10 Cool Things to Do in Athens in Winter
Most people think about Greece as a summer destination. Why wouldn’t they? The country is blessed with some of the nicest beaches on the planet. However, visit Athens, or anywhere in Greece in winter, and you’ll be hooked forever. Mild temperatures, peace, loads of space, and relaxed locals will make you want to come back every year.
We moved to Greece six years ago and still cannot believe how beautiful the country is. Its top destinations deserve to be famous around the world. They are that stunning! However, since we are locals now, we’ve discovered new and exciting places. One of these places is our home city of Athens.
Of course, everybody knows Athens due to the one and only Parthenon. However, most tourists spend just a couple of days in the city on their way to the island. What a mistake! Athens deserves at least a week. It’s got archaeology, architecture, nature, delicious food, culture, and friendly hosts.
Why Visit Athens in Winter
Splendid Weather is Everything
Athens in winter has some of the best temperatures in Europe. The average mean temperature in Athens in December and January is 50 F (10°C). The minimum average is 45 F (7°C), while the maximum is 55 F (12°C). Besides, it hardly ever rains. December is the rainiest month, with an average of just 2.6 inches (60ml)!
The weather improves a bit in Athens in February and March. It’s basically the same temperature, but there are more sunny days. March is one of our favorite months in the city. You can start to feel spring approaching. Trees are greener, the air is lighter, and it hardly ever rains.
That said, consider yourself lucky if it snows while you are in Athens. We’ve been here the last two snowstorms and couldn’t believe our eyes. Since we live close to the Acropolis, we grabbed a thick coat, proper shoes, and walked about the city in awe. You won’t believe how beautiful Athens looks under a thin blanket of snow.
No Crowds
Greece is one of the most visited places in Europe. Flocks of tourists visit in summer to enjoy its sun-soaked beaches. Most tourists stop for a couple of days in Athens before continuing to their favorite island. Therefore, the city can be a bit crowded in peak season.
However, the crowds leave in winter, and you get to enjoy the city with a lot of space. What to do in winter depends on your interests. Other than bathing in the sea, you can pretty much do anything you want. Athens is a big European capital and offers just about everything.
Of course, culture is at the center of the city. You’ll find history at every corner. Food is another staple. Nowhere in Europe can you eat such an array of top-quality food. When it comes to parties and dancing, Athens has experienced a massive boom recently. Today, it hosts some of the best bars and nightclubs in Europe.
Lower Prices
As every experienced traveler knows, fewer crowds mean lower prices. Everyone in Europe travels during the summer. Schools are off, and people want some sun after the long cold European winter. Tourists flock to Greece and pay whatever they have to, to enjoy the sun!
The country’s tourist infrastructure is very good. There are enough hotels to lodge the big crowds in summer. However, hotels have to lower their prices considerably to attract guests in winter; in particular in Athens. During the past few years, wonderful hotels opened in the city. Full in summer, they have to offer unbelievable deals in winter.
Regarding food and drinks, you won’t have to elbow yourself to order. Fantastic tavernas, restaurants, and all types of eateries line the city’s streets. All you have to do is pick the one you like and enjoy. Fashionistas will be happy to know that the winter sale period begins on January 10 and ends in February.
Things to Do in Athens in Winter
1 Visit the Acropolis without the Crowds
Of all the things to do in Athens, a visit to the Acropolis is mandatory. We live very close, and we never get tired of seeing it. The whole place is a sight to behold. The Acropolis presides over Athens. You will see it as you walk around the city.
The Acropolis changes color as the sun moves. That’s why you will want to visit throughout the day. We are talking not only about the ancient city but also about the incredible hill it sits on. Ancient trees populate the hill. Don’t rush and take your time going up.
Though the Parthenon is its most famous structure, you have a lot to see. The hill is some 8 acres (3 hectares) big. You have 21 incredible buildings to check. Not only that, but the views from the top of the hill will take your breath away. Go in the late afternoon for killer sunsets.
2 Wander about the Ancient Agora
The ancient Agora stands proud in the center of the old town. Hard to believe that such a beautiful compound fell into oblivion for hundreds of years. In fact, the Agora came back as recently as 1834, when Athens became the capital of the new state of Greece.
The most recent excavations took place in the 1950s and 1970s. Today, the Agora and ancillary buildings spread across almost 30 acres (12 hectares) of lush green nature. Once again, don’t rush and take your time to see each building. If you have time, walk to nearby Kerameikos.
Take note that coffee shops and restaurants line Adrianou Street, the northern border of the Agora. Likewise, to fully admire it, you can walk all around it, on Theorias and Apostolou Pavlou pedestrian streets. It’s like walking in Ancient Greece!
3 Roam the Streets of Plaka and Monastiraki
Without a doubt, the nicest parts of Athens are around the Acropolis. We are talking about the neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki. Though not that big, you have loads of streets, aisles, parks, and temples to discover. Walking around the area is safe and so much fun.
Monastiraki is where everything happens. Don’t forget to check Tzisdarakis Mosque and the incredible Hadrian Library. Walk to the Metropolitan Church of Athens nearby. That’s the entrance to Plaka. The Church of Saint Nicholas Rangavas from the 11th Century is the oldest in the city.
You simply can’t skip the neighborhood on the northeastern slopes of the Acropolis. Anafiotika is a little piece of the Cyclades in the heart of the city. King Otto’s workers built the tiny village in the 1830s. Continue your walk to the Acropolis Museum and end in the Agora.
4 Catch Some Sun in Philopappou Hill
As you will notice, two hills stand in the center of Athens. One is where the Acropolis is, the other in the front is Philopappou. Take note that we are referring to three areas: Philopappou, Pnyx, and Nymphs. In any case, it’s the massive and gorgeous green area facing the Acropolis.
The highest point on the hill is the Philopappos monument, a huge marble monument from 116 AD. The views from there are epic. Search for the Sanctuary of the Muses, the Prison of Socrates, and the Church of Saint Demetrius. Lovely trees cover the area.
Continue your walk until you reach the Pnyx. We live just beneath it. The views of the Acropolis from here are the best. Besides, if you walk in the opposite direction, you will reach a natural stone platform offering views of the sea and the best sunsets in the city.
5 Visit the National Garden
The other big park in the city is called the National Garden. It’s behind the Greek Parliament on Syntagma Square. Queen Amalia built it in 1840. King Alexander died after being bitten by a resident monkey in 1920. Unpopular King Constantine came back and was instrumental in Greece’s defeat in the Turkish War.
Walking around the gardens is a walk through history. You will see several monuments, including one to Lord Byron. Enter the park through the 12 palms planted by Queen Amalia. Look out for the cute turtles, ducks, and geese that live in the park.
Don’t forget to check the Zappeion, an exhibition center that opened in 1888 for the Olympic Games. From there, walk to Kalimarmaro, the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble. Finish your walk at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, across Plaka. The park is over 40 acres (16 hectares) big, so take your time.
6 Discover Europe’s Best Street Art
Athens is a street art Mecca. The best are in Psyri, Gazi and Exarcheia. Psyri is next to Monastiraki square. This central area remained abandoned until a couple of years ago. Today, the best bars, restaurants, and coffee houses in the city are here. Look out for the giant graffiti that cover some of its buildings.
Gazi is where the best nightclubs are. The neighborhood is next to Kerameikos, one metro stop from Monastiraki. It used to be where the old gas plant was, hence the name. Today, it’s a unique area covered in graffiti. Walk around searching for the best street art in the city.
Finally, you have to go to Exarcheia. The neighborhood is authentic and raw. Anarchists, free thinkers, and the discontent dwell here, and that’s why we love it. Though it hasn’t been gentrified, you’ll find very good restaurants and coffee houses. It excels in protest street art.
7 Visit the Archeological Museum
Athens is home to the biggest museum in the country. The National Archaeological Museum is considered one of the greatest in the world. No wonder, since it homes the grandest collection of ancient Greek artifacts on the planet. It’s in Exarcheia, a 20-minute walk from Monastiraki.
The superb neoclassical building is from 1889. Pay your ticket and be prepared to be dazzled. Within its 86000 sq feet (7990 m2), you will find 5 main collections that will blow your mind. Don’t rush and admire each piece. Our two favorites are the incredible Horse and Jockey and Zeus.
If you have time, visit the Acropolis Museum, which opened in 2009. World-famous architect Bernard Tschumi designed the building. It homes artifacts found in the Acropolis. Don’t forget to check the onsite archaeological remains. The terrace offers gorgeous views of the Acropolis. The museum is in Plaka.
8 Try Delicious Food in a Restaurant with a View
Greek food has conquered the world. We’ve traveled around the country and can assure you that Athens has the best restaurants. The city is a melting pot of Greeks from all over the country and beyond. Thus, its cuisine is varied and of top quality.
One of our favorite restaurants in Athens is Savvas, on Ermou Street, half a block from Monastiraki. The original one opened in 1922, offering food from Asia Minor. Today, it’s an Athenian classic. Enjoy traditional food with views of the Acropolis from its rooftop terrace.
Another fantastic bar and restaurant is City Zen. Their menu is international and includes just about everything. Local people choose it for brunch. Our last recommendation is a bit posh. Dionysos Zonar’s is where Athenians go to celebrate. Located on the other side of the acropolis, it offers views, class, and superb cuisine.
9 Attend a Concert in a Contemporary Palace
Not everything is old in Athens. The city has a world-class contemporary building that is worth your time. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center hosts the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera. Renzo Piano designed the breathtaking building. It opened in 2016 to everyone’s acclaim.
The opera house has some of the best acoustics in the world. It hosts all types of concerts, from classical to contemporary. Check out their website. We are sure you’ll find something you like. The center is next to the sea, a short taxi ride from central Athens.
As impressive as the building is, it is the garden that truly stands out. We are talking about a massive garden on top of the library, a lake, and a viewing platform. We usually go biking around the 2.3 million sq foot (200.000 m2) park. The views from the platform on top of the opera house are memorable.
10 Walk along the Sea
Though most tourists go to the beach in the islands, we locals go to the Athenian Riviera. Granted, it is too cold to go into the sea in winter. However, you will see crazy Greeks swimming! The rest of us walk along the seaside promenade.
You can go after visiting the Stavros center and walk along Flisvos Marina and Park. Another option is to take the tram to Palaio Faliro, the fancy suburb on the coast, and walk to Alimos Marina. If you get tired, you can take the tram back to the city center.
You can also walk along the coast in Piraeus, the port adjacent to Athens. Most ships to the islands leave from Piraeus. However, the best walks are along Mikrolimano and Pasilimani bays. Besides, there are plenty of other things to do in Piraeus.
Where to Stay in Athens
The best places to stay in Athens are around the Acropolis. The best hotel in Plaka is the Electra Palace Hotel. It’s a 5-star hotel with all necessary luxuries, a pool, and direct views of the Acropolis. The service is superb and the garden splendid. You can’t stay anywhere better.
In Monastiraki, we recommend the 360 Degrees Athens. It’s a modern building directly on the plaza. Book a room with views of the Acropolis and enjoy your complimentary breakfast on the rooftop terrace. Your local hosts will be more than happy to assist you with all your needs.
Our final recommendation is a hidden gem. Hotel Thissio is a couple of blocks from our home, on Apostolou Pavlou Street. It’s the pedestrian street that encircles the Acropolis. Everyone in the city comes here to walk and relax. It’s a comfortable hotel with superb views and loads of peace.
