26 Best Things to Do in Athens With Kids

Athens has always felt like a second home to me. I grew up spending summers in Greece, and after visiting more than 20 times over the years, it’s still one of my favorite cities in the world. Now that I’m traveling with kids, I’ve experienced Athens in a completely different way — slower mornings in local neighborhoods, playground stops between ancient ruins, and long evenings eating outdoors while the kids run around the squares.

I’ve visited Greece twice with young children already — once while pregnant with my third child and traveling with two little ones, and again with three kids all under 5 years old. We’ll also be heading back to Greece again this summer as a family of five. After spending at least a week in Athens during every trip, I’ve learned that the city is actually incredibly family-friendly when you know where to go.

While most people picture Athens as just ancient ruins and museums, there’s so much more to experience with kids. From scenic walks around the Acropolis and funicular rides up Lycabettus Hill to beach day trips, parks, rooftop restaurants, and family-friendly neighborhoods, Athens offers the perfect mix of history, culture, food, and relaxed Mediterranean life.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Athens with kids based on my own experiences visiting the city as both a child and now as a parent. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, young kids, or planning your first family trip to Greece, these are the places and activities our family genuinely loved the most.

If this is your first time visiting Greece, be sure to read my guide on how much a trip to Greece costs so you can budget and plan your trip accordingly.

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Best Things to Do in Central Athens With Kids

Athens National Gardens

The National Gardens are one of our favorite places in Athens and one of the best spots for kids to run around and explore.
The National Gardens are filled with shaded paths that feel cooler than the surrounding downtown Athens.

The National Gardens are located right near Syntagma Square and feel like a quiet escape from the busy city streets just outside. We visit at least once a day, if not twice, usually in the morning and then again later in the afternoon, which is why we always try to stay nearby so it’s easy to walk to.

There’s an incredible playground that was rebuilt a few years ago and honestly one of the best playgrounds I’ve seen anywhere. It has swings, several slides, adorable little cottage-style playhouses, and even a sand and water play area. Just be warned: your kids will probably end up soaked, so bring a bathing suit or a change of clothes.

The gardens are also a great place to go for a walk with kids. There are shaded paths, ponds with fish and ducks, and even a small zoo area with animals — all completely free to visit.

Visit the Acropolis

There’s something magical about visiting the Acropolis with kids.

You really can’t visit Athens without seeing the Acropolis at least once. Even after visiting Athens so many times over the years, it still impresses me every single trip.

That being said, visiting the Acropolis with kids definitely takes a little planning, especially during the summer heat. We always try to go as early in the morning as possible before it gets too hot and crowded. There’s very little shade once you’re up there and the marble paths can get extremely slippery, so comfortable shoes are a must.

On the walk up to the Acropolis, you’ll also pass the Theatre of Dionysus, considered the birthplace of Greek theatre. Even younger kids usually find the massive stone seating interesting to see, and it’s pretty incredible realizing performances were held here thousands of years ago.

If you’re visiting with toddlers, I would highly recommend using a baby carrier instead of a stroller. There are a lot of uneven paths and stairs, and it would honestly be very difficult with a stroller.

The views from the top are incredible and you can see all across Athens, all the way to the sea. Even younger kids usually get excited seeing the huge ancient columns up close and spotting the city from above. My kids also loved seeing the Greek flags waving at the top and exploring the ruins along the walk up.

There’s also a large pedestrian area around the Acropolis that’s great for walking with kids afterward. We usually grab a snack nearby and let the kids run around a bit after all the uphill walking.

Visit the Acropolis Museum

They were so excited to see the view of the Acropolis from the museum.

We visited the Acropolis Museum for the first time last year, which surprised even me after visiting Athens so many times over the years. I wasn’t sure how interesting it would be for younger kids, but they honestly loved it way more than I expected.

Seeing all of the ancient ruins, statues, and pieces from the Acropolis up close made the history feel much more real, especially after already visiting the Acropolis itself. The glass floors with ruins underneath were probably one of the coolest parts for the kids.

One of our favorite parts though was the rooftop café. After walking through the museum, we grabbed drinks and sat outside with an incredible view of the Acropolis right in front of us. It ended up being such a nice break from the heat and crowds, and the view alone made it worth visiting.

The museum is also air conditioned, which honestly makes a huge difference during summer in Athens, especially with kids. If you need a break from the heat in the middle of the day, this is a really good option.

Ride the Lycabettus Funicular for the Best Views in Athens

The view from Lycabettus Hill is one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Athens.

One of our favorite things to do in Athens with kids is taking the Lycabettus funicular up to the top of Mount Lycabettus. The views from up there are honestly incredible and you can see all across Athens, including the Acropolis, the sea, and the endless white buildings stretching through the city.

The funicular itself is fun for kids because it travels up through a tunnel inside the hill, which already makes the experience feel a little different from regular sightseeing. It also saves you from having to do the very steep uphill walk to the top, especially in the summer heat with young kids.

Once you get to the top, there’s a large viewing area where kids can walk around while you take in the views. There’s also a small white chapel at the top that makes the whole place feel very Greek somehow. We usually try to time our visit around sunset because the city looks beautiful once everything starts glowing and the lights begin coming on.

There’s also a café and restaurant at the top if you want to sit down for a drink or snack while enjoying the view. Even though Athens has a lot of viewpoints, this one still feels worth doing because you get such a different perspective over the entire city.

Watch an Ancient Greek Theatre Performance

If you’re visiting Athens during the summer, one really unique experience to consider is watching an ancient Greek theatre performance. This is probably better suited for school age kids and older since the performances can be long and are often in Greek, but the setting alone makes it feel special.

Many performances take place at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the famous ancient stone theatre located right below the Acropolis. Seeing a live performance there at night with the Acropolis lit up above you honestly feels pretty magical and is one of those experiences that makes Athens feel completely different after dark.

Even if your kids don’t fully follow the performance itself, older kids will probably still enjoy the atmosphere and the experience of sitting in a real ancient theatre that has existed for nearly 2,000 years. Depending on the schedule, there are sometimes concerts, dance performances, and more family friendly productions during the Athens Epidaurus Festival in the summer.

There are also English theatre performances that are performed elsewhere but I think watching an authentic performance in ancient theatre is the true Greek theatre performance that you can’t miss.

Visit the Museum of Greek Children’s Art

If you need a quieter indoor activity with younger kids, the Museum of Greek Children’s Art is a cute little stop in central Athens. It’s much smaller and more relaxed than the city’s larger museums, which honestly makes it easier with kids who may already be tired from sightseeing.

The museum focuses on artwork created by children and usually has interactive exhibits, crafts, and activities that kids can actually participate in instead of just looking at things behind glass. It’s definitely geared more toward younger children, but it can be a nice break from all the ancient ruins and historical sites around Athens.

One thing I like about it is that it feels very low pressure. You do not need to spend hours here and it works well as a short stop during the middle of the day, especially if it’s extremely hot outside or you need a calmer activity for little kids.

Since it’s located near Plaka and Syntagma, it’s also easy to combine with other sightseeing nearby.

Explore the Ancient Agora of Athens

The Ancient Agora is one of the best historical sites to visit in Athens with kids.

The Ancient Agora is one of my favorite historical sites to visit in Athens with kids because it feels much more open and relaxed than the Acropolis. While the Acropolis can get extremely crowded and hot, the Agora has more space to walk around and explore at a slower pace.

This was once the center of daily life in ancient Athens where people gathered to shop, socialize, and discuss politics thousands of years ago. Walking through it almost feels like stepping into a giant outdoor history book.

Kids usually enjoy this site more than you might expect because there’s room to move around, lots of ruins to look at up close, and shaded areas throughout parts of the site. One of the highlights is the Temple of Hephaestus, which is actually one of the best preserved ancient Greek temples in Greece.

There’s also a small museum inside the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos where you can see ancient artifacts, statues, pottery, and objects that help bring the history to life a bit more for kids.

Since the Ancient Agora is located right below the Acropolis, it’s very easy to combine the two in the same day. We usually like walking through here afterward when we want a slower and less crowded atmosphere.

Watch the Changing of the Guards at Syntagma Square

Watching the changing of the guards at Syntagma Square is one of the most memorable free things to do in Athens with kids.

Watching the changing of the guards at Syntagma Square is one of the easiest and most fun things to do in Athens with kids, especially because it’s completely free and right in the center of the city.

The guards, called Evzones, stand outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek Parliament building wearing their traditional uniforms with pom pom shoes, pleated skirts, and long tassels. The ceremony itself is pretty entertaining for kids because of the exaggerated slow movements and synchronized marching.

The smaller guard change happens every hour, but the main ceremony takes place on Sundays at 11am and is much more impressive with additional guards and a larger performance.

Since it’s located right beside the National Gardens, we usually combine the two together. It’s an easy stop that does not take very long but still feels like one of those classic Athens experiences you should see at least once.

Walk Through the Athens Central Market

The Athens Central Market is a fun place to walk through with kids if you want to experience a more local side of the city. Even if you do not plan on buying anything, it’s still worth visiting just to see the energy, food stalls, spices, fresh produce, and overall atmosphere.

The market is busy, loud, and a little chaotic in the best way possible. Kids usually enjoy looking at all the different fruits, desserts, breads, seafood, and local foods, and it gives you a glimpse into everyday life in Athens outside of the main tourist areas.

If you’re staying in an Airbnb or apartment, it’s also a great place to pick up ingredients for dinner, fresh fruit, snacks, cheeses, olives, or pastries. We’ve grabbed plenty of things here over the years for easy meals back at our apartment, especially during longer stays in Athens.

Traveling with kids can get pricey fast, be sure to read my Greece budget guide for the best money saving tips!

Visit the Roman Agora

The Roman Agora is an easy historical stop to add while exploring Plaka and central Athens with kids.

The Roman Agora is another historical site located right in the middle of Athens near Plaka and Monastiraki. It’s much smaller and quicker to visit than the Ancient Agora, which honestly makes it easier with younger kids who may already be tired from sightseeing.

The site dates back to the Roman period when Athens was under Roman rule and was once used as a marketplace and gathering area. While there are still ruins and columns throughout the site, the most famous structure here is the Tower of the Winds, an ancient octagonal tower that worked as a clock, weather station, and sundial thousands of years ago.

Since the Roman Agora is so centrally located, it’s really easy to stop by while wandering through Plaka. We usually treat it more as a quick sightseeing stop rather than spending a long time here, but it’s still interesting to see and adds to the whole experience of walking through ancient Athens.

Visit the Playmobil Fun Park

If you’re traveling with younger kids who love Playmobil, the Playmobil Fun Park can be a fun change of pace from all the historical sightseeing in Athens. It’s located outside the downtown area, so I personally would only recommend visiting if you’re spending quite a few days in Athens and want something different for the kids to do.

The space is designed more as an indoor interactive play area rather than a traditional attraction. Kids can play with giant Playmobil sets, themed stations, castles, pirate ships, and different imaginative play areas for hours. It’s definitely geared more toward toddlers and younger children rather than older kids.

Since it’s outside the main tourist center, I would not prioritize it over Athens’ major attractions if it’s your first trip or you only have a few days in the city. But if your kids are Playmobil fans and you’re staying longer, it can be a fun little break from ruins, museums, and walking around the city.

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Visit the Attica Zoological Park

If your kids love animals, the Attica Zoological Park is another fun option in Athens, especially if you’re spending several days in the city. That being said, it is a bit farther from central Athens, so if you only have a short time in the city or already have a great zoo back home, I personally wouldn’t make this a priority over Athens’ main attractions.

The zoo is located closer to the airport, about 30 minutes by car or taxi from central Athens, or roughly an hour using public transportation. Because of the distance, it works best as a slower day activity if you have extra time in your itinerary.

The zoo itself is actually much larger than I expected and has a really wide variety of animals including elephants, giraffes, lions, monkeys, reptiles, and one of the largest bird collections in the world. Kids especially seem to love the dolphin presentations and seeing animals they may not normally get to see up close while traveling.

Visit the National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the best places in Athens to see ancient Greek artifacts and history up close.

If your kids are interested in Greek mythology, ancient history, or anything related to Ancient Greece, the National Archaeological Museum is definitely worth visiting. It’s the largest archaeological museum in Greece and has some of the most important ancient artifacts in the country.

I’ll be honest, this is probably better for slightly older kids rather than toddlers (although our boys loved it at 3 and 5 years old), since it is a museum and there’s a lot to walk through. But even younger kids will probably enjoy seeing the massive statues, ancient helmets, gold jewelry, and all the different sculptures up close. My kids especially loved spotting the huge marble statues and talking about Greek gods they recognized.

One thing I like about this museum is that it feels a little less crowded and chaotic than some of the more touristy attractions in Athens.

You definitely do not need to see every single room to enjoy it. We usually just wander through the main highlights and take our time rather than trying to rush through the entire museum. Even a shorter visit still feels worth it, especially if your family enjoys history.

Visit the Hellenic Children’s Museum

The Hellenic Children’s Museum looks like such a great option for younger kids in Athens, especially if you need a break from all the historical sightseeing and want something more interactive. That being said, I almost debated not including it because we still have not actually managed to go ourselves yet.

The biggest thing to know is that you need to reserve tickets online ahead of time, and from my experience they sell out incredibly fast. Every single time I’ve checked, all the available dates were already fully booked (I just checked again on a Monday and there was availability for the last few weeks in June). They are also only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for public visits, which makes it even harder to get tickets if your dates don’t line up perfectly.

Visit the Athens Planetarium

If your kids are interested in space, planets, or science, the Athens Planetarium can be a really fun activity to add to your itinerary. It’s located outside the downtown tourist area, but it’s much closer and easier to get to than places like the zoo or Playmobil Fun Park.

The planetarium is known for its huge dome screen and immersive space shows that make you feel like you’re flying through the stars. Depending on your kids’ ages and the show schedule, there are usually family friendly presentations about space, the solar system, dinosaurs, nature, and science.

Visit Little Kook

Little Kook is probably one of the most unique places to visit in Athens with kids and honestly feels like stepping into a movie set. It’s a themed café located in Psiri that completely changes decorations throughout the year with over the top displays inspired by fairytales, holidays, and fantasy themes.

Even just walking down the street toward it feels exciting because the entire area around the café is usually covered in giant decorations, lights, hanging props, and music. Kids absolutely love it and honestly most adults do too.

The desserts and drinks are definitely more on the touristy side, and prices are a little higher than a normal café in Athens, but I still think it’s worth stopping by at least once for the experience. We usually grab a dessert or drink and let the kids take everything in for a bit.

Wander Through Plaka

Plaka is probably the neighborhood you picture when you think of Athens. It’s filled with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, little cafés, bougainvillea covered corners, and endless restaurants and shops tucked into tiny alleyways beneath the Acropolis.

There are tons of little shops selling souvenirs, sandals, jewelry, toys, and Greek snacks, which honestly keeps kids surprisingly entertained while walking around. We usually stop for ice cream, browse a few shops, and just wander through the side streets.

One of our favorite streets to wander through is Adrianou Street, which runs through Plaka beneath the Acropolis. It’s filled with restaurants, little shops, ice cream spots, and some of the prettiest views and atmosphere in Athens, especially at night.

Explore Anafiotika

Tucked right beneath the Acropolis, Anafiotika is one of the prettiest and most unique little neighborhoods in Athens. If you did not know you were still in the middle of the city, you would honestly think you somehow ended up on a small Greek island.

The neighborhood is filled with tiny whitewashed houses, colorful doors, narrow pathways, flowers, and little hidden corners that feel completely different from the rest of Athens. It was originally built by workers from the island of Anafi, which is why it has that classic Cycladic island feel.

We always end up wandering through here at least once every trip because it’s such a peaceful area to walk around, especially in the morning before it gets busy. Kids usually enjoy exploring all the tiny paths and stairways, and it’s one of the best spots in Athens for photos.

Walk Up Philopappos Hill

Philopappos Hill offers one of the most beautiful views of the Acropolis and Athens skyline.

Philopappos Hill is one of my favorite places in Athens and somehow still feels a little less crowded than some of the city’s more famous viewpoints. If you want incredible Acropolis views without quite as many people, this is such a good spot to visit with kids.

The hill is located right beside the Acropolis and has shaded walking paths, pine trees, open space, and beautiful viewpoints overlooking the city. It feels much more peaceful and relaxed than walking around the busy streets below.

We usually like coming here later in the afternoon once it cools down a bit. The walk itself is not too difficult, although there are some uphill sections, and the views at the top are completely worth it. You get one of the best panoramic views of the Acropolis from here, especially around sunset.

It’s also a nice place for kids to move around a bit more freely after spending time at museums or historical sites. Since there are fewer cars and more open space, it feels like a nice break from the busy city atmosphere.

If you only have time for one viewpoint besides Lycabettus Hill, I honestly think this is one of the best options in Athens.

Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium is one of the most unique historical sites in Athens and a fun place for kids to explore.

The Panathenaic Stadium is one of the most iconic landmarks in Athens and definitely worth visiting with kids, especially if anyone in your family enjoys sports or the Olympics. It’s the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble and was also the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

One thing I feel like not enough people mention though is the area behind the stadium. There’s a trail and hill that locals use for walking and running, and it’s honestly one of my favorite quieter spots in Athens. You get beautiful views over the city and the stadium from above, and it feels much less crowded and touristy than some of the main viewpoints around Athens.

Most of the people up there are locals out for a run or walk, which gives it a completely different atmosphere from the busy tourist areas nearby. If you have extra time after visiting the stadium, I definitely recommend walking up there for a bit.

Explore Monastiraki

Monastiraki is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Athens with markets, cafés, and incredible Acropolis views.

Monastiraki is one of the liveliest areas in Athens and somewhere you will probably end up passing through multiple times during your trip. It’s located right in the center of the city and is filled with markets, street performers, restaurants, rooftop cafés, souvenir shops, and views of the Acropolis almost everywhere you look.

The main square is always busy and has such an energetic atmosphere, especially in the evenings.

One of the most popular things to do here is wander through the Monastiraki flea market area. Even if you do not buy anything, it’s fun to explore all the little streets filled with jewelry, vintage items, sandals, artwork, and random antiques.

We usually like stopping here for a meal or dessert because there are so many rooftop restaurants nearby with incredible Acropolis views. At night especially, the whole area feels really lively and fun while still being family friendly.

Watch a Movie at Cine Thisio

One of the most unique things to do in Athens during the summer is watching a movie at Cine Thisio, an outdoor cinema with an incredible view of the Acropolis. Honestly, even if you are not normally someone who goes to the movies while traveling, this experience feels very different and memorable.

The cinema is located in the Thisio neighborhood and has a relaxed outdoor garden setting with chairs, little tables, snacks, and drinks while the Acropolis lights up behind the screen at night. It’s consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful open air cinemas in the world and once you see the setting, it’s easy to understand why.

Most movies are shown in English with Greek subtitles, which makes it easy for tourists as well. Depending on your kids’ ages and bedtime schedules, this is probably better for older kids since movies start later in the evening during the summer.

Visit Syntagma Square and the Parliament

Syntagma Square is the heart of Athens and home to the Greek Parliament and the famous changing of the guards ceremony.

Syntagma Square is basically the heart of central Athens and one of the main areas you will probably pass through constantly during your trip. It’s busy, lively, and surrounded by shops, cafés, hotels, and some of the city’s most important landmarks.

Right beside the square is the Greek Parliament building, where you can also watch the famous changing of the guards ceremony. Even outside of the ceremony times, kids usually get excited seeing the guards standing completely still in their traditional uniforms.

At night, the whole area feels especially lively with families and tourists out walking around. We usually end up passing through Syntagma at least once or twice every day while in Athens since it connects so many parts of the city together.

Visit the Greece Miniature Museum

The Greece Miniature Museum is a small but really unique little attraction in Athens that younger kids especially may enjoy. The museum features detailed miniature recreations of famous Greek landmarks, historical scenes, traditional villages, and island settings from around the country.

It’s definitely not one of Athens’ major attractions, but it can be a fun quieter stop if you’re traveling with kids who enjoy tiny detailed displays and interactive exhibits. Some of the miniature scenes are honestly pretty impressive and it’s fun spotting all the little details throughout the models.

Because the museum is smaller, you do not need a huge amount of time here, which can actually be nice with younger kids who may already be overwhelmed from long sightseeing days.

I probably would not prioritize this over Athens’ main historical sites if you only have a few days in the city, but if you are staying longer and looking for more kid friendly activities beyond ruins and museums, it’s a cute option to add in.

Stop at Hans & Gretel

Hans & Gretel is probably one of the most fun dessert spots to visit with kids in Athens. Even before you walk inside, the smell of chocolate, waffles, popcorn, and candy somehow fills the entire street and immediately gets everyone excited.

The shop itself feels almost like a fairytale candy house with colorful decorations, giant candy displays, ice cream, cakes, chocolates, and way too many desserts to choose from. My kids were completely obsessed the first time we walked in.

We honestly rarely give our kids desserts or treats when we’re at home, so places like this feel like such a fun rare vacation treat for them. Seeing how excited they get walking in honestly becomes part of the experience itself.

It’s definitely more touristy and over the top, but that’s also part of the fun.

There are several locations around Athens, but the Monastiraki area location is probably the easiest to visit while sightseeing.

Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of the largest ancient temples in Greece and an easy stop while exploring central Athens.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of the most impressive ancient sites in Athens and surprisingly easy to visit with kids because it’s very open and centrally located. Even though only a portion of the original columns still remain standing today, the scale of them is honestly hard to believe when you see them up close.

The temple was once one of the largest in the ancient world and was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods. Kids usually get excited seeing how enormous the columns are, especially after hearing stories about Greek mythology throughout the trip.

Right beside the temple is Hadrian’s Arch, a massive stone gateway built by the Roman emperor Hadrian nearly 2,000 years ago. It’s one of those landmarks you will probably walk past multiple times while exploring Athens and it makes a great quick photo stop.

Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Island

A day trip to nearby islands like Agistri is a fun way to add beaches and a slower pace to your Athens itinerary.

One of the best things about Athens is that you can easily visit a Greek island without needing to completely change hotels or take a domestic flight. If you’re spending several days in Athens, taking a day trip to one of the nearby islands is such a fun way to experience a different side of Greece with kids.

There are several islands you can reach by ferry from Athens, but Aegina, Agistri, and Hydra are some of the most popular options for day trips. We personally loved visiting Agistri because it felt quieter, more relaxed, and less touristy, but Hydra and Aegina are definitely more picturesque and charming if you’re looking for the classic beautiful Greek island atmosphere.

A day trip is also a great way to break up several days of sightseeing in Athens, especially during the summer heat. Spending the day swimming, walking through little island streets, or eating lunch by the water feels completely different from exploring ruins and museums all day.

If you’re short on time in Greece, this is honestly one of the easiest ways to still experience a Greek island without needing a full island hopping itinerary.

My guide to Agistri has everything you need to know before planning a trip to the island.

Visit the Athens Riviera

The Athens Riviera offers a completely different side of Athens with beaches, marinas, and a slower pace.

A lot of people do not realize that Athens also has beaches, coastal neighborhoods, and beautiful seaside areas just outside the city center. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, spending a day along the Athens Riviera is such a nice break from sightseeing, especially with kids.

The Athens Riviera stretches along the coast south of central Athens and has everything from organized beaches and playgrounds to seaside cafés, marinas, and walking paths.

One of the easiest areas to visit is Glyfada, which is about 30 to 40 minutes from central Athens by taxi, car, or tram. Glyfada has beaches, shopping, cafés, playgrounds, and a really family friendly atmosphere. It’s a great option if you want a relaxed beach day without traveling too far.

Vouliagmeni is another beautiful area along the Riviera and probably one of the prettiest. It’s known for its clear water, upscale beach clubs, and Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural thermal lake where you can swim year round. The area feels more scenic and peaceful than central Athens and works really well for families wanting a slower day by the water.

If you want a more organized beach experience with loungers, umbrellas, restaurants, and shallow water for kids, places like Astir Beach and some of the beaches around Voula and Glyfada are good options.

The easiest way to reach the Riviera without a car is usually by taxi or tram. The tram from central Athens runs directly toward Glyfada and the coastal areas, although it does take longer than driving.

Where to Stay in Athens With Kids

One of the questions I get asked the most is where to stay in Athens with kids, and honestly I think choosing the right neighborhood can make a huge difference in your trip. We’ve personally stayed in Syntagma, Plaka, and Koukaki over the years, and usually decide based on where we find the best priced accommodations at the time since prices can vary so much depending on the season.

If you’re only going to be in Athens for a day or two, I recommend staying wherever is closest to the majority of the attractions you plan to visit so that you don’t waste time walking excessively or commuting.

Syntagma

Syntagma is probably the best overall area to stay in Athens with kids, especially for a first visit. It’s very central, walkable, and well connected to everything. Since the National Gardens are located here, this is usually our top choice when traveling with younger kids because we end up there constantly throughout the trip.

You’re also within walking distance of Plaka, Monastiraki, the Acropolis area, shopping streets, restaurants, and the metro. It’s busy, but very convenient.

Plaka

Plaka is definitely the most charming area to stay in Athens. If you want the classic beautiful Athens atmosphere with little cobblestone streets, bougainvillea, outdoor restaurants, and Acropolis views everywhere, this is probably where you’ll want to stay.

We love spending time here as a family because it’s very pedestrian friendly and easy to slowly wander around with kids. The only downside is that some accommodations can be more expensive and certain streets are a bit hillier with strollers.

Koukaki

Koukaki feels a little quieter and more local compared to the busier tourist areas, while still being very close to the Acropolis. We really enjoyed staying here with kids because it felt more relaxed at night and had a lot of family friendly cafés, bakeries, and restaurants nearby.

It’s also a great option if you want to stay close to the Acropolis area without being directly in the middle of the busiest parts of Athens.

Glyfada

If you’re looking for more of a beach atmosphere, Glyfada is a really popular area along the Athens Riviera. It’s farther from the main historical attractions, but you’ll be closer to beaches, seaside restaurants, shopping, playgrounds, and a more relaxed coastal vibe.

We personally have not stayed in Glyfada yet, but it can be a really good option if you’re planning a longer Athens stay or want to combine city sightseeing with beach time.

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