Dear fall,
as much as we have been ignoring you it's time to admit it; you're here, for good! It's not just the rain you've been pouring on Athens the last few days, the light jacket we need to carry in the evenings, the second thoughts we have every time we wear our flip flops, but it's also the autumnal equinox (today) to make it official.
Now, back to you dear travelers, a little bit (ehem!) of rain is no reason to spoil your visit to Greece, your travel experience in Athens, your walks around landmarks and local attractions. There are still lots of interesting and fun things to do in town and expert guides to protect you on your sightseeing and walking tours so you can stay dry and still be overwhelmed with beautiful memories for a lifetime, at a fraction of the budget your friends spent on their summer visit (high five!) But....we can't make any promises about your hair, sorry!
#1 Skip the Acropolis (but Head to the Acropolis Museum)
As we want you to stay healthy and not catch a cold on your holidays in Greece we are here to advise you that there is an alternative way to 'see' the Acropolis and that is through the magnificent Acropolis Museum. It's not just the beautiful exhibition and artefacts that you will have the chance to explore, but also you can admire the majestic Parthenon from inside the museum and -why not- from the Acropolis Museum Restaurant and café on the top floor...
Tip: If you would like to make the most of your time in the museum and in the city, join one of the walking tours from our hand picked selection. Your expert guide will make sure you will see as much as possible, and stay dry!
#2 Visit World Famous Museums
We have said this again and again (and once again, here in our post about Athens' Museums!) but yes, Athens -besides the Acropolis Museum- is home to a number of the best museums in the world. So don't miss the opportunity to get up close and personal with ancient Greek masterpieces that you have seen only in books (and movies!). Among the museums you shouldn't miss are the Benaki Museum, the Cycladic Art Museum and the National Archeological Museum.
Tip: If you need a break don’t underestimate the choices in the museums you might already be visiting! Some of these stand on their own as cafés or restaurants in Athens well worth a visit. Find out more here.
tour athens' MUST SEE museums with top local guides
#3 Chase the Sun Outside of Athens
One of the most authentic and unique things to do in Athens is to actually get out of Athens! It may be rainy in the city but that doesn't mean that the sun isn't shining bright in the Greek islands. Head to Piraeus port and hop on a ferry to a nearby island (either Spetses, Hydra or Aigina) for a sunny getaway (but first check the weather forecast in Greece!) Otherwise, one of the most adventurous things to do is to go on a day trip to the mainland for a unique experience in the Greek mountains, such as at Meteora or Olympus (and we can take you there!)
Tip: If you need some help finding the Greek island of your dreams check out our Guide to How to Make the Most of Your Greek Island Hopping!
GUIDED ESCAPES FROM ATHENS you will love
#4 Hide Inside an Athens Mall
Joining city tours and discovering Greek tourist attractions is all great but every now and then it's nice to treat the 'shopaholic' inside you and rain is a good excuse to go shopping indoors! Don't forget (for the fanatics of our blog who have read our Guide for the Best Shopping Spots in Athens) that besides the vibrant Monastiraki flea market and the upscale Kolonaki (for those 'big spenders' who are looking for high end shopping) Athens is home to the best shopping mall in Europe, Golden Hall!
Tip: If you are unsure of the 'shopping list' check out our top Souvenir picks to take back home!
'what should i do in athens on a rainy day'? have fun indoors!
#5 Watch the Rain From One of Athens' Cafés
Greeks take their coffee seriously; that's why you will find beautiful cafés all around Athens and Greece to spend not just 5 minutes (the time you actually need to sip your espresso) but the whole day. A good idea -and probably one of the most romantic things to do in Athens (a few more ideas here!) is to enjoy your coffee while gazing the sea, either at Moorings in Vouliagmeni, Ark in Glyfada or one of the cafés in the Flisvos Marina in Faliro
Tip: If you are in the city centre, enjoy your coffee at one of Athens' rooftop bars with views of the Acropolis.
Stay dry, dear travelers and don't forget to make the most of it!
greek food tastings and cooking classes, a great alternative to a rainy day in athens
Here's a Map to Sum Up How to Protect Yourself From Rainy Athens' Weather