If you’re passing through and wondering about things to do at Athens Airport, expectations matter. Athens Airport is efficient and easy to navigate, but it isn’t packed with entertainment. That said, there’s enough here to eat well, browse a few shops, see a small slice of Greek culture, and—if you have the time—step outside the terminal for a brief look at the region. For short layovers, staying airside is usually easiest; for longer ones, heading out can be worthwhile if you plan carefully.
1. Eat
Athens Airport offers a solid mix of cafés, fast food, and Greek flavours, though options thin out overnight. You’ll find familiar international chains alongside local brands that are worth trying if this is your first taste of Greece. Look for Greek pastries like spanakopita and tiropita, simple souvlaki wraps, fresh salads with feta and olives, and thick Greek yogurt served with honey and nuts. Coffee culture is strong here, with Greek-style espresso drinks widely available. Landside, before security, a supermarket makes it easy to pick up snacks, bottled water, or Greek treats to take with you on the next leg of your journey.
2. Hang out in a lounge
Airport lounges aren’t just for premium-class passengers. At Athens Airport, several lounges are accessible to any traveller with a prepaid pass or lounge membership. These spaces offer a quieter place to sit, along with WiFi, drinks, and light food. For locations, access rules, and what to expect, see our Athens Airport Guide.
3. Get a dose of history
Athens Airport includes small museum-style displays that reflect Greece’s long history. The main terminal features permanent exhibitions connected to the Acropolis Museum, as well as archaeological finds uncovered during construction and a permanent exhibition on Greek aviation history.
4. Go exploring – beyond the airport
If your layover is long enough, Athens Airport’s location makes short excursions possible, but timing is everything.
For shorter layovers, staying close to the airport is the safest choice. A quick taxi ride brings you to the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, which is popular for browsing, eating, or stretching your legs outside the terminal. The nearby Attica Zoological Park is another option if you’re travelling with children and have several spare hours, though traffic conditions can affect return times.
With a longer layover, heading into central Athens becomes realistic. The metro connects the airport with the city, and travel times typically range from 45 to 60 minutes. Many travellers focus on walkable areas such as the Acropolis district or Monastiraki, where major sights, cafés, and pedestrian streets are clustered close together. If you choose to leave the airport, allow plenty of buffer time for the return journey, security screening, and potential crowds, especially during peak travel seasons. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Athens.
5. Shop
Shopping at Athens Airport leans more practical than indulgent, but there are some distinctly Greek items worth browsing. Hellenic Duty Free carries the usual alcohol, cosmetics, and tobacco, along with Greek wines and spirits such as ouzo and mastiha. Elsewhere in the terminal, you’ll find shops selling Greek food products like olive oil, honey, sweets, and packaged regional specialties that travel well. There are also stores featuring Greek jewelry, leather goods, and travel essentials, alongside a handful of international fashion brands. Overall, shopping here works best for souvenirs and last-minute gifts rather than serious retail therapy.
6. Spa
If you’re looking to unwind, the spa at the Sofitel hotel opposite the terminal is open to non-guests. Treatments include massages and basic wellness services. Keep in mind that visiting the spa requires exiting the terminal and clearing security again afterward.
7. Get online
Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal, making it easy to check messages or pass the time online.
8. Sleep
Sleeping in the terminal is possible but not especially comfortable. Seating is limited, and overnight travellers report frequent noise and interruptions from announcements and cleaning activity. Light sleepers may struggle.
For proper rest, the Sofitel hotel directly across from the terminal is the most convenient option, with additional hotels nearby that can be reached by shuttle or short drive. Full details on sleeping options are available in our Athens Airport Guide.
Updated 13 January 2026
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Athens Airport. Visit our Athens Airport Guide for more information about services and facilities, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.