Athens, Greece. Photo: Shutterstock Athens isn’t just the Acropolis. Beyond the iconic ruins, the Greek capital is brimming with hidden gems, stunning viewpoints, lush gardens, chic neighborhoods, and vibrant rooftop bars. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, these five experiences will show you a side of Athens that most visitors miss, perfect for sightseeing, relaxing, and living like a local.
One of the most beautiful viewpoints over Athens is the highest hill in the city, at the top of the prestigious Kolonaki neighborhood. Lycabettus Hill. You can go up to the lookout, sit down to drink a coffee or some other drink, and most importantly, relax and clear your head at the magnificent spot. When you're done and come down, it's also recommended to visit the Kolonaki neighborhood among the luxury shops and glittering boutiques.
Photo: ShutterstockHow to get there? By taxi, or even on foot from the city center. For the brave and sporty, you can go up and down on foot, for the less adventurous, you can go up and down using the funicular, an even more experiential train that travels inside the mountain. The price is €13 for the ascent and descent (you can also choose to do only half the way on foot and pay less).
The town adjacent to Athens, Kifissia is one of the hidden gems that you should get to know. A city with a kind of bustling pedestrian street, shops (including large chains), luxury stores, high-class bars and restaurants and in general an area that is a little more chic than the traditional character of most parts of Athens. Interesting cafes like Carpo are on a different level, and restaurants like Zambri will also offer slightly different experiences during your trip.
Photo: ShutterstockHow to get there: Take the M1 metro (green line) to the last stop, Kifissia, and from there on foot, or by taxi (about €20 one way). You can tell the drivers to simply "drop you off" in the center of Kifissia.
Even in the middle of the hot season, you can get on a ferry and reach one of the islands near Athens. Simply arrive at the port of Piraeus (you can also take the metro) and buy a cheap ticket at one of the ticket booths on the road in front of the port. Prices are extremely cheap and start at €9 one way. The closest islands to sail to are Aegina and Agistri. What to do on them? Walk on the beach and clear your head, of course eat at the typical fish restaurants and in Aegina you will also find a small museum of antiquities.
Photo: ShutterstockHow to get there: Take the M1 metro (green line) to Pireaus station , and from there you purchase tickets and board the ferries from the port, which is right in front of you.
The National Gardens of Athens are a huge park of flora, fauna and fun green corners that hide right behind the Palace of Parliament. You can spend hours of peace here in the heart of the urban complex in a well-kept and sweet environment. Just get lost among the paths because in the end, whether you like it or not, you will find your way back. Admission is free.
Photo: ShutterstockHow to get there? The gardens are right in the city center, so you can probably get there on foot if you're staying in the area, or by metro (line M2 ) to Syntagma station.
The Plaka area is one idea, but the real celebration of Athens takes place on the city center's rooftops, the place to hang out from late afternoon until the wee hours of the night. In the city center you will find quite a few such rooftops, with the famous ones like 360 or A being considered the more popular and touristy. The well-known rooftops are right in the center with very easy access.
Photo: SHUTTERSTOCKHow to get there? Most of the rooftops are located in Monastiraki Square , so you can probably get there on foot. If it's too far for you, take the metro (line M1 ) to Monastiraki Square and just look up and choose which rooftop to go to.
Photo: Amit Cotler