The Ultimate Athens, Greece Travel Guide & Itinerary: top things to do + hidden gems

This is the only Athens, Greece travel guide & itinerary you need. After doing all the research and exploring its streets, I’ve compiled all the top things to do in Athens and discovered hidden gems. In this Athens itinerary I share all the top sights to see, the best hotels to stay at with a view of the acropolis, unique cafes and restaurants, and so much more. Whether you have 24 hours or a few days, this guide is designed to help you experience the magnificent blend of ancient history and vibrant modern culture that defines this city. I’ve balanced the iconic must-see sights with the charming hidden gems that will make your trip unforgettable.

Little Tree Books & Coffee

Start your day at Little Tree Book & Coffee, a charming book shop + cafe hybrid that serves high quality coffee, loose leaf tea, pastries, food, handmade art from local artisans, vintage posters, and of course books. They have indoor and outdoor seating which makes it the perfect place to start your day.

Acropolis, Parthenon, Theater of Dionysus, Ancient Ruins, the Acropolis Museum guided tour (trust me)

After doing a ton of research on the best way to see all the iconic ancient ruins in Athens, I decided to book this guided tour and it’s honestly my biggest tip for when traveling to Athens. The guide takes you to all these iconic spots, shares fascinating historical context, and makes the whole experience so smooth. You don’t have to wait in any long lines, you learn the history behind each site, and truly appreciate the history instead of rushing through it. After the ruins, they take you to the Acropolis Museum which beautifully connects everything you’ve just seen, bringing ancient Greek art, culture, and architecture to life. The museum is beautifully done and leaves you feeling inspired and in awe of how advanced and creative ancient Greece really was.

book the best Athens Acropolis Tour here

Plaka District – Athen’s oldest neighborhood

After the museum, head over to Plaka – the oldest neighborhood in Athens – for lunch and shopping. This area is full of life with vibrant shops, street music, and cozy cafes and tavernas. You’ll find plenty of beautiful handmade local items like olive oil, olive wood cutlery, and handmade ceramics. One of my favorite discoveries in Plaka was an incredible art store called Flaneur. The people here are so kind and genuinely passionate about the artists they represent. It’s such a special spot.

Little Kook

Next make your way to one of the most magical spots in Athens – Little Kook. The entire street transforms based on the current theme, and they go all out – from the decor to the costumes to the tiniest details. It’s pure whimsy and guaranteed to make you smile. Whether you stop in for hot cocoa, crepes, gelato, or just want to wander and take photos, Little Kook is a magical experience you don’t want to miss.

Sunset & drinks with a view of the Acropolis

There are many places to enjoy sunset, drinks and dinner with a view of the Acropolis, but one of the most exquisite is Dolli’s rooftop.

Restaurants where you can watch sunset with a view of the Acropolis:

Dolli Rooftop – luxury dining + insane Acropolis views
Metropolis Roof Garden – elegant fine dining above the city
Point A (Herodion Hotel) – cocktails + dinner with 360° views
Electra Roof Garden – romantic spot for a sunset dinner
Strofi – classic Greek taverna with that iconic Parthenon view

Noteworthy Restaurants in Athens

NOEL – chic vintage restaurant-bar with magical decor
Tylixto – authentic Greek street food done right
Gypsy Jungle – Exotic jungle-themed restaurant offering Greek sushi, tapas, and cocktails. Known for vibes and drinks more than food tbh.
Scholario – classic Greek cuisine

Dessert spots in Athens:

Lukumades – we stopped by Lukumades to try some authentic Greek delights – basically fried donut bites topped with everything from honey and cinnamon to Nutella or pistachio cream. It’s a local favorite and always packed with people.

Le Greche – Chic, modern gelato shop near Syntagma with the creamiest flavors — try pistachio or hazelnut. Super photogenic and absolutely delicious.

Kokko Athens – Minimalist design meets elevated desserts. Their espresso, tiramisu, and seasonal cakes are perfection.

Choureal – Famous for freshly filled cream puffs made to order — light, fluffy, and beautifully presented.

Baba au Rum – Not a dessert shop per se, but their artisan cocktails and sweet pairings are a must for a classy, indulgent evening vibe.

Kayak Boutique Gelato – Beautifully designed space with unique, Greek-inspired flavors like mastiha and baklava.

Where to stay in Athens

I highly recommend staying at Niche Hotel. It’s actually built directly on top of ancient ruins from the 3rd century, which they’ve beautifully preserved – you can even see parts of the excavation through the glass floors around the property. This hotel is conveniently located walking distance to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Plus the rooftop restaurant offers a beautiful view of the Acropolis, especially at sunset.

There’s also a full-service spa, and the rooms have cozy robes and slippers which makes it feel like a sanctuary after a busy day in the city. They even have a pillow menu, so you can choose your ideal firmness.

Athens Hotels:

Athenian Riviera

If you’re staying in Athens for more than a day, I highly recommend taking a drive (or Uber) down to the Athenian Riviera — it’s basically where the city meets the sea, and it feels like a completely different world. Think Malibu or Santa Monica, but with a European twist — palm trees, chic beach clubs, and that relaxed coastal energy.

For your stay, check out Ace Hotel Athens in Glyfada — the design and vibes are immaculate, with a creative, bohemian aesthetic that fits perfectly with the Riviera’s effortlessly cool scene.

Lake Vouliagmeni

Head to Lake Vouliagmeni— a natural thermal lake surrounded by limestone cliffs where you can swim in the warm, mineral-rich waters and then enjoy a long, lazy lunch overlooking the view. Book your lake day ahead of time for the best deal. Here are two of the best options below:

Take time to walk the boardwalk, which stretches along the coast lined with beach bars, cafés, and locals biking or rollerblading. When it comes to food, you can’t go wrong with Ark, Bungalow7, or Blends — each one nails that seaside-chic vibe with amazing cocktails, fresh dishes, and great energy.

The Four Seasons in Athens — the menu was underwhelming, the service disorganized, and yes… they have fake bougainvillea (a true Greek tragedy). However, it is a beautiful location and very nice for a quick drink or some tanning, but not worth the hype.

You don’t necessarily need a car since there’s Uber in the area, but it’s definitely convenient if you plan to explore more beaches. I recommend booking one via Discover Cars because they compare all the best deals for you which saves you time.

Beaches:

Glyfada Beach, Voula Beach, Astir Beach (Varkiza), and Lagonisi Beach — each has its own charm, from laid-back local spots to luxe private beach clubs.

Overall, the Athenian Riviera is all about slowing down and recharging — the perfect way to end a trip to Athens before heading to your next destination.