There are so many things to do in Athens! Here are some of our favorites that you should add to your list:

• Visit the Acropolis Museum. Here, you can get a closer look at the Parthenon and enjoy some air conditioning.
• Explore Ermou Street. There’s free time to explore on all of our Athens tours. This is the main shopping street in the city, and it’s a great place to buy souvenirs, eat, and relax.
• Step inside Kapnikarea. This Byzantine-era church is one of the oldest structures in the city, and it’s right in the middle of all the action on bustling Ermou Street.
• Hike up Mount Lycabettus. It’s more of a hill, but it’s the highest point in Athens, and the views from the top are more than worth the trek. If you want to reach the top but don’t want to walk, there is a cable car that will get you there, too.

Check out the Go Ahead Guide to Athens for more places to visit.

With all the historic sites, cozy tavernas, and nearby beaches, there’s no bad time to travel to Athens. If you decide on an Athens trip during the spring or fall (the off-seasons) you’ll find fewer crowds and cooler weather. Or, if you’re lucky and can plan an Athens tour during the full moon in August, historic sites like the Acropolis stay open until midnight, free of charge. There’s nothing more magical than seeing the ancient ruins in the moonlight.

Planning a trip to Athens? Here are the sites you shouldn’t miss:

• The Acropolis. This UNESCO-listed site is one of the top things to see on our Athens tours. You’ll step back in time as you explore the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion.
• Old Royal Palace. This palace has housed the Hellenic Parliament since the 1930s, and the Greek monarchy even resided here until 1909. The stark, Neoclassical facade overlooks the famed Syntagma Square in the center of the city. From here, you can see the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• The Plaka district. This is the oldest part of the city. Today, it’s home to the best restaurants and shops in Athens.
• The Olympic Stadium. This spot, also called the Panathenaic Stadium, is made entirely from marble. Athletes competed here during the first modern Olympic games in 1896.

If you're planning to travel on any of our Athens tours, we recommend packing:

• Sun protection. Even if your tour of Athens is during the off-season, it gets sunny out there. Always have sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat on hand.
• A light scarf. This will protect you from the harsh sun, and help you cover up when you step inside churches.
• Lots of layers. The weather in Athens tends to be warm, but it can get pretty cool at night or indoors. With layers, you can make sure you’re always comfortable!
• A portable phone charger. As you’re taking selfies at the Acropolis, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and all the other sites in Athens, you’ll want to keep your phone nice and charged.
• A coin purse. Greeks use cash more than anyone else in Europe, and many local spots don’t take cards. Without one of these, you’ll end up with some pretty heavy pockets!

A visit to Athens isn’t complete without trying all the delicious food! Here are some dishes travelers like to have on our trips to Athens:

• Moussaka. This is essentially eggplant lasagna made with ground meat, cheese, and a creamy béchamel sauce. There are different varieties depending on where you go on Athens group tours, but all of them are delicious!
• Lemon potatoes (ellinikos lemoni patatas). This is a culinary staple across Greece. The potatoes are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, and they pair perfectly with roasted lamb, chicken, and even fish. Try them at a Greek taverna (aka a small, traditional restaurant).
• Gyros (pronounced “year-ohs”). It’s one of our top five dishes to eat in Greece for a reason! Greek gyros are made with thinly sliced rotisserie meat wrapped up in pita bread with fries, onion, tomato, and tzatziki sauce.
• Feta. Whether you like cheese or not, you just have to try it in Athens. It’s just… better here!
• Stuffed grape leaves (dolmades). This small appetizer is traditionally filled with rice, onion, fresh herbs, and ground lamb.

• Bring cash. Greeks use cash more than anyone else in Europe. In fact, over half of Greece’s citizens get paid in cash—and many pay their bills in cash, too.  
• Prepare to walk a lot. Athens has a lot of traffic, so strolling this bustling city is often the best way to get around. 
• There’s an impressive art scene. Learn more about the must-visit spots for art-lovers.
• A guided tour is the best way to see the city. Our Athens tour packages always include expert guides who know all of the best destinations. And you won’t have to plan a thing.