Greece’s capital is bursting with must-see ancient attractions, notably the 5th-century BC Parthenon. But look beyond the archeological sites and museums filled with unearthed treasures, and you’ll find a bevy of lively neighborhoods and squares, art galleries, cafés, and welcoming wine bars. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to pick up handcrafted finds, either. Meanwhile, there’s a scintillating coastline nearby that’s worth exploring, ideally on a sailing yacht. To get your inaugural trip to Athens off on the right foot, start here with our insider tips.
Athens’ star attraction is, undoubtedly, the Acropolis and its host of temples, the crowning glory being the Parthenon. Between April and October, you’ll want to jump the queue to get up close and personal with the ancient marvel that continues to baffle engineers. Book a skip-the-line tour in advance so you can photograph monuments such as the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaia Gates glowing in the afternoon light. If you’ve got more time, opt for a more extensive tour, which stops at the Acropolis Museum.
History buffs won’t want to miss ancient sites such as the Panathenaic Stadium, Kerameikos Cemetery, or Arch of Hadrian. See them while exploring the city by bike, tuk-tuk or Segway. For more privacy and flexibility, you can opt for a full-day, family-friendly private tour, or make mythology for the kids even more interesting on an interactive tour led by a guide who expertly brings Greek legends to life.
Beyond the archaic wonders, Athens comes alive with a surprisingly contrasting collection of neighborhoods. In the shadow of the Acropolis sits Monastiraki, teeming with historical monuments and shops for select Greek-designed mementoes and vintage finds, while adjacent Psiri is renowned for eye-popping street art and handcrafted leather goods. Upscale Kolonaki’s boutique-lined streets and galleries draw well-heeled shoppers and contemporary art aficionados. Bordering Kolonaki is non-conformist Exarchia, which is dotted with niche bookstores, punk bistros, and streetwear stores. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's best to rely on a local to offer you the inside track on a half-day walking tour.
Related: 7 Must-See Neighborhoods in Athens and How To Visit
Witness a fiery sunset at Cape Sounion as you admire the marble Doric columns of the Temple of Poseidon, erected around 444 BC to honor the god of the sea. The ancient hilltop site not only served as a vantage point in 5th-century BC Athens but today affords wonderful views of the point where the Saronic Gulf meets the Aegean Sea. Legend has it that Athens’ King Aegeus threw himself off the cliff when he saw his son Theseus’ ship bearing black sails, mistakenly believing he had died.
A short drive southwest of the city center is the glittering Athens Riviera, a string of coastal suburbs and beaches stretching 37 miles (60 kilometers) from suburban Faliro down to Cape Sounion. Reserve a spot on a half-day luxury catamaran cruise and set off on a group sailing adventure in the Saronic Gulf. Cool off with a swim and snorkel (ideally between late May and October), then tuck into a hearty Greek barbecue on board. Choose between a morning and afternoon departure, the latter promising dazzling sunset views. Foodies, however, might instead opt for a gastronomy-focused monohull sailing experience.
Greeks take food seriously, so you won’t want to miss a tour of the city’s heady central markets, delis, old-school and modern cafés, laidback meze joints, tavernas, and street-food hangouts. Skip the hotel breakfast because you’ll need plenty of room to sample a seemingly endless array of goodies, from honey-dipped donut-like loukoumades and regional cheeses to olives and souvlaki. Alternatively, try your hand at preparing a Greek recipe or two in a cooking class, or consider an olive-tasting tour. By night, check out the city’s coolest bars or savor first-rate wines from the country’s foremost wine regions.
Related: 15 Traditional Greek Foods and Drinks To Try on Your Next Trip
While you’re in Athens, seize the opportunity to visit UNESCO World Heritage–listed sites on an informative day trip. Take a tour of the riveting ancient site of Delphi and its small yet notable museum with a licensed guide. Equally fascinating are the soaring stone pillars of Meteora, crowned by centuries-old Eastern Orthodox monasteries. If biblical history is more your vibe, trace the footsteps of St. Paul on a tour of ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal, which encompasses a visit to the ancient marketplace where the hallowed figure addressed the Corinthians.
With its dramatic ancient temples and vibrant dining and drinking scene, Athens shows its best side once the sun dips below the horizon. Take in the Acropolis and views over the twinkling city lights from the top of Mt. Lycabettus on a night tour of Athens by car or by e-bike—some tours end with a rousing performance of traditional Greek music and dance at a neighborhood taverna. The city’s trendiest districts also beckon with restaurants and bars filled to the brim; evening food or drink tours are an ideal way to experience the local nightlife with an insider.
Greece is most known for its classical art and architecture, but this land was inhabited centuries before the Greek Empire rose to power. Delve into prehistoric history at Mycenae, the UNESCO–listed seat of the powerful Mycenaean civilization as far back as 1500 BC. Follow streets where King Agamemnon is said to have walked, then jump ahead almost a millennium at the nearby Theater of Epidaurus, an ancient acoustical wonder that once seated 14,000 spectators. Some day trips from Athens also make a stop at the pretty resort town of Nafplio to break up the culture with a beach stop.
Ancient history buffs and sports enthusiasts alike delight in visiting ancient Olympia, home of the first Olympics. This massive site overflows with impressive ruins and top-tier museums, including the remains of the stadium, gymnasium, a number of temples, and the world-class Archaeological Museum of Olympia. The site sits more than three hours outside of the capital city, so book a tour that includes transportation to avoid the hassle of driving or navigating public transportation.
Insider tip: Pop into the unique Archimedes Museum while you’re there to learn about the seminal 3rd-century BC mathematician.
This article features additional content written by Rebecca Winke.