This list of the top five things to do in Athens takes you in a journey off the beaten path around the Greek capital.

It includes attractions that are not usually featured in tourist guides…

However, these places will inspire you and help you experience Athens like a local.

1. The Goulandris Museum of Natural History
This museum is located in Kifisia, a northeastern suburb of Athens and it features large collections of insects, mammals, birds, reptiles, shells, rocks, minerals and fossils, from the rich natural wildlife of the Greek territory.

2. The Spathario Shadow Theater Museum
This original museum is located in Maroussi, Athens, Greece. It exhibits mostly shadow puppet artifacts and it is named after prominent Greek puppet shadow artist Evgenios Spatharis.

3. Mount Pentelicus
If you are a trekking enthusiast, you will love this mountain. Don’t forget to visit the Davelis Cave: its name comes from the wide belief that an infamous 19th century brigand called Davelis used it as a hideout.

4. Exarcheia
Exarcheia is an artsy neighborhood in downtown Athens, Benaki Street will impress you with its little book stores, cafes, and colorful murals.

5. Technopolis, Gazi
Technopolis (Gazi) is an industrial museum and a major cultural venue of the City of Athens, Greece, in the neighborhood of Gazi, next to Keramikos and very close to the Acropolis. It is dedicated to the memory of the great Greek composer Manos Hatzidakis.