Venture off the beaten path, and you’ll find a treasure trove of hidden gems in Athens Greece! Discover underground museums, peaceful green spaces, quiet courtyards and historical oddities that most visitors miss.
35 Hidden Gems in Athens To Look Out For
If you’ve visited the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum and Plaka, and you think you’ve seen everything that Athens has to offer, you couldn’t be further from the truth!
As an Athenian, I firmly believe that the Greek capital’s true charm lies in its tucked-away corners, secret cafés, quirky museums, and lesser known attractions. I introduce paople to some of these during my Athens walks – but I thought I’ll also write a guide with some of the secret spots in Athens.
So, here’s my guide to 35 hidden gems in Athens – perfect for those who want to dive deeper into the city’s real character!
A. Hidden landmarks of Athens
Here are some lesser known landmarks, museums and attractions to add to your Athens itinerary!
1. Best known hidden gem in Athens – Anafiotika
Anafiotika is probably the best known secret spot in Athens! It’s a tiny district just beneath the Acropolis, with whitewashed walls and winding alleys. It feels like stepping into a Cycladic island without leaving the city.
Yet, a huge number of visitors completely miss it – maybe because they can’t work out how to get there! I’ve written a full guide to Anafiotika, as I find it a fascinating little area.
Nearest Metro: Acropolis. Here it is on Google Maps
2. Tower of the Winds in the Roman Agora
The Tower of the Winds is an octagonal marble structure considered the world’s oldest weather station, decorated with carvings of the wind gods. It’s a fascinating ancient detail which is often missed, as not that many people visit the Roman Agora.
Nearest Metro: Monastiraki. Here it is on Google Maps
3. Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments
This is one of my favourite museums in Athens – it’s a mansion in Plaka, housing traditional Greek instruments and recordings. Quiet, charming, and very local. Sometimes, they host concerts in the garden.
Nearest Metro: Monastiraki. Here it is on Google Maps
4. Agios Eleftherios Church (Mikri Mitropoli)
A tiny Byzantine chapel beside the grand Metropolitan Cathedral, made from reused ancient marble. The combination of architectural styles is insane!
Nearest Metro: Syntagma. Here it is on Google Maps
5. Benizelos Mansion
Athens’ oldest surviving house (16th century), offering a glimpse into Ottoman-era aristocratic life.
Nearest Metro: Syntagma / Monastiraki. Here it is on Google Maps
6. Athens University History Museum
Housed in the city’s first university building, with exhibits on education and history. You can see dental and medical tools from the previous decades!
Nearest Metro: Monastiraki / Acropolis. Here it is on Google Maps
7. National Observatory of Athens
A fascinating attraction that not many people visit – this includes Athenians and other locals. Here, you can enjoy night tours with a historic telescope, and some of the best views of the Acropolis.
Nearest Metro: Thiseio. Here it is on Google Maps
8. Filopappou Hill – Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris Path
A scenic cobbled trail around Filopappou Hill, designed in the 1950s. Peaceful and historic, it leads up to Philopappos monument on the top. Don’t miss the Byzantine Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris church.
Nearest Metro: Thiseio / Acropoli. Here it is on Google Maps
9. Museum of Illusions
An interactive museum of optical tricks and puzzles in Monastiraki. Fun and offbeat, and suitable for all ages – you can read my review here.
Nearest Metro: Monastiraki. Here it is on Google Maps
10. Museum of Ancient Greek Technology – Kotsanas
A surprisingly interactive museum showcasing reconstructions of ancient inventions by Greek pioneers such as Archimedes. Great for emgineers, kids and curious minds.
Nearest Metro: Syntagma. Here it is on Google Maps
11. Korai 4 Memorial Site
Underground WWII prison cells beneath a city-center arcade – haunting reminders of Nazi occupation, hidden in plain sight. A rare chance to see an original Nazi swastika flag!
Nearest Metro: Panepistimio. Here it is on Google Maps
12. Numismatic Museum and its Garden café
Relax in the quiet, shaded courtyard of Heinrich Schliemann’s neoclassical mansion. The museum itself hosts a fascinating collection of ancient coins.
Nearest Metro: Panepistimio. Here it is on Google Maps
13. Byzantine & Christian Museum and its courtyard
A tranquil, leafy courtyard café hidden in one of Athens’ best museums, with stunning early Christian, Byzantine, and post-Byzantine art.
Nearest Metro: Evangelismos. Here it is on Google Maps
14. Moni Petraki
A functioning monastery right in the heart of Athens. Parts of it were constructed in the 10th century, and the superb frescoes date from 1719!
Nearest Metro: Megaro Moussikis. Here it is on Google Maps
15. Hadrian’s aqueduct at Dexameni Square
Dexameni Square is a quiet leafy spot in Kolonaki, with a beloved café and views over Lycabettus Hill.
Located beneath the square lies Hadrian’s aqueduct, the ancient underground water system that once supplied the Roman baths. An engineering marvel hiding in plain sight, which you can still see – if you know where to look.
Nearest Metro: Evangelismos. Here it is on Google Maps
16. Church of Agioi Isidoroi (Lycabettus)
Many visitors go up Mount Lycabettus to see the sunset and beautiful views of Athens. Yet, very few of them discover the little, peaceful cave church of Agioi Isidoroi.
Nearest Metro: Evangelismos. Here it is on Google Maps
17. First Cemetery of Athens
A serene, sculpture-filled necropolis with grand tombs of poets, politicians, and artists – Athens’ open-air museum of memory. Ideal for history and art lovers.
Nearest Metro: Evangelismos / Syntagma, then bus, taxi or a 30-minute walk. Here it is on Google Maps
18. National Technical University of Athens
Also known as the Polytechnic University, this is where the student uprising of 1973, against the military junta ruling Greece at the time, began. Apart from the Uprising memorial, you can visit the beautiful neoclassical building, just before you head into the National Archaeological Museum next door.
Nearest Metro: Omonia / Victoria. Here it is on Google Maps
19. Hellenic Motor Museum
A surprisingly under-the-radar museum, showcasing over 110 vintage and classic automobiles in several floors. It’s located very close to the National Archaeological Museum.
Nearest Metro: Victoria. Here it is on Google Maps
20. National Sculpture Gallery (Alsos Stratou)
A peaceful collection of modern Greek sculpture within a beautiful green park. This is a true escape from the city buzz, just minutes away from the centre on the blue metro line.
Nearest Metro: Katechaki. Here it is on Google Maps
B. Secret cafes and art venues in Athens
There are hundreds, or more likely thousands of cafes, bars and art venues in Athens. Here are just a handful.
21. Technopolis (Gazi)
A former gas plant turned cultural venue, with several free concerts, festivals, and exhibitions – there’s also an industrial gas museum. Check their website for all scheduled events and more info.
Nearest Metro: Kerameikos. Here it is on Google Maps
22. Avdi Square
Metaxourgeio’s creative square, full of indie bars, street art, independent art galleries, and alternative vibes. Visit the Municipal Gallery of Athens (free), before going for a coffee or drink at Saorsa‘s hidden backyard.
Nearest Metro: Metaxourgeio. Here it is on Google Maps
23. Bios Cultural Venue
Indie art hub with exhibitions, concerts, rotating DJs, and a beautiful rooftop bar overlooking the Acropolis.
Nearest Metro: Kerameikos. Here it is on Google Maps
24. Cine Paris
Historic rooftop open-air cinema with Acropolis views, and a summer classic for Athenians and not only. Go early, as tickets do sell out.
Nearest Metro: Acropolis. Here it is on Google Maps
25. The Art Foundation (TAF)
Hidden cultural venue in Monastiraki with a courtyard café, creative energy and frequent exhibitions. Unless you know it’s there, you’ll definitely miss it – it’s definitely an Athens hidden gem for most visitors.
Nearest Metro: Monastiraki. Here it is on Google Maps
26. Spiti Art Bar
A relaxed, cozy bar with an indoor garden, offering frequent live music shows and excellent drinks.
Nearest Metro: Kerameikos. Here it is on Google Maps
27. Shedia Home Café
A heartwarming café and social enterprise offering delicious meals while employing and supporting people from vulnerable communities, similar to the Big Issue magazine. Beautiful design – and delicious food – with a powerful mission.
Nearest Metro: Monastiraki. Here it is on Google Maps
28. Upupa Epops
A beautifully decorated neoclassical house with an inner courtyard, hosting an all day cafe-bar. Come here for coffee, snacks, cocktails, but above all the atmosphere.
Nearest Metro: Monastiraki. Here it is on Google Maps
29. Jazz In Jazz
A cozy jazz bar in Kolonaki that has been around for decades. Fantastic music, and a great selection of whiskeys and other drinks.
Nearest Metro: Evangelismos. Here it is on Google Maps
30. Half Note Jazz Club
Legendary jazz venue in Mets, hosting top local and international acts.
Nearest Metro: Acropolis. Here it is on Google Maps
C. Athens hidden gems beyond the centre
The hidden gems of Athens mentioned so far are all accessible on foot, or by metro. Here are a few more attractions that few visitors ever get to see!
31. Kaisariani Monastery
An 11th-century Byzantine monastery surrounded by pine forests on Mount Hymettus. Perfect for hiking and reflection.
Nearest Metro: Megaro Moussikis / Evangelismos, then bus or taxi. Here it is on Google Maps
32. Dafni Monastery
A UNESCO-listed Byzantine monastery with stunning golden mosaics, just outside Athens, often overlooked and steeped in silence.
Nearest Metro: Agia Marina, then bus or taxi. Here it is on Google Maps
33. Diomidous Botanical Garden
A beautiful botanical garden out of central Athens, with thousands of plant species, shady trails, and picnic spots.
Nearest Metro: Agia Marina, then bus or taxi. Here it is on Google Maps
34. Eleusis Archaeological Site
Sacred site of the Eleusinian Mysteries, steeped in ancient rituals and mythology.
Nearest Metro: Agia Marina, then bus or taxi – there are also KTEL buses from Athens. Here it is on Google Maps
35. Koutouki Cave (Paiania)
A stalactite-filled cave near Athens, offering guided tours underground.
Nearest Metro: Doukissis Plakentias, then taxi. Here it is on Google Maps
More Athens travel guides
If you enjoyed this guide, take a look at these other ones:
- Best things to do in Athens
- Free things to do in Athens
- Best museums in Athens
- The best tours in Athens
Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens and I like sharing facts about my city, and walking around with visitors! Follow me on my social media: