sunday table every day. Its main concept focuses on sharing plates and Greek meze.

Additionally, Zohos stands out for its strong commitment to sustainability. The restaurant grows its own herbs, minimizes waste, and prepares dishes using the nose-to-tail approach. It also works closely with local farmers and fishermen. Moreover, Zohos boasts one of the finest selections of Greek wines. The plating of each dish is heartfelt, and prices remain competitive, making it ideal for an amazing, cosy date night.

Athenee Athens

This luxury, award-winning restaurant is located in Athens city centre, just metres from Syntagma Square and the metro station. Moreover, it offers all-day dining with elegant outdoor seating and a sophisticated interior design. Personally, I enjoyed the best chicken dish and salmon tartare of my life here. Additionally, the dessert menu is displayed at the hotel’s centre, allowing you to choose the dessert that appeals most to you.

Does Athens have a good Nightlife?

You cannot underestimate the nightlife in Athens. Indeed, this vibrant city buzzes both by day and after sunset. Offering everything from traditional tavernas and rooftop bars to pulsating clubs, Athens delivers an electrifying atmosphere. Additionally, it caters to a wide range of age groups and preferences

Electrifying Nightclubs

For an electrifying night, several clubs stay open until sunrise. For instance, Juan Rodriguez operates until 3 am. Once inside, you will be transported to a completely different universe. The loud music sways your mood, inviting you to tap your feet to the electrifying beats. Indeed, this place is a hidden gem. Interestingly, it starts as a normal all-day dining restaurant and transforms into a lively spot after sunset.

Rooftop Bar with View

The rooftop bars and views are incomparable in Athens. Notably, the legendary Acropolis sits atop the city, granting rooftop bars and chic hotels stunning views. You can enjoy cocktails while taking in this breathtaking scenery. For example, the Hyper Astro Bar in Monastiraki rivals other famous rooftops like A for Athens and MS. The best part is, you won’t face long queues or cover charges. Yet, it offers one of the best views in Athens from the top.

Tavernas

Enjoying a late dinner at a taverna is not just about food; it’s a true social ritual. These cosy spots offer an authentic taste of Athenian culture, serving traditional meze dishes alongside local wines and spirits. My favourite place in the city is Plaka. The vibe here is incredible — a narrow street below the Acropolis with charming steps and lively taverns on both sides. This part of Athens has truly stolen my heart. Moreover, Athens ensures the night stays young, offering something for every nocturnal seeker.

What is the unusual thing to do in Athens?

Are you looking for a recommendation beyond the usual olive oil-tasting tour? Indeed, olive oil is more than a condiment or salad dressing—it offers a journey into the rich world of liquid gold. Included in Alternative Athens’ gastronomy tour, this tasting demands attention and mindfulness, much like wine tasting. Different varieties are served in shot glasses or soup spoons, paired with freshly baked bread or cheese to enhance flavours. The taste can be fruity, spicy, bitter, or a blend of all. Moreover, the distinct colour palettes tell unique stories of each olive oil.

Experts guide the tour, explaining the entire process—from harvest to pressing—and its health benefits. Adding olive oil to your daily diet can lower risks of chronic inflammation, protect the brain from ageing, reduce heart disease risk, and help with weight management. It remains a staple in the Mediterranean diet, celebrated for its 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. Experiencing different climates convinced me it is equally beautiful during winter, just like in other seasons.

During Christmas, Athens transforms with festive spirit. Each street is uniquely decorated, and Christmas markets and lights dazzle throughout the city. In December, Athens greeted me with warmer temperatures and ample sunlight. For budget travellers, winter could be the best time to visit Athens due to reduced rates for flights and accommodation. Unlike summer, tourist spots are less crowded, yet the city’s vibrant vibe never fades

What are the top places to visit in Athens?

A detailed list of places to visit in Athens is available in a separate blog. Covering everything from the iconic Acropolis to hidden gems, this guide offers extensive insights. I carefully gathered all the information from our talented tourist guide and described it in detail. As a result, you don’t have to worry about planning your trip because your itinerary is ready here. For everything you need to know before visiting Athens, click here.

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