Athens on a Rainy Day – Museums, Spas, Tavernas & Markets

Athens on a rainy day – not the end of the world

Athens is sunny for most of the year, but between late autumn and early spring there are rainy days – sometimes heavy, usually short-lived. The good news is that the city is full of excellent things to do under a roof: some of the finest museums in Europe, spas and hammams, cosy tavernas, covered markets and shopping arcades. A rainy day in Athens is also a chance to do what sunny days never leave room for – slow down, linger over coffee and get to know the local side of the city. Here is how to plan one.

Museums – the safe bet

The Acropolis Museum is perfect on a wet day: light-filled galleries, the original Parthenon sculptures and a view through the glass to the hill itself. The National Archaeological Museum holds one of the world's great collections of ancient Greek art and can easily fill half a day. Art lovers will also enjoy the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art in Kolonaki, which are smaller and more intimate. Opening hours and closing days change with the seasons, so check before you go, and arrive early – on rainy days everyone has the same idea.

Spa, hammam and massage

There is no better way to spend a rainy afternoon than at a spa. Athens has Middle Eastern-style hammams, hotel spas and massage centres offering massages, facials and warm steam rituals. It is particularly welcome after a couple of days walking on the old town's marble paving, when your legs are asking for a break. Bring swimwear for some places and book ahead, as slots fill quickly on cold days. Yana arranges spa and massage treatments for travellers – one of the nicest ways to turn a washed-out day into a treat.

A cosy taverna with live music

When it rains, nothing beats a warm taverna with local wine and the slow-cooked dishes of a Greek winter: meat and bean stews, moussaka, soups and pies. In the evenings, some tavernas host live Greek music with bouzouki, dancing and sometimes plate smashing – an experience that has nothing to do with the weather. If you are planning a night like this, arrange it in advance, as popular places fill up at weekends. Yana can recommend and arrange a taverna night that suits your group, including a kosher option.

A covered market and old arcades

The Athens Central Market, in a covered hall on Athinas Street, is an experience even in the rain: fish and meat stalls, surrounded by shops selling spices, olives, cheeses and dried fruit. It is the place to taste and to buy edible gifts to take home. From there, explore the old arcades of the city centre – covered passages between streets lined with small shops, cafés and craftsmen. Ermou Street and the city's malls offer more conventional shopping. Wear closed shoes with non-slip soles, as pavements and marble become very slippery when wet.

Tips for a rainy day in Athens

Rain showers in Athens are often brief, and the sun frequently returns after an hour or two, so save the Acropolis for a dry window. Note that in severe weather open-air sites may close temporarily. A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket matter more than heavy clothing, as winters in Athens are relatively mild. The metro is a dry, easy way to move between areas, and taxis are harder to find when it pours. Above all, don't let the rain spoil your mood – a good café beside a rain-streaked window is part of Athens too.

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