9 Things to Do in Athens: A Solo Female Traveler’s Personal Guide
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Greece has always been a country that was high on my list of places to visit. Specifically visiting Athens, I was very excited to learn and experience the ancient history, the architecture, monuments, and of course, the amazing food. When I first started planning my trip, I don’t think I realized all the things to do in Athens. In this guide, I will dive into your must-sees, hidden gems, and share some insider tips on things I learned along the way, so that your trip to Athens is as magical as mine was.
Introduction: Things to do in Athens
If you are planning a trip to Greece, you absolutely need to make sure Athens is on your list. Between visiting the moments, the hidden gems, the food, and everything in between, there is no shortage of things to do in Athens. In this guide, I will be discussing all of my favorite things to do in Athens from personal experiences, I will share my insider tips, and resources I used in order to make my trip as incredible as possible. Now, let’s dive in!
Things to do in Athens Greece
1. Acropolis & Parthenon
You absolutely cannot visit Athens without visiting the Acropolis, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. I feel like if you do only one thing in this city, this is it. There is nothing like it in the world, and I highly recommend you do a guided tour like I did, because I learned so much about the history that I would’ve missed out on otherwise. There is something about listening to the guide talk about the history that brings this site to life.
If you have time and want to learn more, you can also purchase a ticket for the onsite Acropolis museum. The museum takes you beyond the monuments for a glimpse of daily lives in ancient Athens, from spirituality to celebrations, and, of course, magnificent artwork.
Visiting the Parthenon was a surreal experience. There was something about standing beneath its towering columns, that made me feel the weight of centuries worth of history. The views over Athens from the Acropolis were breathtaking, especially as the late afternoon light turned the marble golden. Walking among the ruins, I was struck by how timeless and awe-inspiring the site remains.
Pro Tip: Buy a combo ticket for all three attractions to save money and go as soon as they open in order to enjoy the sites without the crowds.
2. Greek Cooking Class
Taking a Greek cooking class is a delicious way to dive into the culture, with hands-on, flavorful, and full of stories. You’ll learn to prepare classics like spanakopita, moussaka, or fresh tzatziki using local ingredients and traditional techniques. Whether it’s in a rustic village kitchen or a modern culinary studio, the experience often includes shared meals, meeting some new friends, and warm hospitality that make you feel like part of the family.
I think one of my favorite parts of the cooking class (other than the tzatziki of course), was heading up to the roof to enjoy the amazing food that we cooked with views over the Acropolis. It was absolutely incredible.
3. Ancient Agora & The Temple of Hephaestus
Visiting the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus was like stepping into the heart of classical Athens. The Agora, once a bustling center of public life, is dotted with ruins of stoas, statues, and civic buildings that reveal how Athenians lived, debated, and worshipped. The Temple of Hephaestus, remarkably well-preserved, stands proudly on a hill as its Doric columns and serene setting made it one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring spots of my trip.
Pro Tip: Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the site in cooler temperatures and with fewer crowds especially if you’re visiting in summer
4. Plaka & Anafiotika
Wandering through Plaka and Anafiotika felt like stepping into a living postcard with the narrow-cobbled streets, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and the hum of life beneath the Acropolis. Plaka buzzed with cafés, artisan shops, and street musicians, while Anafiotika, tucked just above, offered a quiet escape with whitewashed houses and island-style charm. It was the perfect blend of Athens’ ancient soul and Cycladic serenity, all within walking distance.
Pro Tip: Go early in the morning or just before sunset to enjoy the quiet charm and golden light without the crowds. In Anafiotika, look for the hidden stairways and tiny alleys that lead to panoramic views of Athens, which many visitors miss.
5. Filopappou Hill
One of my favorite peaceful escapes from the busy city of Athens was venturing to Filopappou Hill. This hidden gem has lush paths, ancient ruins, and incredible views. I was able to sit and just enjoy the moment while overlooking the incredible iconic Acropolis, and the city below me. It was a perfect escape that gave you a different perspective of Athens and was also a lot less busier compared to some of the other must-sees in Athens.
Pro Tip: Head up just before sunset for the best light and fewer crowds, and take the southern trail for a gentler climb with scenic stops along the way.
6. Athens Cruise
One of the must-see activities that was on my itinerary for Athens, and absolutely should be on yours, is an Athens cruise. I boarded this incredible yacht in Piraeus and enjoyed a full day of sailing and sun, and of course amazing food.
We visited Agistri, I had a nice little swim and then enjoyed a cup of coffee by the water, did some snorkeling, and saw so many colorful fish. We also stopped in Aegina and walked around, had some ice cream, which was delicious, and explored some ancient temples, which I feel like Greece is full of.
On the yacht, I feasted pretty much the entire time on this incredible Greek buffet that may have been the best food I had eaten on the trip. And the nightlight, was on our way back, seeing the most incredible sunset, which was honestly the perfect ending to this perfect day.
7. National Archaeological & Benaki Museums
If you are looking for a museum that is devoted to ancient Greek art, history, and culture, then you need to visit the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. This museum has over 11,000 exhibits, covering from prehistoric times to late antiquity. This museum was founded in 1866 and includes all of the Greek masterpieces.
Another great museum is the Benaki Museum founded in 1930, which offers a broader cultural perspective. This museum includes Asian and Islamic pieces, rotating exhibits, and with over 100,000 pieces, this museum has something to offer everyone from traditional customs to religious artifacts, to contemporary art.
Pro Tip: Plan on spending at least 2 hours in the museums, as there is lots to see!
8. Athens Food
I don’t think I could possibly say enough wonderful things about the food in Athens. I am pretty sure I gained 10lbs on this trip, and it was 100% worth every pound. Some of my favorite restaurants that I tried, without breaking the bank, were Atitamos, Spheka, Tzitzikas kai Mermigas, Klimataria, and O Kostas.
Each restaurant I tried, I offered something a little different. From tapas at Spheka, to the classic Greek dishes we all came to try at Tzitzikas kai Mermigas, to enjoying some amazing lamb and live music at Klimataria, each restaurant offered amazing food and a unique experience.
Regardless of where you go, make sure you avoid restaurants with pictures, annoying staff that stand on the street trying to pull you in, and restaurants that offer 100 selections. The best restaurants in Athens Greece will not have anyone standing outside, they will be off of the busy streets, and they will be filled with locals.
9. Day Trips From Athens: Delphi & Cape Sounion
Delpi
If you are looking to experience more of ancient Greece, then I highly recommend a day trip to Delphi. Delphi is only a few hours outside of Athens and is one of the most historically and culturally significant sites in all of ancient Greece. Delphi was the home of Oracle of Apollo, where divine guidance was once sought after here. This area is full of ancient ruins, the Temple of Apollo (pictured below), incredible views, museums, and the Charioteer of Delphi.
After your Delphi visit, I also highly recommend stopping in the mountain town of Arachova for a lunch break or just to sit outside and enjoy a cup of coffee. This town is full of charm, with cute shops, cafes, and boutiques that you can pop in and out of.
A day trip to Delphi is a perfect mix of myth, history, culture, and inciredible beuaty that you do not want to miss out on.
Cape Sounion & the Temple of Poseidon
One of the most iconic day trips from Athens is the scenic drive along the Athenian Riviera to Cape Sounion, home to the striking Temple of Poseidon. Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, this 5th-century BC temple is a masterpiece of ancient architecture and a favorite among sunset seekers. Watching the sun dip below the horizon behind the marble columns is a magical experience that feels almost otherworldly.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy coastal views, charming seaside villages, and the chance to stop for a swim or fresh seafood at a beachside taverna. Whether you’re a history lover, a photographer, or simply someone who enjoys breathtaking scenery, Cape Sounion is an unforgettable addition to your Athens itinerary.
Conclusion: Things to do in Athens
Visiting Athens is a completely different experience from visiting islands like Santorini and Mykonos. Athens is full of history, culture, and incredible monuments that you won’t see anywhere else. As a solo female traveler, I felt incredible safe visiting Athens, I had no issues walking around, and I was able to find tons of thinks to do in Athens. I hope this guide has inspired to you want to visit Athens and has given you lots of great recommendations on all of the things to do while in Athens.
