Athens is one of the most spectacular cities in the world and is visited by more than six million people each year. The city is known for its magnificent Acropolis and numerous other ancient ruins that tell the story of the classical Greek world, including the world-famous Parthenon Temple and Theatre of Dionysus.
It is certainly true that visiting all these famous attractions is a must. But it is also fun to make time to discover some of the more unique things to do in Athens too, especially if you want to avoid the crowds, you have already seen all the iconic attractions, or you are living in Athens and are eager to discover the city as a local.
Here are 10 great ideas for unique things to do in Athens:
1. Stretch out on the beach
Although Athens is not advertised as a beach destination, as there are far too many amazing ancient sites to visit, Athens also offers visitors the chance to stretch out and relax on a beach.
Skalakia Agias Marinas is a gorgeous blue flag sandy cove with clear azure waters that is situated just 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the city center. Skalakia Agias Marinas is the first of a string of sandy spots for relaxing downtime.
2. Taste the best seafood in Greece
If the sound of visiting the coast sounds appealing, another option is the suburb of Glyfada. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views over the sea with an excellent seafood meal – Sardelaki is ideal for this.
If you enjoy good shopping, after your meal, head to Kifissia with its pedestrianized precincts and really elegant boutiques – many of them filled with Greek designer labels.
3. Go island hopping
Piraeus is the city’s main port and has numerous ferries that regularly depart for various Greek Islands. There are several islands that are situated just a couple of hours away and offer you the chance to simply relax and discover their beaches, churches, and villages.
The small island of Agistri is situated close to Aegina and is small enough to explore in a few hours and is perfect for those who enjoy scuba diving. Kythnos will also tempt those who enjoy the idea of soaking in the waters of its natural hot springs, while the island of Anthos is great if you enjoy hiking.
We highly recommend one of the organized day cruises to the islands near Athens. To reach Piraeus, hop on the Metro at Monastiraki. The journey takes about 20 minutes. There is a Metro every 15 minutes, and tickets cost €1.20.
4. Relax with yoga and meditation on the Acropolis
What a spectacular setting to enjoy a relaxing yoga and meditation session! There are sessions held both at sunrise and sunset on this world-famous monument, which offers 360º views over the ancient city.
The sessions last about two hours, and a yoga mat and a bottle of water are provided. Don’t worry if you haven’t done yoga before because the sessions are for all abilities.
5. Discover the soul food of Athens
If you are a real ‘foodie,’ a food tour will be the best primer to discover this wonderful city’s food culture. Avoiding all the mainstream food attractions, a walking tour for foodies takes you into the heart of Athens to places where the Athenians do their shopping. The guides take participants to a variety of traditional shops and the oldest markets in the city.
You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast. Learn about the local herbs and spices and how to use them in cooking. Visit the city’s lesser-known delicatessens. Delight your senses while learning all about Greek yogurt and olives. There are plenty of opportunities to sample lots of different local foods.
This is an interesting, highly-enjoyable and one of the unique things to do in Athens, which could well have a lasting impact on your cooking and it will open your eyes and taste buds to your adoptive city in ways you never knew possible.
6. Learn about numismatics
For your inner numismatics geek, Athens has the largest museum in the world dedicated to ancient and modern coins. There are more than 500,000 exhibits and tells the story of coins through the ages.
There is also a conservation laboratory to see there. The museum was first created in the early 19th century and began with focusing on the coinage of Ancient Greece. The museum was first opened to the public in 2007. It is housed in a mansion building that is known as the Iliou Melathron – ‘Palace of the Lion’ which was built in 1878 and at the time was considered the most spectacular private residence in Athens.
The Numismatic Museum of Athens is open Tuesday – Sunday between 08:30 – 15:00. The nearest Metro station is Syntagma.
7. Admire the Antikythera mechanism
You definitely will not want to spend too much time in the city’s numerous museums, but there is one exhibit in the Copper Collection at the Archaeological Museum of Athens that is definitely worthy of appreciation.
The Antikythera mechanism is described as a “clockwork computer.” It is a small bronze instrument that is truly unique because it precedes any machine of equal complexity by more than a thousand years. For more than 2,000 years it lay among hidden treasures in a shipwreck off the Greek island of Antikythera. It was discovered by sponge divers in 1900.
This amazing instrument was built in 200 BC and comprises more than 30 gears behind its dials. It is regarded by experts as the world’s first analogue computer, as it can make precise calculations based on astronomical and mathematical principles developed by the ancient Greeks.
Bonus tip: If you want to see a fun collection of archaic computers, a wooden mouse, and the world’s first laptop, head to the quirky Hellenic IT Museum.
8. Experience island magic in Athens
Walking around Anafiotika, you can easily think that you are on a Greek island! Many of the houses are classic Cycladic cube houses with whitewashed walls and tubs of vibrant flowers.
This area is situated in the heart of the Plaka neighborhood and was created by islanders who moved to the city but missed the charms of island life. As well as being fun to wander along the winding streets to soak up the atmosphere during the day, there are great views of the Acropolis at sunset to enjoy too.
9. Watch the sunset from Mount Lycabettus
Mount Lycabettus is 277 meters (900 feet) high and is the highest point in Athens, with amazing views over the city. The climb up the hill is well worth it and is easier done in the evening when it is cooler, as it brings the bonus of seeing the magnificent setting sun over the Aegean and all the twinkling lights being switched on across the city.
Several key monuments such as the magnificent Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, and the Panathenaic Stadium are floodlit at night. This really is one of the best unique things to do in Athens as the experience is memorable. An added bonus is the restaurant near the top of the hill where you can pause for a refreshing drink or meal. If you prefer an easier option, there is a funicular railway that climbs the hill.
10. Greet the dawn dancing at a Bouzoukia
The bouzouki is the best-known Greek instrument that is played to accompany a variety of traditional dances. What better way to experience the vibe and local culture than going along to a Bouzakia (a sort of music hall).
There are two types of Bouzoukias – large and small. Small Bouzoukias are where traditional singing and music are performed, while the audience enjoys dinner, and the larger events are where everyone is up dancing and enjoying a drink until the early hours – this is definitely one of the fun and unique things to do in Athens.
After you’ve spent your day enjoying all these fun unique activities, we recommend a slow evening stroll through the city’s central streets, listening to street musicians and enjoying the cooler air of the evening as you admire the historic monuments by twilight.
