17 Things To Do in Athens Greece with Kids Or Without

Whether you’re visiting Athens for the culture or as a trip through history, you can’t fly across the world only to be left empty-handed in things to do. With so many things to do here, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to Greece.

Athens has many different outdoor movie nights and great concerts at the Lycabettus throughout the summer. You can climb Mount Olympus or walk around the Plaka, explore local markets, take a food tour, or even learn to cook Greek food during a class.

Whether you’re visiting Athens with kids or without them, every single one of these activities can be inclusive and welcoming to little ones. I visited Greece many times on my own, and we also took our toddler to Greece and not once we felt unwelcomed anywhere in Athens because of a child.

Where to Stay in Athens with Kids

If you’re traveling with a toddler or small kids you want to base yourself semi-central, to access restaurants and attractions easily. We stayed at two hotels, as we were starting and finishing the trip in Athens. We were able to walk everywhere from both of the hotels we stayed at and find places to eat easily.

Acropolis View Hotel was perfect with a rooftop bar/restaurant and they were very accommodating with a crib and other amenities.

We also stayed at Coco-Mat and the rooftop pool was a big hit, but definitely more crowded than we expected it to be.

1. See The Acropolis

You can’t visit the oldest capital in Europe without visiting the Acropolis! Even with 2,500 years of history, the Parthenon which is built on the Acropolis is possibly the most famous icon of the city.

I recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon because you’ll do a lot of walking here and the sun can be brutal in the middle of the day.

Inside the Acropolis site, you will find some different archeological wonders including the famous Parthenon and many more. Each building has signs in both English and Greek explaining the significance of the structure, giving you a snippet of an insight into what life was like in ancient times.

If you want a deeper understanding of what you have seen here, I highly recommend you visit the Acropolis Museum which I will talk about next!

In summer the price to enter the Acropolis costs €20, but if you want to visit at least one more historical site in Athens, I recommend you buy a combo ticket for €30 which gives you entry to the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Kerameikos, and Aristotle’s School.

If you’re coming with kids you’re in luck, because families skip the line! If your toddler is running I recommend a harness (we brought one just in case), because they might fall. Remember that there’s only one place to leave the stroller, but the main entrance (looking directly from the museum side it’s to the left).

2. Learn something new at the Acropolis Museum

Do not skip the Acropolis Museum which has been accessible to the general public since 2009 and is rated as one of the greatest in the world.

This museum is built on the site of the Acropolis but requires a separate ticket to the Acropolis itself. But it’s worth a visit as you will get a much better understanding of all the artifacts and buildings on the site.

Not only is it full of interesting finds, but sections of the museum floors are translucent, so visitors can see the excavations underneath as it is built over a sizable archaeological site.

The café of the Museum also has a stunning view of the Acropolis from its top floor!

3. Watch A Movie Outdoors

A significant sign of summer in Athens, Greece, is the outdoor movies!

These are very popular all around the country. You get a big screen and the sound over loudspeakers while you hang out in the grass on your blanket or lawn chair. Some people even bring their blow-up mattresses and it can be a fun family evening if you’re traveling to Greece with your kids.

Make sure you bring bug spray, though, as there will be many mosquitos. There may be times when you can’t hear the movie because of the nearby traffic. However, keep in mind that outdoor cinemas are more about the experience.

Get there early, talk with the locals, make new friends, and join an after-party somewhere! (Be safe, and never go with strangers alone.)

While naturally, they won’t be showing a kids movie, there’s plenty of space for the smallest visitors to run around, watch other people, and buy some snacks.

4. Explore the Plaka Neighborhood

Plaka is located at the base of the Acropolis and is Athens’s oldest and most beautiful neighborhood.

It is like something straight out of a movie with its breathtaking views, winding roads, small churches, neoclassical buildings, and old Ottoman dwellings, all surrounded by flowers.

This neighborhood is also home to the world’s oldest weather station, the Tower of Winds. It’s the perfect area to explore on foot as most streets have no room for cars and are always bustling with life.

As you walk around you will notice you can’t turn around without spotting another ancient archeological site!

5. See a Guard Change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Right in Syntagma Square, in front of the Greek Parliament, is a monument called the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is dedicated to the Greek soldiers who died fighting for the country.

In the Greek Army, there is a unit called the Evzones. This unit appoints two soldiers to stand guard at the monument at all times. They wear a fustanella and must be mute and still during their entire shift.

Every hour, the Evzones change the guards in a ritualistic way. You can watch these changes take place and witness the ceremony involved every day, but if you happen to be here on a Sunday, go at 11 am, where you can watch the parade in front of the memorial.

6. Find Antiques At The Market In Monastiraki

If you love a good market, Monastiraki is the place to be! Get lost in the winding alleys full of bright stalls and colorful characters. Make sure to remember your bargaining skills!

Here there are sellers selling everything from vintage books and music to paintings, antiques, and traditional brick (Greek coffee pots) at this market rigged up outside of Ifestou Street.

It’s a great place to find interesting souvenirs and on weekends, more goods are offered on stalls and even on plain blankets on the ground as the antique market extends into Avissinias Square.

7. Sign Up For A Greek Cooking Class

Everyone loves Greek food, and what better souvenir can you take home than a new skill?

During this 4-hour cooking class, you will visit a market to collect your fresh ingredients before traveling to a traditional Greek kitchen to learn how to prepare foods like spanakopita, dolmades, and tzatziki.

Afterward, you will get to enjoy the fruits of your labor accompanied by some delicious wine and some new friends!

8. See The Ancient Agora

Nestled beneath the Acropolis and next to the Plaka neighborhood you will find the Ancient Agora.

The Agora was once the political center of Athens, where many important people met to make democratic decisions for the city. Today the archeological site still has lots to explore including meeting places, temples, courts monuments, churches, and more.

The Stoa of Attalos and Hephaisteion are two other buildings on the Agora site that have been recreated to give you a realistic impression of the grandeur of this site. Definitely don’t miss out on those!

9. Eat All the Best Greek Food

You’ll undoubtedly feel hungry when you travel to Greece. This is the ideal moment to participate in one of Athens’s most enjoyable activities: enjoying Greek cuisine!

Tzatziki, pita, fried fish, fresh salad, gyros, and moussaka are just some foods found in Athens and you can go as extravagant as a 5-star restaurant or simply grab some street food from the many vendors.

Even the pita (which is dirt cheap) is delicious, It is cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, Tzatziki, chicken, or pork which is then stuffed into the bread and drizzled with oil!

Dine at Little Kook Cafe

If you want to combine amazing food with a fun experience and interesting decor, you can’t miss a meal at the Little Kook Cafe!

This quirky cafe is a magical place that is decorated both inside and out with bright lights, colorful cutouts, and costumed staff. The theme changes depending on the season but the cafe goes full out, no matter what the occasion. They even decorate the street (Karaiskaki).

10. See The Temple Of Olympian Zeus

Another striking archaeological landmark is the