30 + Amazing Things to do in Athens with Teens | Updated for 2025

Athens is steeped in mythology and rich in history but has also become a hip and happening city. With lots of outdoor activities, fun entertainment, and endless shopping opportunities, Athens is a great place to go on a family vacation with teens. Here are my tried and tested (with my teens!) top teen-pleaser experiences in Athens, no matter what mood you’re up against!

Things to do in Athens with teens

As a mom of two teens living in Athens, I know firsthand that keeping teenagers engaged while traveling can be a challenge — even in a city as exciting as this one. That’s why I’ve created this guide based entirely on our own experiences. Every activity on this list has been tested (and approved!) by my family and our friends— from street art walks and mythology tours to the best sunset spots and authentic food experiences.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission.

Visit the Aquapolis waterpark in Athens

In July 2020, a brand-new water park opened its doors in Athens. Located near the Athens airport, Aquapolis, offers a fun day out for all the family. Teens will especially like the scary Cobra ride and going down the slides on rafts. We tested the park with kids and teens and had a lot of fun!

Climb up the Acropolis

If your teens are history buffs, you must visit the Acropolis. Travel back to ancient Athens and show them the birthplace of democracy. If you enter the Acropolis archaeological site from the main entrance on Dionysou Areopagitou street, you will see not only the world-famous Parthenon but also the Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes. In the summer, don’t forget to bring water, a sunhat, and walking shoes!

Buy tickets for the Acropolis

Buying Tickets for the Acropolis

If you only plan to visit the Acropolis itself, you can purchase tickets directly at the entrance. There are two access points:

• Main Entrance (west side) – the busiest, where most group tours arrive.
• Dionysus Theater Entrance (southeast side) – often less crowded, and it lets you see the monuments on the slopes of the Acropolis, including the Theatre of Dionysus.

💡 Tip for families: Lines in summer are very long. To avoid wasting time, it’s best to buy your tickets online in advance.

• The official site of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture offers e-tickets: official Acropolis e-ticketing service
• Many families prefer to book a skip-the-line guided tour. This way you bypass queues and your teens stay engaged thanks to expert guides who bring mythology and history to life.

Children and teens enjoy free entry to the Acropolis, but you may need to show ID at the gate.

⏰ Best time to visit: Get there at the opening (8:00 am) before the crowds and the midday heat.

Click here if you are interested in a Get Your Guide Tour of the Acropolis

Visit the Acropolis Museum with teens

The Acropolis Museum is considered one of the most important museums in Greece. It houses more than 3.000 artefacts from the Acropolis. Teens will love the interactive character of the museum and see world-famous monuments.

For a guided tour of the museum, I would recommend families choose the combined Get your Guide Athens: Acropolis Tour & Museum.

Acropolis Museum Excavations Tickets

Did you know that in July 2019, the excavations underneath the Acropolis Museum opened to the public?  Visitors, guided by the Museum’s archaeologists, can see an ancient Athenian neighborhood as one giant exhibition and will be able to walk through the ancient neighborhood’s streets. If you want to visit the excavations as well as the museum, it is wise to buy a combined ticket and skip the lines.

Click here for more information and to book your combined skip-the-line ticket for the Acropolis Museum Ticket & Access to Ancient Excavations.

Before you visit the world-famous ancient monuments of Athens, you may consider ordering some books about Greek Mythology. Understanding the stories behind the ruins will truly bring the ancient world to live. Click here for a list of recommended books about Greek Mythology for Kids and Teens.

Goulandris Modern Art Museum

The B&E Goulandris Foundation opened a new contemporary art museum in October 2019. The beautiful new Neo-classical-inspired building that will house their collection includes works by European masters such as Cézanne, Degas, Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, and Rodin as well as prominent Greek artists.

Museum of Ancient Greek Technology

The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology is great for younger teens. What I love about this museum is not only its well-displayed collection (with English and Greek signs) but its several educational activities. The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology Kostas Kotsanas is located in the centre of Athens at 6 Pindarou Street in Kolonaki.

Watch the Change of the Guards

In front of the Parliament at Syntagma square lies the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. It is guarded around the clock by two soldiers of the National Guard wearing traditional uniform. These soldiers are called Evzones. Every hour, the ceremony of the Changing of the Guards takes place. A spectacle to witness!

Read more about the Evzones here.

Visit the Hellenic Motor Museum

The Hellenic Motor Museum is for anyone who loves old cars. The Museum occupies 5.000 m2 in a unique building in terms of architecture and design. Its exhibitions are dedicated to the evolution of the car and display more than 110 cars from the 19th and 20th century. It is located in the heart of Athens, just a few minutes away from the National Archaeological Museum. Click here to buy your tickets for the Hellenic Motor Museum.

A Walking Tour based on Greek Mythology

A guided walking tour is a good way to discover the city with teens. Not only will they learn more about the city, but they will also find out where the best shopping in the town is! If your teens like mythology, I recommend a mythology-focussed tour by Get Your Guide or a private Greek Mythology Customized Tour.

Taste Greek Food during a Food Tour

Food tours are a fun and tasteful way to discover Athens. Teens love food, and they may pick up some history along the way. If you are looking for a self organised small group tour, I recommend Athens Food Walking Tour – Small Group. You can also opt for a private customized Greek Mythology Food Tour.

Olympic Games Workout at the Panathenaic Stadium

Sporty teens will love a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium. This classical and cultural monument of Athens is one of the most significant places not only for Athens but for all of Greece. Its history is directly connected to the Modern Olympic Games as from their revival in 1896 until the Athens Olympic Games in 2004. It is also the place where the Olympic flame sets up its journey and the spot of the first Modern Olympic Games was also held here.

For teens, I totally recommend the Olympic Games Workout Activity. Learn the history of the Ancient Olympic Games and what they meant at the time, tour the Zappeion to discover the first modern purpose-built Olympic facility, stretch your muscles and hone your skills in a gym session at a historic 19th-century gym and run like a champion in the Panathenaic Stadium, the home of the 1896 Olympic Games!

Not in the mood to run? For a guided tour of the stadium and other monuments nearby, I would recommend Athens, Acropolis, and Acropolis Museum Including Entry Fees. This 5-hour guided tour includes skip-the-line entrance tickets to both sites and a guided tour as well. It also includes a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium and the Royal Gardens.

Athens bike tour with teens

Discover the highlights of Athens with your teen by a regular or electric bike on a bike tour. Marvel at monuments from Ancient Greece and the era of the Romans, such as the Acropolis and Hadrian’s Gate. See the site of the 1st modern Olympic Games and more. Tried and tested by yours truly!

For more information and booking, click here.

Buy Tickets for the Athens Hop-on Hop-Off Bus

For ‘lazy’ teens who want to see the city without too much effort, I recommend the Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. This tour goes along three different routes. You’ll travel on an open-top, double-decker bus as you take in the many important sights and attractions of the city.

The tour takes around 90 minutes and encompasses central Athens, commencing at Syntagma Square. There is an onboard multilingual audio guide. Duration: 90 minutes. Frequency: every 15 minutes. You can opt for just the city centre or go to the Athens Coast and Piraeus port as well. For bookings and more information about prices, please click here. 

You can also combine your bus ride with a skip-the-line Acropolis ticket. The Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Skip-the-Queue Acropolis Museum offer 1-day ticket for 4 different bus routes, plus one complimentary day to explore Athens, audio commentary in 16 languages, skip-the-queue tickets for the Acropolis Museum, fun train tours around Piraeus, valid from April through October, 2 walking tours around the Acropolis area, valid from April through October and family friendly staff onboard. Click here to purchase your Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Skip-the-Queue Acropolis Museum ticket 

Instagrammable places in Athens

Stroll through Plaka and Anafiotika to find Athens’ best photo hotspots. Plaka is the oldest residential neighborhood in Athens in the shadows of the city’s ancient ruins, a labyrinth of pedestrian-friendly streets and notable examples of Neoclassical architecture.

Anafiotika is located in the upper area of Plaka, just under the Acropolis. It is a beautiful area constructed by builders from the Aegean island of Anafi. Think of whitewashed houses and narrow alleys. We love walking through this part of town. It is very picturesque, car-free and colourful. Great for Instagram!

National Archaeological Museum

Another must-visit when in Athens is the National Archaeological Museum. This museum is one of the world’s most renowned museums and the largest in Greece. The National Archaeological Museum houses a remarkable collection of excavations from all over Greece.

Teens will love discovering more than 11,000 artefacts including many statues and pottery which provide a unique panorama of the Greek civilization and its developments over the centuries — from Prehistory to Late Antiquity. To make the most out of your visit, you can consider a private guide tour. Click here for recommended guided tours at the National Archaeological Museum.

Street Art for teens

Athens is a street art paradise. Teens will love admiring graffiti and other artworks on buildings and walls in urban Athens. Our street art walking tour took us through the neighbourhoods of Gazi, Keramikos, Psirri and Thiseio. Together with Exarheia, these are the most painted areas in Athens. Read our full tried & tested family experience of the Street Art Tour here or check these neighborhood Walking Tours.

Museum of Illusions

Mind Trap

If you cannot get enough of riddles and mystery, consider an escape room game. Especially suitable for families traveling with older children, Mindtrap is located in a beautiful building on Mitropoleos street. The many game rooms take 2 to 6 players and have intriguing names such as El Patron and Da Vinci Code. Are you ready to play?

Best of Athens Segway Tour with Teens

Active teens will love exploring the city streets by Segway. If you are looking for a fun, eco-friendly way to discover the best that Modern Athens has to offer in just a few hours – you’ll love this Modern Athens Segway Tour! You’ll cover more ground and see more without the effort it would take the cover the same route on foot. 

For more information and booking a Segway Tour, click here

Athens Coast with teens

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center combines a unique city park with a multifunctional event building housing the National Library and the Greek National Opera.  My teens love the library and the ice skating ring during Christmas.

A stroll at Flisvos Marina

If your teens enjoy a stylish seaside vibe, head to Flisvos Marina in Paleo Faliro, just a short ride from central Athens. It’s one of the city’s most elegant waterfront spots, where you can stroll along the promenade, admire the luxury yachts, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

As the sun sets, the marina comes alive with cafés and bars — perfect for grabbing a drink or a snack while people-watching. Teens often enjoy the energy here: a mix of locals, visitors, and the cool backdrop of the Saronic Gulf. It’s a lovely place to spend an evening away from the busy centre and get a taste of Athens’ Riviera lifestyle.

Swimming or Hiking at Vouliagmeni Lake

Lake Vouliagmeni near Athens is a natural phenomenon and a must-see when visiting Athens. Teens will love to swim in the lake or visit the spa. Read on about this special place near the Athens coast in Lake Vouliagmeni. Combine the lake with a visit to Varkiza, one of the most picturesque coastal towns near Athens.

Beaches in Athens with Teens

A beach day is always a hit with teenagers, and Athens makes it easy. The Athens Riviera stretches south of the city with plenty of sandy spots and lively beach clubs. Teens will love the mix of swimming, sun, and people-watching.

• Vouliagmeni Beach – Organized, safe, and with plenty of facilities (showers, sports courts, cafés). Great if you want comfort and easy transport from central Athens.
• Astir Beach – A stylish option with loungers, music, and restaurants. Teens enjoy the vibe, but note this one comes with a high entry fee.
• Varkiza Resort – A good balance of fun and relaxation, with water sports (windsurfing, SUP), beach volleyball, and plenty of snacks available.
• Yabanaki Beach – Popular with young people, with music, organized activities, and water toys.

👉 Tip for parents: Many Athens beaches charge an entry fee (€5–€15 depending on season, we paid a 10 Euro entrance fee in the summer of 2025 at Vouliagmeni Beach). For a budget-friendly day, you can also head a bit further south to public stretches near Lagonisi where teens can swim and hang out without the cost of a beach club.

Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio

Cape Sounio is located at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula overlooking the Aegean Sea. Capes Sounio hosts the world-renowned archaeological site of the ancient temple of Poseidon, the God of the sea. The temple is surrounded on three sides by the sea.

If you decide to visit the archaeological site in the middle of the summer, the best time would be the morning or the afternoon. Bring water, a sunhat and steady walking shoes. Our tried & tested family experience can be found in Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounio with Kids.

If you do not want to venture out alone but make your visit to Cape Sounio part of an organized excursion, I recommend The Athens Riviera Activities & Cape Sounion Private Tour. This tour combines a 4-hour private tour with a pick-up from your Athens hotel in a minivan towards the Attica Riviera with wonderful views over the Saronic Gulf and the rugged cliffs, beaches and villages along the way. Another option is a private customized tour to Cape Sounio and the Athens Riviera.

Enjoy a diving lesson

Teens love exciting adventures and the Athens Riviera is an ideal place for such activities. There are a number of excellent scuba diving schools along the Athens coast. My daughter went on a private diving experience with The Blue Yard Club in Porto Rafti.

I also found this small group diving experience on Get Your Guide.

Tip for Athens Coast by Bus

There is a comfortable way to explore the Athens Coast and its highlights. Have a look at the Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Piraeus & Beach Riviera Line. There are two routes. The first one combines Athens city with the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus and the Planetarium. The second goes to the beaches and Faliro/Flisvos, the Vouliagmeni Lake Beach and the Temple of Zeus.

Beyond Athens with Teens

Living in the northern suburbs of Athens with my family, we’ve taken countless day trips over the years — and honestly, it’s one of the best things about being based here.

From ancient ruins to mountain villages and seaside towns, there are so many beautiful places you can reach in just an hour or two by car.

Each one offers something different, and we’ve done them all — again and again — as spontaneous Sunday outings or planned family escapes. Here are some of our favorite one-day excursions, all tried and loved by us.

Malakasa Adventure Park 

Thrill-seeking teens will let go of excessive energy at the Adventure Park. I have been so often that I have dedicated a post to this park called The Adventure Park great for kids and teens. This climbing park is outside the city, located near the national road Athens – Lamia at about 40 kilometres from Athens centre but worth your visit when in Athens with children.

Mountain hiking

Did you know that Athens is surrounded by beautiful mountains and that some of them are covered in snow during winter? Parnitha mountain is a beautiful natural area with lush green vegetation, hiking trails and white peaks in wintertime. It is possible to reach the top of Parnitha mountain by cable car, a wonderful excursion for active families.

Day trips from Athens with Teens

If you want to leave the city behind you for a day and escape to the countryside or an island, have a look at my below suggestions.

Read also: Day Trips from Athens

Historic places: Delphi, Nafplion, Mycenae, Epidaurus

History-loving teens will enjoy exploring further out because some of the most famous ancient Greek monuments are not located in Athens. From the historic city of Nafplio and Ancient Mycenae, to the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, and the Oracle of Delphi.

These places are about two hours away from Athens. If Athens is your base, I would recommend doing this with an organized group trip instead of driving by yourself. You will be very tired after a day in the sun, especially in the summer.

I have reviewed several such organized tours. You can find our real experiences when you click on the highlighted destinations. If you wish to visit Delphi, I recommend the Delphi Day Trip From Athens.

You could also consider booking a tour combining all these places. For instance, in this tour: Argolis: Full-Day Tour in Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio.

The Corinth Canal

The world-famous Corinth Canal is a must-visit for anyone to Athens. I am sure teens have heard about it in school. And it is not very far from Athens. You can go there on your own by car or public bus.

If you rather book a group tour to Corinth Canal you get the bonus of visiting the Ancient Corinth castle. With a guide and driver, this will be a more relaxing experience. I believe that the Corinth Half-Day Small Group Tour from Athens is suitable for families.

Visit a nearby island

Families with teens in Athens should also consider a nearby island as a day trip. The most well-known are Aegina, Poros, and Hydra. These islands are less than two hours away either by ferry or private tour, making them quick and easy to get through. Just hop on a ferry boat from Piraeus port and sail away! There are also organized day excursions to the islands near Athens.

We tried and tested such a one-day-three-islands day trip from Athens. There are several companies offering such tours. Some with VIP or catamaran services, others on traditional boats. For a value-for-money family-friendly trip to the islands in one day, I recommend Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Full-Day Cruise.

FAQs about Visiting Athens with Teens

What can teens do in Athens at night?
Athens comes alive in the evenings! With teens, you can enjoy a sunset walk at Flisvos Marina, watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square (even at night), or join a relaxed food tour in Plaka. Teens also love evening strolls in Monastiraki, where street performers and shops stay open late.

Is Athens safe for families with teenagers?
Yes, Athens is generally safe for families. The main thing to watch for is petty theft in crowded tourist areas like Monastiraki and on public transport. Remind teens to keep their phones and wallets secure. In the neighborhoods and at attractions, families walk around comfortably day and night.

What’s the best beach for teens near Athens?
For fun and activities, Varkiza Resort/Yabanaki Beach is a great choice with water sports, music, and plenty of food stalls. If you prefer something stylish, Astir Beach offers a more upscale vibe. For a simple, budget-friendly swim, Vouliagmeni Beach is easy to reach from the city. Older teens, young adults will also enjoy Bolivar Beach Club.

Related Posts to Athens

• Family Hotels in Athens
• Things to do in Athens with Toddler
• Top things to do on the Athens Coast

Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links. This means that should you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission. It will not cost you anything but it will help me maintain my blog. Thank you for supporting me this way!