Introduction
Athens, the historic capital of Greece, is a vibrant city full of art and culture. The Acropolis is one of the world’s most iconic buildings, and you’ve probably seen it on your Instagram feed countless times. But what about all the other hidden gems within Athens’ city limits? Below we’ll take you through seven off-the-beaten path experiences to help uncover them!
1. The National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is the most important museum in Greece and a great way to learn about the history of Athens. It has a large collection of artifacts from ancient Greece and Rome, including sculptures, jewelry, pottery and coins. The museum is free to visit.
- Plan ahead: The museum can get crowded so try visiting on weekdays if possible or avoid peak hours (noon-2pm). If you plan on visiting multiple museums while in Athens consider purchasing an Athens City Pass that gives access to all six museums plus other attractions such as Acropolis Hill and Temple of Poseidon at Sounion for one price ($44).
2. Kolonaki
Kolonaki is the place to go if you’re looking for an upscale shopping experience. The area boasts some of the most exclusive boutiques in all of Athens, including Gucci and Prada. Kolonaki also has a number of popular restaurants that serve everything from traditional Greek cuisine to modern fusion dishes.
If you’re hungry and don’t want to spend an arm and a leg (or even half your paycheck), check out one of Kolonaki’s many outdoor cafes where you can enjoy a nice meal while people watching or admiring the architecture around town. If seeing and being seen is more important than saving money on food costs, then head over to [Kolonaki Square](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186947-d3897705-Reviews-Kolonaki_Square_Athens_Attica_Greece). This square is one of Athens’ trendiest areas–and it’s easy to see why!
3. Lycabettus Hill
- Lycabettus Hill is a great place to go for a walk, especially if you want to see all of Athens.
- The Monastery of St John is at the top of Lycabettus Hill and it’s worth visiting if you’re in town during Easter or Christmas, when they hold special services there.
4. Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the center of Athens and an excellent place to people watch. It’s also known as the birthplace of democracy, since it was here that citizens gathered in 300 B.C., pushing aside King Kleisthenes’ guards and demanding a say in how their city was run. Today, Syntagma Square is home to several important buildings: The Greek Parliament building stands at one end; across its width lies Constitution Square with its twin fountains (one dedicated to Poseidon); and at the other end sits Tomb of Unknown Soldier–a memorial for those killed during World War II by Nazi Germany’s forces who occupied Greece during WWII between 1941-1944.
5. Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis museum is a must-see for anyone who visits Athens. The museum is housed in a former royal palace, which dates back to 1836, and displays the sculptures from the Acropolis. With an interactive multimedia tour, this is not only an educational experience but also entertaining! There are also gift shops and cafes onsite if you want to grab some souvenirs or refreshments before heading out for more sightseeing adventures.
6. Monastiraki Flea Market
The Monastiraki Flea Market is a must-see for anyone looking to get off the beaten path in Athens. It’s open every day except Monday, and it’s located right in the middle of Athens’ oldest neighborhood, Monastiraki. The best part? You can get lost wandering through its maze of streets while trying to decide what to buy next! There are tons of little shops selling antiques, vintage clothing and souvenirs at great prices–or just enjoy people watching from one of the many cafes that line this area.
7. Psiri Neighborhood
Psiri is a neighborhood in central Athens, Greece. It is named after the Ottoman-era name of the area, Beshiktash (Greek: Μπεσικτάσα, Turkish: Beshiktash).
The district has been known as Psirri since it became an independent municipality in 1841 and until recently had little resemblance to its present state. Its current form began developing during the interwar period when many refugees from Asia Minor settled there after 1922 exchange between Greece and Turkey; this accounts for its large population today compared to other parts of central Athens which have been inhabited since Antiquity or Byzantine times.[1]
Athens is full of hidden gems – you just have to know where to look!
If you’re looking for an authentic experience, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences that will give you a glimpse into Athens’ culture and history. Some of the most interesting places are hidden gems in Athens all over the place, but if you want something truly unique and unforgettable, we would highly recommend exploring some of these lesser known spots:
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this tour of Athens’ hidden gems. If you’re looking for more off-the-beaten-path experiences, we recommend exploring the city’s many museums and parks and sampling some of the delicious local cuisine!
