A Comprehensive Guide to Athens Hot Spots

There are very few things in life as difficult as cramming thousands of centuries of human civilisation in a few days’ stay in Athens. Arts, history, culture, nature, architecture — where do you start? Do you go check the list of touristy destinations or skip them to avoid crowds? Lucky for you we have done the necessary research for you and compiled our findings in this article. 

But before we share all the cool spots and hidden gems to visit in Athens it’s our duty to give a disclaimer. You cannot avoid a touristy spot. The city of Athens is the hub of civilization, democracy, and culture — even if you don’t go to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, in Athens you must visit

• Acropolis of Athens
• Parthenon
• Ancient Agora of Athens
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Roman Agora

—  as well as The Acropolis Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum to see the preserved sculptures, vases, jewelry, and more from Ancient Greece. If you think the list above is unattainable, don’t fret — sign up on our website to get 25%* off your stay at Safestay Athens Monastiraki. Not only it’s less than a 20-minute walk away from all the sights mentioned above, but the beautiful view you see in the photo above is from our rooftop which overlooks the entire city and the Acropolis. 

Trust us, it’s not something you don’t want to miss! Now that that’s settled, read along to see what we’ve dug up!

Hidden Gems in Athens: What Do You Need to See?

And once you’ve seen the most important sights in Athens, it’s time to set out to discover the hidden gems. We suggest where to find them!

Aeropagus Hill

If you want to get a 360° view of the Agora, Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, and the Athenian coast think no further than climbing the Aeropagus Hill. Located north-west of the Acropolis, the 115-meter-high rock, is free to access and is the top destination to enjoy a sunset over the ancient city. 

Photo credits: Cavan Images

In ancient times Aeropagus Hill (Aries or Mars Hill) served as the meeting place of the Supreme Council and today is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. The path is a bit slippery, and the stairs are narrow, so be careful when you go up to see it. 

Anafiótika

Located on the northern slope of Acropolis and right above the popular neighborhood of Plaka, the Anafiótika neighbourhood is a lot quieter and more picturesque than the former. The neighborhood dates back to the 19th century and homes two beautiful Byzantine churches worth visiting — the church of Agios Georgios tou Vrachou, and the church of Agios Symeon.

Photo Credits: michalherrmann

Even though Anafiótika sits beneath Athens’ most famous tourist attraction, unless you specifically know where it is, you are unlikely to stumble across it accidentally, making this the reason why this area is so special. 

Lake Vouliagmeni

This little gem in the Athenian Riviera is only a 1-hour bus ride (or 20-minute taxi drive) away from the center of Athens. Open year-round, the lake is a flooded limestone cave and a mineral spa that is reported to have healing properties for such ailments as eczema and dermatological diseases, headaches, and more. 

Photo Credits: Visit Our Greece

Many gripe about the hefty entrance fee (currently €16 on weekdays, €19 on weekends), however, it’s one of the attractions that is worth the price. I guess you’ll have to see it for yourself to be sure. 

Aegina

Filled with archaeological monuments, picturesque villages, and beautiful beaches Aegina stands out with its close proximity to the city of Athens. Just only a 40-minute ferry ride away from Athens the island is home to one of the greatest architectural wonders of ancient Greece – The Temple of Aphaia — located atop a pine-clad hill and dedicated to the goddess Athena. 

Photo credits: The Yogi Traveler

White-washed buildings along the seashore reminiscent of classic Greek islands and narrow cobblestone streets with traditional whitewashed houses provide an aesthetically exhilarating experience. While you’re there make sure to try their local gastronomy and grab ‘koilarati’ — a local species of pistachios as a token of your visit. 

Bageion Hotel

The ultra-elegant building of Bageion Hotel is a hidden gem that only locals know about. Originally built as a three-story hotel this abandoned building used to be a philological and artistic hangout frequented by bohemian patrons of different social strata in the 1920s, in the late 1990s the building housed the Mediterranean College. 

Photo credits: Popaganda

Nowadays, it’s an event venue for concerts, art galleries, and exhibitions and favourite of local youth for electronic music events. Largely credited to the Athens Biennale in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens who took on to revive the building to its original glory it’s worth checking what events are planned during your visit. 

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Located in the Athens metropolitan area, in Kallithea, the SNFCC draws you into a world where contemporary elegance meets classical inspiration with its’ sleek lines and expansive glass facades. Inside you will find yourself immersed in a cultural oasis — the center is also home to the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece.

Photo credits: SNF – Yiorgis Yerolymbos

The centre offers everything from artistic productions, impressive architecture, beautiful landscapes, and panoramic views to high-quality cafes, bars, and restaurants. 

Laiki Agora (The people’s market)

Greece is famous for its fresh fruit and vegetables and whether you live here or are just visiting, it is well worth your time to see what local treasures they have to offer. Varvakios Central Municipal Market is only a 7-minute walk away from Safestay Athens Monastiraki so you can’t miss it! 

Photo credits: Trans World Productions / flickr.com

The laiki agora is considered an important social custom and tradition throughout Greece so to make sure you fit just right in remember to take small euro notes and change with you, and come prepared to enjoy the best of what local sea & soil have to offer. 

Attempting to narrow down these gems feels like trying to confine the vastness of Athens’ influence on our civilization itself. From the bustling markets brimming with local flavors to the iconic landmarks steeped in history, and the lesser-known cultural delights awaiting discovery around every corner, Athens continues to enchant and surprise. 

So, as you roam through this ancient city, keep your eyes open for the hidden gems that make Athens truly timeless and endlessly captivating. Athens is a bucket list trip to make and ensuring you don’t miss out on the simple beauty of the city is crucial. That’s why staying in the heart of the city e.g. at Safestay Athens Monastiraki will allow you to not miss a thing!

If you’re wondering where to eat and drink in Athens, be sure to check out our article Out in Athens – Where to Eat, Drink & Party

*The offer stands on bookings made until the 31st of March 2024. For more exclusive offers and discounts see the corresponding tab in your profile.