Discover hidden gems in Athens – some of the lesser-known attractions and activities you can do in Athens. Find out where you can explore it’s wonderful treasures and learn more about off the beaten path, unique historical sites and restaurants.
Contents
- Introduction to Athens’ Hidden Gems
- Astounding Viewpoints in Athens
- Unique Places to See in Athens
- Unique Things to Do in Athens
- Hidden Gem Restaurants in Athens
- Explore and Learn with GuruWalk Free Walking Tours
Full Disclosure: Some of my content may contain affiliate links for companies I use and love and recommend to awesome readers like yourself. If you take action, (i.e. subscribe, make a purchase) after clicking one of these links, I’ll earn a small amount of pocket money (at no extra cost to you), so I can buy a coffee while creating more helpful content like this.
🌟 Want to explore more about Athens? Read our Athens 4 Day Itinerary here.
Introduction to Athens’ Hidden Gems
Before our trip to Athens, we did lots of research and found a few of these cool places to add to our itinerary.
We learnt about many more hidden gems in Athens from local guides.
They shared some of the incredible places that we saw and I am happy to be sharing them with you here. I tell you more about GuruWalk later in the blog.
The following is a selection of ideas to add to your Athens’ itinerary. You’ll find there is so much more to Athens beyond the Acropolis and Museums.
🗺️ I’ve included Google Maps Location links to help you find them.
Astounding Viewpoints in Athens
PNYX Hill
For a stunning view of the Acropolis that the locals like to go, take a sunset stroll to the PNYX Monument. Even better, take a picnic to enjoy in the wooded area.
This historical hidden gem in Athens is the place where democracy was born, where Athenians could debate and vote. Here the view of the Acropolis is pure and in its full glory. We are told that it is best just after sunset when the Acropolis is lit up.
🗺️ Google Maps Location Link for PNYX Monument
Lycabettus Hill
Slightly off the beaten path, the views from Lycabettus Hill over Athens are spectacular. You can see panoramic views over the whole of Athens to the sea. At the top, you will find a church, a grill restaurant, sky bar and Orizontes Restaurant.
Visitors can either walk up the hill (30 mins) or take the funicular. The ticket woman is quite a character and is not known for her customer service skills. We recognised her immediately from her unfavourable reviews on Trip Advisor.
The hill is a popular place to visit at sunset. If you want a more exclusive VIP experience, book a table at the restaurant and ask for a front row table to ensure a good view.
I would recommend a salad and fish dish because the portions are large and extremely filling. The desserts look amazing but we were so stuffed after eating the mains that we couldn’t fit anything else in.
🗺️ Google Maps Location Link to Lycabettus Hill
🌟 Looking for a place to stay where you can wake up with views of the Acropolis? You'll love the options in my guide: Where to Stay in Athens: 10 Best Hotels with Acropolis Views!
Unique Places to See in Athens
Prison of Socrates
On your way to the PNYX Monument, stop off to have a look at the Prison of Socrates. It is not known for sure that this place was where Socrates was imprisoned but the story goes that he was kept here before his trial in 399 BC.
Socrates was imprisoned for his controversial opinions and corrupting the youth. Socrates was Plato’s teacher and what is known about him is from the writings of his students.
🗺️ Google Maps Location Link for Prison of Socrates
Anafiotika
This pretty tiny neighbourhood in Plaka is difficult to find but worth it. People from the island of Anafi, part of the Cycladic islands, built a community here. The houses look like typical island dwellings and the paths through are tiny and picturesque.
The Anafians built their houses like this because they came from an island that was often under threat from pirate invasion so their properties were built very close to each other to protect them.
Because the neighbourhood was built on the side of Acropolis Hill, part of it was destroyed for archaeological study. The Greek Government has since reclaimed the land and bought the houses but some of the families remain and lots of friendly cats.
🗺️ Google Maps Location Link for Anafiotika
Monastiraki Flea Market
This amazing market is a unique gem just off Monastiraki Square. As you enter the main street you will find lots of places to buy souvenirs and gifts. Further in are wonderful stalls with antiques, art, lamps and many more treasures. We spent a couple of hours here because there was so much to see.
🗺️ Google Maps Location Link for Monastiraki Flea Market
Unique Things to Do in Athens
Race Around the Oldest Marble Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium is the oldest marble stadium in the world. It is long because they used to have chariot races here and the length meant the horses could gather speed.
Only men were allowed to compete in the original games so they had to do it naked to prove they were men!
Everyone was having great fun here when we visited. You can run around the track, climb the steps to the top of the stadium, have your picture taken on the thrown seats and walk through the entrance tunnel. There is also an exhibition inside that tells you about the history.
🗺️ Google Maps Location Link for the Panathenaic Stadium
Sailing Trip Along the Saronic Gulf
This sailing excursion was the highlight of our trip. It is possible to take the ferry to the islands: Agistri and Aegean, which is cheaper (Ferry Link). However, if you prefer luxury and minimal hassle I would recommend the Saronic Gulf first-class cruise – check current prices and availability here.
Even if you go more budget-friendly by ferry – seeing the islands is a fabulous day out from Athens.
We set sail from Piraeus harbour. All the passengers have a comfy bed to lie on for the journey and there are nice bathroom facilities. We enjoyed pastries, orange juice and coffee for our breakfast.
We explored the 2 beautiful islands and had a swim stop. Agistri has a pretty church and gorgeous beaches. Aegina Island is where they grow pistachios. We got to sample the pistachio products and visit the Temple of Apollo.
The crew brought drinks to us throughout the entire day, so we didn’t need to lift a finger. They served a delicious buffet lunch on board after our swim stop at Moni Island.
👉 See the Viator Link here for more details of this fabulous trip.
Or read our full review here 👇
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Athens
Enjoy dinner on the Step Taverns in Plaka
Dotted around Plaka are Neo Classical taverns with a terrace view, which have live traditional music after 1900. These pretty taverns have an unusual location on the steps of Plaka leading up to the Acropolis.
They serve delicious Greek dishes and we found them to be reasonably priced too.
🗺️ Google Maps Location Link to Steps Taverns
Cocktails at the Rooftop Bars Overlooking the Acropolis
Not exactly a unique hidden gem in Athens, as there are many roof top bars to choose from. But I want to share our favourite, which was the MS Roof Garden in Monastiraki Square.
The whole place is extremely photogenic with flowers and fairy lights making it feel magical. The food and cocktails were lovely and the view was fabulous too.
🗺️ Google Maps Location Link to MS Rooftop Garden
🍹 If you’re looking for rooftop cocktail bars – check out my 5 Best Rooftop Bars in Athens for Cocktails (Plus a Few More to Try!)
Explore and Learn with GuruWalk Free Walking Tours
GuruWalking tours are a fantastic way to get to know the city and learn from the people who live here. Our guides were Elena and Anastasios. They both have amazing in-depth knowledge about every aspect of Athens and share with you all these Athens hidden gems and more.
Their colourful stories are really interesting and you can ask questions and find out as much as possible. They give great recommendations too. So if you are planning a trip to Athens, make sure a free walking tour with GuruWalk is the first thing you do on your itinerary.
🔗 Learn More About GuruWalk Here
This article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Athens on GPSmyCity.
👉 Download this blog as a GPS - powered App!!
Final Thoughts on Athens Hidden Gems
Athens is so much more than the Acropolis – it’s a city full of secret corners, unique tours, and experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left. If you’re looking to make your trip truly special, here are my top recommendations to round off your Athens adventure:
- ⛵ Set sail on the Saronic Gulf – Relax on deck, swim in hidden bays, and explore nearby islands. Check current sailing trip options here.
- 🚶 Join a free walking tour with GuruWalk – Discover hidden streets, local cafés, and stories you’d never find in a guidebook. Reserve your GuruWalk walking tour here.
- 📅 Plan your trip step-by-step – My Athens 4-Day Itinerary gives you a ready-made route with time for both highlights and hidden gems.
- 🏨 Stay somewhere unforgettable – Wake up to the Acropolis outside your window with my picks in 10 Best Hotels in Athens with Acropolis Views.
- 🍹 If you’re looking for rooftop cocktail bars – check out my 5 Best Rooftop Bars in Athens for Cocktails (Plus a Few More to Try!)
Whichever you choose, Athens is full of surprises waiting to be uncovered – and these little extras will make your trip one you’ll always remember.
🌟 See Book My holiday Athens Copy My Trip Itinerary + Booking Toolkit!
Leave a Reply