Athens is world famous for being the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. But there is so much more to the city than its ancient past. As someone lucky enough to grow up in Athens, I have had the pleasure of watching the city evolve into a world-class contemporary destination over time.
Today, the vibrant, exciting city of Athens is known for not just its history but also for its cuisine, cultural landscape, and friendly, unique vibe. Cafe culture is huge here, bars and restaurants spill out into the narrow, ancient streets.
A melting pot of people and culture, Athens has something for everyone. Blessed with a climate featuring year-round sunshine, Athens is a great choice at any time. It is also refreshingly cheap, compared with some other European capitals. Read on to find out what this cool capital is all about!
Table of Contents
1. The Acropolis
The Acropolis is the first thing that comes to people’s minds when they think of Athens. And with good reason! This awe-inspiring fifth-century BC citadel that dominates the skyline atop a hill overlooking the city, is bound to impress anyone and everyone.
The Acropolis complex features the Parthenon, which is a stunning marble temple dedicated to the Goddess Athena, the famous caryatids supporting the Erechtheion, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone-built theater at the bottom of the hill. Visible from the many roof-top bars and restaurants in the city, it is still at the heart of Athens more than 2,500 years after it was built.
2. Bakeries
You never have to look very far to find a bakery in Athens. Every neighborhood seems to have one (or more!) and people are loyal patrons of their local bakery, popping in regularly for a loaf of bread or a spanakopita.
These days, you can also find many swankier bakeries in Athens, offering plenty of gluten-free and vegan options and intricate cakes and tarts.
3. The Marathon
The Athens Classic Marathon is an annual road race that follows the original course run by the messenger Pheidippides in 490 AD, who ran from Athens to Sparta and back to announce the Greeks’ victory over the Persians at the Battle of Marathon.
The Athens marathon represents the last 42,2 km of his run, finishing at the spectacular Panathenaic stadium, which is built of white Pentelic marble, and makes for a breathtaking finish line experience for runners!
4. Plaka
Just underneath the Acropolis sits Plaka, a picturesque, car-free neighborhood that transports you to a different time. Its narrow, old streets are lined with museums and neoclassical buildings and peppered with ancient ruins, including the Roman Agora and Tower of Winds, which was the first meteorological station in the world!
Also read: 4 Days in Athens: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
5. Theaters
Athens is famous for being the birthplace of theater, but what a lot of people don’t realize is that even today, the city’s theater is very much alive. So much so that Athens actually boasts the most theatrical stages in the world!
From small theaters with under 200 seats putting up artsy and classic plays, to big halls that show musicals and large-scale productions, the city has something for every theater fan!
6. The Athens Riviera
To experience turquoise waters, sea sports, and great beachside vibes, you do not have to escape to the Greek islands. Just a few kilometers from central Athens is what is known as the Athens Riviera, stretching from the southern suburb of Faliro to Sounio.
Take a day to explore the Athenian coastline and you will get to see Blue Flag beaches, the healing springs of Lake of Vouliagmeni, and the Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounio.
7. Souvlaki
For a lot of people, Athens is synonymous with souvlaki! Thought to have been consumed even in ancient Greece, this timeless snack is today the most popular street food in the country.
A ‘souvlaki’ normally refers to either a meat skewer or pieces wrapped in pita bread which can also be filled with tomatoes, tzatziki, onions, and chips. It is an Athenian’s favorite fast food because it is the cheapest and most delicious option!
8. Nightlife
Athens has the reputation of being a city that never sleeps, as it offers unrivaled nightlife!
From rooftop terraces to swanky beachside clubs and trendy little bars, you are bound to find something that appeals to you. The best thing about the nightlife is that the coolest spots are clustered around the center of town and that they stay open until the sun rises!
9. Varvakios Market
The Varvakios market on Athinas street, in the center of the city, is an Athenian institution. First opened in 1886, you can find the best traditional Greek products there. The market is divided into different sections, with stalls selling meat, fish, vegetables, cheese, olives, and spices.
A great time to visit it is the Sunday before Clean Monday, when it stays open overnight and offers an electrified, convivial atmosphere.
10. Graffiti
Graffiti can be seen all over the city of Athens, and is a big part of the city’s urban street scene. While a lot of the city’s graffiti has been unfortunately splattered on beautiful buildings and even ancient ruins, some of it has been artfully painted on particularly bleak and gray walls of Athens, adding vibrancy and life to spots that desperately needed it.
A walk around Gazi, Psiri, Exarchia, and Pireos Street showcases some of Athens’ best giant colorful murals.
11. Open-air cinemas
Open-air cinemas are quintessentially Athenian. Today, there are 65 outdoor cinemas scattered around Athens, where you can enjoy the ultimate form of summer entertainment in the city.
Pick your chair and table and watch a movie at Cine Thisio, the screen of which is surrounded by bougainvillea and fragrant jasmine. Order a traditional sour-cherry juice or a whisky… why not? The atmosphere at an open-air Athenian cinema is an unforgettable one.
12. The Hellinikon Project
Athens is not only famous for things from the past, but also for future developments that are already underway with the goal of maximizing the city’s potential. Namely, the Hellinikon Project is the largest urban regeneration project in Europe, which aims to result in a world-class metropolitan park combining seaside beauty and avant-garde architecture.
13. Cats
Athens is basically a cat lover’s paradise. If you identify as a “cat person”, you will without a doubt enjoy the opportunity to pet your favorite creatures here… as they seem to be everywhere!
Cats can be found anywhere from parks to ancient temples, photobombing all your holiday snaps. Sit at any outdoor tavern and they will quickly surround you, trying to charm you for a bit of food. Usually, they are cute enough to succeed!
14. Coffee culture
Coffee is embedded in the soul of Athenians. Friends will meet at cafes to catch up and sip on their coffees for hours.
Traditional Greek coffee, made from finely ground coffee boiled with hot water and sugar, is very popular with the older generations, while younger people tend to prefer the legendary frappe, i.e. coffee blended with cold water and ice cubes in the shaker) or trendy freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino, arguably the best type of cold coffee in the world!
15. Mountains
Athens is known for being surrounded by four mountains: Mt. Egaleo to the west, Mt. Parnitha to the north, Mt. Penteli to the northeast, and Mt. Hymettus to the east.
Each mountain has its own characteristics: Mt. Egaleo is rocky, Mt. Parnitha is known for its rare wildlife, Mt. Penteli is famous for its ancient marble quarries, and Mt. Hymettus for its dry climate which makes it perfect for hiking. Explore the Athenian mountains and their tops will reward you with incredible views!
16. Flea markets
Treasure hunters and collectors love Athens for its flea market scene. You can find all sorts of bargains here.
In the city’s most famous flea market, Monastiraki, you can get hold of great souvenirs to take back home, as well as Greek leather bags and sandals, while Avisinias square’s market is perfect for eclectic treasures, antique furniture, vinyl, books, and old gadgets.
17. Abandoned Olympic buildings
The last time the Olympic Games took place in Athens was in 2004. The capital rigorously worked to prepare the necessary infrastructure, building and restoring many spaces for hosting sports like baseball, softball, beach volley, and canoe-kayaking.
The Games were a resounding success, but after they finished, the country could not afford to maintain most of these newly-added sports buildings. While the experience of visiting these abandoned places can be bittersweet for Athenians, they make excellent spots for urban exploring.
18. Piraeus
Piraeus is mainly known for its port, which is one of the largest ones in Europe and the gateway to the Greek islands. However, it also happens to be a part of Athens that hides a lot of treasures!
Piraeus is home to Mikrolimano (the old harbor), a colorful neighborhood in Kastella. This area is known for both fresh seafood and incredible views of the Saronic Gulf. Piraeus’ museums are also not to be missed: from an archaeological museum to the Greek Navy’s floating museum… you will always be occupied here!
19. Changing of the Guards
An iconic Athenian image is that of the changing of the guards in front of the monument of the unknown soldier by the Parliament on Syntagma square. Similarly to beefeaters in London, who are known to stand still for long periods, the changing of the guards involves members of the special unit of the Hellenic army called ‘evzones’ who are also trained to stand in stillness.
The official ceremony of the changing of the guards, wearing white skirts featuring 400 folds to represent the 400 years of Ottoman occupation, takes place on Sundays at 11 am.
20. Bouzoukia
You know the plate smashing that you always see in movies showing Greeks dancing? This tradition was popular in Athenian bouzoukia before the 1990s, but it is not really a thing anymore.
Bouzoukia are venues where popular Greek music is performed live by well-known singers and they are a big part of the Athenian nightlife. While carnation flowers have taken the place of plates at the bouzoukia, a flamboyant show featuring smoke machines and lots of alcohol until 6 am is still guaranteed.
21. Multiculturalism
In the last 20 years, Athens has become a great melting pot of cultures. Immigrants from countries like Albania, Bulgaria, Poland, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and more are working in Athens, calling the city a second home.
Having become an integral part of and indispensable to Greek society, they have also graced the Greek capital with their fantastic diverse cuisines.
Summing up
From incredible ancient sites to excellent street food, fantastic art, and unique entertainment options, Athens has it all. With a great climate during all seasons, it is a great place to visit. The clash of the modern and the ancient is visible on every street corner of the first great metropolis.
Immerse yourself in the Greek capital’s culture, like a true Athenian, and you’ll find you’ll have the time of your life!
