Unusual Things to See & Do in Athens

Every visit to Athens must, of course, include essential things to see and do like the Acropolis and Parthenon. But if you want to break away from the regular tourist route a bit, and explore some other aspects of Greek life and culture, here are some unusual activities you can do in Athens:

EuroLeague Basketball

Greece loves basketball. The Athens home team, the Olympiacos, is a powerhouse in the league, with twelve Greek championships, three EuroLeague championships, one Intercontinental Cup, and one Triple Crown. Greek basketball players are making their mark in the NBA as well, with “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo having an incredible career with the Milwaukie Bucks and multiple appearances in the NBA All-Stars, and newcomer Georgios Papagiannis as a first round NBA draft pick in 2016. If it’s basketball season, head to SEF Stadium in Piraeus, and be prepared for some of he most passionate basketball fans you’ll ever meet. There’s also no better way to pick up some choice words in Greek.

Monastiraki Market

The public market at Monastiraki is a massive, winding street market that is part flea market, part tourist market, part social activity, and part endurance activity. While the district has casual shopping all week long, the weekends are a grander affair. On Sundays, the already narrow streets become crowded with carts selling everything imaginable, slowly browsing shoppers, and tiny tables of outdoor cafes. If you intend to do any serious shopping, arrive early and get your bargains before the crowds become too dense and hot to manage. Then find a cafe at Monastiraki and enjoy your bargains and a cool drink while people-watching.

Street Art

Athens is growing in importance as a destination for street art, attracting globally important outsider artists to contribute to the visual landscape of the city, making it more interesting, vibrant, and colorful. Some of the most impressive and important pieces of street art can be seen in a giant mural on Psirri Square in the Monastiraki neighborhood, and many other colorful pieces can be seen in the Monastiraki neighborhood. However, for the best Athens street art, head to the Polytechnic University, a center of street art in Athens, with a beautiful campus in its own right. University staff are proud of the incredible art on their walls and surrounding streets, and can even help direct you to some of the more prestigious pieces.

The National Gardens

The National Gardens is a 38 acre park in the center of the city. Full of gardens, fountains, and plantings, it is also decorated with columns, monuments, and other antiquities. It’s a peaceful oasis in the heart of the busy city, and a great way to escape a hot summer day. There is even a playground and a small zoo, and the gardens are home to local and exotic birds. The central location makes it a wonderful relaxing detour on your way to other sights and destinations, but give yourself time to enoy the space and take a breath.

Rooftop bars

Rooftop bars have become a fixture in Athens nightlife, making the most of spectacular sunsets, views of the Parthenon, and the warm weather to become a favorite way to spend an evening. The Acropolis is beautifully lit at night, and a rooftop bar is a great way to take in the spectacle of the city. Rooftop bars range from the swanky, with high-priced cocktails and cool décor, to dance clubs with an urban, party vibe. It’s nearly obligatory for hotels to have a rooftop bar, and some of the best ones can be found at the AthensWas hotel, the Athens Hilton, the Hotel Grande Bretagne, and the New Hotel. But rooftop bars also crown bars, galleries, and clubs, adding atmosphere and glow to the evenings of Athens.

Athens is more than archaeology, ruins, and ancient monuments. It is also vibrant neighborhoods, calm oases, and avid sports fans. Make sure that your visit incorporates some of these activities off the beaten path, and explore more of the rich facets of the city.