Non-Touristy Things to do in Athens and Must-Visit Hidden Gems

There are many unusual, non-touristy things to do in Athens besides visiting the landmarks!

Although many people might think the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the museums are the only places to visit in Athens city center, this is far from the truth. Beyond the tourist spots and popular attractions, many hidden corners reveal another side of Athens – a side full of surprises and revelations!

In this article, we unveil Athens’ hidden gems and share the most unusual things to do in Athens. So, let’s dive into the city’s hidden treasures!

Discover gastronomic hidden gems in Athens

Athens is famed for its gastronomy; food enthusiasts will find their heaven here, as the city brims with eateries for every taste, from international cuisine to farm-to-table delights. Therefore, if discovering new flavors is your passion, the delicious food scene of Athens will certainly excite your taste buds!

In Athens city center, numerous taverns serve authentic traditional cuisine with generations-old classic dishes, such as moussaka, souvlaki, and roasted aubergines with feta cheese. For fusion and gourmet cuisine enthusiasts, neighborhoods like Kolonaki, Pangrati, and Gazi have chic restaurants that blend Greek ingredients with international flavors, creating innovative and creative dishes that will leave you craving more.

Zurbaran in Kolonaki, Spondi in Pangrati, and Art Lounge in Athens city center are among the best restaurants to visit in Athens. Besides, restaurant-hopping is one of the coolest things to do in Athens!

Wander around Anafiotika, a hidden urban island

Each neighborhood in Athens boasts its unique character and charm. Balconies adorned with flowers, picturesque narrow alleys, sophisticated cafes, and hidden boutiques make the Athenian neighborhoods perfect for exploration!

Anafiotika is one of the most distinctive Athenian neighborhoods. Nestled under the Acropolis hill and boasting a Cycladic island flair, it transports visitors to the heart of the Aegean Sea, minutes away from the bustling city center. Whitewashed houses, colorful windows, charming courtyards, and narrow streets create an enchanting scenery that will captivate your senses. No wonder Anafiotika is considered one of Athens’ hidden gems!

Explore nature

Besides sightseeing and gourmet delights, there are many non-touristy things to do in Athens, from nature exploration to swimming. So, grab your sunscreen, don a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and embark on an adventure in nature!

Some of the best and most unusual things to do in Athens for nature lovers are:

Hiking in Mount Parnitha

If you are a hiking enthusiast Mount Parnitha is the perfect place to explore scenic trails and connect with nature. Full of lush forests, diverse flora and fauna, gorges, hidden streams, and viewpoints that offer panoramic views of Attica and the Saronic Gulf, Mount Parnitha is fascinating. Moreover, it boasts the most extensive hiking network in Attica, offering several difficulty levels to choose from!

Jogging in the city

Running is not only one of the best and most unusual things to do in Athens for those who love sports but also a great way to take in the sights while exercising. The best time of day to run in Athens is just after sunrise when the city is still quiet, allowing you to run at your own pace. So, put on your running shoes and go on a sightseeing running tour, passing by some of the best archaeological sites in Athens, including the Arch of Hadrian, the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), and the Temple of Olympian Zeus!

Swimming in Lake Vouliagmeni, one of Athens’ hidden gems

If you visit the city during the summer months swimming is a must-do non-touristy thing to do in Athens. One of the best spots for swimming in Athens is Lake Vouliagmeni, a majestic natural mineral lake on the city’s outskirts. Surrounded by rocks, greenery, and hidden sea caves, Lake Vouliagmeni boasts a breathtaking landscape that makes swimming a dreamy experience!

Discover nightlife beyond tourist spots

Known for its vibrant nightlife, Athens comes alive when the sun sets, with crowds flocking to the hottest spots. Although Athens city center is full of well-known tourist spots, there are secret nocturnal haunts most tourists don’t know about!

Kolonaki

Known as one of the city’s most elegant and upscale neighborhoods during the day, Kolonaki transmutes into a refined nightlife heaven when the sun goes down. Full of sophisticated cocktail bars, exclusive clubs, and hip wine bars, this area is the perfect place to have fun and rub shoulders with the city’s cultured elite. If you’re looking for cool things to do in Athens off the beaten path, a night out in Kolonaki is an ideal option!

Exarchia

Vibrant, unconventional, alternative, and full of surprises, the Exarchia neighborhood has a unique boho-chic charm that will captivate you. Home to eclectic wine bars, unique venues, and hidden speakeasies, this hidden gem in Athens is fascinating to explore and get lost in. If you want to dance with artists, innovators, nonconformists, and modern activists and redefine the notion of nightlife, then this neighborhood is a one-way destination. So, go without a plan and see where the night takes you!

Marousi and Kifisia

If you want to discover Athens’ nightlife beyond the city center and escape the hustle and bustle, the ultra-chic suburbs of Marousi and Kifisia are ideal alternatives. The pulsating nightlife scene of Marousi and Kifisia includes luxurious venues, sophisticated mixology bars, opulent clubs, and upscale wine bars that will introduce you to the refined luxury of the city’s northern suburbs!

Extra tip: If you stay in a hotel in Kifisia, we suggest exploring the commercial center and indulging in a designer shopping spree surrounded by nature during the day!

Explore the fascinating street art scene of Athens

Exploring the city’s street art scene is one of the coolest things to do in Athens! Almost every city corner is adorned with beautiful street art created by talented artists who bring even the most mundane walls and buildings to life. As you wander through the streets and alleys of Athens, you will discover many large outdoor murals that turn the city into a fascinating open-air museum!

Exarchia, Psyrri, Gazi, Metaxourgeio, and Anafiotika are full of urban art, including graffiti art and colorful posters that inject life into hidden corners. Many of the most impressive street art pieces in Athens are made by local artists in collaboration with businesses, so it is common to see entire building walls covered by graffiti or even cafeterias and bars decorated with impressive street art. Exploring the urban street art scene is arguably one of the best and most unusual things to do in Athens!

Whether you are a foodie, an art enthusiast, or an avid partygoer, there are numerous non-touristy things to do in Athens for every taste. Beyond the well-trodden tourist spots, a fascinating hidden world awaits to be explored. Are you ready to discover Athens’ hidden gems?