Athens with Teenagers: Best Things to Do and Fun Day Trips (2024)

There’s no question that Athens is a must-visit destination for history lovers, but can you enjoy Athens with teenagers? The city is one of the oldest in the world, full of Greek mythology and historical ruins. It’s something you have to experience to truly understand.

Even for the hardest-to-please teens, you can find things to pull them in! Athens is a city packed with rich culture and family-friendly attractions. You can take a scrumptious food tour to get to know Greece on a different level or do something different and head to a thrilling adventure park.

Our family travels to Athens, Greece was a patchwork of guided tours (a great way to involve kids of all ages), local entertainment, and classic historic sites. Looking for what to do in Athens with teenagers? Keep reading for my recommendations.

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18 Best Things to Do in Athens with Teenagers

The great thing about exploring Athens is that the city has a well-developed public transportation system. Plus, most of the biggest attractions are located close to each other in the city center. We ended up staying in Plaka in downtown Athens, which allowed us to walk everywhere for most of our visit.

When our destination was just too far to walk, we could always find a metro station nearby or grab a taxi. We used Stavros at Geo Mediterra (he also offers tours) and found him super reliable. 

Below I’ll go over some of the top family-friendly things to do in Athens, and then I’ll recommend some day trips with transportation that won’t disappoint!

1. Acropolis, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis is considered to be one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. It’s quite a hike to the top, but it’s worth it for the views of the city center below!

We took a tour that included a visit to the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Acropolis Museum. We loved our tour (this is the one we used) because we learned about the history of Greece and were introduced to Greek gods and goddesses.

At each stop, our guide gave us info, and then we were able to explore the ruins on our own. Even if you’re not a huge history buff, you will stare in amazement at the towering columns and expansive gateway of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and surrounding ruins.

After the tour, be sure to visit the Acropolis Museum. This was my family’s favorite part! Everything inside was found at the Acropolis of Athens and the surrounding area, and the exhibits are fascinating.

2. Temple of Hephaestus and Ancient Agora

Visiting the Ancient Agora of Athens is like taking a trip back in time. It’s common to visit when you’re touring the Acropolis (combo tours are no longer available) and can be found on the northwest side of Acropolis Hill.

The Agora was once used as a gathering place in the city, and it’s filled with ruins of old buildings, temples, and statues. This used to be a hub for commerce and politics.

It’s fascinating to walk around and think that this was where the great minds of Ancient Greece would come together, including Sophocles and Socrates!

At the agora, you will find the Stoa of Attalos. Once a market, it’s been restored and is now used as the museum at the Agora.

It’s also the site of the Temple of Hephaestus, the only remaining temple from that period that’s still intact. For a small entrance fee, you can walk through the temple and take in the majestic structure.

3. Go on a Greek Food Tour in Athens with Teenagers

Anytime it’s your first time in a new country, you should take a food tour. This private walking tour through the streets of Athens is a wonderful way to become familiar with one of the biggest parts of Greek culture: the food!

Come hungry for your 4-hour tour. There are multiple stops through Athen’s Central Food Market, or Varvakios Agora, and opportunities to sample Greek coffee, delicacies like souvlaki, Greek donuts, and more.

You will also have the chance to visit local shops and buy food souvenirs like olive oil, wine, and bread.

4. National Archaeological Museum of Athens

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is a treasure trove of art and artifacts. It’s one of the largest archeological museums in the world. This is a great place if you have older kids who can appreciate exhibits showcasing sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and relics from archaeological sites across the country.

The museum’s displays are organized thematically and chronologically, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Greek history, mythology, art, and culture.

Located in the Exarchia neighborhood, it’s a bit farther from other main attractions and you will need to take a taxi or jump on the metro. But it’s well worth the visit!

5. Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is a famous venue in Athens, Greece, with a history dating back almost 2000 years. This marble stadium hosted the Panathenaic Games, part of an ancient festival honoring the goddess Athena.

Today, it serves as a symbol of the Olympic spirit. The stadium was the site of the 1896 Athens Olympics. During the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, the Panathenaic Stadium was the venue for the archery competition. Concerts and special events are regularly held here, and it’s also the finish line of the annual Athens Marathon.

If you’re interested in more Olympic-themed sites, check out the Athens Olympic Museum in Marousi (plan to take the metro or a taxi). The museum features memorabilia, artifacts, and interactive exhibits highlighting the evolution of the games from antiquity to the present day.

6. Museum of Illusions

At this point, the kids might be getting a bit of artifact fatigue. If your family likes immersive art exhibits, don’t miss the Museum of Illusions! Plus, it’s located near the heart of the city, so it’s the perfect break from the historical sites and traditional museums nearby. This is an interactive museum showcasing optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits in each room.

Some of the exhibits include gravity-defying installations, holograms, and puzzles that you have to solve. There are great photo ops, too.

The museum aims to teach you all about how the brain interprets sensory information and how illusions can distort reality. It’s a great way to spend an hour or two.

7. City E-bike Tour

When you’re taking on Athens with teenagers, sometimes the best way to get them excited is to add a fun element. One of the fun things we like to do in new places is go on a guided e-bike tour, like this one through the streets of Athens.

It’s similar to your typical guided tours in that you get to see many sites in just a few hours and learn a lot about the history and culture of Athens from your guide. But e-bike tours are a bit more fast-paced and easier than walking. Plus, you can see more when you’re sightseeing on a bike!

This small-group electric bike tour of Old Town Athens includes 13 different stops over 3 hours, including the National Gardens, Arch of Hadrian, and the Acropolis. Enjoy some of the best views of the historic city from above, and take in the neighborhood of Plaka as you ride around.

8. Malakasa Adventure Park

You may want to get out of the city for a day, and a visit to the Malakasa Adventure Park is the perfect place to go. It’s in a pine forest about 40 km north of Athens.

The park is especially fun for older kids, with zip slides and ropes courses, but a family of multiple ages will have a blast here.

There are ropes courses for every age, even for younger kids. You can also expect gardens, archery, go-karts, ball courts, and more for your enjoyment. There’s a picnic area under the trees, but they don’t sell food, so pack a lunch.

To reach the adventure park, you can either drive or take the bus. Both are easy to navigate (there’s a bus stop right outside the park entrance and a huge parking lot for cars). However, if you want to take a taxi, you might have a hard time finding a service to take you back to Athens in the afternoon.

9. Street Art Tour

Yes, Athens is known for its historic sites and impressive museums, but it’s also home to one of the hottest street art scenes in Europe! You can find colorful and diverse street art in many neighborhoods, especially in places near the city center like Psiri, Omania, and Monastiraki.

If you’re not sure where to start or prefer a guide in a new city, consider a guided street art tour of central Athens. This 2-hour tour is very informative and moving. There is a wide range of styles, from graffiti and murals to stencils and installations.

Many local and international artists contribute to the city’s street art scene, creating thought-provoking pieces that reflect different social and cultural themes. It’s a great way to learn about the history, modern culture, and socioeconomic issues facing Athens and Greece. 

10. Walking City Tours in Athens with Teenagers

Don’t underestimate a good walking tour when visiting a new city. A guided tour on foot with a local guide is often the best way to slow down, be present, and see parts of Athens beyond the tourist sites, which you might have had your fill of!

This private walking tour of Athens off the beaten path is a joy, full of local eateries, shops, and more that aren’t included on most tourist maps. You will learn about local politics, and your guide will recommend a few great local spots for nightlife and good food.

Or for a different feel, you could take a small-group walking tour of Athens at night! This tour includes dinner, a great atmosphere, and stops at historical monuments that are just beautiful when lit up after dark.

11. Sunset at Mount Lycabettus

Seeing the views from the top of Mount Lycabettus is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Athens for the first time. It’s one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

The experience is also a chance to connect with Greek history and mythology: Mount Lycabettus is said to be the birthplace of the goddess Athena’s sacred olive tree.

They say that the best time to go is at sunset, but if you want to avoid crowds, go any other time of the day! There’s a cable car to the top, but if you can, climb instead! There are clear trails, steps with rails, shade trees, and beautiful local flora to enjoy along the way.

If you plan on going for the sunset views, start a few hours early. Bring water, enjoy the climb, and take in the stunning site of Athens lit up at night.

12. Segway Tour

Another great way to see Athens and fit in more sites than you typically can on a traditional sightseeing tour is to take a Segway tour! This 2-hour Segway tour of Old Town Athens will have you zipping around the Acropolis, the Agora, and the neighborhood of Plaka.

Enjoy the views while your guide shares the history of each stop with you along the way.

13. Pottery Class

Athens is known for its rich tradition of pottery and ceramics, dating back to antiquity. The city’s pottery production played a significant role in Greek art and culture. Pottery was not only functional but also highly decorative, featuring intricate designs, mythological scenes, and everyday life depictions.

Today, Athens continues to be a hub for pottery and ceramics. Modern artisans offer a variety of pottery workshops like this one, which would make a great hands-on activity during your family vacation.

Learn the real deal from actual artists as they teach you the free-hand technique of creating a bowl, vase, or mug. They will walk you through the entire process, from shaping to firing and glazing.

14. Percy Jackson Tour

For younger teens and tweens who are fans of Percy Jackson, booking a Percy Jackson-themed tour while in Athens is a fantastic way for them to explore Greek mythology and history.

Greek Mythology Tours offers a great Percy Jackson tour in Athens. If your teens are fans of the Percy Jackson books, this is the right tour for them!

Your tour will include an exploration of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Just like our tour, this one is 4 hours long, so it won’t be too long for younger children.

Just keep in mind that this tour involves climbing to the top of the Acropolis and then lots of walking. The area is not wheelchair- or stroller-friendly, and if anyone has mobility issues (like walking, climbing, or standing for long periods), this might not be the right tour for you.

15. Flytographer Photo Shoot

A unique and fun way to make memories in Athens is to go on a Flytographer photo shoot. If you’ve never done this, try it at least once!

The way Flytographer works is that they connect you with a local photographer who kind of functions as both tour guide and photographer for the day.

The whole experience is in your control and the photographer that you choose will work with you to create the photoshoot of your dreams!

You pick everything, including if you want a quick 30-minute shoot or even a longer 3-hour one! The company sets it up so you can be in contact with your photographer every step of the way.

Perhaps you want candid shots on the hip and colorful streets of Plaka or iconic pictures with the Acropolis and the expanse of Athens in the background. With a local as your guide, you’re guaranteed to have a successful shoot. They’ll probably share their favorite restaurant or cafe with you as well!

16. Cooking Classes in Athens with Teenagers

Who doesn’t love Greek classics like baklava and spanakopita? Enjoy an evening cooking your very own 6-course traditional Greek meal during this small-group cooking class.

Your teens will love learning how to make local delicacies step-by-step, like tzatziki, moussaka, giouvetsi, and baklava. Afterward, you will gather together to enjoy the meal you’ve created, all while enjoying views of the Acropolis.

17. AEK Football (Soccer) Game

If you get the chance, Athens is the ideal place to check out a football game. AEK is one of the top-tier football clubs in the city and attending a game can be a fun experience.

They play at the Agia Sophia Stadium, also called the OPAP Arena, one of the largest arenas in Greece. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in local culture, too! You can find ticket information on their website.

18. Shopping in Plaka

Located at the city center, just north of the Acropolis and many of the most famous sites in Athens is the charming neighborhood of Plaka. We stayed here and found out that it’s also one of the best places to shop in the city!

Plaka is packed with tree-lined cobblestone streets with cafes, tavernas, and quaint shops full of handmade items and souvenirs. Even if you have young children, it’s relaxing to explore Plaka because the shopping streets of Adrianou Street and Vyronos Street are both pedestrian-only.

You can pop into clothing boutiques, check out art galleries, or pick a cafe where everyone can enjoy a meal. If you’re looking to make a day of it, there are several small museums in Plaka, too.

Top Day Trips from Athens with Teenagers

When it’s time for a city break, there are many amazing and memorable day trips you could take. These are my top picks:

Meteora

Hop on a bus for a day trip to Meteora and its fascinating monuments, perched on top of towering rock formations!

The journey from Athens to Meteora is scenic and offers a glimpse of rural Greece. There will be time to visit the monasteries, explore the town of Kalambaka, and enjoy a meal.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR FAVORITE ATHENS TO METEORA TOUR

Athens Riviera

A beach day trip to the Athens Riviera offers a perfect escape for families seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. Plus, it’s only 30 minutes by car to the coast!

The beaches are dotted with beach clubs, cafes, and restaurants. You can relax on sandy beaches, take refreshing dips in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea, and have fun together playing beach volleyball.

Or head to the nearby Lake Vouliagmeni to swim in the thermal waters in a beautiful setting.

Delphi

Take a full-day trip to Delphi from Athens to Delphi to explore the ruins, including the Temple of Apollo and the Oracle.

Enjoy a scenic drive with stops in the mountain towns of Arachova and Levadia along the way.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR FAVORITE TOUR FROM ATHENS TO DELPHI

Nafplio

In less than 2 hours by coach, you can take a day trip to Nafplio from Athens. Because this is a longer trip, this bus ride tour also includes stops at the Isthmus of Corinth, the ruins of Epidaurus, and the majestic Palamidi Fortress.

Then it’s off to Arvanitia Beach for 2 hours of free time on the beach before you continue to Nafplio. Once there, you will enjoy sightseeing in the seaside town with your archeological guide. You might go on a wine tour in Greece’s first capital.

During some free time before the ride back to Athens, you might explore Syntagma Square, the town’s central plaza, filled with cafes, shops, and more. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront promenade or visit museums spotlighting local history and culture.