Steeped in ancient history, Athens is a city-beach location with its own distinct identity. We all know of the ancient monuments drawing tourists to Athens every year, but what does Athens offer a holidaymaker in today’s world? In short: a lot. There are so many Athens events you don’t want to miss.
Athens Events in Summer
Herrod Atticus Theatre. Credits – photo by Athens CVB
The Athens & Epidaurus Festival
This is where ancient Greece talks to today’s world. 50 years in the running, this festival is extremely popular – and it’s easy to see why. Head to an open-air theatre, or any of the multiple other venues, to experience opera, classical music and dance performances all around Athens. Can you imagine how spectacular a classical play would be at the Epidaurus amphitheatre in nearby Peloponnese, or Athens’ 2nd Century BC Odeon?
Open Air Film Festival
If film is more your scene, this one’s for you. Choose from short films to feature length pieces varying in style and subject matter. Opt for something a little more unusual such as “mixed media” films fusing cinema with music. What better way to enjoy modern-day art than with Athens’ distinctive monuments posing a perfect backdrop? The urban landscape of the city also gets a look in, with unexpected pop-up screenings for a metropolitan film experience.
All-year-round Activities in Athens
The Parthenon. Credits – photo by GNTO
The Ancient Sites
We can’t deny the famous ancient monuments of Athens… they are amazing tourist attractions. Learn about at the Acropolis Museum, the Agora, Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Beaches at Athens Riviera
We all need a healthy dose of “beach” when we’re on our jollies. Athens isn’t far from the beach – you can board a tram or bus to the stunning Athenian Riviera along the coast of the Saronic Gulf. It may be more popular to visit the beach in the summer, but it still makes for some great exploration during off-peak periods.
Explore modern day attractions
For a slightly more alternative experience of Athens, you could take the day to explore the city on a walking tour of urban art, the trendy bars and outdoors installations.
Nightlife in Athens
The wine bar scene in Athens has really taken off recently. Try some indigenous wines at chic bars such as Heteroclito and By the Glass, or head to one of the many livelier clubs and bars through the coastal zone through to the centre of Athens. Six d.o.g.s is a local’s favourite which serves as a live music venue, as well as an arts space, bar and garden. Other well-loved bars include Drunk Sinatra, The Clumsies and 360° cocktail bar which has an open-air terrace.
Shopping in Athens
Shopping in Monastriki Square. Credits – photo by Athens CVB
Small, independent shops dominate the shopping scene in Athens. Antiques, replicas of museum artefacts, folk art goods and designer clothes are great value compared to other shopping hotspots in Europe. Rather than having one shopping area, Athens has several locations that are brilliant for shopping…
The Golden Hall in Kifissia was the winner of the 2010 European Shopping Center Award – it is definitely worth a visit when shopping in Athens. Expect modern design, a beautiful courtyard, an unrivalled food hall… and obviously, top-notch shopping.
On the other side of the scale is Monastiraki. Great for a fully pedestrianised flea market experience, you can collect second-hand books and vintage goods. For trinkets and souvenirs, Plaka’s souvenir shops are great for quirkier, more personal gifts such as funky T-shirts, ceramics and jewellery by contemporary Greek designers.
The area of Kolonaki has an eclectic mix of shops, including designer names as well as a stockist for Ancient Greek Sandals that have been popular with A-List celebs such as Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rihanna and Sarah Jessica Parker! Or, for something more familiar, Ermou has plenty of your high street favourites such as Zara and Marks and Spencer.
Activities in Athens for the Family
Attica Zoological Park
Who doesn’t love animals? With over 2,000 animals from 310 species, Attica Zoological invites families to learn about critters great and small from all corners of the globe. They can also teach a thing or two about the importance of ecology and conservation; around 60% of the zoo’s animals are rare or facing extinction, which Attica works to overcome.
Hellenic Children’s Museum
An interactive day out even the big kids (mum and dad included!) will enjoy. Their mission is to encourage every child to discover, be happy and shape their self and world around them with respect for their individuality, with emphasis on co-operation. Teach your kids about science and life all at the same time.
Want to know more about Athens? We’ve got plenty of deals available and lots of hotels to choose from, which you can see here. Or for expert info on Athens, go to Visit Greece.
