We love the Greek capital year-round. However, in the summer, when most locals head to the islands leaving the streets without traffic, we love it a little bit more. What stays behind when the crowds go is a chilled atmosphere. The hectic rhythm of regular life is impossible to maintain in August, partly due to the heat, and the city settles into vacation mode. It’s the perfect time for a so-called “staycation”, and the Athenians who do stay in the city have perfected the ways in which they spend their summer days.

While some shops and restaurants hang “Gone swimming” signs on their doors and close for a few weeks, others ready their spaces with tropical flowers and high-powered fans. Parties start later and end well after sunrise, the open-air cinemas fill with movie fans, and the city’s green spaces become the new meeting points.

Below is our guide to summer in Athens for 2019: a roundup of all our favorite things to do in the city right now.

See & do

Chill out in the Garden

Discover Anafiotika

The Hills of Athens

Rent a scooter

Fill in the Squares

Shop: Souvenirs

Swim

Beaches

The Hilton Pool

Lake Vouliagmeni

Eat & Drink

Street food

Ice Cream

Coffee Boost

Beer

Tropical Cuisines

Dining by the Sea

Evenings

Cocktails with an Acropolis View

More Bars with Stars

SNFCC

Open-Air Cinema

National Observatory