Best Things to Do in Athens

In the wake of its well documented rocky financial road, Athens has reinvented itself, and its indie fashion, art and food scenes are flourishing.

Young artists and creatives – who decided to fight rather than flee – have joined forces, sticking to their passions and breathing new life into the city centre.

The side effects of a less-than-healthy economy have been a fresh love for vintage fashion, the proliferation of low-key but sophisticated wine bars, an uplifting camaraderie, which pervades the city’s edgy new hangouts, and, now that cars are too expensive for many to run, traffic-free streets and cleaner city air.

Spend a day at the Acropolis and Museum

But there’s no denying that history is ever-present. Athen’s skyline is dominated by the Acropolis – the ancient citadel perched on a rocky outcrop.

The site consists of a number of significant buildings, the most celebrated being the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. Construction of the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike began in the fifth century BC.

To brush up on your ancient Greek history head to the Acropolis Museum, the soul-stirring presentation of its priceless contents has been a welcome source of pride for the natives of Athens.

Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art

The National Museum of Contemporary Art is also a must-see. Installations, photography, paintings and video bring this brand new space dedicated to contemporary talents to life.

Shop like a local

Shopping is a real drawcard here. Across Athens, you can buy second-hand clothes and accessories by weight at flea markets. Or head to the heart of the city for bespoke designers who carry out tailored fittings.

There are also plenty of bookshops, vintage stores, jewellers, art studios, antique emporiums, spice shops and more, where you can find the perfect souvenir to take home with you.

Ride the funicular railway

If you want to get out and breath some fresh air take a ride on the funicular railway to Lykavittos Hill and be dazzled by the white Chapel of Agios Georgios and the spectacular views of Athens far below.

Soak at a hamman

After pounding the pavements, get a good pummelling on the heated marble slabs at Athens’ hammam baths, a new take on ancient baths that gives Istanbul’s finest a run for their peshtemal towels and wooden slippers.