Athens, Greece: 12 Beautiful Experiences with Your Family
Explore Athens, Greece for unforgettable family adventures. Immerse yourself in rich history, tantalizing flavors, and cultural experiences at every turn.
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Acropolis Museum
Take in the wonders of ancient Greece at the Acropolis Museum, where exhibits bring history to life. We chose to visit the day before we went to the Acropolis to learn more about the site before we explored it. One of our favourites was learning about the Karyatids of the Erechtheion, the six female statues. Five of the original Karyatids are displayed at the museum, with the sixth still housed in the British Museum, which we visited earlier on our holiday. Replicas of these sit on the Acropolis site.
Visit the museum early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds. We took advantage of the air conditioning and visited in the afternoon. We bought tickets at the door for €15/adult and €10/reduced admission, they are further reduced in the winter season and tickets are free for those five and under. Be sure to check out the rooftop patio for a great view of the Acropolis.
Visit the Acropolis
Climb to the pinnacle of Athens’ cultural heritage with a visit to the Acropolis, where the ruins of temples and theatres stand. Take in the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike while enjoying the views of the city below. My favourite was the ancient theatre, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Wear comfortable non-slip shoes as the dust on the marble is slippery. Bring plenty of water, as the climb can be steep and there is little shade. We went for the opening using the side entrance and headed straight to the top, however, the crowds were large and made for a slow hot walk up to the Parthenon. We purchased our tickets ahead via a multi-pass but did have difficulty on the day of our visit as we didn’t receive an email with our digital tickets. Fortunately, we got this sorted out quickly at the gate and were given paper tickets, which we then used at the other sites we visited. Since our visit, I believe they have instituted a different process for entry to limit the number of people on the site. Tickets are €20/adult and €10/reduced admission.
Before visiting we spent some time looking at whether or not we wanted to hire a guide for our tour and eventually decided not to. Having gone to the Acropolis Museum before our visit we learned a lot about the site. I have no doubt that a guide would have further enriched our experience but with the volume of people visiting the site and the set route for the guided tours we wanted the flexibility to explore at our own pace. Guides are available near the entrance if you want to find someone on the day of your visit and there are several free audio guides that you can download ahead as well.
Food Tour
Whether you head out on a self-guided food tour or sign up for a guided tour, be sure to enjoy the tastes of Athens. From savoury souvlaki and pies to sweet baklava and bougatsa, indulge your taste buds in the flavours that showcase the culinary heritage of Greece. Make sure to try something you’ve never tasted before.
Athens National Garden
Escape from the busy city with a walk through the free National Gardens. Let the kids roam among towering trees and fragrant flowers while spotting resident turtles and ducks in the ponds. Pack a picnic and find some shade, or let the kids burn off some energy at the playground.
National Archaeological Museum
Delve into the depths of Greece’s archaeological treasures at the National Archaeological Museum, where a vast collection of artifacts spans millennia of history. Download the museum’s app for an interactive tour that will keep kids engaged. Tickets are €12/person. Hours vary depending on the time of year with later afternoon and evening hours on Tuesdays. You can visit the site by metro, electric train, bus or trolly. It is about 15 minutes by transit from the Plaka.
Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Stand in awe before the towering columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Combine your visit with a stop at nearby Hadrian’s Arch for a double dose of ancient history. We used our multi-pass to enter each of these sites and skipped the lineups to get in. Tickets for a single site are €6-10/adult and €3-5/reduced admission. If you don’t want to visit the site itself, you can see parts of the site as you walk around the Plaka.
Visit the Arch of Hadrian
Pause beneath the towering arch of Hadrian’s Arch, a monumental gateway that once marked the boundary between the ancient city and the Roman quarter. Capture the perfect family photo against the backdrop of this iconic landmark, framing the Acropolis in the distance.
Hadrian’s Library
Uncover the legacy of ancient Athens at Hadrian’s Library, a center of learning and scholarship founded by the Roman emperor Hadrian. We decided not to enter the site but to enjoy the views as we walked by heading to the Ancient Agora.
Visit the Ancient Agora of Athens
Step back in time to the heart of ancient Athens with a visit to the Ancient Agora, where ancient Greeks gathered for commerce, politics, and socializing. Wander among the ruins of temples, stoas, and buildings, imagining the life that once thrived within these grounds. There is a small museum and gift shop on site. This Agora was larger than we expected and had much smaller crowds than the Acropolis, making it easier to explore the ruins.
Watch the Acropolis Light Up from a Rooftop Patio
Watch the Acropolis illuminate the night sky from a rooftop patio. Find a spot to enjoy dinner or head out for drinks and dessert as you take in the view. Make reservations in advance to secure the best seats.
Wander the Plaka
Lose yourself in the streets of the Plaka, Athens’ oldest and most picturesque neighbourhood. You’ll find whitewashed buildings and cobblestone alleys, markets and artisan shops mixed with cafes and bakeries. All are tucked away amidst ancient ruins, offering a blend of history and modern amenities.
Visit the Temple of Poseidon
Travel to the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula to take in the Temple of Poseidon, situated atop a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. Delve into Greek mythology as you explore this ancient site dedicated to the god of the sea. Plan your visit for sunset to witness the temple bathed in golden light against the backdrop of the sea. The Temple is a 60 to 90-minute drive from the Plaka in Athens. Entrance is €10/adult and €5/reduced admission.
Pro tip: Pick your favourite spot in Athens and book a Flytographer photo shoot to capture the magic of your holiday. This will be the best souvenir of your entire trip and is a great way to make sure the whole family gets to be in your holiday photos. Plus, you get to meet an amazing local photographer who can share all their favourite spots in their city. Learn more about our first experience with Flytographer here.
