Explore off the beaten path with Athens's best hidden gems

Athens, a city renowned for its rich history, is home to world-famous attractions such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. However, this vibrant city is much more than its famous landmarks that are often at the top of the list of things to do in Athens. Many hidden places that offer an authentic taste of Athenian life can be found off the beaten path.

This guide to the best hidden gems in Athens takes you on a journey of discovery, offering experiences that are often overlooked by most travelers. Explore neighborhoods like the picturesque Anafiotika, which transports you to a Cycladic island in the heart of the city, or the Psirri district with its wonderfully quirky Little Kook Cafe. Delight in the city's cultural attractions, such as the Athens Concert Hall, or delve deep into history at the underappreciated Kerameikos Cemetery. For the adventurous foodie, a cooking lesson at the Athens Cooking School provides a unique opportunity to delve into Greek cuisine. Plan an alternative Athenian vacation itinerary with these unique things to do in the Greek capital.

1. Unwind in the National Garden

The National Garden, a lush green oasis tucked away from the bustling city center, offers a peaceful retreat. It was once a private garden for Greek queens, but it is now home to a duck pond, a small zoo, and various botanical collections. Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon stroll among the different plants and animals in this park.

Highlights:

Take in the beauty of the gardens in style. See all the Highlights by Electric Trikke Bike. You will explore Plaka, Athen's old neighborhood, and go through Anafiotika.

Address and opening hours:

Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athina 105 57, Greece. Open daily 6:00 AM-7:00 PM.

2. Explore the Street Art of Metaxourgeio

Trade in ancient ruins for vibrant street art in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Metaxourgeio. Here, local and international artists have transformed the district's buildings into an open-air gallery, showcasing a more edgy and modern side of Athens.

Highlights:

You might be there for the art, but don't miss out on the amazing cuisine with the Street Culture and Food Walking Tour with Tastings. You'll get to taste some things you probably wouldn't otherwise find.

Address and opening hours:

Metaxouregeio, Athens, Greece. Tour times may vary.

3. Find Peace at the Byzantine and Christian Museum

Ranked as one of the best museums in Athens, the Byzantine and Christian Museum offers an intimate glimpse into Greece’s early Christian history. The museum, housed in the Villa Ilissia in the heart of Athens, has an impressive collection of Byzantine art, including icons, sculptures, frescoes, ceramics, and textiles.

Highlights:

Get a full feel for the city's cultural heritage with a Half-Day Private City Tour of Athens.

Address and opening hours:

Leof. Vasilissis Sofias 22, Athina 106 75, Greece. Open 8:00 AM-8:00 PM except Tuesdays when it is open 1:00 PM-8:00 PM.

4. Wander Around the Ancient Agora of Athens

The Acropolis may get all the attention when it comes to the best Athens landmarks, but the nearby Ancient Agora is an underrated wonder. The Agora, which was once the heart of ancient Athens, is home to a variety of monuments, temples, and a museum housed in the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos.

Highlights:

Visit as part of the Acropolis and Top Attractions with Audio Guide tour and mix your hidden gems with some tourist hotspots.

Address and opening hours:

Athens 105 55, Greece. Open daily 8:00 AM-8:00 PM.

5. Revel in the National Archaeological Museum

Although not exactly "obscure," the National Archaeological Museum is often overshadowed by the Acropolis Museum, yet it houses an incredible collection of ancient Greek art. From sculpture to pottery, from jewelry to frescoes, it presents the full range of Greek civilization.

Highlights:

Don't miss a thing by getting your National Archaeological Museum Ticket with Audio Tour.

Address and opening hours:

28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece. Open 1:00 PM-8:00 PM Wednesday to Monday between November 1 and March 31. Open 1:00 PM-8:00 PM on Tuesdays and 08:00 AM-8:00 PM Wednesday to Monday between April 1 and October 31.

6. Navigate the Varvakios Agora

Indulge in the sensory overload that is Varvakios Agora, Athens' vibrant central market. Local vendors sell everything from fresh meat and seafood to ripe fruits and vegetables. It's a true taste of Athenian life and a paradise for foodies.

Highlights:

Try local delicacies from the small restaurants within the market. Experience everything the region has to offer with a Gourmet Food Tour. This will take you on a stroll through the tastiest treats of Athens.

Address and opening hours:

Athinas Street, Athens, Greece. Open daily, 7:00 AM-6:00 PM, except Sundays when it is closed.

7. Explore the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture

The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture is a one-of-a-kind institution that showcases Greece's historical and cultural development. Its collection spans a wide range of time periods, from prehistoric to modern.

Highlights:

Get your Benaki Museum of Greek Culture Admission Tickets in advance and enjoy a smooth visit.

Address and opening hours:

Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74, Greece. Open 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Open 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Sundays. Open 10:00 AM-11:30 PM Thursdays. Closed Tuesdays.

8. Uncover the Secrets of the Kerameikos Cemetery

Kerameikos Cemetery, the largest necropolis of ancient Athens, offers a peaceful respite from the city's bustling tourist sites. Wander among tombs and stelae, and discover the ancient customs of burial and commemoration.

Highlights:

See the the area in style with a Best of Athens Small-Group Segway Tour

Address and opening hours:

Ermou 148, Athina 105 53, Greece. Open daily 8:00 AM-8:00 PM except weekends when it closes at 3:00 PM.

9. Stroll the Streets of Anafiotika

Visit the Anafiotika neighborhood to experience the charm of a Cycladic island in the heart of Athens. This area, nestled beneath the northern slopes of the Acropolis, is decorated with tiny, whitewashed houses and winding, narrow streets that are reminiscent of the Greek islands.

Highlights:

Get some amazing pictures here and in other parts of Athens with the Athens Instagram Tour: The Most Scenic Spots.

10. Visit Vouliagmeni Lake

Vouliagmeni Lake, a short drive from the city center, offers a one-of-a-kind natural thermal spa experience. This mineral-rich lake, which is surrounded by lush greenery, maintains a warm temperature all year and is said to have healing properties.

Highlights:

Make the most of your day with the Ancient Highlights & Cape Sounion Private Day Tour.

Address and opening hours:

Vouliagmeni 166 71, Greece. Tour times vary.

FAQs

What are some lesser-known attractions in Athens that are worth visiting?

Athens is home to a number of secret places, including the Museum of Illusions, a mind-bending experience that is great fun for the whole family; Kerameikos Cemetery, the largest necropolis of ancient Athens, which offers a peaceful exploration of the city's history; the National Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Athens; and Vouliagmeni Lake, which offers a unique natural thermal spa experience.

Are there any hidden or secret gardens in Athens that I can explore?

In addition to the well-known National Garden, Athens also has lesser-known green spaces such as the Diomidous Botanical Garden and the Kaisariani Monastery's garden. Both are stunningly peaceful and ideal for a leisurely stroll or a quiet moment of contemplation.

Can you recommend any hidden or secret viewpoints in Athens with great views of the city?

For breathtaking panoramic views, visit Lycabettus Hill, which is slightly off the beaten path but offers stunning vistas. Anafiotika, a neighborhood nestled under the slopes of the Acropolis, also provides great views of the city, especially at sunset. The Lighthouse at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is another excellent spot for city views.

What are some lesser-known neighborhoods in Athens that are worth exploring?

Anafiotika, a neighborhood that feels like a Greek island in the heart of the city, is a must-see. Psirri, with its vibrant street art scene, trendy eateries, and the whimsical Little Kook Cafe, is another lesser-known neighborhood worth exploring. Kolonaki, an upscale neighborhood with chic boutiques and sophisticated dining options, offers a taste of modern Athens.

Can you recommend any hidden architectural gems in Athens that are not as crowded as the famous landmarks?

The Numismatic Museum, housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, is a treat for architecture lovers. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, a marvel of modern architecture, is another must-see. Other architectural highlights include the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, the Eleftherios Venizelos Museum, and the Athens Concert Hall, all of which offer striking examples of diverse architectural styles.