8 Unusual Things To Do In Athens Beyond The Tourist Sites

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The Acropolis, Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus… Tell me something I didn’t know! A city filled with some of the world’s oldest, most famous, and most frequently visited ancient ruins and archaeological sites, there is actually more to do than just exploring the capital city’s 5,000-year-old past. 

Don’t get me wrong, it is super cool checking out these sites, imagining you’re walking in the very footsteps of Greek gods and goddesses. But these can sometimes feel overly touristy. 

Local tip: Here’s how to spend an epic three days in Athens. 

So, if you have a couple of days in the city, perhaps you don’t feel like being surrounded by a million people all the time, and want to discover some of the more unusual things to do in Athens? Well, I’ve got you covered. 

1. Thision Open Air Cinema: Movies under the stars 

In a city of ancient amphitheaters and ruins where former theatrical performances were once held (some of which are still utilized for shows today), Thision Open Air Cinema is truly something different! 

As the name suggests, yes, this IS an open-air cinema, although it’s certainly not the antiquated kind! Sort of…Since its opening (circa 1935), films have been screened here, and it stands as Athens’ oldest cinema. But you see, it showcases movies here, so it’s still modern by Athens’ standards. 

Chairs and round tables are neatly set up in an outdoor setting, with a large cinema screen in the front. You’ll discover a selection/combination of the classics as well as some of the latest movies out there. 

Useful to know: You will need to purchase tickets, but cannot do so online. You have to buy them from the cinema’s boxoffice. 

2. Prison of Socrates: Dating to 399 BCE

Obviously, most of the sightseeing in this ancient city dates back thousands of years. But instead of all the well-known places laden with tourists (where you can hardly take a proper photograph), choose to explore some of the more unusual things to do in Athens. And by this, I do still mean the archaic kind–case in point: the Prison of Socrates! 

If you’re not so clued up on your Greek history or philosophy, Socrates is often called the first real “Western” philosopher, though he was from the Classical Athens period. His works, thinkings and teachings are often linked with Aristotle and Plato. 

Anyhoo, back to the once state prison. Although it looks like nothing more than a rockery/cave, this is where Socrates was imprisoned, and it’s located on Philopappos Hill. There’s also a little park area around here. 

3. Lake Vouliagmeni: Healing waters 

Instead of spending the day by the seaside, swimming in the beaches along the Athens Riviera, swap salty waters for thermal ones at Lake Vouliagmeni. 

These ancient healing waters have long been used by Greece’s gods and goddesses, and you can still visit and utilize them today. Water temperature ranges from 21°C to 29°C. Surrounded by a series of rock formations and dry shrubbery, you do feel miles away from Athens. A wooden deck area was built, with loungers for relaxing. 

Apart from the swimming, there is an on-site spa offering wellness treatments using the thermal waters. Indulge in Asian and Latin American cuisine at the abraOvata by Chef John Skotidas restaurant. It’s headed up around the lake, and is a great date spot! 

4. Brettos Distillery: The city’s oldest distillery 

Greece’s traditional spirits aren’t just limited to ouzo, although it is its most iconic. During your adventure of the most unusual things to do in Athens, add the Brettos Distillery to your agenda for a fun afternoon! Apart from the ouzo, sample tsipouro, rakomelo, brandy, and more!

With its roots dating back to 1909, it now remains as Athens’ oldest distillery–officially. 

If you’re not the biggest drinker among your travel group, not to fear. Olive oil and premium Greek honey tastings are available, too. Or, if you do like your boozy pursuits, but don’t really do spirits and liqueurs, there are wine tasting options. 

5. Plato’s Academy: Take a philosophy workshop

Okay, it’s not as if Plato’s Academy does still exist–although how epic would that be if it did? But for any philosophy geeks, this park is worth a stop. 

Plus, it’s not as if there’s just a park here. (As much as I love being in nature, in a city like this, there are so many more unusual things to do in Athens other than just chilling in a park.) The remains of the former academy–where Plato tested out some of his most elaborate theories/experimental workshops– are located here.

Pop into the insightful Plato’s Academy Digital Museum, too, where you can learn more about these, as well as the existing ruins and more on the man himself. 

Better yet, if you happen to be visiting on the weekend, join a philosophy workshop run by Hellas Revival. Led by an expert in the field of Classical Studies, you’ll learn how Plato’s Philosophy applies to the modern world. 

6. Stani: A top spot for rizogalo 

I grew up loving my nan’s British-style rice pudding. Then, my aunt married a Greek man, and I was introduced to the world of Greek rice pudding (known as rizogalo), and my-oh-my, did that change the rice pudding game for me! 

Discover more: 8 traditional Greek desserts and where to try them in Greece

Traditionally served cold, it’s this delicious citrusy-cinammony creamy explosion (it’s made with lemon zest and/or orange zest. I prefer mine with just lemon). Taste it for yourselves at Stani–a famous dairy shop that’s been around since 1931!!! They’re literally famous for their rice pud. 

Also, in case you didn’t know, sheep’s milk is favored over cow’s in Greece, even goat’s milk over cow’s. Some of the other sheep dairy products to try here are the sheep-milk yogurt with honey and walnuts, or their traditional pastries like galactoboureko (a classic custard tart). For something savory, go for the village cheese pie! 

7. Anafiotika: A picturesque village 

I’m an absolute sucker for a quaint little villagescape, and although the landscape is completely different, Anafiotika sort of (ever so slightly) reminds me of Deià in Mallorca, Spain. It’s got that special magic about it. 

For those who are only traveling to Greece for one or two days and don’t have the time to sea-hop over to the islands, this tucked-away little village gives you somewhat of those island feels. You truly feel worlds away from the city and busy tourist streets. It feels more rustic. 

Buildings are made from some kind of sandstone. There are the classic little Greek alleyways leading up mountains. A few building walls in between the alleys display funky street art. White-clad homes are decorated with flower pots and blue doors. It’s also a fantastic spot for sampling traditional Greek foods at the cute little tavernas, where you won’t be subject to tourist prices! 

And yes, that is the Acropolis above you!

Travel tip: Heading to Corfu at any point? Here are some the restaurants we love the most in this special town!

8. Lycabettus Hill: Feel on top of the world 

Athens isn’t short on viewpoints, but to reach the top of Lycabettus Hill, you can either hike or catch a sweet little funicular tram, which makes it sort of different. A big portion of the tram ride cruises through a tunnel. So, although you don’t sightsee as much as if you’re walking up the hill, it brings back those moments of being a child in a theme park–although it’s NOT scary at all. But you get what I mean… 

As the highest point in Athens, it’s 277 meters above the ground. So you can really imagine how awe-inspiring the panoramas are from this vantage point. The city stretched out below you; an amalgamation of ancient sites and buildings that ebb and flow. 

Also up here is the Orizontes Lycabettus restaurant (open day and night). I’m not going to lie, it is really quite romantic in the evenings, especially with all the twinkling lights surrounding you. But it is one of those touristy type spots. But the views are so worth it! 

Moving on from the capital city and all of the unusual things to do in Athens, where do you plan on cruising to next? To help you make that decision, dive into our Ultimate One Week in Greece Itinerary or this Ultimate 10 Day Greek Island Hopping Itinerary.

If Crete has been on your bucket list, check out our useful 7-day Crete itinerary. Or, if you’re off to Milos, here are some of the best places to stay, in our opinion. Forget the islands. Did you know that Greece becomes snow-capped in winter? Read all about our Top 6 Greek Winter Destinations, where you can even go skiing! Not even kidding. 

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