What to do in Athens when it rains?
Despite Athens' reputation for sunny skies and hot temperatures, the city experiences its fair share of rainy days. But don't let the weather put a damper on your plans.
There are plenty of indoor attractions and experiences that will keep you entertained and make the most out of your rainy day in Athens.
Read our list of the BEST 15 things to do on a rainy day in Athens:
1. Classic Museums
Visiting a museum is a great way to learn more about Greece's rich history, culture and traditions. Instead of exploring the Acropolis, the Parthenon and other archaeological sites, which can be dangerous due to the slippery nature of the marble stairs, you can visit classics like the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.
2. City Tour
When it rains, Athens can be wonderfully discovered during a city tour. Inside the sightseeing bus you can admire all the highlights of the Greek capital from the outside without getting wet. And if the rain should let up, you can simply get off during a hop on hop off bus tour, take a closer look at the sights and get back on board later.
3. Shopping Trip
Whether large you like shopping malls, unique boutiques, markets or shopping streets, a rainy day in Athens is perfect for a shopping trip! The ideal shopping district is Monastiraki, which is home to "Attica, The Department Store", one of the most famous shopping centers of Athens, as well as the famous Ermou shopping street and the Monastiraki flea market.
- For more shopping tips, check out our Athens Shopping Guide.
4. Enjoy Greek Cuisine
What better way to enjoy rainy weather than to taste Greek cuisine, which is marked with influences from the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. In the authentic restaurants and taverns in Monastiraki and Psyri neighborhoods, you can enjoy wonderful Greek food. Or take the short metro ride to the port of Piraeus, where freshly caught fish and delicious seafood overlooking the harbor await you on every corner.
- If you are curious what you should try while in Athens, take a look at our list with the best Food in Athens: 40 Greek Cuisine Dishes.
5. Day Trips
Get out of rainy Athens and head to the many destinations in the surrounding area. A day trip is the perfect way to discover UNESCO world heritage sites and fascinating places in Greece. Popular day trip options include the Oracle of Delphi, the Meteora Monasteries, and Cape Sounion with the Poseidon Temple, and more...
6. Cafés in Athens
Greek coffeehouse culture is famous all over the world. A rainy day is perfect to sit down in one of the many traditional cafes, hipster bars or coffee shops and watch the pouring rain. A hot coffee or a typical Greek frappé tastes especially good in the cozy and warm café.
- Read more: Check out our list of the best cafes in Athens.
7. Theaters, Concerts and Art Galleries
Spend a day of culture in the birthplace of ancient theater! Athens has a number of theaters, operas and art galleries that give visitors a deep insight into the country's culture. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in the Athens suburb of Kallithea is highly recommended. It includes the National Library and the Greek National Opera, which regularly hosts opera, ballet and musical performances. Temporary exhibitions enrich the cultural center's offerings.
8. Central Market
As a covered market, the Central Market not far from Omonia Square is an ideal bad-weather activity. The lively market has rich offerings of fresh food, regional specialties, as well as household goods. The ambiance of the market is also exceptional, where a wide variety of smells and loud market cries prevail. The central market is open from Monday to Saturday from early morning until late afternoon.
- More information: For more details about the marketplace, take a look at our dedicated article on the Central Market in Athens.
9. Planetarium
A trip to the starry world quickly makes you forget about gloomy weather. The interactive Eugenides Foundation Planetarium in the Athens suburb of Palaio Faliro has a dome with a huge projection screen. This is also a wonderful thing to do with children, who can embark on an adventurous journey into the depths of the universe.
10. Churches
Athens has wonderful places of worship, which are characterized mainly by Byzantine art in the interior. Charming churches like the Great Mitropolis Church below the Acropolis and Kaprikarea Church on Ermou Street are wonderful to visit even in adverse weather conditions.
- For more inspiration, be sure to take a look at our list with the most beautiful churches in Athens.
11. Alternative Museums
In addition to the classic museums, Athens also offers a number of interesting, unusual museums. These include the Jewelry Museum, the Museum of Illusions, which captivates all ages with its sensory illusions, and the Toy Museum.
- Read More: See our comprehensive list with the 50 Best Museum in Athens
12. The Islands Surrounding Athens
When the weather is sunnier on the nearby islands around Athens, you can sail to idyllic islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and the Saronic Islands and wonderfully escape the gray weather in Athens. Of course, a boat trip is recommended only in light rain and not in heavy storms.
13. Escape Room
Escape rooms are a popular indoor attraction. Exciting puzzles have to be solved with team spirit, skill and powers of deduction in order to free yourself and your fellow prisoners from the room. Great Escape's spooky themed rooms deliver additional thrills.
14. Pottery Class
Athens has been known for its ceramics and pottery since ancient times. At a pottery class you can not only escape the bad weather, but also make your own souvenir right away. The workshop is a unique opportunity for both advanced and beginners to get creative and create their own Greek-inspired work of art.
15. Walk in the Rain
All those who are not afraid of a little rain can experience a quiet, peaceful Athens during a rainy walk. The streets and squares, which are usually crowded with people, are now deserted. Equipped with an umbrella, you can stroll through idyllic natural places, such as the National Garden, which exudes peace and relaxation, even in the rain. Afterwards you can relax nicely in a cozy café with a hot coffee and a Greek dessert.