Athens with Kids | Best Things to Do | Where to Stay

Greece is a country full of ancient history and culture, and the city of Athens is its crown jewel. With its stunning architecture, memorable monuments, and rich history, Athens is a great destination for families. It’s the perfect place to explore the past and make new memories with the kids. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a veteran traveler, there’s something for everyone.

In this guide, you will find the best things to do in Athens with kids, where to stay and practical tips to help you plan ahead your family visit.

In a Nutshell

• Best hotels
  • Best luxury hotel: Grande Bretagne
  • Best midrange hotel: Electra Palace
  • Best budget apartment: Blue Ark Stylish Athens

• Best tour: guided tour of Acropolis and the Museum of Acropolis here
• We highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets to Acropolis and Acropolis museum to avoid the long queues, if you are not going with a tour

I was born and raised in Athens and this is the place we call home. We still spend 3-4 months a year in Athens and in Greece in general, and both our families of origin live in Athens, so these are truly insider tips 🙂

Tip
If you have only one or two days in Athens, then check our Athens with Kids | 2 Days Itinerary | Where to stay to help you make out the most out of your family stay in Athens!

Introduction to Athens

Athens is the capital of Greece and one of the oldest cities in the world. It’s a vibrant and exciting city, filled with incredible monuments, museums, and attractions. It’s also a great place to explore with children, with plenty of activities and attractions to keep them entertained.

Athens is home to some of the most iconic monuments in the world, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. It’s also home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the world, such as the Temple of Poseidon and the Ancient Agora. These sites are a great way to get a glimpse into the past.

The city is also a great place to explore with kids, as there are plenty of activities and attractions that are perfect for all ages. From outdoor activities to museums and restaurants, there’s something for everyone in this ancient city.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Athens?

Are you wondering when is the best time to visit Athens and Greece? For a delightful sightseeing experience in Athens, consider visiting during spring or fall.

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the city’s ancient landmarks, such as the Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon. The months of April, May, September, and October are ideal for such activities.

However, during summer, the city can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 32°C (90°F). It can be challenging to enjoy outdoor activities during this time. Moreover, August is when most locals take their vacations, and many businesses and restaurants in Athens may be closed.

To avoid crowds and heat, it’s best to plan your visit during the shoulder seasons. This way, you’ll have the opportunity to experience Athens in all its glory without any inconvenience.

Read our full guide on when is the best time to visit Greece here.

How to Get to Athens

Athens, the capital city of Greece, is a must-visit destination for travelers with a love for history, culture, and architecture. The city offers a perfect blend of ancient ruins and modern-day attractions.

The best way to reach Athens is by flying into the Athens International Airport, also known as El. Venizelos. This airport is the largest and busiest airport in Greece, serving thousands of passengers every day. It is located approximately 35 km east of the city center, making it easily accessible by public transportation, taxis, or rental cars.

Many airlines operate flights to Athens, making it easy to find a flight from most major cities around the world. Overall, getting to Athens is a hassle-free experience, and once you arrive, you can immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this ancient city.

We compare all airlines with this search engine to get the lowest price possible for flights. You can also set ‘Everywhere’ as destination and it gives you the cheapest flight anywhere on any given day or find out when is the lowest price to fly to a specific destination.

Search for flights here

How to Reach Athens from the Athens Airport

The best way to reach your hotel from the Airport of Athens is a private transfer. Do not take one of the taxis at the airport or any other tourist area as very often these are geared towards scamming tourists.

We always use this highly-rated pickup service with local English-speaking drivers. The ride costs a flat, pre-paid fee, they are monitoring for flight delays and they provide stellar 24/7 customer support

Book your airport pickup here

How to Get Around Athens

By Car

If you are in Athens only for one or two days, then the top sights to see are in the center of the city and you do not need a car. You can easily walk around from Acropolis and Acropolis Museum to Syntagma and Panathinaiko Stadio or take the tourist train or even a taxi

If you are in Athens for a few days and you would like to explore the coast and Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon or if you would like to make a day trip to nearby cities, such as Nafplion and Meteora, then it makes sense to rent a car

We always use this search engine for car rentals, since it compares all major companies to find the best deal. There is support 24/7 and free cancelation, so we are pretty happy with it!

Search for car reantal deals

By Taxi

Taking a taxi in Athens is relatively inexpensive and comfortable. You can book a taxi with the apps Free Now (find it here for Android and here for Apple) and Uber (here for Android and here for Apple)

Tip
Do NOT take a taxi from tourist points, such as Monastiraki, as very often these are geared towards scamming tourists. Despite me being Greek, a taxi driver I took from Monastiraki tried to scam me by saying the taximeter does not work. I asked him how much he wanted to take me to my destination and he quoted me three times the normal price. Do not go anywhere without a working taximeter! Stick to the apps mentioned above to get a taxi with accountability due to online reviews

By Metro

Metro is the easiest and cheapest way to move around the center. You buy a rechargeable ticket, ie you can add more trips. It costs about EUR1.50 for 90 minutes. Taking the metro is more reliable than taking a bus or any other public transport

Tip
Each metro ticket is for one person only. You cannot use the 5 trips you might have on one ticket for the whole family, as you can only validate one trip at a time. You need to buy separate metro tickets for each member of the group

By Bus

This is the least reliable option to go around Athens. If you can take the metro instead of a bus, then by all means take the metro. Avoid buses as much as possible especially with kids, as they tend to be late and crowded

Hop-on Hop-off Bus

A hop-on hop-off bus tour is one of the easiest ways to get a feel for the city with kids. In Athens it passes by all major sights, such as the Acropolis Museum, Syntagma Square and the National Archaeological Museum. It leaves every half an hour and the ticket is valid for 24 or 72 hours

Find a combo hop-on hop-off bus ticket + Acropolis Museum ticket here

Tourist Train

The touristic train of Athens leaves from Syntagma Square, at 1 Ermou Street, every 30 – 40 minutes. It passes by the Hellenic Parliament, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis Museum. It lasts about 40 minutes

Find more info here

Where to Stay in Athens with Kids

Neighborhoods to Stay and to Avoid

If you’re planning a family vacation in Athens, you may be wondering where to stay. Luckily, there are plenty of great options to choose from!

One of the best locations for families is the Plaka district. This area is full of vibrant energy and a plethora of attractions. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities, such as visits to ancient ruins and a fun time at the Acropolis hill. Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafes for the whole family to enjoy

Another great option is the Thission neighborhood. This area is known for its beautiful neoclassical buildings and plenty of interesting historical and cultural sites

One of the most convenient locations is around Syntagma Square with the easy access to metro and all important sites nearby

And if you’re looking for a more luxurious stay in Athens with kids, the neighborhood of Kolonaki is in the center and more high-end with designer shops all around

There are many locations in central Athens to avoid, for example Omonoia and Metaxourgeio, so if you see a 5-star hotel with a suspiciously low price, beware there are areas that are not a good idea! You’re always welcome to shoot me an email, if you want to make sure 🙂

Glyfada offers excellent hotels with stunning views. Glyfada is in the southern suburbs, so keep in mind that while you will be closer to the sea, you will be further away from all major sights – Glyfada is a good idea only if you are staying for more than a few days in Athens and you are looking for an area relatively close to the beaches of Athens

No matter which area you choose, you and your family are sure to have a wonderful time in Athens!

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Best Hotels in the Center of Athens

Below you will find our recommendations on where to stay in the center of Athens with kids. Staying in the center will ensure you make the most out of your time in Athens, so if you only have two days in Athens for example, your best bet is to stay in the center of the city.

€€€€ Grande Bretagne is a luxurious 5-star hotel at Syntagma Square with 2 swimming pools. Roof garden with Acropolis view and an outdoor pool, spa with an indoor pool, marble bathrooms. Located right next to the metro and the start of the touristic train it is very convenient for families with kids. Some balconies face the Acropolis and from those you can see the daily changing of the guard at the Greek parliament. It is also close to Zappeio with its playground, National Garden and Panathinaiko Stadium. You can reach Acropolis by metro or by walking 15 minutes

See photos and availability here

€€€ Electra Palace is a 5-star hotel with a rooftop pool with view of the Acropolis and a spa with indoor pool. It is located in the center of Plaka. The price is a steal for what it offers!

See photos and availability here

€€ Cityzoe Athens Suites is located under Acropolis in the charming district of Anafiotika in Plaka. The location of this small hotel is excellent with the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum just a few minutes walk from the hotel

See photos and availability here

€€ President Hotel is located in a residential area of Athens away from touristic sights. While it is a bit further away from the center, it’s only 8 minutes walk from the closest metro station (Panormou) and 3 metro stops away from Syntagma. It has also a swimming pool at the rooftop and private parking. This is an excellent choice if you have more than 3 days in Athens and you want to enjoy sightseeing during the day and a swimming pool in the afternoon.

See photos and availability here

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Best Apartments in the Center of Athens

€€€ Syntagma Spotlight Residence is an entire 80m² apartment right next to Syntagma Square. As this is an apartment, you will have a kitchen, a washing machine and all other amenities that make an apartment an easy choice when traveling with kids. It is located on the main shopping street in the center of Athens, Ermou, and just a few minutes from Syntagma metro station

See photos and availability here

€ Blue Ark Stylish Athens is an entire apartment of 55m² at the residential area Koukaki. It is pretty inexpensive for this location. This cozy apartment is located near the Acropolis museum and the Acropolis

See photos and availability here

Best Hotels Along the Coastline of Athens

€€€€ Grecotel Cape Sounio is NOT in the center of Athens, so it is not a good solution if you are visiting for 2-3 days and you want to make the most out of your stay. It is an amazing hotel if you are looking to stay near Cape Sounion. It is a high-end hotel with a pool, a kids pool, a playground and a kids club. Grecotel Cape Sounion is about 1.5 hour away from the center of Athens by car.

See photos and availability here

€€€ Oasis Hotel Apartments is NOT in the center of Athens, so it is not a good solution if you are visiting for 2-3 days and you want to make the most out of your stay. It is a great hotel is you are staying a bit longer in Athens and you want to be closer to the beaches of Attica. The outdoor pool has a shallow end that is perfect for kids. It is located in Glyfada, about half an hour from the center by car or 45 minutes by public transport.

See photos and availability here

Booking.com

Best Things to Do in Athens with Kids

Athens Center

Acropolis

Book a guided tour of Acropolis and the Museum of Acropolis here

The Acropolis is one of the most iconic sights in Athens. Acropolis with kids is an exciting and educational experience. It’s a great way to get the kids out of the house and learn something new. The Acropolis is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, Greece. It’s a popular destination for visitors of all ages.

The word acropolis means the fortified height of the city, the citadel, and it comes from the words akro (in Ancient Greek ἄκρος means highest) and polis (πόλις means city).

For a more in-depth experience, you may want to consider booking a guided tour of the Acropolis with kids. This tour includes a guided walk of the ancient monument and a visit to the Acropolis Museum. Acropolis is stunning and you will get so much more out of your visit with a guided tour!

Find a guided tour of Acropolis and the museum of Acropolis here

We highly recommend for you to book tickets in advance, if you don’t go for a guided tour. The queues can be really long to enter the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum especially during the high season and with kids it’s always best to book tickets in advance rather than spending time waiting

Book skip-the-line tickets to Acropolis and Acropolis museum here

Tip
If you only have time to see a single site in Athens, then go for the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum!

When visiting the Acropolis with kids, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and other ancient monuments. You’ll also have the chance to view the city of Athens from a different perspective. Kids will love the ancient history and the breathtaking views from the top.

When planning a family visit to the Acropolis, make sure to bring plenty of water, hats, and sunscreen. It’s also important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You’ll want to take plenty of photos and make sure to leave plenty of time to explore the area.

Tip
Go as early as possible with kids to avoid the crowds and the cruel heat in the summer. There is no shade, so bring water, hats and sunscreen!

The Acropolis with kids is a great way to introduce them to the history and culture of Greece. It’s an educational and fun experience that your family will never forget. Make sure to take some time to explore this incredible site, and you’re sure to create some wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.

Tip
Take a carrier with you! Strollers are not allowed at the archaeological site of Acropolis. Do take the stroller with you for the rest of the day though, you will leave it at a designated spot for free

Tip
There is an elevator, so if you are pregnant, ask to use it!

Acropolis Museum

Book tickets to Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum here

Visiting the Acropolis museum with kids is an unforgettable experience for the whole family. The museum is located in Athens and is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Greek culture and history. It houses archaeological findings from only one site, the Acropolis. The museum features a variety of artifacts and sculptures that date back to ancient times. It is a great way to teach your children about Greek history and culture while also providing an interactive and enjoyable experience.

Tip
Book tickets in advance, as the queue to enter the museum can be very long (especially during high season)

Book skip-the-line tickets to Acropolis and Acropolis museum here

The Acropolis museum also provides an opportunity for families to take a closer look at some of the artifacts and sculptures that have been unearthed from the ancient site. Kids can learn more about the history and culture of the area through these artifacts. They can also see the incredible architecture of the site, including the Parthenon, which is one of the most visited sites in the world.

You can start exploring from the underground level!

In the museum you will see many artifacts like this, partly original and partly copy. You can clearly see the original part made of marble and plaster copies of the rest of the original parts that are currently in other European museums. Under each copy made of plaster you can see indicated in which museum the original part is

Every Sunday at 11.00 there is a special presentation for kids up to 12 years old in Greek. The event is free (included in your ticket), and you need to register in advance here

The restaurant at the rooftop of the Acropolis Museum has captivating view of the Arcopolis and excellent food

This is not traditional Greek food as you might expect in a tavern, rather a modern high-end version of Greek cuisine

Visiting the Acropolis museum with kids is a great way to experience the history and culture of Greece. It is an interactive and enjoyable experience for the whole family, and it is an excellent way to teach kids about Greek history and culture. Families can explore the incredible artifacts and sculptures of the Acropolis and take part in a variety of activities and programs. The Acropolis museum with kids is sure to be a great family visit.

Ancient Greek Agora, Roman Agora

Book combo tickets for Acropolis + 6 more sites, including the Ancient and the Roman Agora, here

The Ancient Agora is also a great place to explore with the kids. This ancient marketplace, located in the heart of the city, is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the city. From the Temple of Hephaestus to the House of the Furies, there’s plenty to explore in the Agora. This place was the beating heart of the city: where ancient Athenians were gathering, discussing and making decisions democratically, where business was taking place, and where philosophers and performers would be found. The Roman Agora was the meeting point during the Roman era of Athens and is a bit further away

Tip
You can buy combo tickets for Acropolis and 6 more sites, including the Ancient and the Roman Agora, here

The Tower of the Winds or the Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes is in the Roman Agora. It was used as a horologion, aka to indicate time, and as a meteorological station. The octagonal clocktower depicts one of the eight ancient Greek gods of wind on each side. You will see it when you are strolling around Plaka

Panathenaic Stadium

Panathenaic Stadium (or Kallimarmaro) was built in 330 AD for the Panathenaic games. It is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. It was used as an Olympic venue in the first modern Olympic games in 1896 and again in 2004. This stadium is the finishing point for the Athens Classic Marathon and also the last place in Greece where the handover ceremony for the Olympic flame takes place.

The Panathenaic Stadium is great to visit with kids, as there is lots of room for them to run around. You can get audioguides that are quite entertaining for kids.

The thrones were for VIP people to watch the games.

There is a cafe right at the entrance with drinks and snacks, and also public toilets for EUR 1 near the ticket office.

Tip
Don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo on the podium!

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Syntagma

Syntagma square is where the Greek Parliament is. It is the most important square of modern Athens from a historical point of view. There you can see there the ceremonial change of guards every hour right in front of the parliament – this is one of the best things to do in Athens with kids. Today Syntagma is also the heart of the commercial area. Take a stroll at Ermou, a busy street full of shops that starts from Syntagma and takes you to Monastiraki

You can watch the changing of the guards every hour on the hour in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every Sunday morning at 11.00 you can watch a more impressive ceremony of the changing of the guards with a small parade

National Garden

The National Garden is a 38 acres park right next to the Greek Parliament at Syntagma Square and is a great place to explore with the kids. It is completely free to visit. This beautiful park, located in the heart of the city, is home to lush gardens, fountains, and monuments. It’s a great place to explore, and the kids will love the lush greenery and bird-filled trees

The pond has several ducks that are eager to greet people. It has been a favorite pastime in the past for older people to go to the National Garden with their grandkids to feed the ducks. Near the pond you will find a few animals. You can only see them from afar and there aren’t that many

There is a nice playground among the trees with shade (this can be very important in the summer!). The exact spot is here. This is 5 minutes walk from the playground in Zappeion, so you can easily combine these two.

There is a small cafe a bit further away in the National Garden as well

Zappeion Megaron

Evangelis Zappas was a Greek benefactor that devoted his life to reviving the Olympic Games. He built the Zappeion Megaron with the intention “to build a proper and spacious establishment for the Olympia near the stadium” (see here for more details on the life of Zappas and his mission). Today Zappeion is one of the most important modern buildings in Greece and is used for various conferences (even a fashion show has been hosted there!)

There is a playground very close to Zappeion Megaron in the surrounding park. The exact spot of the playground in Zappeion is here. This is about 5 minutes walk from the playground of the National Garden, so you can easily combine these two.

National Archaelogical Museum of Athens

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is a great place to take the family on vacation. From ancient sculptures to pottery and jewelry, there’s something for everyone to explore. Kids will be amazed by the variety of artifacts and learn about the history of ancient Greece. And the museum is great for family activities. Whether you’re looking for an educational day out or just a fun, interactive experience, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens has something for everyone. With its rich history, it’s the perfect place to take the family on vacation.

Find tickets here

Plaka

Plaka is the oldest district in Athens, and it is a fantastic place to take the family for a visit. This area of the city is filled with historic sites and monuments that make for a great educational experience for the whole family. The narrow, winding streets are lined with cafes and restaurants, and there are plenty of shops and boutiques to explore. The atmosphere is one of relaxation and leisure, and the locals are friendly and welcoming.

On a family visit to Plaka with kids, you can take a leisurely stroll around the area and admire the impressive neoclassical architecture. From the Plaka district, you can easily access the Acropolis and explore some of the ancient ruins and monuments. There are plenty of interactive activities to keep the kids entertained, such as guided tours and workshops.

In Plaka, you can also find plenty of restaurants to choose from, and the local cuisine is sure to delight the whole family. The Plaka area also has many art galleries, and churches, which are sure to provide great learning opportunities and a unique cultural experience.

When we are in Plaka, we usually eat at Scholarcheio, a small tavern with traditional Greek food. They used to bring a big disc full of mezedes (small portions of hot and cold dishes as hors d’oeuvre) and you could keep the ones you liked – unfortunately this is no longer the case, but the food is still quite good.

Read our post on the best traditional Greek food here.

At night, Plaka is a great place to visit with the family with kids, as there are plenty of night-time activities to enjoy. The area is filled with traditional Greek taverns, offering delicious food, live music, and a great atmosphere. The kids will love the street performers and traditional Greek dance performances, and the adults can enjoy a delicious glass of wine.

Family visits to Plaka with kids are sure to be filled with sightseeing, learning, and fun. This historic area of Athens is a must-see for families, and it is sure to create lasting memories for everyone.

Tip
Many online guides have outdated information about the Hellenic Children’s Museum – it used to be in Plaka, but not anymore. Read more about the new building and see photos here

Monastiraki

Monastiraki hosts a flea market and the landmarks like the Ancient Agora and the Stoa of Attalos are well known. There are tons of cafés, bars, restaurants and traditional taverns. The Monastiraki Flea Market is also a great place to explore with the kids. This outdoor market, located near the Acropolis, is a great place to explore and shop. The kids will love exploring the stalls and searching for souvenirs

Go to a rooftop café, such as A for Athens or 360 for amazing view of the Acropolis! Both A for Athens and 360 are high-end and next to metro stop Monastiraki.

Ciel is more noisy and thus it can be easier with kids, the burgers and the food is quite ok too. It is located a few minutes walk from Monastiraki

Psyrri

If you’re looking for an exciting family adventure in Athens, look no further than Psyrri. This vibrant neighbourhood is perfect for a day out with kids, offering plenty of interesting and unique activities to keep everyone busy and entertained. With its colourful street art, trendy souvlaki stands, and many quirky cafes and bars, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Psyrri is a great place to explore, with its modern, cosmopolitan vibe and vibrant atmosphere. Take a stroll through the narrow streets, admiring the street art that adorns the walls. Then, grab some tasty souvlaki from a local street vendor and enjoy a picnic in the park. You’ll find plenty of cafes and bars, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a snack while taking in the sights.

There’s something for everyone in Psyrri, whether you have young children or teenagers. There are plenty of shops, where you can pick up some souvenirs to take home, and there’s even a quirky cafe that’s sure to be a hit with the kids. If you’re looking for something a little more educational, take the kids to the nearby museums and galleries.

If you are looking for a place to eat at Psyrri, Street Souvlaki is great and it has been recommended to us by a friend who is both Greek and a chef. It is not a restaurant, rather the Greek version of fast-food with a tiny sitting area. Avoid the souvlaki places in the center that are meant for tourists!

Read our post on the best traditional Greek food here – and discover how old souvlaki is!

Go to Little Cook for a coffee and cake! It’s one of the most quirky cafés in Psyrri and an instagrammable spot for sure!

Another good option for a coffee at Psyrri is Six Dogs. While this is a hip bar in the evening, it is very spacious and contained at the same time – not stroller friendly though!

Psyrri is a great place to take the family for a day out in Athens. With its street art, souvlaki, and many cafes and bars, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, if you’re looking for a fun and exciting day out with the family, look no further than Psyrri.

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Lycabettus Hill and Funicular

For a family trip to Athens, visiting Lycabettus Hill is an absolute must. The hill stands tall at almost 300 meters, making it the highest peak of the city, and offers a stunning view of Athens and its surroundings. The funicular is a great way to get to the top, with kids especially enjoying the ride up the hill. Once you reach the peak, the view is simply breathtaking and the kids will enjoy running around and exploring the area.

Unfortunately the funicular offers no view on its way up, as it is closed off, but the view from the top makes up for it! You can take the funicular from here

At the top, you will find the St. George church, which is a great place to visit with kids. With its magnificent architecture and gorgeous view, it makes for a great family experience.

Additionally, there is the restaurant Prasini Tenta at the top of the hill which is a great place for a family dinner or lunch, where you can enjoy delicious food along with the spectacular view of the city. Just a heads up, this is a high-end restaurant and it is not traditional Greek cuisine (although there are some Greek staples with a twist)

Tip
Try to time going up Lycabettus Hill to watch the sunset!

In conclusion, Lycabettus Hill is a great place to visit with kids and the whole family. The funicular ride is a fun experience for kids, and the view from the top is simply gorgeous. The St George church is a great place to visit, and the expensive restaurant offers amazing food with a beautiful view.

Athens Museum of Illusions

A fun break from sightseeing, the Athens Museum of Illusions is situated at Monastiraki, close to the metro station

Find tickets here

Best Playgrounds in the Center of Athens

There are two playgrounds that are quite big and fun for kids in the center of Athens.

The National Garden has a large playground with shade from trees around it. There is also a pond and a few animals. It is close to the Panathenaic Stadium and Syntagma Square. See more details on the National Garden here

Looking for more ideas and travel tips on traveling to Greece with kids? Our supportive community is here to help!

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Zappeion Megaron is close to the National Garden, Panathenaic Stadium and Syntagma Square. See more details on Zappeion Megaron and the playground here

Best Restaurants in the Center of Athens

Acropolis Museum has a rooftop restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Acropolis. The food is great too, high-end Greek cuisine with a twist

Scholarcheio in Plaka is where we usually eat when we are in Plaka. It’s a traditional tavern where you can enjoy Greek cuisine the way our grandmothers cook

Street Souvlaki is a great souvlaki place that has been recommended to use by a friend who is a Greek chef. It is not a restaurant, rather the Greek version of fast-food with a tiny sitting area.

Avoid the souvlaki places in the center that are meant for tourists! We never eat at these places. If you absolutely must eat at one of the touristic places at Ermou street, Savvas and Thanasis are two of the best options there.

Read our post on the best traditional food in Greece here.

Further from the Center of Athens

National Gallery Athens

If you want to learn more about Greek painters and how art has evolved, this is a good place to start. This is not really a kids friendly place, but if you are into art, then it’s worth a visit. The last floor has more contemporary art

Find more details here

National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens

If you are more into modern art, then this is a good choice. There is a treasure hunt for kids too, where you look around to find specific works of art

Find more details here

Hellenic Children’s Museum

A small activity center for kids run by volunteers. This is situated near the National Gallery, so it might be a good idea to combine the two places. The Children’s Museum is quite small and limited unforunately, but it makes for a fun couple of hours if you are in the area

Tip
Many online guides have the old address of the Hellenic Children’s Museum in Plaka! This is no longer the case

Find more details here

Southern Suburbs

The Temple of Poseidon

The Temple of Poseidon is another must-see in Athens. This ancient temple, located on the cape of Sounion, is dedicated to the god Poseidon. It’s an impressive sight, and the views from the temple are breathtaking

Tip
The best time to see the Temple of Poseidon is sunset

It is difficult to reach the Temple of Poseidon without a car, so a guided tour like this one is a great idea!

If you are looking for more practical tips, such as how to get there, where to swim, eat and stay, then read our guide on Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon.

Flisvos Marina and Battleship Averof

Flisvos Marina, a great place to stroll around with cafés and restaurants overlooking the sea. The Averof Battleship is at the Flisvos Marina and has been turned into a museum – this is such a great adventure for kids!

There is also a small amusement park with a playground, a carousell, jumping castles and trampolines, perfect for younger kids – and a cafe right next to the jumping castles for parents to enjoy as well

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Designed by Renzo Piano and located in Palaio Faliro SNFCC hosts the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera. There is a park there too. Many events for adults, families and kids are organized. There is also an explorer’s backpack for kids!

Find more details here

Notos Restaurant and Playground

This is a good solution if you are in the area swimming and are looking for something to eat and have a playground nearby. We often find ourselves at this spot 🙂

Northern Suburbs

X-Plore Entertainment Center

If you want to venture a bit further away from the center, then X-plore at Golden Hall is great to visit in Athens with kids! There are three sections: Adventure, Science and Oceans. There is also an outdoor playground. This is about half an hour drive from the center of Athens (or about an hour by public transport)

Find more details here

Athens Olympic Museum

At the same mall as X-Plore is the Athens Olympic Museum. Worth checking out, if you want to learn all about the Olympic Games. The museum is relaticely new, so it is quite modern in presentation

Find more details here

Volta Fun Town

Very close to X-Plore and the Athens Olympic Museum there is an amusement park with indoor and outdoor activities for kids. Playgrounds and jumping castles and much more

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East of Athens

Attica Zoological Park

Attica Zoological Park has a variety of animals as well as dolphin shows. You can also feed giraffes and walk in the lemures enclosure. The zoo is close to the airport and about half an hour by car from the center of Athens (or an hour by public transport). There is a café/restaurant there too

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Conclusion

Athens is a great destination for families, and it’s the perfect place to explore the past and make new memories with the kids. From stunning monuments to outdoor activities and museums, there’s something for everyone in this ancient city. So go ahead, explore the ancient city and make some amazing memories with your family

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All places mentioned above are also gathered on the map!
Indoor and outdoor activities, kids friendly cafés/ restaurants, hotels and more all under separate layers

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