If you haven't already done so while in Athens, it's high time you visited the SNFCC, the magnificent creation of starchitect Renzo Piano. The man behind the Centre Pompidou and the Shard, among other buildings, designed this massive, sustainable sports and cultural complex in the Kallithea area, just 4.5km south of central Athens. The SNFCC is home to the National Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera and a vast 50-acre urban park. Whether you're into cultural events, sports or just relaxing in a beautiful setting, you can easily spend a whole day at the SNFCC. To make your visit even more enjoyable, we've prepared a helpful guide with activities to choose from, depending on when you're visiting Athens.

How to get there

The SNFCC has a very detailed guide on how to reach the site offering many different options, so all you have to do is click here.

Winter

‘Tis the Season to be Merry

As the days get colder and shorter (not too cold or short, you're in Athens after all), the SNFCC dons its illuminated finery and transforms itself into Christmas World. You might find yourself skating on the Canal ice rink, racing to the finish line of the first run of the year, or having a dreamy date at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

fireworks over a big building complex, night-time

Unwrap the gifts of Christmas World

Santa comes to the SNFCC early every year: on December 1st, Christmas World kicks off with a joyful countdown that crescendos in the festive lighting of the centre's landscape. This is just the beginning of almost two months of events, including specially commissioned light installations that change every year, stalls selling traditional sweets, family activities and free music concerts. Walk up the steps to the Lighthouse and the 360° Christmas Pop-Up Bar and sip on a savoury cocktail with majestic night views of the city (you get to see the Acropolis on one side and the Saronic Gulf on the other). On New Year's Eve, you'll want to stick around for the spectacular fireworks and open party—an essential Christmas experience in Athens, with past editions having featured famous guest DJs such as BBC producer Gilles Peterson, mod master Eddie Piller and DJ Beppe Loda.

Courtesy SNFCC / Photo: George Dimitrakopoulos

people at the starting line of a race, night-time

Lace up for the SNF First Run

Running in Athens might not always be easy, but it’s always interesting. The SNF Run is the first run of the year in Athens, and has been held every year since 2015. The race starts at four minutes past midnight, and its short 3km course makes it very accessible for beginners. The best part is that once you've crossed the finish line, a lively New Year's Eve party that will be in full swing by then awaits you. Your SNF RUN entry fee goes a long way as it's donated to different charities each year. It's a win-win situation: not only do you get to start the year on a healthy note, but you also contribute to worthy causes.

Courtesy SNFCC / Photo: Pelagia Karanikola

children skating on an ice rink, christmas-lit trees in the background, night-time

the bar of a michelin-starred restaurant similar to a rock-formation, beige colours, four pillars,

Wine, dine, and front-row shine

Whether it's Valentine's Day or any other day, if you're in Athens with your significant other, take our word for it and make it a date at SNFCC. Start your evening with an unparalleled dining experience at Delta, the country's only two Michelin-starred restaurant (plus one Michelin Green Star for its sustainable approach). Then head to a dazzling premiere at the Greek National Opera. Both the Main and Alternative stages have brought to Athens theatre lovers impressive productions such as The Artist on the Composer series, which saw the world premiere of Giorgos Lanthimos' Bleat, Giuseppe Verdi's Falstaff directed by Stephen Langridge and Jason Brown's The Last Five Years.

Courtesy SNFCC / Photo: Jérôme Galland

Spring

In Full Bloom

Spring calls for regeneration. Outdoor activities sprout left and right all over the SNFCC grounds: the Mediterranean Garden blossoms and exhales its rich aromas, new world-famous art adorns the Esplanade, cyclists take long rides to the seaside and back, and people of all ages dance to the beat of open-air parties.

a giant spider installation in an esplanade of a complex, a canal in the picture

people doing yoga exercises at the steps of a building, a city in the background

people gathered on a great lawn, a stage resembling a boom box where a dj plays music

a photo of vegetation, planted turnips in a park-like garden

Head for the Med

Enter the Mediterranean Garden, the largest public garden of its kind in the world, occupying 85% of the SNFCC complex. This living, growing organism boasts 16 different species of trees and 161 species of shrubs, and even extends to the roofs of the National Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera and the parking buildings. Spring is the perfect time to explore its scents and textures, and take part in a workshop in the Vegetable Garden to learn more about urban gardening and sustainability. For a deeper dive, check out Green Weekend, a two-day event dedicated to the environment featuring talks by leading experts in the field, as well as exhibitions and workshops (takes place in autumn).

Courtesy SNFCC / Photo: Sofia Papastrati

two women passing in front of a banner that reads "wow - women of the world festival athens", white tents in the background

Summer

Summertime Glory

Children happily cycle along the Canal, while teenagers set up their loudspeakers and break into spontaneous dance by the water. Moviegoers make their way up the artificial hill to the Great Lawn and spread their picnic blankets in front of the big screen. Afternoons are filled with crowds eager to watch their favourite musicians perform live. Welcome to summer at the SNFCC.

a woman playing the keys performing in front of a crowd, shot from behind

people sitting on the grass in a park, a film playing on a big screen

Reach for the (movie) stars

We've said it before (and yes, we'll say it again): a true Athens summer experience is not complete without a night at the open-air cinema. And the SNFCC has probably the ‘open-airest’ one in Athens. Park Your Cinema is a series of free film screenings held at the Great Lawn. Each year a theme links all the films screened, ranging from futuristic sci-fi tales to coming-of-age journeys. There are also Park Your Cinema Kids evenings, with screenings dedicated to young cinephiles. Don't forget to bring a blanket and snacks. There is no need to dim the lights at this cinema, as the film starts just after sunset.

Courtesy SNFCC / Photo: Pelagia Karanikola

people sitting along a man-made canal in a park, night-time, full moon and an eclipse in the sky

people kayaking in a man-made canal in front of a contemporary structure

a woman in black biking in front of a man-made canal, people in the picture walking, trees

Autumn

A buzzing hub of creativity

Autumn is here, gently nudging us towards new beginnings, and the centre offers a serene haven for both work and play. Whether you're looking for a quiet productive workspace, a cosy corner to read or music festivals to draw you into their orbit, the SNFCC has something for everyone in autumn.

two girls sitting on the floor againsta orange chairs, working on their laptops

a band performing on stage under a dome-like structure, green and purple lighting

Show yourself around

The best way to explore the centre's landscape is to pick up a self-guided tour from the lobby at the entrance. Just ask for a guide according to your circumstances and interests; there are guides tailored for first-time visitors, couples, families, groups of friends and visitors interested in sustainability. We recommend you start with the SNFCC Lighthouse View guide, which comes with a map showing all the key places to visit within 2km of the centre. It's a fantastic way to get your bearings and plan the rest of your day. The centre also offers multi-sensory tours for visually impaired visitors, using a variety of tactile stimuli.

Courtesy SNFCC / Photo: Alexandra Masmanidi

people running in front of a contemporary structure

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

Eat & Drink

A Year-Round Guide to the SNFCC

There is something for everyone at the SNFCC whatever the time of year. Join us as we explore the activities we can enjoy at its beautiful grounds during each season.

How to get there

Winter

‘Tis the Season to be Merry

Spring

In Full Bloom

Summer

Summertime Glory

Autumn

A buzzing hub of creativity

Autumn is here, gently nudging us towards new beginnings, and the centre offers a serene haven for both work and play. Whether you're looking for a quiet productive workspace, a cosy corner to read or music festivals to draw you into their orbit, the SNFCC has something for everyone in autumn.