By Bridget Castner ✔ Reviewed by travel expert Ben Braude
Athens isn't just the Acropolis; featuring so much more to offer, from hidden tunnels to vibrant street art, there's so much of Athens to explore.
We've put together a list of some of the less touristy and more of the unique things to do in Athens. Keep an eye out for these on your Greek vacation!
Ready to discover this ancient, dynamic city? Start exploring with our Athens vacations or view all vacation packages to Greece.
Unique Flea & Farmers' Markets
If you're looking for some special souvenirs to take back home with you, or just want to pick up some fresh produce for an impromptu picnic, discovering the flea and farmers' markets is one of the best unique things to do in Athens.
Kallidromiou Farmers' Market is a local Saturday tradition that locals and tourists alike flock to. Browse the vibrant stalls of fruits and vegetables, olives, herbs, honey, pastries and more. Abyssinia Square Flea Market has been around since 1922 and has everything from retro vinyls and old postcards, to old military relics, old magazines, and maps. Lastly, Thissio is an everyday market where you can find handmade accessories, locally made artisan goods, paintings, and a variety of other unique things.
Caves of Filopappou Hill
During the occupation of Greece by German soldiers in World War II, Greek authorities took the necessary measures to safeguard their most valuable sculptures and ancient relics from the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum. To effectively conceal these treasures and prevent them from falling into Nazi hands, they were secreted away behind a substantial concrete barrier in the caves.
Though no one knows for sure what the initial function of the cave complex was for, evidence suggests it served as a household at some point, as there are distinct chambers and a staircase carved into the natural bedrock.
Panathenaic Stadium Passage
One of the best unique things to do in Athens is to visit the Panathenaic Stadium's secret passage. Panathenaic Stadium is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. One of the most fascinating features of the stadium is the secret ancient passage concealed beneath its stands.
This tunnel was once used by ancient gladiators, and continues to be used by modern athletes. It leads to a museum that showcases a collection of torches and posters from all the modern Olympic Games. Visitors can stroll through and admire the unique architecture and are welcome to explore the rest of the stadium as well.
Old Madrasa of Athens
While many of the ancient ruins found in Athens reference a more glamorous and romantic time, this unique structure serves as a reminder of some darker periods. The site was originally an Islamic Madrasa during the Ottoman Era, but after the Madrasa was relocated years later, the site was converted into a prison. The peaceful quarters that had once been part of the religious school were transformed into overcrowded, inhuman prison cells and the beautiful street that had been a tranquil meeting spot for leaders became a grim hangman's tree.
By 1915, the last remnants of the Madrasa building were reduced to the main door and a few sections of exterior walls after the Archaeology Department began demolition work in hopes of uncovering older and more significant artifacts beneath the surface. These ruins are some of the lesser known in Athens, making it a great spot to visit without huge crowds and learn some interesting history.
T. H. White's Grave
Arthurian literary legend T. H. White is best known for his 1958 novel The Once and Future King. In 1964 on a voyage to Alderney, White died of heart failure and is buried in the First Cemetery of Athens among other illustrious Greek figures such as archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann and actress Melina Mercouri. While it may seem like a morbid activity, visiting this cemetery is actually a truly magical experience.
Stunning marble tombstones are chiselled to perfection, gardens offer a sense of tranquility and peace, and it serves as one of the best ways to learn a little Greek history. While you're there, keep an eye out for one of the cemetery's most enchanting sculptures, "Sleeping Maiden" by Yannoulis Chalepas.
Street Art
The streets of Athens are a lively canvas, brimming with an awe-inspiring array of street art that ranges from passionate political graffiti to city-commissioned murals created by well-known artists such as Achilles. Explore areas like Psyrri, Exarchia, and Gazi, keeping an eye out for political stencils and other smaller hidden gems of artistic expression.
You can wander the streets at your own pace, admiring the vibrant art, or you may want to join a local guided walking tour for a deeper understanding of the magnificent street art scene in Athens.
Sunset at Lycabettus Hill
Perched atop Lycabettus Hill, the city's highest peak, the sunset offers a truly magical experience in Athens. From this vantage point, views stretch across the expanse of the city, encompassing the historic Acropolis and the Aegean Sea. While the summit is accessible via a fairly easy 20-minute hike, those who prefer not to hike can take the funicular railway, which conveniently carts travelers up to the peak.
Make sure you get your cameras ready, as this location provides some of the most stunning scenery and photo opportunities to be captured during a trip to Athens.
Dromeas Statue
The Dromeas, or "The Runner", is a magnificent sculpture created by Greek artist Costas Varotsos. Constructed of thousands of sharp, jagged pieces of glass stacked atop each other, this piece takes on the blurred shape of a runner in motion.
Given that Athens is a city with an incredible running history, the sculpture is a perfect tribute to Pheidippides - the messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce Greek victory over the Persians during the Greco-Persian Wars in 490 B.C.E.
Discover A Different Side of Athens
From romantic sunsets to secret passageways and historic sites without the crowds, these unique things to do in Athens show that going beyond the most popular highlights can showcase a whole different side to the city. Ready to discover it all for yourself? Check out our Athens Travel Guide to learn more about this incredible city and start planning your next escape!
