Unusual things to do in Athens

Athens is an amazing city with many interesting attractions and there are many unusual places from Athens which you have to see!

It is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered to be the place where western civilization was born.

After a few days exploring the most important ancient sites from the area, I am sure something new and different gives a new vibe to your trip, some unusual experiences in Athens.

Exarchia street art Athens Greece

That is why we recommend you to experience not just the historical part of the city but also some of the most unusual and unique things which could be tried when in Athens.

Updated November 2020: I prepared a list with these unusual things to do when in Athens, things which should be included in your travel list:

1. Dance till morning at a bouzoukia

Bouzoukia is traditional greek music hall. The name of Bouzoukia comes from a greek instrument named bouzouki that is played during traditional music performances.

If you want to experience the true vibe of the local culture and traditions this is the place where you should go first.

Dance at Bousoukia Athens| Unusual places from Athens

On such an event locals play greek music and ballads while others are dancing, drinking and all together are having fun with their friends.

If you are interested in such an event, one of the most unusual experiences in Athens then you should know that there are two options.

The first one is to visit a smaller bouzoukia where some people are singing while others are eating their dinner with friends. And these kinds of places could be easily found on Plaka and Anafiotika Plaka).

Or, there is always the second option, a bigger and more animated bouzoukia, where people dance and party till morning.

2. Relax at Kape beach

One of the most unusual things to do in Athens is to relax on a nearby beach. I mean come on! Have you ever consider visit Athens and lay on a beach? Everybody things Athens is just about ancient ruins, but things are not like that in reality!

Located close to Athens, easy to reach with public transport there is a wonderful beach called Kape beach.

Kape Beach Athens Greece

It is so well camouflaged and hidden that you might pass by without observing it! And that the beauty of the place!

The beach is almost empty and very few tourists know about it!

To reach this wonderful beach you have to follow a dirt path from the main road between Athens to Sounio. Certainly, this is among the most unusual places from Athens!

This beach is a great choice for those looking for something less popular, for an alternative to the very crowded beaches of Glyfada and the Athenian Riviera.

3. Take a greek cooking class

Learning how to cook a traditional meal is a unique and interesting experience. It gives you the unique opportunity to dive into local traditions and vibes and let you feel that at least for an hour or so you are part of that culture.

Greek Cooking Class Greek Food with olive oil

The experience is complete! You have to buy your ingredients from the local market and negotiate with vendors for the best price and best ingredients!

Then you take part in the cooking process, where local chefs tell you exactly how to mix the ingredients and why you should do things in a certain way to get the best taste.

When you leave, you take with you not just great memories but also a new and tasty recipe and a small piece of greek culture.

These are the new essentials you have to pack for your trip

4. Discover Exarchia street art

Exarchia is the heart of Athens street art and one of the most unusual things to do in Athens. It is the most famous neighbourhood in the whole city and where you should go if you want to discover another facet of the city.

Exarchia street art Athens Greece

Many famous European artists like Borondo and Ino created here many artworks. The scenes are inspired by daily life and politics and are very representative and expressive. For sure this is one of the most unusual places from Athens! It is something you probably don’t expect to find in this city!

If you want to be sure that you will photograph and see the most important artworks from the city then book a ticket at Athens Original Street Art Tour.

This is a great tour with a professional guide who will show you the most important artworks from the town and will tell you everything you need to know about street art in Athens.

Athens Original Street Art Tour

5. Dive in the island atmosphere at Anafiotika

How about a short trip to Santorini? Or to Mikonos? I get it! You don’t have time for that! Then why don’t you take a walk in the Anafiotika area?

The place resembles perfectly with those beautiful greek islands.

The area is located close to Plaka neighbourhood and was built and created by islanders who moved to the mainland from many different greek islands.

So, here on the mainland, they built a corner for their soul, just to remind them about the island’s life.

Anafiotika is also a great place to admire the sunset over the Acropolis.

So you’ll get many wonderful photos from up there with the Acropolis and the Athens bath in the sun.

Anafiotika Athens Greece| Unusual experiences in Athens

I bet you tired after such an exhausting day of exploring the most unusual things to do in Athens! Why don’t you take a good night sleep and prepare for another day of exploring the city?

Here are our options for your overnight stay:

1. Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens is one of the best choices from Athens. It is located right in the heart of the city right near the House of Parliament and the Constitution Square, overlooking the Acropolis.

The interiors are elegant with wood furniture and marble bathrooms. Some of the rooms offer a view of the Acropolis.

2. Electra Metropolis Athens is another great choice for Athens. It is located centrally near a metro station, just 10 minutes walk from Plaka street.

The rooms are clean and modern with organic Korres toiletries.
The hotel offers a wonderful rooftop pool from where you can admire the Acropolis while relax and sip a cocktail! This is for sure one of the coolest and unusual places from Athens!

3. Amalia Hotel Athens is a beautiful 4-star hotel which offers great views of the Acropolis located right across the National Gardens.

The hotel is located in the centre of the city, 10 minutes walk from the Acropolis and Plaka.
The hotel was awarded the Green Key eco-label, which means that it uses only environmentally-friendly toiletries and cleaning products.

Wow! Those activities are really great and I rank them as the most unusual experiences in Athens! This is your chance to see beyond the ancient ruins of this magnificent cities! It is a great place with many attractions! Check it out!