There is, obviously, a great number of activities you can have in a city like Athens. 

We made an indicative list of the most interesting ones, per category, to give you some ideas!
The categories are:

• Fun for the kids (and adults!)
• Entertainment
• Well being 
• Shopping 
• Swimming / Surfing / Diving 
• Walking / Hiking / Biking
• Religious

Fun for the kids (and adults!)

2. Visit the SNCC (Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center)

This is a big park (very near attractions 1 and 3) with Mediterannean gardens that hosts the National Opera and National Library. Great views in sunset time, it provides a great setting and games for kids, along with dancing fountains and many (free) events throughout the year.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/gQdZAEHsLnVg6UtH9

Official Website: https://cycladic.gr/en

3. Eugenideion Planetarium

A magnificent experience for everyone but especially kids! The Eugenides Foundation’s building complex on Syngrou Avenue hosts, among others, a planetarium. The dome's total surface area is 900 square meters, which makes it one of the largest (and best) digital planetariums in the world. Watching any documentary in it is an experience that will thrill anyone! See website for the program.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/9G2A2sM6FnQ8iFJY9

Official Website:   https://www.eef.edu.gr/en/the-foundation/planetarium/the-new-digital-planetarium/

4. Play in Allou Fun Park!

The largest amusement park in Athens, lots of rides and games, day and night!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/67tXhY3mV8EZfAJN9

Official website: https://www.allou.gr/en/e-shopping/

5. Open air cinema

How about watching a movie in an open air cinema, with an Acropolis view? The "Cine Thision" offers, along with the film, a different experience and is praised for this from many media around the world, including CNN that described it as the "best open air cinema in the world", for this reason!  It also has tables if you wish to take snacks, juices etc. Usually english-speaking movies.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/epwsEX5kEixVDEbB8

Official Website: https://cine-thisio.gr/en/#

More open air cinemas, here:  https://www.timeout.com/athens/things-to-do/best-open-air-cinemas-athens

6. Run inside the stadium of the 1st modern Olympics (1896)!

The only stadium made of marble in the world was made around 330 B.C. and was used as race track during the Panathinea (religious festival of ancient Athens), while during the Roman era it was used as an arena (the passage that gladiators used is now the entrance to its museum).

Re-built in 1895, with a capacity of 80.000, to host the first modern Olympics (1896) it's also used as the finish of the Authentic Marathon race (annually on November), as the start of the Olympic Torch journey and multiple purposes today. Inside there's a museum that exhibits all Olympic torches and moments from its glorious past!

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/eiAsu1cqqzQhuEfq5

Official website:  http://www.panathenaicstadium.gr/Default.aspx?tabid=84&language=en-US

7. Gaze at the stars in Athens!

Looking at the stars in Athens, a 60 minutes tour in the Athens first Observatory that ends with stargazing through its telescope as well planet Saturn! Only on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night (start times at 21:00, in summer but earlier in winter, see their website and call to reserve your seats).

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fNSQmwWRi4bdbyZT9

Official website: https://www.noa.gr/en/public-outreach/visitor-centers/thisseio/

8. The Ellinikon Experience Park

The Experience Park which opened its doors in 2021 is the first piece of the Metropolitan Park of Ellinikon, the first of a huge coastal park in south Athens. Upon completion it will cover hundreds acres. Every day and night there are various activities, most of them free.

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/56JqWwstHfUqwEnY8

Official website:  https://experiencepark.theellinikon.com.gr/en/home/

9. Botanical Garden of Athens (Diomedous Garden)

2,500 species of plants from all over the world in an area of 460 acres, with 25 ponds. Includes a section of historical plants that are mentioned in history, such as Conium, Mandragoras, Acanthus and more. Located in the western edge of the city (Korydallos area), it is free for all. Coffee shop near the entrance.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/q6f87mMjF8AYhF4b6

Official website: http://www.diomedes-bg.uoa.gr/start-en.html

Entertainment

10. Performances in a 2.000 years theater (Odeon of Herodes Atticus)

How about watching a musical or theatrical event in a venue that is being used for 2.000 years? The Herodion is among the very few buildings worldwide that offers this unforgetable experience! Many famous artists have given performances here (e.g. Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, Liza Minelli, Elton John and Sting among many others). If you have a chance to watch a concert (or a play), don't miss it!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/heeG4Qb7ECPW21Eb6

Events programme and tickets: Viva

11.  Performances in Athens Megaron Concert Hall

A leading concerts venue with great acoustics in all its 4 halls, offers musical, dancing and theatrical performances of the highest quality. In summer there are also events in its gardens (with some of them, free) while it boasts one of the best restaurants of Athens (Fuga), a beautiful cafe and the most extensive music library in Greece. Next to Megaron Metro station.

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/cPCFH1Qcr3u1NWG66

Official website:  https://www.megaron.gr/en/

12.  Opera by the sea

The Greek National Opera was established in 1939  with Maria Callas being one of its first opera singers!  It is now hosted in the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, an Athens landmark on its own (see no. 2 above). One of the most modern opera halls with great acoustics it guarantess magic nights. The center hosts as well restaurants and cafes.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4VE4yhWwdimDNu7h7

Official Website:  https://www.nationalopera.gr/en/

13.  Technopolis (and Dinner in the Sky)

The Technopolis, the old gas factory of Athens, in Kerameikos area (Metro station Kerameikos) has been transformed into a cultural center that hosts many events, especially in the summer, with some of them to be free. It's always worth to check their programme to find interesting ones!

It also hosts the Dinner in the Sky restaurant. Yes, it's exactly what you think it is! ( https://dinnerinthesky.gr/ ).

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/7YHhJsUFYyXPTuecA

Official website:  https://athens-technopolis.gr/index.php/en/

14. Onassis Stegi (Contemporary Arts venue)

18.000 square meters at the service of contemporary culture! The Onassis Stegi is a venue that hosts lots of events of contemporary arts and comes with a rich programme every year. It hosts all kinds of performances, exhibitions and events.

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/HvMLaPnkCTNL9VwNA

Official website:  https://www.onassis.org/onassis-stegi

15. Bars and Clubs

They are endless and they are everywhere!  From Athens center to Piraeus and the Athenian Riviera, Greek nightlife is excessive.

Which to choose?  Well, you can trust the wisdom of the crowd and...simply check TripAdvisor's suggestions:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189400-Activities-c20-t99-Athens_Attica.html

Well being

16. Hammam in Athens

If you are not aware of it, Hammam is a light version of the Finnish sauna, with steam temperature around 60 degrees Celsius (while Finnish begins at 80 Celcius!). It's a very comforting and re-vitalizing experience after a long walking day, that will relief you from the stress and pain. 

All Hammams offer many kinds of treatment to choose from!

Check TripAdvisor suggestions:  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189400-Activities-c40-t250-Athens_Attica.html

17. Etherfloat

A totally different wellness experience where you float in a water pad that contains Epsom salt, which multiplies the bouyancy of the water, and you stay easily on the surface. Temperature is 35 degrees Celsius, just like skin temperature and after a while you feel floating in outer space, with no gravity to restrict you! It can be combined withe massage, but in all cases if you have never experienced the Floating, it's a great idea to try it!  It is the no 1 in Spa & Wellness centers in Athens!

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KtGgstgxuKVSZBm47

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189400-d15550151-Reviews-Etherfloat-Athens_Attica.html

18. Vouliagmeni Lake

A hidden gem. Included in the "Natura 2000 Network" this place is considered of "outstanding natural beauty" by the Greek Ministry of Tourism.  This small thermal lake, in Vouliagmeni area, in the Athenian riviera, offers its mineral waters (22-24 C) to all those looking for a soothing swim with one of the most fascinating views in Athens! There are many myths that surround it but it is true that it has 14 underwater tunnels and one reaches 800 metres in length, the longest in the world! There's a restaurant/cafe and, although prices are high, consider making yourself a gift.

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/6ET5UQ7EGPydHR5o9

Official website:  https://www.limnivouliagmenis.gr/en/

19. Thallasotherapy and Spa   

Awarded from World Travel Awards, the Divani Apollon Spa & Thalasso Center, boasts the biggest Thalassotherapy & Spa center in Athens!

 Their 3.500 sq.m. centre is a unique wellbeing retreat for young and old, so if you wish a special treatment, head to Vouliagmeni without any second thoughts! You can combine it with a visit in Vouliagmeni lake (above).

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/qyYSumpftijHF47v5

Official website:  https://divineyou.divaniapollonhotel.com/wellness.html

20. Shopping in Athens

Designer Outlet Athens (exMc Arthur-Glenn):  The biggest outlet center is located in Spata, near the airport. Recently aquired by another company their website has no english version yet, still the place has lots of brands premium or not. Worth a visit.

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/c1sBuwP9kA3rXV8A8

Official website:  https://designeroutletathens.gr/

Golden Hall:  A big shopping mall, around 20-25 minutes from center, it houses 150 stores, 16 restaurants and cafes, the Modern Olympics Museum and offers lots of experiences for kids as well, such as the XPLORE Entertainment Center (among others, aquariums with 2.000 fish).

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/1U1HVAcJFpnRSXoi8

Official website:  https://goldenhall.gr/en

Attica City Link: Attica is a leading fashion & beauty mall, a one-stop-shop for 850 designer brands in Athens center.

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/Z55KG2aM4S3tYj2LA

Official website:  https://www.atticadps.gr/en/

Ermou Street:  This is the main commercial street of Athens, starting from the Syntagma square and stretching till Monastiraki. You will find all Greek and international brands stores there.

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/jweaFGU2vM6UiTz2A

Monastiraki Flea Market:  A not to be missed walk, it's full of tourist shops that have lots of stuffe, not just souvenirs. You will find lots of antiques, old books, vinul records, even military uniforms! Always worth a visit in one of the oldest markets of Athens!

Location:  https://goo.gl/maps/ySABibVLSS5y7yqu9

Swimming / Surfing / Diving

21. Life is a beach

Athens has a long coastline with many beaches on the east and west. You can reach many of them in the west easily with the tram that goes to the Riviera, bus A2, hop-on hop-off buses and taxi / car.  Most of them are free but if you want extra facilities there are also many organised beaches with tickets (Note that tickets are more expensive on weekends). The choices are endless!

See more here:  https://www.celebritycruises.com/blog/athens-beaches

22. Wind surfing / Kite surfing

Of course you can ride the waves, or fly over them,  in quite some places around Athens, top choice is Schinias beach, on the east side.

Still, plenty of areas and schools all over Attica (Athens region).

See more here:  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g189400-Activities-c61-t197-Athens_Attica.html

23. Diving

Well, you can try to dive to the shipwreck of Britannic (sister ship to Titanic) that struck a mine and sunk just outside Kea, an island very near to Athens, however it lies at around 100 meters depth, so you must be a very experienced diver!!!

If you are not, you can start lessons right away! After all, the sea is a majestic world!

See more here: https://www.viator.com/Athens-tours/Scuba-Diving/d496-g17-c28901

Walking / Hiking / Biking

24. Walking in Athens

You can have a nice stroll in Athens archeological center in the three hills, Philopappos (Hill of the Muses), Pnyx and Hill of the Nymphs. They are never filled with crowds and offer a serene retreat, a walk of peace of mind and relaxation. Also great views to the Acropolis and the city while sunset is the best time to get your best Instagram photos!  Start from the monument of Philopappos, on top of the same name hill. Next to it, is the Pnyx Hill, an important archeological site (with free entrance) that was the place where the Athenians had their assembly to vote and the hill of Nymphs where the Observatory is located (see also nr. 7). 

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3P549gJhuwXuBriD7

More info:  https://whyathens.com/hills-of-athens/

An alternative is the National Gardens, next to Syntagma Square, a 16-hectare retreat, that was the Royal Gardens untill the abolishment of monarchy in 1974, with a (small) Botanical Museum, and the Zoological Garden, which is home to around 400 animal species.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/VNwkMsuQd6bitNpZ8

More info: https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/cover-story/take-stroll-national-garden-athens

25.  Mountains hiking and biking

Athens is surrounded by three mountains, Parnitha, Penteli and Hymettus. Each one offers nice hiking and biking trails. Parnitha is the tallest and biggest with lots of wild life (a herd of wolves was spotted there last winter) and 2 refuges (in locations Mpafi and Flampouri). In Parnitha you can also climb, while near there is the Tatoi Palace (ex Royal Palace, till 1974, when monarchy in Greece was abolished). You can find such activities in TripAdvisor, Viator etc.

Penteli mountain has a lot of quaries of marble (the Acropolis was built with this marble) and the mysterious Davelis Cave, while in Hymettus, the smallest one, famous for its herbal plants, you can hike in the Kaisariani park (there's also a dragon house near there).

Location Parnitha:  https://goo.gl/maps/kjutrG9ez9y5nL4BA

Location Penteli:  https://goo.gl/maps/gvExq8f4dJNFSocD9

Location Hymettus:  https://goo.gl/maps/G7k6XyJNc3Jzp6Ts8

More info:  https://www.visitgreece.gr/experiences/nature/mountains/mount-parnitha/

More info:  https://www.greece-is.com/athens-walks-a-pleasant-descent-from-penteli/

More info:  https://www.thisisathens.org/excursions-day-trips/hiking-ymittos

Religious Activities

26. Orthodox Easter (May 5, 2024)

Easter celebration in Greece is a nice experience for everyone, especially if you like...fireworks!

Greeks are noisy people and so are their events. So, at midnight of Saturday (May 4, 2024) in most churches of Athens you will hear the tolling of the bells along with the explosions of the fireworks. Even anarchists participate in the event (in one particular church in Agios Kosmos area, so we suggest that you avoid it because they don't use firecrackers but...molotov bombs!). However, the biggest event happens on the island of Chios (the "War of two villages") where two villages send around 100.000 firecrackers against each other!

You want more suggestions???

If you wish any further information and/or clarification, just contact us:  https://www.athensclassictour.com/contact