Athens, Greece City Guide
Welcome to Athens, a city where ancient history and vibrant modern culture come together to create an unforgettable family vacation. Athens is known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, but this ancient city offers more than just its historical allure. Beyond the iconic ruins of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, you’ll find a bustling metropolis filled with family-friendly attractions, delicious cuisine, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
From exploring interactive museums and beautiful parks to savoring authentic Greek dishes in charming tavernas, Athens provides a rich tapestry of experiences that cater to all ages. This guide will walk you through the best that Athens has to offer, ensuring your family has the most memorable vacation possible!
BEST ACCOMMODATIONS FOR FAMILIES
1. King George
The King George in Athens is located in the historic Syntagma Square, a prime location which is located between the Parliament and the stylish Voukourestiou Street. Included in your stay at this luxury hotel is free wifi, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, private parking, and a fitness center. Additionally, all rooms either have a balcony or a window that faces the Acropolis or the inner courtyard.
2. The Four Seasons Astir Palace
The 4 Seasons Astir Palace is a sophisticated hotel conveniently located at the top of the Vouliagmeni Peninsula and only a 30 minute drive from the historic city center. Staying at this hotel grants you access to a luxury spa and their private beaches. This Four Seasons offers 24-hour in-room dining, same-day dry cleaning & pressing, babysitting services, free wifi, and car rental services available for guests. The Astir Palace prides itself on being child-friendly, offering services such as the “Kids for All Seasons” club (for ages 5-12), which provides resort guests with a diverse range of arts, crafts, and activities to enjoy during their stay.
TOP THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
1. Mount Lycabettus
Take a cable car ride to Mount Lycabettus, standing 277 meters above sea level. According to legend, this special hill was formed when the goddess Athena dropped a massive limestone rock upon hearing bad news. At the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Athens, and if you visit in the late afternoon, you can also catch a stunning sunset!
2. Athens Cooking Class
This four hour cooking class is perfect for kids of all ages. Greek cuisine is renowned for its healthiness and freshness, and during your class, you’ll learn to make traditional dishes like tzatziki and spinach pie. Guided by an experienced chef, you’ll create these delicious meals and then savor your creations on a bakery’s rooftop while enjoying the stunning view of the Acropolis.
3. Changing of the Guards at Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is one of the main squares in Athens, situated next to the Greek Parliament building. In front of Parliament, you’ll find the Tsoliades, soldiers who guard the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. These soldiers stand completely still until a new team replaces them every hour, every day of the week.
4. Attica Zoo Park
A fun place to visit with kids is the zoo located just outside of Athens city center, home to over 350 unique animal species—half of which are endangered. Here, you can see fascinating creatures like Greek fauna, including endemic Kri-Kri goats and horses from Skyros Island, as well as Komodo dragons, Asian elephants, and rhinos. The zoo also offers a petting farm, a playground with swings and a climbing castle, and a large picnic field, perfect for kids to play and enjoy the sunshine!
5. Souvenir Shopping in the Plaka
Plaka is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens and is the go-to destination for restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shopping of course! What many don’t realize is that this neighborhood sells the same souvenirs that you’ll be able to find on the Greek Islands…but for less Euros! Notable gifts include classic Greek shirts, children’s books, and “The Eye” (which wards off evil but only works if given as a gift). After shopping, be sure to visit one of the many stores for some refreshing ice cream!
6. Visit Ancient Agora
Located in Athens, Greece, the Ancient Agora is an expansive area filled with ancient ruins. Once the heart of the city, it served as the venue for political gatherings, jury deliberations, and performances. Stroll along the Panathenaic Way, the same path Aristotle and Plato walked over 2,000 years ago, and visit the house of Simon the Cobbler.
7. Acropolis Museum with Kids
This museum provides family backpacks filled with educational resources like puzzles, painting kits, maps, and exhibition-based activities and games to keep your entire family entertained as you explore. You’ll also have the chance to view an archaeological excavation of an ancient Athenian neighborhood through glass floors and marvel at a model of the Acropolis made from 120,000 Lego bricks on the second floor.
8. Eugenides Foundation
This venue offers both educational and recreational activities! It features a digital planetarium where kids and families can explore space, science, astronomy, and astrophysics. Guests can enjoy digital projections of the solar system, watch 40-minute films on the planetarium’s large hemispherical dome (with English translations available), or engage in a variety of interactive exhibitions.
9. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
This Cultural Center houses both the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, and is surrounded by Athens’ largest green space. It hosts a variety of events, including concerts, festivals, photography exhibitions, and film screenings. Families can enjoy sailing or kayaking, and depending on the season, you might bike along the canal in summer or go ice skating in winter. There are also numerous playgrounds, picnic areas, and gardens to explore with your family.
10. The Temple of Poseidon
Explore Greek mythology by visiting the Temple of Poseidon, an ancient marvel! As one of the 12 Olympian Gods and ruler of the seas and oceans, Poseidon is central to Greek myth. This temple was constructed during Athens’ Golden Age in the 5th century BCE. If you take a day trip to Sounion, enjoy a scenic drive along the coast, admiring the stunning land and seascapes before reaching Cape Sounion, where the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon await.
TIPS
Learn About Greece: Before your trip, explore Greek mythology with books or movies. I’ve listed some recommendations below.
Book a Mythology Tour: Choose the Mythology Tour with Alternative Athens, which includes the Parthenon. Start at the Temple of Zeus and purchase a five-day multi-site ticket to skip the long Acropolis lines and start your exploration sooner.
Multi-Site Ticket: This ticket grants access to other major ruins in Athens, like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora.
Car Rentals: Manual transmission cars are more common and affordable in Greece. Book early if you need an automatic car.
Ferry Travel: For trips beyond Athens, take a ferry from Piraeus port. It’s a short metro or taxi ride from the city center. Allow extra time for picking up physical tickets if required.
Metro Passes: Consider buying a one-day unlimited pass for 4.10 EUR or a five-day pass for 8.10 EUR to save on metro travel.
Guided Tours: To fully experience the city’s beauty and learn interesting facts, book a guided Family Walking Tour.
Visit Early: Arrive at historic sites as early as possible to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit.
Pack Sunscreen: Greece can be very hot (80s to 90s), so pack sunscreen to protect yourself. While you can buy it locally, it may be more expensive.
GET EXCITED BEFORE YOU GO
Read:
- Nestor in Greece (Cradle of Civilization)
- The Orchard Book of Greek Myths
- See Inside Ancient Greece
- Lingo Dingle and the Greek Chef: Learn Greek for Kids
- KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Athens, Greece
Adult Readings:
Watch:
Mamma Mia!
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Hercules
Jim Henson’s The Storyteller—Greek Myths
Who is Christina?
Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists. After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.
She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.
Are you feeling overwhelmed with everything that goes into Planning a vacation?
If you are ready to have the family vacation you’ve been dreaming of, without spending time researching, planning, and making it happen, schedule a call today. I’m here to help busy working Moms plan, organize and book the perfect family vacation. With me, all you have to worry about is enjoying your well-earned time away with your family. If you are ready to stop trying to do everything on your own and see how I can help you schedule a complimentary trip planning session now.
