Beyond the Ruins: 16 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Athens, Greece

Beyond its historic ruins, Athens is a city full of interesting sights, lively districts, and one-of-a-kind experiences. There is a tour for everyone, whether you want to visit the city’s quaint local markets, take in the stunning views from secret rooftop bars, or explore the city’s modern art scene. For the greatest ways to experience Athens outside of the typical tourist attractions, check out this list.

For those visitors keen to see the city under a different light, you are in for a treat. In recent years, many companies have come up with a variety of alternative tours and walks in Athens. Join and discover how local artists, photographers, designers or foodies live. Take part in a street art tour or a photography tour to explore underrated spots in the city or discover truly local gastronomy. Check out organizations such as Alternative Athens or Atathens to find a tour of interest. Recommended by Ethel Dilouambaka.

In a city as busy as Athens, this is one of the very few places where you can find some peace and quiet. Sure, wandering through a graveyard might sound a tad grim, but its architecture and history is fascinating and well worth a visit. The First Cemetery of Athens was built in 1837 in the neighbourhood of Mets, only a short walk away from the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Inside the cemetery, you’ll find the tombs of wealthy and well-known Greeks, as well as some excellent examples of Neoclassical architecture. The absolute highlight of the cemetery is the enchanting I Koimomeni (Sleeping Girl) sculpture, which lies atop the tomb of Sofia Afentaki – the daughter of a prominent family from the island of Kimolos, who died from tuberculosis in 1873 at the age of 18. The sculpture’s creator, Yannoulis Chalepas, is also buried in the cemetery.

Visiting the suburbs is a perfect way to get a sense of everyday life in Athens, beyond the iconic ruins for which the city is known. In the summer, the glitzy coastal suburb of Glyfada is the perfect place for high-end shopping and dining – the seafood is second-to-none at Sardelaki, for example. On the other side of the map, you will find Chalandri, an up-and-coming neighbourhood with a vibrant nightlife – pop into White Monkey or Theory for an evening drink. Or, if you’re in the mood for a lovely Sunday stroll in the park, take the train up to Kifissia. One of the most affluent areas of the city, Kifissia is full of parks, pedestrian streets and elegant boutiques.

You may ask what is the point of locking yourself in a movie theatre while in Greece, but let us explain. As Greeks are blessed with a sunny climate, the summer is also the season of open air cinemas. Do like the locals and enjoy a relaxing evening watching a flick on a big screen under the stars. Athens has a plethora of outdoor cinemas where guests can watch the latest blockbusters or rewatch old-time classics. Visitors may even be lucky enough to be in town for the Athens Open Air Film Festival, with free daily screenings happening around the city. Recommended by Ethel Dilouambaka.

Whether visiting during the spring or wanting to experience something different, a trip to Vouliagmeni lake is another option. Located 20 kilometers away from the center, the lake enjoys a temperature of 24° C thanks to underground hot springs. Its water, full of minerals and salt is believed to cure many ailments and skin issues. Besides, the Vouliagmeni lake also hosts a series of events such as theatre performances and jazz concerts. Recommended by Ethel Dilouambaka.

After a while, Athens can become chaotic. To take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, seek refuge on Streffi hill, located in the notorious neighborhood of Exarcheia, the bastion of anarchy in Athens. Offering panoramic views of Athens, the Acropolis and even the Athens Riviera, the green hill is a small haven to relax after a day of sightseeing where joggers and dog walkers abound. A word of caution though, try to avoid it at night, as the place is badly lit and frequented by drug addicts. While you’re making your way down, stop by Ama Laxei on Kalidromiou street, a quaint little taverna where you can indulge in delicious Greek cuisine. Recommended by Ethel Dilouambaka.

There’s an abundance of affordable and high-quality rooftop cocktail bars in Athens. However, if you’re looking for something a little more alternative than the breathtaking view of the lit-up Acropolis, get ready to do some detective work. Some of the best party venues in Athens are well hidden. Take Astron Bar, for example: even though this techno hotspot is smack dab in the middle of Psyrri, you’ll probably never spot it unless you know where to go. In the area, you’ll also find Embros Theatre, a former factory that has been transformed into a versatile cultural space; and Romantso, a proto-hipster joint that frequently hosts parties and events. Other great places to party are Boiler, friendly LGBTQ club BeQueer, and Crust, a pizzeria-cum-underground industrial club.

If you are hiking enthusiasts, Mount Hymettus, culminating at 1026 kilometers, is located east of Athens, near the Zografou university campus. So skip the monument visits and get your dose of fresh air by climbing up the mountain and enjoying spectacular views of the city all the way to the sea. Make a day of it and try to reach Kaisariani Monastery, a Byzantine monastery dating back to 1100. Recommended by Ethel Dilouambaka.

The Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum are the uncontested superstars when it comes to cultural treasures. However, there are lots of other options that are frequently overlooked by visitors. Take, for example, the Athens Numismatic Museum. It has a large collection of coins, dating as far back as 1400 BC. Sure, unless you are Scrooge McDuck the name might not spur much enthusiasm, but it’s worth a visit for its impressive exhibits. While not exactly ‘off the beaten path’, the Museum of Cycladic Art is definitely underrated compared to the heavyweights. Among its vast collection, you’ll find ancient artefacts salvaged from Bronze Age Cycladic civilisations, as well as a plethora of painted vases and everyday items. Among the exhibits, you will find the best known artworks to have survived from this era: simplistic marble figures depicting women with their arms folded, known as FAF, or ‘folded-arm figure(ine)’, among archaeologists.

While for many, Piraeus is a synonym for island gateway, the southern suburb used to be a city before it was incorporated to the capital. Take a stroll on Kastela hill, where you will stumble across picturesque neoclassical mansions and enjoy views over Mikrolimano, the picture-perfect marina where you can savour delicious, fresh seafood and fish. Piraeus is also home to the beautiful Municipal Theatre, built in the 1880s by architect Ioanni Lazarimo, an archaeological museum and a maritime museum as well. Take the time to explore Zea Marina (Pasalimani) and enjoy a drink in one of its many bars. Recommended by Ethel Dilouambaka.

In need of more open space and fresh air than the central National Garden can offer? Athens is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, perfect for short escapes from the city. On the 60-kilometre (37-mile) drive between Athens and Cape Sounio, you will find dozens of beaches and coves, meaning it’s easy to combine a city break with a dip in the Aegean Sea. Among the most beautiful is KAPE, situated close to the Temple of Poseidon. Alternatively, you can dive into Vouliagmeni Lake, a protected thermal spring where the water temperature stays between 22-29C (72-84F) all year long due to an underground volcanic tunnel. If you are up for a hike, head out to the Penteli mountain and marvel at the gaping gulch of Chaos crater, a collapsed cave with a width of over 50 metres (164 feet).

While the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA) was built in the 1980s, it underwent major renovation works in preparation for the 2004 summer Olympics by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Stunning and beautiful, the OAKA is now in a state of abandon and resembles a ghost town, with weed-filled stadiums and rusting structures, although part of the complex is still used by local sport leagues and some of the venues have been converted into arenas, where famous bands like U2 or acts such as Madonna have performed. You will leave surprised at how this ambitious project is experiencing such decline. Recommended by Ethel Dilouambaka.

The Diomidous Botanical Garden is located just 9km (5.6mi) west of the centre of Athens. Named after its donors, Julia and Alexandros Diomidous, the botanical garden spans around 185 hectares (457 acres) and is a perfect spot for picnics or strolls. The gardens – the biggest of their kind – are home to over 3,000 plant species from all over the world, and are grouped according to their origin. Be sure to check out the historical plants section to discover plants mentioned in Greek mythology, such as the ‘narthex’ – the giant fennel stalk in which Prometheus is meant to have hidden fire stolen from Zeus.

The stunning Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, located in Kallithea, was rightfully the talk of town since its inception. While many thought it was a welcome addition for Athens, others thought the colossal project would end up as a budget sinkhole. Now completed, one thing is for sure: the stunning structure, comprising a park, an outdoor physical activies playground, an artificial canal (which is the new home of the National Library and the Greek National Opera), is an impressive endeavour that attracts hundreds of visitors who enjoy walks in the lush parks or along the canal and the many activities and performances hosted there. Why don’t you join them? The center organizes guided tours of the premises and you could make a day of it and settle for a picnic on its welcoming lawns. Check out the website to see the event program, which includes outdoor concerts and movie screenings. Recommended by Ethel Dilouambaka.

Contrary to what you might expect, the best view in Athens is not to be found in the hill of the Acropolis. Sure, it’s magnificent, but you’re missing one essential part of the Athenian skyline – the Parthenon itself! If you want to watch the sunset, your best bet is to climb the 277-metre-high (909-foot-high) Lycabettus Hill. From there, you can bask in the glory of the purple sky, contrasting ethereally with the lights of the busy city below. The hike to the top is enjoyable and doesn’t require a lot of effort, so don’t worry if you’re not in top form! However, if you are looking for an easier option, Strefi Hill is nearby and offers almost equally beautiful views of the city.

Often overshadowed by the New Metropolis church next door, the Little Metropolis church, also known as Agios Eleftherios church, is a gem located on Metropoleos square, near Plaka. While its construction dates haven’t been confirmed by scholars due to the use of marble blocks from non-Christian temples, the church has undergone little change. With a free entrance, the church and its colourful frescoes definitely deserve a visit. Recommended by Ethel Dilouambaka.

Greece is a country with amazing scenery, a fascinating past, and life-changing events. There is so much to see outside of the typical tourist destinations, whether you are wandering the whitewashed streets of Santorini, discovering ancient ruins in Athens, or experiencing the untamed beauty of Crete. Check out our expertly chosen excursions for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers distinctive perspectives on Greece’s natural beauties, food, and culture!