All the best things to do in Athens, Greece for first-time visitors to the iconic city

Athens is a living museum, with history at every turn. The Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora are just the beginning. Each city layer, from ancient ruins to Byzantine churches and Ottoman-era mosques, tells a unique story. Named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom according to Greek mythology, Athens is a city of striking contrasts, where the ancient coexist with the modern and cosmopolitan. She is sophisticated yet grungy, organised yet chaotic, and exhibits some occasional rough edges. Take a look at our guide to the best things to do in Athens for first-time visitors.

While our tours were complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.

All the best things to do in Athens for first-time visitors

A cultural capital and gateway to the broader Mediterranean region, Athens is worth getting to know and is much more than its ancient past. Having recently deep-dived the destination, we can attest that it rewards those who take the time to dig into its layers of history, culture, and contemporary life. We also asked our friends at Alternative Athens Tours for their distinctly local input to ensure we captured the most important sights and attractions. We did their Mythology Highlights Tour along with their Unexpected Athens Orientation Tour, and both were outstanding.

Central or downtown Athens, where the city’s iconic historic sites and vibrant neighbourhoods are located, is highly walkable. Within a 2.5km square, you can easily explore everything from the ancient ruins of the Acropolis to the charming streets of Plaka or trendy Kolonaki, all on foot. And if your feet need a break, the Metro, buses, trolleybuses, and trams are at your service. So, lace up your shoes and get ready to explore.

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We know the best hotels in Athens, too. Here’s a speedy rundown of our favourites.

• Best hotel with views of the Acropolis: AthensWas
• Best new design hotel in Athens: New Hotel
• Best boutique hotel in Athens: The Modernist Athens
• Best views of the Parthenon: The Dolli
• Best hotel with a Spa in Athens: Hotel Academias
• Best hotel by the beach in Athens: The Roc Club
• Best super boutique hotel in Athens (less than 10 rooms): Shila
• Best Athens hotel in a heritage building: Monument Hotel
• Best luxury hotel in Athens: One&Only Aesthesis

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1. The Acropolis: legends carved in marble

Address: Acropolis, Athens 10558
Neighbourhood: Acropolis / Makrygianni
Price: €30 adult admission; reduced €15
Best for: First-time visitors, ancient history and architecture
Key points: Athens’ defining landmark, home to the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Temple of Athena Nike. Timed tickets are required; allow 2–3 hours.

This is top of the list for every first-time visitor to Athens. Entry to the Acropolis now requires you to book your tickets in advance. You nominate an entry time with only a 15-minute window to hit that slot.

Don’t be like us, though, who naively thought it was just some old crumbled rocks and marble we had to do to get the photo. The minimum we suggest is getting an audio guide to make some sense of this 5th-century BCE citadel. Our Alternative Athens guide helped explain the history while weaving together the legends of this UNESCO-listed archaeological site like an ancient storyteller.

Entering through the southern gate, we were introduced to Dionysus, the god of wine, festivity and fertility (the perfect trio, right?), and his namesake theatre before even making it to the top. The stately Theatre of Herodes Atticus, where the great Pavarotti has performed, as did Sting in 2024.

Atop Acropolis Hill is the towering, collonaded masterpiece of the Parthenon that was even bigger than we had imagined. Though small by comparison, the Temple of Athena Nike was elegant and commanding with its creamy Pentelic marble. We nearly missed the Erechtheion, but the six graceful, majestic female statues (caryatids) certainly caught our attention as they effortlessly supported the temple.

More on the Ancient Acropolis or Book a Tour through Viator

2. Acropolis Museum: the Parthenon’s stories unveiled

Address: 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athens 11742
Neighbourhood: Makrygianni
Price: Approximately €20 for adults
Best for: Art, archaeology and understanding the Acropolis
Key points: More than 4,200 artefacts, original Caryatids and the spectacular glass-walled Parthenon Gallery. Allow 2 hours.

After soaking in the magnificence of the Acropolis, our guide implored us to dive into the architecturally stunning Acropolis Museum. It didn’t disappoint! First up, the original Caryatids from Erechtheion – these 2.28 m-tall beauties were just as enthralling up close. Incredibly, they held up that temple for centuries.

Our personal favourite? The Parthenon Gallery is on level three. This dazzling glass-walled exhibition matches the Parthenon’s original inner chamber, giving a real sense of scale. The surrounding walls display the remaining blocks of the temple’s frieze at a height for easier viewing.

Down on the lower ground floor, things got even more remarkable. Archaeological excavation revealed an ancient Athenian neighbourhood depicting human life from the 4th century BCE to the 12th century. Talk about stepping back in time.

With over 4,200 artefacts, the museum is packed with history. It’s beautifully designed with excellent signage and an audio guide that brings it all to life.

Discover more on the Acropolis Museum or Book a tour through Viator

3. Temple of Zeus: the God of Gods

Address: Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, Athens 10557
Neighbourhood: Olympieion
Price: Check current Ministry of Culture ticketing; approximately €20 for adults
Best for: Ancient architecture and photography
Key points: Once one of the largest temples in the ancient world, with 15 towering Corinthian columns still standing. Close to Hadrian’s Arch.

So here’s the thing: Athens (and Greece, really) is packed with archaeological sites. They’re everywhere, and if you plan to hop from one ancient ruin to another, it’s worth grabbing a combo ticket and mapping out your must-sees. One of the big hitters is the Temple of Zeus, right in the middle of Athens. Zeus wasn’t just any God; he was the king, protector of all Gods and humans, and the guy everyone looked to when things went south.

As for the temple, 15 of the 104 original Corinthian columns still stand tall. These columns are colossal at 17 metres high with a 1.7-metre diameter base. Interestingly, it took a whopping 700 years to be completed. Roman Emperor Hadrian oversaw that accomplishment in 131 CE, and in his honour, Hadrian’s Arch was erected nearby.

Book your tour through Viator

4. Ancient Agora: the pulse of ancient Athens

Address: Adrianou Street, Athens 10555 (check the current visitor entrance)
Neighbourhood: Thissio / Monastiraki
Price: Approximately €20 for adults
Best for: Ancient Greek history and classical architecture
Key points: The former political, commercial and social heart of Athens. Highlights include the remarkably preserved Temple of Hephaestus and reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, which houses the site museum.

The Ancient Agora is where it all happened in 6th-century Athens – think of it as the political, commercial, and social hub where big decisions were made.

The ruins are significant; however, the Temple of Hephaestus stands out. It’s Greece’s best-preserved Doric temple, predating the Agora by about 1,000 years. Then there’s the Stoa of Attalos, which was reconstructed and now houses the Museum of Ancient Agora.

Book a tour through Viator

5. Roman Agora and Tower of the Winds: predicting ships arriving

Address: Polignotou Street, Athens 10555
Neighbourhood: Plaka / Monastiraki
Price: Approximately €10 per adult
Best for: Ancient engineering, history and a shorter archaeological visit
Key points: Explore the remains of the Roman marketplace and the octagonal Tower of the Winds, an ancient timekeeping and weather station.

Near the inner city neighbourhood of Monastiraki, the Roman Agora once bustled with traders over 2,000 years ago. However, today, the site is much smaller. The centrepiece is the remarkably preserved Tower of the Winds, an ancient octagonal meteorological station. With sundials and a water clock, it also featured a wind vane that merchants used to estimate when their next shipment would arrive in port.

Book an Ancient Athens Segway Tour through Viator

6. Panathenaic Stadium: marble glory and Olympic dreams

Address: Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue, Athens 11635
Neighbourhood: Pangrati / Mets
Price: Approximately €12 for adults
Best for: Sports enthusiasts, Olympic history and families
Key points: The world’s only all-marble stadium and venue for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Visitors can explore the stands, track and small museum.

Standing before the world’s only all-marble stadium, initially built in 144 CE, was like stepping back into ancient history. We could almost hear the thunderous cheers of 50,000 spectators as athletes competed in sports far different from today’s Olympic events.

After centuries of disuse, the stadium was excavated, restored, and hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1869 and again in 2004. Seeing how this venue has bridged time is inspiring. Take the guided tour to delve deeper into its fascinating past.

Learn more about the Panathenaic Stadium or Book a Half-Day Best of Athens Private Tour

7. Syntagma (Constitution) Square: the centre of Athens

Address: Syntagma Square, Athens 10563
Neighbourhood: Syntagma
Price: Free
Best for: First-time visitors, people-watching and city orientation
Key points: Athens’ central square, facing the Hellenic Parliament. A major transport hub and a convenient starting point for exploring the city.

Syntagma Square is Athens’s central square. With the Hellenic Parliament standing proudly across the road, the square has been the epicentre of political life, hosting everything from major processions to spirited political protests.

It’s a place where locals and tourists gather, and many city walking and cycling tours kick off from here. Syntagma Metro Station sits underneath, and the bordering streets are also pickup points for other transport options.

Book a four-hour Athens Highlights Private Tour

8. Changing of the Guards: precision in motion

Address: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of the Hellenic Parliament
Neighbourhood: Syntagma
Price: Free
Best for: Culture, photography and a distinctly Greek experience
Key points: The Evzones perform a ceremonial change every hour. The larger Sunday ceremony takes place at 11am and is particularly popular, so arrive early for a good viewing position.

Just across from Syntagma Square, one of Athens’ most amazing ceremonies happens every hour. Evzone guards dressed in distinctive uniforms, complete with pleated skirts and pom-pom-tipped shoes, change over.

Having stood guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, their slow, high-stepping ritual is performed with hypnotic precision. Interestingly, the movements were designed in part to help the soldiers regain blood circulation after being totally motionless for an hour.

The 11 am Sunday version is even more elaborate, drawing larger crowds to witness the dignified pageantry. The grand Parliament House is the backdrop for this mesmerising ceremonial display and free event.

Book a tour through Viator

9. National Garden: a serene escape in the heart of Athens

Address: Entrance from Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias, Athens 10557
Neighbourhood: Syntagma
Price: Free
Best for: Families, a peaceful walk and escaping the city bustle
Key points: A leafy 19th-century garden with shaded paths, ponds, a playground and the elegant Zappeion Hall nearby.

Designed in 1838 by Queen Amalia, the National Garden is a green sanctuary within the bustling streets. The story goes that the Queen could not have children and devoted her time and energy to creating the National Gardens, connecting her to the Athenian people.

Wander the enchanting rambling paths to discover a playground, ponds filled with ducks and turtles, and tranquil spots perfect for unwinding. The grand Zappeion Hall, built in the 1880s and linked to the first modern Olympic Games, stands as an elegant backdrop at the southern end of the gardens, adding a touch more history to the lush park.

Book an E-bike Tour to see the National Garden

Neighbourhoods

10. Plaka: Athens’ most charming neighbourhood

Address: Around Adrianou, Kydathineon and Tripodon streets
Neighbourhood: Plaka, beneath the Acropolis
Price: Free to explore
Best for: First-time visitors, shopping, cafés and traditional tavernas
Key points: Neoclassical buildings, narrow lanes, artisan shops, galleries and some of Athens’ prettiest streets. Allow a few hours to wander without a fixed itinerary.

We loved getting lost in this enchanting neighbourhood, where neoclassical, Byzantine, and Ottoman architecture blend seamlessly. Its picturesque streets, nestled between the Acropolis and the National Garden, are lined with artisan shops, galleries, and boutiques filled with unique finds. But beyond that, Plaka’s patisseries, gelato shops, cosy tavernas, and bustling cafes make it a feast for the senses and the perfect place to soak up the Athenian vibe.

Book an Athens Guided Mythology Tour

11. Monastiraki:  tapestry of time

Address: Monastiraki Square, Athens 10555
Neighbourhood: Monastiraki
Price: Free to explore; shopping varies
Best for: Markets, souvenirs, vintage shopping and rooftop views
Key points: A lively district of flea-market stalls, independent shops, historic religious buildings and cafés. Browse Avissinias Square for antiques and curiosities.

Sitting beside the charming Plaka, with the northern side of Acropolis Hill towering above, Monastiraki is a lively district steeped in history. Standing in Monastiraki Square, we were captivated by the rich tapestry of architectural styles around us. The domed Ottoman-era mosque building from 1759, the diminutive Greek Orthodox Church of Virgin Mary Pantanassa, the neoclassical-style Monastiraki Metro Station and the remains of the 2nd century CE Hadrian’s Library, all with stories to tell.

This popular meeting place is a vibrant blend of traditional and modern Athens. Wander the streets leading to Avissinias Square and discover a treasure trove of old artefacts, paintings, jewellery, handmade crafts, clothes, souvenirs, books, handmade sandals, and leather goods. There’s something for everyone.

Book an Unexpected Athens Orientation Tour

12. Gazi: Athens’ edgy side

Address: Around Technopolis, 100 Pireos Street, Athens 11854
Neighbourhood: Gazi / Kerameikos
Price: Free to explore; events and venues vary
Best for: Nightlife, live music, street art and contemporary culture
Key points: A former industrial district now known for bars, restaurants, galleries and Technopolis, a converted gasworks hosting exhibitions and festivals.

Once a gritty industrial burb, Gazi is being transformed into one of Athens’ coolest neighbourhoods. Streets lined with trendy restaurants, cafes, and edgy galleries set the tone. As the sun sets, Gazi comes to life with live music, vibrant (LGBT-friendly) bars and nightclubs open till late. At its heart, the Technopolis, a former gasworks-turned-cultural hotspot, hosts concerts, events and the Athens Jazz Festival. Gazi also has some imaginative street art, particularly around the ILPAP Building.

Book a Bohemian Athens: Beyond the Tourist Trails Tour

13. Lycabettus Hill: Athens at your feet

Address: Lycabettus Hill, access from Aristippou Street, Kolonaki
Neighbourhood: Kolonaki
Price: Free to walk; funicular approximately €10 return
Best for: Panoramic city views, sunset and photography
Key points: Athens’ highest central viewpoint at 277 metres, crowned by the whitewashed Chapel of St George. Take the funicular up or walk the forested paths.

We took the three-minute funicular ride to the top of Lycabettus Hill, orienting ourselves by spotting iconic landmarks in every direction from the panoramic viewpoint. What a magical experience! The quaint, whitewashed 18th-century Church of St George added a sense of serenity and reverence.

Central Athens is generally flat with only three high points – Acropolis, Lycabettus, and Philopappou Hills, with Lycabettus the highest at 277 metres. Skipping the funicular for the return trip, we strolled down the well-used forested paths leading down the other side of the hill. Each new vista revealed a different perspective of the city.

Another local recommendation, the Green Tent Café, partway down, was the perfect spot to sit back, sip a coffee and soak it all in.

Book a Lycabettus Walking Tour

14. Philopappou Hill: astounding Acropolis views

Address: Philopappou Hill, access from Dionysiou Areopagitou
Neighbourhood: Thisseio / Koukaki
Price: Free
Best for: Sunset views, walking and photography
Key points: Pine-shaded walking paths lead to beautiful views of the Acropolis. Look out for the Philopappos Monument and the Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris.

Philopappou Hill, a peaceful escape from the hubbub, is accessed off the marble-paved Dionysiou Areopagitou boulevard on the southern side of Acropolis Hill. A shady pine forest path leads to fantastic vantage points to snap the Acropolis, especially at sunset.

At the summit, the Filopappos Monument, a grand Roman structure from the 1st century CE, is a tribute to the Roman senator. Also, pop into the Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris with its impressive 16th-century Byzantine frescoes and the intriguing Socrates’ Prison. It’s the perfect spot for history, photography, and a moment of serenity.

Book an Athens Small Group Bike Tour

15. Kallithea and Piraeus Port: waterfront playground

Address: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, 364 Syngrou Avenue, Kallithea 17674; Piraeus Tower, 2 Akti Posidonos, Piraeus 18531
Neighbourhood: Kallithea / Piraeus
Price: Public grounds free; exhibitions, performances and dining extra
Best for: Contemporary architecture, waterfront dining and a different side of Athens
Key points: Visit the Renzo Piano-designed cultural centre, National Library and Greek National Opera, then continue to Piraeus for its harbour and waterfront restaurants.

Athens harbour suburbs with their marinas, recent Olympic facilities, and the superlative Renzo Piano-designed Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) are six kilometres from the city centre. Overlooking the Faliro waterfront and breathing new life into Kallithea, SNFCC is a stunning blend of art, exhibitions and performances. It is home to the Greek National Opera and National Library. Welcoming public spaces host free events. The riveting Dancing Fountains, with the glass-walled modernist building as a backdrop, is a highlight. It’s an ideal spot to wind down with parklands that are perfect for a stroll or bike ride, and have excellent dining options. There’s even a free shuttle from Syntagma Square.

Neighbouring Piraeus, the biggest passenger port in Europe, is also seeing a regeneration with its waterfront tavernas enjoying a new lease of life and green developments. An example is Greece’s second-tallest building at 84m, Piraeus Tower, which has sweeping views of the passenger port and beyond from the three retail and dining precinct levels.

Book an Athens for Cruise Ships Tour and get picked up at the port

Museums

Athens, the cradle of Western civilisation, boasts an impressive array of museums that capture the city’s rich heritage. Leading the way is the (already mentioned) Acropolis Museum. History buffs and culture lovers will appreciate the National Archaeological Museum. The Cycladic Art Museum delves into the ancient Cyclades with its distinctive marble figurines and diverse artefacts. Modern-day art enthusiasts will be enthralled at the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST).

We found the following three well worth the admission fees.

16. Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation: world-class art meets Athenian charm

Address: 13 Eratosthenous Street, Athens 11635
Neighbourhood: Pangrati
Price: Approximately €12–€15 adult; exhibitions may affect pricing
Best for: Art lovers and contemporary culture
Key points: A beautifully restored neoclassical building housing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Kandinsky, alongside Greek artists.

Housed in a redesigned 1920s neoclassical mansion, an easy five-minute walk from Panathenaic (Olympic) Stadium, with five floors of exhibition space, this museum is a true gem for art lovers.

Founders Basil and Elise Goulandris aimed to make world-class art accessible to everyone. And they’ve done just that. Inside, we marvelled at masterpieces by van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, Kandinsky, Miró, and celebrated Greek artists.

The contemporary art section became a personal favourite, where we spent much time admiring the creativity and debating the meanings behind artworks. The B&E Goulandris shop was a delightful discovery, offering custom-made treasures crafted by Greek artists.

Find out more about Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation

17. Benaki Museum of Greek Culture

Address: 1 Koumbari Street, Athens 10674
Neighbourhood: Kolonaki / Syntagma
Price: Approximately €12–€15 adult; check current admission and concessions
Best for: Greek history, decorative arts and cultural heritage
Key points: A fascinating journey through Greek history, from prehistoric artefacts to modern times, displayed inside an elegant neoclassical mansion.

Stood outside the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, just around the corner from Syntagma Square, our Alternative Athens guide told us about a child who loved collecting things. It seems that the child continued his fixation on collecting as an adult. However, this time he focused on collecting Greek art from prehistoric to modern times. Antonis Benakis and his family’s foundation now have several museums across Athens, though it was their Museum of Greek Culture that captivated us the most.

This extraordinary collection is delightfully displayed in a neoclassical-style building, and it was a breeze to wander from room to room, lingering longer where the art truly captured our attention. One standout room was the subtly lit Byzantine iconography, displaying beautiful depictions of saints and religious figures and offering a glimpse into Greece’s spiritual heritage.

Find out more about the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture

18. Museum of Ancient Greek Technology: hidden treasures of innovation

Address: 6 Pindarou Street, Athens 10671
Neighbourhood: Kolonaki
Price: Approximately €5–€10 adult; check current admission
Best for: Families, curious minds and science enthusiasts
Key points: A compact but fascinating collection of around 300 reconstructed inventions, demonstrating ancient Greek advances in engineering, astronomy, mechanics and everyday technology.

Don’t let the unassuming entrance in what looks like a traditional Athens apartment building fool you. With a modest entry fee, we stepped into a surprising world of ancient Greek ingenuity. This small museum features around 300 reconstructed models and interactive exhibits.

What truly brought the experience to life for us was the enthusiastic staff, who demonstrated and explained many remarkable inventions. These engaging explanations made complex concepts easier to grasp.

We marvelled at the ingenious applications of pulleys, gears, and hydraulic systems across various fields, including construction, agriculture, astronomy, military, navigation, medical, and even sports and entertainment. From steam propulsion to cryptography, we were inspired by the building blocks of modern technology – alarm clocks, catapults, cranes, wine dispensers, oil presses, doorbells, vending machines, and more.

Learn more about the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology 

Food Adventures

You may also be interested in our full guide on where and what to eat in Athens.

19. Central Food Market (Varvokias Agora): feast for the senses

Address: Athinas Street 42, Athens 10551
Neighbourhood: Omonia / Psiri
Price: Free entry; food and purchases vary
Best for: Food lovers, local culture and photography
Key points: Athens’ historic central market, filled with fishmongers, butchers, produce stalls, spices, cheeses and traditional food shops. Visit in the morning when it is at its liveliest. Stop at nearby cafés for traditional Greek coffee.

Step into the bustling heart of Athens at Varvokias Agora, where the old wrought iron halls hum with energy. This traditional market, a true Athenian institution, offers everything from the freshest seafood to aromatic spices. Locals vie for the day’s catch while fruit and vegetable stalls display a produce rainbow. You’ll find cheeses, olives, honey and preserved products that make Greek cuisine famous.

Wander the laneways to discover hidden tavernas and cafes serving local favourites. Coffee lovers should stop at Mokka Speciality Coffee, where you can try traditional Greek coffee brewed on hot sand. Or, cool down with a Freddo Espresso or Freddo Cappuccino – a favourite right across Greece and the only way to have iced coffee.

Book a Market Visit and Cooking Class

20: Food tours

Address: Meeting points vary; central Athens, often around Monastiraki or Syntagma
Neighbourhood: Plaka, Monastiraki, Psiri and the Central Market
Price: Approximately €60–€120 per person, depending on tour length and inclusions
Best for: Foodies, first-time visitors and travellers wanting local insight
Key points: Sample Greek specialities such as koulouri, olives, cheeses, meze, souvlaki and traditional sweets. Alternative Athens offers food and market experiences, as well as mythology-themed food tours and cooking classes.

We are HUGE fans of food tours as it’s such a wonderful way to explore the layers of a culture, plus it’s like having a really knowledgeable local friend show you around.

Alternative Athens also offers a selection of food tours that are a wonderful way to get closer to the culinary scene of the city and its people. We’ve already shared our experiences from their Food and Market Tour, but they have a range of other options, including an Acropolis Mythology Food Tour and a selection of cooking classes so that you can recreate your Greek faves at home.

Book a Tour with Alternative Athens

Street Art: vibrant expressions of Athens’ spirit

Address: No single address; explore around Psiri, Exarchia, Gazi and Metaxourgeio
Neighbourhood: Psiri / Exarchia / Gazi
Price: Free to explore independently; guided tours approximately €25–€50 per person
Best for: Contemporary culture, photography and alternative Athens
Key points: Discover large-scale murals, graffiti and politically charged works that reflect the city’s changing identity. A guided walk adds context about the artists and the social history behind the artwork.

Athens has a distinct grunge element, especially in neighbourhoods like Exarchia, Gazi, Metaxourgeio, and Psiri, where graffiti and more elaborate street art (some covering whole walls of buildings) have a presence. One of our Alternative Athens tour guides gave us a crash course in Greek culture and history, which helped contextualise this.

Much of this bold street art emerged from the economic struggles of Greece’s 2009 financial crisis. The austerity measures (slashed salaries and pensions, cuts to public spending, tax reform and more) hit hard, especially for the younger generation, and people took to the streets in protest – both literally and creatively. Exarchia, in particular, is known for its anarchist vibes, alternative music venues and edgy art galleries.

Athens’s streets remain a canvas for artists like Ino, WD, and Sonke, who make bold statements about politics, social issues, and lifestyle themes. You will encounter theirs and others’ art and tags as you wander central Athens, though a street art tour will add much more to your understanding of the art and the people who call it home.

Book an Athens Street Art Tour

Shopping: Athens style

Address: Ermou Street, Mitropoleos Street, Perikleous Street and Kolonaki’s Voukourestiou Street
Neighbourhood: Syntagma / Monastiraki / Kolonaki / Plaka
Price: Free to browse; purchases vary
Best for: Fashion, Greek designers, souvenirs and independent boutiques
Key points: Ermou is the main shopping street, while Kolonaki is best for luxury labels and designer boutiques. Explore Monastiraki for vintage finds, antiques and leather goods, and Plaka for handmade sandals, crafts and souvenirs. Attica department store is a useful stop for Greek and international brands.

Athens is a shopaholic’s paradise and perhaps a travel partner’s worst nightmare. What sets the city apart is its abundance of Greek brands and family-run businesses, offering a unique and captivating shopping experience devoid of many international retail brands.

Start your retail therapy along Periklious, the pedestrianised Ermou and Mitropoleos streets with alluring boutiques. For a more curated experience, the iconic Attica department store showcases a wealth of Greek designers. For a taste of luxury, the Kolonaki neighbourhood has high-end boutiques featuring Greek and international labels, plus chic art galleries and trendy stores.

For something more eclectic, venture into Monastiraki Flea Market, a joy for antique lovers and bargain hunters, especially on Sunday mornings, or amble the charming Plaka laneways.

And in your meanderings, be sure to stop for a bite! Athens is a foodie’s dream, with tavernas, cafes and patisseries beckoning at every turn.

Book a Small Group Shopping Tour

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