I often get asked by friends and visitors to make recommendations or even itineraries for things to do in Athens during the summer! You could spend a lifetime exploring this historical city but since that is highly unlikely, here is a shortlist with some of my top choices:
Visit the Acropolis Museum – Acropolis
Visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum is probably on every visitors list of things to do in Athens. Personally, I love to visit the museum any time of the year, but I have to admit that on a truly hot summer day I find climbing up to the Acropolis a bit tedious . . . especially with endless crowds! In spring or autumn though . . . a real joy!
For a terrific night view of the Acropolis consider visiting the Acropolis Museum Café and Restaurant on a Friday or Saturday night when it’s open until 12 midnight. Apart from the view you can also enjoy dinner (special menu) and drinks.
To make reservations: Tel: +30 210 9000915 during Museum opening hours
Watch a Movie . . . under the Stars
For further information check out this link: https://www.xpatathens.com/living-in-athens/taste-experience/city-discovery/item/1503-open-air-cinemas-in-athens
Visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
For more info please see the website for the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center : https://www.snfcc.org/en
Stroll around Monastiraki & Plaka
Stroll around Plaka and Monastiraki with it's many quaint streets, sights & attractions. Make sure to visit the Roman Agora and if you are up to it, take a look at some of the small antique stores & the flea market in Ifestou Street.
Check out the City’s Gastronomic Scene and Sample lots of Greek Food Products
There are endless choices for all tastes! Food tours of the City have become quite popular in recent years and something I always recommend doing. I love visiting the Athens Central Market area where one can check out the various food stands and stores with endless varieties of Greek food products.
Make sure to sample lots of tasty Greek olive oil, the lifeline of the Greek cuisine, cured meats, handmade sausages and Greek cheeses; possibly at Karamanlidika tou Fani (1 Sokratous & Evripidou, Athens tel: 210 325 4184 or at his new store/restaurant in Ermou Street), at the AGORA or food hall/deli/restaurant of the ERGON HOUSE (26 Mitropoleos, Syntagma Tel: 210 3315547).
Stop to enjoy a Greek Souvlaki and/or a typical Gyros sandwich at Agia Irini Square (also known for it's Nightlife - with many hip bars) or in one of the many places in Monastiraki.
For those who like it sweet, irresistible Loukoumades or Honey Puffs/Fritters are a must at either visit the Krinos Coffee House, a short distance from the Central Market for traditional Loukoumades but if you want to taste either traditional or a variety of what I
call trendy Loukumades with a variety of toppings or fillings then check out the Lukumades shop, also in central Athens or take a look at my review of the Lukumades place; Fresh & Delicious Honey Puffs!
If you feel like a quick Greek culinary journey of discovery I would suggest visiting Yolenis . . . a conveniently located multi floor food emporium in Kolonaki (Athens) which stocks some of Greece’s best products which will enable you to scoop in some of the country’s flavors and wines . . . and enjoy snacks, smoothies, pies & light dishes at the café . . . at your leisure, in cool air-conditioned rooms!
Grab an Ice-cream
On a hot summer day in Athens, go wild at one of the city’s many ice-cream stores . . . and indulge!
I’ll get back with another web post on this subject . . . soon . . . as I’m in the midst of researching the best places in town . . . and loving it!
In the meantime, you can always try out the guilt free ice-cream selections at one of the Slim Bites stores around town. Tap on link above for more info.
Enjoy a Day at the Beach – Athenian Riviera
(Varkiza and/or Vouliagmeni)
Two very popular beaches in easy reach from central Athens are the Astir Beach in Vouliagmeni and the Varkiza Beach Resort which is another ten minute drive down the coastline.
Take the local Metro/train to Piraeus or Kifissia and stroll around, do a bit of shopping and enjoy a meal at a local tavern.
In Piraeus take a look at the central food market and then go have lunch or dinner. Here are two of my favorite spots:
Elias Fish Tavern - please read my review of this fish tavern that is a real favorite of mine that serves home style well cooked fish and lots of other Greek food at reasonable prices.
Please note that this tavern closes for 2 - 3 weeks in August so make sure to call ahead of time to check if it's open and possibly make a reservation.
Again, here is the link to my review: https://www.cook-eat-go.com/post/2018/04/17/tasty-seafood-in-piraeus
For something simple but very picturesque try the Eidikon Tavern - here is a link to a blog post about the place: https://www.cook-eat-go.com/post/2017/12/01/to-eidikon-tavern-in-piraeus
In Kifissia stroll around the center and check out the shops and cafes. If you should want to go to a really superb fish tavern with a garden, on the outskirts of Kifissia, you might want to try the Paramalo Fish tavern. Please note that this tavern is closed for 3 weeks in August - and always make sure to make reservations . . . as it is very popular!
Please see a blog post I've written for further info: https://www.cook-eat-go.com/post/2017/11/29/a-fish-restaurant-for-connoisseurs
Check out some of the City's Cafes
There are literally hundreds of cafes around town with lots of character and always filled with locals and visitors alike.
When visiting some of the major Museums in town, make sure to check out their cafes too . . . some are really nice!
Escape to Nafplio or a nearby Greek Island like Aegina or Spetses.
Here are some links to blog post that might be of interest:
Sun Kissed Week-end Getaway (Napflio & Tolo Beach): https://www.cook-eat-go.com/post/a-sun-kissed-week-end-getaway
Intoxicating Spetses: https://www.cook-eat-go.com/post/2018/09/29/intoxicating-spetses
A City Break on the Island of Aegina: https://www.cook-eat-go.com/post/2017/04/03/a-city-break-on-the-island-of-aegina-1
Watch a Performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and/or Epidaurus Ancient Theater
Here is a link to the Athens & Epidaurus Festival 2022
Watch the Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon or Elsewhere . . . perhaps with a glass of vino!
Enjoy Athens’ Nightlife and a Dinner to Remember
Last but not least, before you leave, enjoy A Dinner to Remember at one of the City’s top restaurants . . . there are plenty of choices and some with great views too!
If you are up for it . . . check out Athens' Nightlife and the City's trendy Rooftop Bars . . .
Cheers!