what are some places to visit in athens

Athens   Travel Guide

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18 Best Things to Do in Athens, Greece

Athens offers an endless number of experiences and attractions, from its ancient monuments and museums to medieval churches and high-end boutiques. You could easily spend several weeks wandering the city and exploring its best-preserved artifacts and

• All Things To Do

Acropolis Acropolis

While there are many more acropoleis (the plural of "acropolis") in Greece, it's this one in central Athens that garners the most attention. In fact, it's routinely referred to simply as " The Acropolis." The site is an elevated, flat-topped rock with an assortment of monuments and ruins built throughout the 5th century BC , including the Parthenon , the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion .

Travelers say the hike to the Acropolis is just as memorable as the sites it holds. If you're going to try it, many suggest beginning your trek in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak temperatures and crowds. For the best photos and views, arrive shortly before sunset. Visitors with mobility issues will have access to an elevator; however, some travelers noticed others struggling to move wheelchairs around the property, which lacks ramps and has gravel pathways, so allow extra time when using a wheelchair.

Acropolis Museum Acropolis Museum

U.S. News Insider Tip : Once you're inside the Acropolis Museum, look for the famous caryatids – a collection of marble statues that were replaced by copies on the Erechtheion for the purpose of their preservation. – Holly D. Johnson

As its name suggests, the Acropolis Museum – which resides in central Athens' Makrigianni district just below the ancient site itself – houses various archaeological findings from the Acropolis. Key exhibits include a relief of Athena Nike, several carved statues from Erechtheion , the head of a statue of Alexander the Great and a gallery with various Parthenon artifacts.

Parthenon Parthenon

U.S. News Insider Tip : If you're visiting during the scorching summer months, get up early and head to the base of the Acropolis before 8 a.m. Summer temperatures average in the high 80s and 90s, and the long lines can leave you standing in the heat for hours.  – Holly D. Johnson

An impressive example of ancient Greek architecture, the Parthenon is a cultural landmark like no other.

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Plaka Plaka free

The beautiful, historical neighborhood of Plaka, located under the Acropolis , is largely residential. Still, its assortment of restaurants and cafes keep it swarming with tourists each summer. You can also shop, especially if you're looking to bring home some gold or silver jewelry. 

Motor vehicles are not permitted on this neighborhood's winding streets, so make sure you have a street map (or access to maps on your phone) and a comfortable pair of shoes. Visitors say the Plaka offers a charming atmosphere and plenty of great shops for both souvenirs and one-of-a-kind finds. If you'd rather sip a drink once the sun goes down, travelers suggest visiting one (or several) of the area's vibrant clubs or bars. 

National Archaeological Museum National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum contains some of the most revered artifacts of Greece, dating back to 5000 B.C., and is considered one of the world's best museums for ancient Greek art. For many recent travelers, this museum was the highlight of their trip.

Prior visitors said this museum is well laid out and offers informative and interesting displays. A few reviewers reported feeling overwhelmed by all of the artifacts on display, and recommended mapping out which exhibits you'd like to see ahead of time to maximize your visit. For many, seeing Agamemnon's gold death mask was a must. Several travelers recommend breaking up your visit with a stop at the on-site cafe. 

Temple of Hephaestus Temple of Hephaestus

One of central Athens' best preserved ruins is the Temple of Hephaestus. Nestled within Ancient Agora , this site was built between 460 and 420 B.C. and once served as a Christian church. Eventually, the building was transformed into an archaeological museum before undergoing excavations in 1930 and later opening to tourists.

According to prior travelers, the Temple of Hephaestus is "impressive" and "definitely worth a visit." In fact, some felt this ruin deserved more accolades than the Parthenon , despite its smaller size. Like most sights found in Ancient Agora and the Acropolis , the Temple of Hephaestus can only be viewed from the outside, so time your visit early in the morning to take in everything while temperatures are cooler. Also, consider visiting Ancient Agora first if you plan on seeing its attractions and those at the Acropolis within the same day. The Temple of Hephaestus and other Ancient Agora ruins are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 to 8 p.m., although hours vary by season

Ancient Agora Ancient Agora

The agoras of the ancient Greek city-states were open areas for people to assemble for everything from political gatherings to public debates. Ancient Agora is the most popular of its kind, thanks in part to its historical significance. Socrates used to lecture here, and it was also here that Saint Paul sought out converts for the then-fledgling religion known as Christianity.

Recent travelers, especially history buffs, loved visiting Ancient Agora. Though some wished the site offered more written information about its ruins, many felt the locale had a better atmosphere (and fewer crowds) than the adjacent Acropolis . Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes or allot extra time for moving around if you use a wheelchair since Ancient Agora's pathways are covered in gravel. Others raved about the views of the Acropolis that can be seen here, but warned that this site is a magnet for pickpockets.

Erechtheion Erechtheion

Located just north of the Parthenon high above the city within the Acropolis complex, the Erechtheion was constructed between 421 and 406 B.C. as a place for Athenians to worship Erechtheus, the mythical king of Athens, and various Greek gods. Though smaller than the Parthenon, this structure features a frieze made of Eleusinian gray stone, multiple sculptures (known as caryatids) and other unique details, making it one of the Acropolis' most eye-catching buildings.

This sight's attention to detail makes it one of Athens' most popular ruins to visit. Sightseers love the caryatids found on the south side of the building, adding that these copies – five of the six original statues are on display in the Acropolis Museum , while the sixth resides in London's British Museum – are so accurate that it's hard to tell they're replicas. Another plus: the stunning city vistas.

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Benaki Museum Benaki Museum

According to some recent travelers, this is the best museum in Athens. The Benaki Museum focuses on Greek art, from prehistory to the modern age. Its campus features several contemporary and historic buildings that house everything from Islamic art to art studios affiliated with Yannis Pappas and Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghika, two well-known Greek artists. Facilities like restrooms, restaurants, gift shops and a library are available as well.

Art enthusiasts love visiting this museum's collections and seeing a range of Greek cultural exhibits and historical artifacts all in one place. Note that Thursdays offer free admission after 6 p.m. for permanent exhibits, so this is a good time to visit if you have a Thursday evening in Athens with time to spare. Free admissions are also offered at the Yannis Pappas Studio and the MENTIS workshop, where visitors can see how costumes, military uniforms and more were made for centuries. The only negative, for some, is the museum's abundance of exhibits, which tend to be repetitive at times and are tough to squeeze into one visit.

Anafiotika Anafiotika

Anafiotika is another trendy neighborhood in Athens that is nestled just beside the Plaka , and it is known for its car-free winding streets and alleys as well as its adorable homes and churches. The area is small, yet not difficult to find due to its location just next to the Acropolis . You can easily spend several hours here enjoying coffee or a cocktail, or shopping at one of the local boutiques.

Visitors who have been to Anafiotika say it's one of their favorite parts of the city, and that it's beautiful and even romantic for some. Consider getting up early to capture some stunning photos of Anafiotika with the Acropolis towering in the background and few other travelers to interfere with your shots.

Herod Atticus Odeon Herod Atticus Odeon

Situated on the south slope of the Acropolis , the Herod Atticus Odeon was named after Tiberius Claudius Herod Atticus, a wealthy Athenian who sponsored the building of this ancient outdoor auditorium between A.D. 160 and 174. Historically, the venue hosted a variety of music festivals, but today, the locale serves as the site for many theater, music and art festivals, including the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, an annual arts showcase.

Though some previous visitors said this attraction isn't as impressive as others found in the Acropolis complex, many highly recommended attending one of the venue's summer performances. If you do attend a show here, plan on wearing comfortable walking shoes , since steps at the Herod Atticus Odeon are steep. You can also visit during nonevent days, so long as you purchase an Acropolis ticket, which is generally cheaper than event tickets at 20 to 30 euros (around $22 to $32.50) per person.

Monastiraki Monastiraki free

U.S. News Insider Tip : Monastiraki is an exceptional place to enjoy an incredible meal or shop for souvenirs at a great price. You'll also find lower pricing for vacation rentals and hotels in Monastiraki than you will in the Plaka . – Holly D. Johnson

Monastiraki is a popular neighborhood within the ancient city of Athens similar to the Plaka, yet it's intensely grittier and a better representation of the local vibe than more touristy areas of town. Monastiraki is the place you'll find locals selling their wares on the street, with graffiti and street art covering nearly every building in sight. Delicious eats and drinks are found in this areas of Athens, and at a good price. For example, you can find the best of Greek cuisine here, from moussaka to souvlaki and gyros. The central gathering area in Monastiraki is Monastiraki Square, which is a lively and buzzing city square filled with small shops, food stands and locals enjoying the weather. This square is also a great place to begin walking Ermou Street, which is one of the city's biggest shopping streets when it comes to clothing, jewelry and souvenirs to take home. 

Museum of Cycladic Art Museum of Cycladic Art

Founded in 1986 as a place to display Aegean and Cypriot artifacts owned by Nikolaos and Aikaterini (Dolly) Goulandris, two Athenians interested in preserving Greek culture, the Museum of Cycladic Art features various sculptures, jewelry, pottery and weapons. Permanent collections are housed in the Main Building, while temporary exhibits are showcased at the adjacent Stathatos Mansion.

History buffs and art lovers rave about the high-quality exhibits offered inside this small museum. What's more, all of the displays include English translations, making it easy for Americans to learn about each item. This attraction is also popular with families, thanks in part to its complimentary admissions for children 17 and younger, as well as its kid-friendly activities. Additionally, the museum offers complimentary Wi-Fi access, a gift shop and a cafe, which serves tasty homemade pastries, brunch and light meals and snacks.

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Panathenaic Stadium Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium held the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and it was built on the site of a former stadium used for the Panathenaic games that dates back to 566 B.C. The unique marble stadium is in great condition and draws in tourists from around the world. What's more, it still hosts a range of sporting events and competitions to this day. 

Visitors to the stadium love its historical significance, but this seems especially true among those who love the Olympics or watch the games every few years. Many also agree the entry fee is reasonable for all you can see and learn in a few hours. Note, however, that you can get decent photos and a look at the stadium from outside the gates without actually paying to go inside.

Athens Bus Tours Athens Bus Tours

Like other major cities in Europe, Athens has its share of bus tours. Options include hop-on, hop-off bus tours with open air seating on an upper deck and inside seating below, but you can also book bus tours that last a half day or full day. While a range of companies offer their own unique bus tours and sightseeing options, some of the most popular providers include City Sightseeing , Key Tours and Sights of Athens .

Reviews for Athens bus tours vary by company, but many travelers agree that bus tours in general offer an affordable and convenient way to see the city. Note that many hop-on, hop-off bus tours cost less than 20 euros (about $21) per ticket, yet they give you the chance to see all around Athens without having to walk on foot, and you can get off and on as you please. Some hop-on, hop-off bus tours even offer free Wi-Fi on board. Cruise travelers in particular find the bus tours an efficient way to see the city’s top sights in a short amount of time. Booking a bus tour can also be an efficient way to see archaeological sites outside of Athens, such as Delphi.

Athens National Garden Athens National Garden free

The National Garden of Athens is a beautiful natural garden that sits south of the Benaki Museum and east of the Acropolis . The garden is brimming with flowers, trees, trellises, several lakes and natural vegetation, and it also offers something the city center of Athens often lacks – some natural shade and protection to keep you out of the sun and heat.

The garden is free to visit and open from sunrise to sunset, and you can enter and exit from each side depending on the direction you're headed (there are seven entrances in total). You'll also find public restrooms, a conservatory, a children’s library and a small cafe on-site, although past visitors have said the cafe is overpriced. 

Athens Food Tours Athens Food Tours

People from all over the world love Greek cuisine, and it's easy to see why. From local favorites like saganaki (fried and melted cheese) to fresh Greek salads, gyros and baklava (a dessert made with pastry and honey), there's no shortage of delicious foods to try throughout the country.

Whether you're a foodie or not, you may want to consider booking a Greek food tour to try out all the local favorites with the help of an expert guide. Companies that offer four tours in Athens vary widely, but popular options include Food Around Athens , Greekality , Truevoyagers and Athens Walking Tours . Most tours do require walking and a certain level of physical fitness since you're going from place to place to try new food and drink, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and be ready to get your steps in.

Temple of Olympian Zeus Temple of Olympian Zeus

Located near the Acropolis and the Benaki Museum , the Temple of Olympian Zeus is a tall and impressive marble structure that dates back to the 6th century B.C. The site has a long and storied history, as it was dedicated to Zeus, the patriarch of all Greek gods and the ruler of Mount Olympus. While only 15 of the original 104 columns of the temple are still standing, this landmark is one of the most common associated with Athens and worth a look and a few photos.

Visitors to the Temple of Olympian Zeus seem to agree the site is worth a stop even if there's not a lot to see. That said, ongoing restoration work and scaffolding could damper the experience, along with the potential for heat and crowds during a good part of the year. Several reviewers recommended reading up on the site prior to your visit as there isn’t much information on display here.

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Lonely Planet's guide to Athens

Nov 11, 2023 • 8 min read

Here are things a traveler should know on their first trip to Athens, one of the world's most storied cities © Lisa Schaetzle / Getty Images

Founded in 508 BCE, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and it's regularly touted as one of the Mediterranean’s best capital cities to visit. From the iconic Parthenon and the unique street art rivaling that of Berlin  to the city's glittering coastline, there’s so much to see and do in this ancient capital. 

One thing’s for sure: whether you’re into architecture, mythology, ancient sites, modern art or simply relaxing by the beach, Athens has something for everyone.

When should I go to Athens?

Greece generally attracts most people during the summer months (June to August) and Athens is no different, but we recommend visiting in the spring and autumn to avoid the heat. These shoulder seasons – March to May and September to October – offer cooler temperatures and a more comfortable travel experience overall. It’s also worth remembering that Athens is a humid place thanks to its coastline, which creates humid heat in the summer and gives the winter cold an extra chill. Consider this when packing and bring layers for all seasons.

Greek Orthodox Easter usually falls in April or May and the run-up to it, plus the event itself, is a huge celebration in the Greek calendar – even more so than Christmas. Expect street carnivals to mark the end of Lent and street processions to the various neighborhood churches on the Easter weekend, culminating in Mass and a huge meal on the Easter Sunday with a lamb on the spit. 

Restaurant prices won’t change much throughout the year, but accommodation prices do vary.  The same four-star hotel located near the Acropolis could be €140 per night in March and jump up to €320 in June for a weekend date, with Easter time seeing similar price rises.  It’s often cheaper to book directly, and hotels generally only publish their prices about two to three months in advance. 

How much time should I spend in Athens?

Many Europeans come to Athens for a weekend break, and long-haul travelers often use the city as as a stopover on the way to the Greek islands. 

You can get an initial taste of the city in two days, but we recommend a longer stay to truly understand the essence of this ancient capital. With four days, you can spend a day and a half at the capital’s famous sights, spend an afternoon wandering its neighborhoods , and still have time time to explore the beaches and ancient ruins of the Athenian coastline for a day or two.

Is it easy to get in and around Athens?

Located at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, Greece (and Athens in particular) attracts many tourists, which means the travel infrastructure is well developed and easy to use. Athens International Airport is 33km (21 miles) and a 30- to 45-minute drive – or a 45-minute metro ride – from the city center. There are also good ferry connections to Greece from Italy, with coach or rail services to and from Athens. 

Island hoppers will set out from the port of Piraeus , which is 45km (28 miles) from the airport and 10km (6 miles) from the city center. Piraeus is well linked to both the center (20 minutes by metro) and airport (a 24-hour bus service that takes about 90 minutes).

Public transport around Athens itself is easy, accessible and affordable, with a single ticket valid for a 90-minute journey and costing a mere €1.20. There is also a range of ticket deals, including  tourist passes lasting three and five days. 

The four modes of transport in Athens are:

• the very clean metro system . Note: no food is allowed.
• the overground train that connects the center to Piraeus port and other mainland destinations.
• an extensive network of  buses and electric trolleys . These primarily run to urban neighborhoods beyond the touristic center. 
• a tram service that connects the city center to the Athens coast and its beaches in about an hour.

After you’ve gotten yourself from the airport to the city center, most of Athens’s popular sights sit within a compact, walkable area. Just be aware of the traffic – cars don’t always immediately stop at red lights, and motorbikes occasionally mount the sidewalk to park.

Top things to do in Athens

Naturally, many visitors head straight to the Acropolis and the  Parthenon , Athens' most notable sights. The Acropolis has a daily visitor’s cap to avoid overcrowding and to preserve the ancient monument, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. It’s not really necessary to have a guide for the Acropolis – which can be booked on site – unless you’re very interested in dates and knowing the intricacies of ancient Greek history.

At the foot of the Acropolis lies the impressive Acropolis Museum , which showcases treasures from the Archaic to Roman periods, plus a stunning glass floor that reveals the excavated ruins underneath it. There’s also a terraced restaurant on the top floor with gorgeous views across to the monument.

Ancient artifacts crop up all over the city in random places, too; the metro stations of Monastiraki, Akropoli and Syntagma are like mini museums in their own right, and there's even ruins of a Roman tomb in a glassed-off area of the Zara clothing store on the shopping street of Ermou.

If it’s shopping you’re into, pedestrianized Ermou St is the place to go. It runs for nearly a mile from the Acropolis area up to Parliament in Syntagma Square, and features tons of fashion brands such as Mac, Desigual and the aforementioned Zara, plus a huge H&M. Greece’s main department store, Attica, is also here, and it's a great place to stock up with your holiday essentials. 

Looking for free and low-cost things to do in Athens ? Meander along the streets of Monastiraki flea market on a Sunday to peruse all the random wares for sale (everything from old drachma coins to shop mannequins), or take a stroll through the National Garden  next to the Parliament building, with its many species of plants and parrots flying freely. Witness the changing of the evzones (presidential guards) on the hour outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , or make your way to  Filopappou Hill /Hill of the Muses with its pine forest – a great destination on a hot day thanks to its abundant shade. Be sure to head up here at sunset for views across to the Saronic Gulf.

My favorite thing to do in Athens

As an aficionado of street art, I love exploring the burgeoning street art scene here and getting to know the various neighborhoods where it proliferates. Take in the famous Praying Hands Mural just off Omonia Sq, for example, which depicts Jesus praying for the people down on Earth – a play on Albrecht Dürer’s Praying Hands (1508).

I also love wandering around the hidden village of Anafiotika , which sits beneath the northeast side of the Acropolis. A sub-district of Plaka, it was built in the mid-1800s when King Otto brought in workers from the Greek island of Anafi to construct his palace. Homesick, the workers set about making their neighborhood a replica of their homeland, building white, sugar-cubed houses with flat stone roofs and brightly painted wooden doors and shutters, like those found in the Cyclades. Pink and white bougainvilleas wind their way up these buildings, several of which have roof gardens. 

Anafiotika is a bit difficult to find, but worth the effort. Start at the Acropolis main entrance, and walk to your left along the path; keep the monument to your right until you reach the Church of Metamorphosis. Continue straight past the church and follow the wider path up a steep hill. The path turns right and runs into stairs – this is the start of the island village.

How much money do I need for Athens?

Athens isn’t an expensive place to visit compared to other European destinations, especially outside of the high summer season when prices rise significantly.

• Hostel dorm room: approx. €26 per night
• Basic room for two: €36–128, depending of style of hotel and location
• Self-catering apartment: €65 per day
• Public transport ticket: €1.20 for a 90-minute journey, €10 from the airport, €4.10 for a day pass, €20 for a three-day pass including one airport journey, €8.10 for a five-day pass (not including airport)
• Coffee: €2–2.50
• Typical Greek gyros with salad and fries: €2–3
• Dinner for two: €30 (add €2.50 for beer or wine)
• Beer at a pub: €2.50+

What do I need to know before going to Athens?

Bring layers, no matter the season 

As Athens is located on the coast, it’s sticky in the summer and quite chilly in the spring, fall and winter evenings. Layers are always a good idea: think T-shirts, light sweaters and a jacket for the cooler months. For the really hot summer months, bring a sports cooling towel to wrap around your neck to cool off as you explore.

Be aware of your belongings on the metro

As with any capital or big city, pickpockets can take advantage of large tourist crowds, especially on crowded public transport. Avoid hanging large cameras around your neck and keep your backpack in front of you. You may also want to invest in a hanging cord for your cell phone to loop across your body so it can’t be snatched from your hands.

No flushing toilet paper!

The plumbing in Athens is antiquated and the pipes tend to be very narrow. Flushing paper down the toilet will clog things up, so you’ll always find a bin with bag inside it in the bathroom for you to place toilet paper inside. This is removed daily by housekeeping.

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Home » Travel Guides » Greece » 25 Best Things to Do in Athens (Greece)

25 Best Things to Do in Athens (Greece)

If you’re like us then coming to the cradle of civilisation is like being a child in a candy shop. There’s no limit to the amount of Doric and Ionic temples, statues, vases and Archaic figurines we could devour before we get tired.

In museums you can see the ballot disks from Ancient Greek courts, and you can step into the Theatre of Dionysus, the very place where Euripides and Aristophanes staged their plays, or walk the Agora, knowing that your path will be the same once trodden by Plato and Socrates.

But Athens is far more than an archaeological site, from the jungle of concrete towers in the modern city to Plaka, a warren of alleys built over ancient Athens residential quarters. Punctuating the cityscape are hills like Mount Lycabettus and Philopappos Hill where you can get the lie of the land and see the Acropolis on its rocky throne.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Athens :

1. Acropolis

There’s nothing we can tell you that hasn’t been said many times about Athens’ ancient citadel.

The Acropolis is on an abrupt rocky outcrop above the city and has world-renowned Classical landmarks that people spend whole lifetimes waiting to see in the flesh.

The pinnacle of these is of course the Parthenon, but The Propylea, the Erectheion and the Temple of Athena Nike are indispensible, and you can skip the queues and get enthralling inside facts and titbits about ancient Greek democracy and philosophy with a registered guide.

The going is steep and slippery on timeworn marble, until you reach the flat summit, and be prepared for cranes and scaffolding, which are an understandable necessity for a World Heritage Site.

Recommended tour :  Athens Mythology Highlights Tour

2. Parthenon

Seen as the greatest achievement of the Doric Order and Classical Greece’s most significant building to make it to the 21st Century, the Parthenon is a symbol of western civilisation and Athenian democracy.

The Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena and begun in 447 BC, when the Athenian Empire was the dominant force in the Aegean.

Co-designed, by Ictinus and Callicrates, at that time it was a city treasury before becoming a church in the 6th century and then a mosque in the 1460s.

Notoriously, some of the Parthenon’s sculptures were plundered by The Earl of Elgin at the start of the 18th century and were later sold to the British Museum where they remain.

The remainder of the original frieze and pediment sculpture is the highlight of the Acropolis Museum, which follows.

Recommended tour : Acropolis, Parthenon, & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

3. Acropolis Museum

The work of Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, the Acropolis Museum in on the southeast slope and was unveiled in 2009 to present the many thousands of artefacts discovered on the archaeological site of the Acropolis.

Smartly oriented to give you constant views of the Parthenon, the museum is built over ancient ruins and much of the ground floor has glass panels and open spaces, showing the foundations below.

On three levels visitors are sent on a chronological trip through the centuries, starting with the hill’s archaic discoveries in a large trapezoidal hall that also has findings from the Erechtheion, the Propylaea gateway and the Temple of Athena Nike.

After this you go up to wonder at the marbles from the frieze (including metopes) and the pediments of the Parthenon in a hall with the same dimensions, column spacing and orientation as the temple.

The tour then continues back down, through Roman and early Christian Athens.

Skip the line :  The Acropolis Museum Skip-The-Line Ticket

4. Erechtheion

On the north side of the Acropolis is a temple to Athena and Poseidon, built in the Ionic Order from 421 to 406 BC. After antiquity this monument had all sorts of uses, as a Byzantine church, a palace in the Frankish period and much later a residence for the Ottoman commander’s harem.

The thing you have to see, and the Erechtheion’s defining image, is the southern Porch of the Maidens.

This has six magnificent caryatids supporting its roof, carved by Callimachus or Alcamenes.

The current caryatids are casts, and five of the originals are now in the Acropolis museum and a sixth is at the British Museum.

5. National Archaeological Museum

A veritable wonderland of ancient art, it’s fitting that Athens’ National Archaeological Museum should be one of the largest and richest in the world.

The galleries are jammed with star exhibits that have been beguiling scholars for generations.

Take the finds from the Atikythera wreck, identified in 1900 and dating back to the 4th century BC. This yielded the Atikythera Mechanism, the world’s oldest analogue computer and the contemplative Philosopher’s Head.

Then there’s the Mask of Agamemnon, a gold funerary mask from the 16th century BC , most likely made for Mycenaean royalty, though too early for Agamemnon.

See also the Eleusinian relief from the 5th century BC, as well as Bronze Age frescoes from the islands of Santorini and Thera and the Jockey of Artemision, a beguiling statue of a racehorse from 150-140 BC.

6. Temple of Hephaestus

Atop the 65-metre Agoraios Kolonos hill on the northwest side of the Agora of Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus is a Doric peripteral temple in an amazing state of preservation.

It was built in the second half of the 5th century BC and construction was delayed for three decades because funds and labour were redirected towards the Parthenon.

Designed by Ictinus, the temple was dedicated to Athena and Hephaestus who was the ancient god of fire, metalworking, forges, sculpture and stonemasonry, and has six fluted columns on its west side and 13 on its north and south.

You can also make out plenty of sculpted elements, from the Labour of Hercules on the meotopes on the east side, to the pronaos and opisthodomos, which show Theseus with the Pallantides and the battle of Centaurs and Lapiths.

7. Museum of Cycladic Art

Beginning in the 1960s the couple Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris amassed the world’s largest collection of prehistoric art from the Cycladic Islands in the Aegean.

By the 1980s this was enough to fill a museum, which opened in 1986. There are more than 3,000 pieces of Cycladic, Ancient Greek and Cypriot art at the museum, dating from 3,000 to the 4th century BC. But it’s the Cycladic marble figurines that draw the most acclaim.

If you love modern art you may notice uncanny similarities between their minimal, abstract lines and works by the likes of Giacometti and Henry Moore.

Book online : Museum of Cycladic Art Entry Ticket

8. Temple of Athena Nike

In a commanding position, raised on a bastion on the southeast slope of the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena Nike is from 420 BC and was the first complete Ionic Order temple on the hill.

It’s the most recent of a number of temples dedicated to Athena Nike at the Acropolis, the previous of which was destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. Conceived by Callicrates, this edifice is a tetrastyle Ionic temple with four elegantly narrow columns on its front and rear porticos that have the hallmark Ionic volutes or scrolls.

Fragments of the frieze and relief around the parapet below are on display at the Acropolis Museum, including the sublime wet drapery sculpture of the goddess fixing her sandal.

An antidote to both the silent ancient temples and traffic-heavy modern city, Plaka lies on top of ancient Athens’s residential quarters in the shadow of the Acropolis.

It’s a district of tight, twisting alleys with 19th-century facades garlanded with flowering bougainvillea in summer.

Plaka is jam-packed with family-run shops, each with something alluring, from ceramics, musical instruments, handmade jewellery to specialty food shops stacked high with olives and spices.

And whether you want to pick up a gyro or sit down to a meze Plaka is a go-to for dining and nightlife.

Below the rocky notheastern slope of the Acropolis is Anafiotika, a steep whitewashed neighbourhood settled in the 19th-century reign of Otto of Greece when workers moved here during the renovation of King Othon’s Palace.

Recommended tour :  Early Morning Acropolis & Plaka Guided Walking Tour

10. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Now, not much of this temple east of the Acropolis has been left standing, but what remains is more than enough to tell you that it used to be vast.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus had an extremely long construction period, started in the 6th century BC but not completed until the rule of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd Century AD. In that time the prevalent order had switched to Corinthian, and the 15 surviving columns of an original 104 have scrolls and acanthus patterns.

The temple was pulled down during the Herulian sack of Athens in 267, little more than a century after it was completed , and its stone was quarried for other buildings around the city.

11. Benaki Museum

A near-complete chronology of Greek history and culture, the Benaki Museum was founded by the art collector Antonis Benakis in 1930. He set up the institution in memory of his father Emmanuel who had died the year before and was a prominent politician.

On three floors you can follow the course of Greek art from prehistoric times to the present.

The ground floor has surprisingly sophisticated Neolithic vases, as well as Archaic ceramics and figurines and Classical sculpture.

The first floor leads you through the late Byzantine period and Ottoman rule, and is endowed with religious icons and examples of folk costume.

Then after the cafeteria on the 3rd, the top floor has paintings, documents and weapons from the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire from 1821 to 1829.

12. Ancient Agora of Athens

Reserved for trade and public gatherings, the Agora was the centre of Classical Athens and is cushioned by the Acropolis to the southeast and the Agoraios Kolonos hill to the south.

It was drawn up in the 6th century BC and is a wide-ranging site with the ruins of more than 30 buildings and monuments.

Download a map, go slow and let you imagination wander.

Or hire a guide who will explain the ancient customs that once took place where you stand, like ostracism, in which potential threats to the state were preemptively forced into exile.

13. Museum of the Ancient Agora

One of the monuments in the Agora, the Stoa of Attalos, was totally reconstructed in the 1950s.

This covered walkway was first built by Attalos II in the mid-2nd century BC but was wrecked by the Herules in 267. The new building was as faithful as possible to the archaeological knowledge of the day and hosts the Museum of the Ancient Agora, showing off the artefacts brought to light during excavations in the area by the American School of Classical Studies.

Awaiting you are Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Geometric period figurines, weapons and vases recovered from tombs and wells.

You can also see some thrilling pieces relating to Athenian democracy in the Classical and Late Classical periods, like an official bronze weight, shards of pottery used in ostracism ballots (ostracons), clay measuring devices, bronze and lead ballot disks once used in trials.

Available tour: Athens : Guided Tour of Ancient Agora and Agora Museum

14. Panathenaic Stadium

Erected for the 1896 Olympics, the Panathenaic Stadium is a modern reconstruction of an ancient stadium built for the Panathenaic Games in 330 BC. Two hundred years later that ancient monument would be rendered in marble by the Athenian Roman senator Herodes Atticus.

With a U-shape layout, the Panethenaic Stadium is an almost exact replica of the construction from the 2nd century BC, and like its ancient ancestor is composed completely from marble.

It was seen around the world during the 2004 Athens Olympics when it staged the archery events and was the finish line for both the men’s and women’s marathon.

The stadium can hold 45,000 spectators and from its highest tiers you can see the Acropolis and the National Garden.

15. Mount Lycabettus

Unlike Athens’ most famous summit, Mount Lycabettus is free to climb on foot, but you can also take a funicular to the summit.

Northeast of the city centre, this cretaceous limestone peak rises to 300 metres and its lower slopes are decked in pine trees, which become sparser as you approach the rocky summit.

The walk is best saved for winter and not the searing Athens summer, while the funicular runs on the hour and half-hour.

At the top you’ll be bowled over by the best panorama of the city and can take your time to pick out the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Piraeus Coast and peaks like Pentelicus, which yielded the marble for the Acropolis, and the soaring Parnitha in the north.

16. Odeon of Herodes Atticus

This Roman-era concert hall was raised in 161 AD on the orders of the Athenian Magnate Herodes Atticus, most likely in memory of his wife Aspasia Annia Regilla.

At that time it had a roof made from cedar wood and could seat 5,000 until it was razed by the Herules in 275. Over the next 1,700 years, the monument faded into the earth, and visitors in the Medieval period had no idea what the ruins meant.

The first excavation took place in 1848 by archaeologist Kyriakos Pittakis and the man of letters Alexandros Rizos Rangavis, and witnessed by Otto of Greece.

The theatre was restored in the 1950s when the stone tiers were rebuilt using the same marble from Mount Pentelicus.

Get a seat for an evening concert to experience the Odeon as the Athenians would have done 2,000 years ago.

17. Philopappos Monument

The pine-clad elevation neighbouring the acropolis to the southwest is known as Hill of the Muses, but also the Philopappos Hill.

That name comes from Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, a prince of the Kingdom of Commagene in the 1st and 2nd centuries.

His death in 116 is said to have caused a great deal of grief to the citizens of Athens and not least his sister Julia Balbilla, who erected an lasting monument in his memory.

Two storeys high the monument has a frieze on its lower level showing Philiopappos as a Roman consul, on a chariot and preceded by lictors (bodyguards). The damaged upper section has sculptures of Antiochus IV, the last King of Commagene, and Philoppapos with an inscription in a niche below his image.

18. Byzantine and Christian Museum

By now you might be an expert on Archaic and Classical Greece, but the Byzantine period from around the 200s to the 1400s has a lot of wonders in store.

Housed in the neo-Renaissance Villa Ilissia from 1848, the Byzantine and Christian Museum opened in 1914 and was refurbished in time for the Olympics in 2004. There’s a bewitching assortment of sculptures, icons, frescoes, jewellery, architectural fragments, religious vestments, manuscripts, books and mosaics.

You’ll get to know its landmark events, like when Christianity was made legal by Constantine, and Roman power shifted from Rome to Constantinople in the 4th century.

The museum also studies the decline of Byzantine power, and how Venetian-controlled territories with cosmopolitan populations helped lay the path for the Renaissance in Europe.

19. Kapnikarea

A neat follow-up to the Byzantine Museum is this 11th-century church on Ermou Street, Athens’ poshest commercial artery.

Kapnikarea is among the oldest churches in the city and was consecrated around 1050. As was often the way with early Christian churches, Kapnikarea was built over an ancient Greek pagan temple, most likely to Demeter or Athena.

The colourful iconography in the interior is recent and was composed by the painter Photis Kontoglou in the mid-20th century, but there’s also older decoration in the church’s friezes and the sculpted column capitals inside.

20. Areopagus

There’s another hefty white outcrop amid the pines and cypress trees just northwest of the acropolis.

After taking care on the slippery marble steps, you’ll be able see the Port of Piraeus, the Acropolis and Athens Northern quarters from the Areopagus.

And being part of the Classical city there are plenty of myths associated with this rock.

One is the trial of Ares for the murder of Poseidon’s son Halirrhothius.

In the real world Areopagus was the place where the city council sat before the 5th century BC, until Ephialtes introduced reforms that stripped the council of its power.

After that time it remained Athens’ chief homicide court.

21. Theatre of Dionysus

European drama was born at the Theatre of Dionysus, which was first used for performances in the 6th century BC. Carved into the rocky southern slope of the Acropolis, it was the first theatre ever constructed.

The current design is from the middle of the 4th century BC, when the statesman Lycurgus oversaw the city’s finances, although a lot of changes were made later in the Roman period.

This monument is charged with meaning: The Theatre of Dionysus hosted the Dionysia Festival, entered by dramatists like Sophocles, Aeschylus, Euripides, Menander and Aristophanes.

It can be dumbfounding to realise you’re looking at the same stage where all of the Classical masterpieces were performed, many for the first time.

While Plaka is for sightseeing and shopping, Psiri has taken up the mantle of best nightlife quarter in Athens, with streets full of revellers until daybreak on weekends.

Psiri wasn’t always a place for outsiders, as from the foundation of the modern Greek state in 1828 to the 1990s the area had a fearsome reputation.

In the 19th century it was the haunt of Koutsavakides, a law unto themselves, with long moustaches, coats down to their ankles (for hiding their guns) and high-heeled pointed boots.

The last 20 years has rounded off Psiri’s edges, and there’s an endless choice of music tavernas, bars, restaurants, cafes and nightclubs for all tastes.

Related tour : Food and Wine Tasting Tour at Night

23. National Garden

In touching distance from Psiri and Plaka, the National Garden is a welcome green buffer between ancient Athens and the modern sea of concrete.

The National Garden was formerly the Royal Garden, opening up to the south of the Old Royal Palace and ordered by Amalia of Oldenburg at the end of the 1830s.

Come for a few minutes of repose, idling below the pergolas and avenue of lofty palm trees and bringing children to the two ponds to meet the turtles and ducks.

The park also has a small zoo with peacocks, birds of prey, wolves and monkeys, as well as a botanical museum.

And this being Athens, don’t be surprised to bump into some traces of the ancient city, like mosaics and columns.

24. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Under the facade of Old Royal Palace on Syntagma Square is a cenotaph for all Greek soldiers to have fallen during war.

The monument was sculpted in the early 1930s, blending French Empire design and Athens’ own ancient architecture, but also contemporary Art Deco which is particularly visible in the relief.

The tomb is watched by the Evzones (elite infantry) of the Presidential Guard and there’s a small changing of the guard ceremony on the hour every hour.

On the steps and wall flanking the monument are inscriptions recording battles in the First and Second Balkan War, the Greco-Turkish War, the First World War and the Second World War.

25. Eating on the Move

If you need to squeeze in a meal as you jump to the next temple or museum, Athens has something from morning to night.

Early in the day bakeries sell pastries like tiropita (cheese and egg) and spanakopita (spinach, feta and onions). Also big in the mornings is koulouri, a circular bread coated with sesame seeds and eaten fresh out of the oven, and bougatsa, another filo pastry filled with minced meat, semolina custard or cheese.

And if you need something more substantial there’s always the tried and trusted souvlaki, which is usually pork meat garnished with onions, tomatoes and tzatziki and wrapped in a pita.

Cheap and cheerful is the old-school staple patsa, a soup made with pig’s offal served at devoted patsa joints across the city.

25 Best Things to Do in Athens (Greece):

• Acropolis Museum
• Erechtheion
• National Archaeological Museum
• Temple of Hephaestus
• Museum of Cycladic Art
• Temple of Athena Nike
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Benaki Museum
• Ancient Agora of Athens
• Museum of the Ancient Agora
• Panathenaic Stadium
• Mount Lycabettus
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus
• Philopappos Monument
• Byzantine and Christian Museum
• Theatre of Dionysus
• National Garden
• Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
• Eating on the Move

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Top Things To Do in Athens: A Local’s Guide

• Last Updated on: Jan 16, 2024
• Read Time 6 mins
• Published: Nov 11, 2019

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Being one of the most lively cities in Europe, Athens offers endless choices for day and night. Whether you’re visiting the Greek capital in the summer or winter, you’ll find many activities to add to your itinerary.

However, if you’re looking for the ones that simply can’t be missing from your trip, this list with the top things to do in Athens is what you need.

Visit the Parthenon

Being Athens’ greatest landmark and one of the most important ancient sites worldwide, the Parthenon couldn’t but occupy the top of our list of the top things to do in Athens.

Perched on the top of the 156-meter-high Athenian Acropolis, the impressive temple bears witness to the city’s glory in the 5th century.

Built in honor of the goddess Athena, the Parthenon’s construction began in 447 BC and was completed 15 years later, in 432 BC, remaining known as the largest Doric temple in Greece.

Over the centuries, the Parthenon suffered damages, and some of its surviving sculptures were moved to England and can now be found in the British Museum, but over half of them are exhibited in the Acropolis Museum.

Exploring the Heart of Ancient Greece: A Visit to the Acropolis of Athens

See the exhibits at the acropolis museum.

Numerous museums in Athens showcase different art styles and movements, but if you’re fascinated by ancient Greece, the Acropolis Museum shouldn’t be missing from your list.

Set on the scenic Dionisioy Aeropagitou street, the captivating Acropolis Museum displays artifacts found on the slopes of the Acropolis and the surrounding area.

The museum’s permanent collection also includes statues and ancient ruins dating to the Archaic and Roman Periods.

Discovering Athens’ Crown Jewel: The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide to the Acropolis Museum

Walk around monastiraki square.

Home to numerous souvenir shops , second-hand stores, and historic buildings, the bustling Monastiraki square blends the traditional with the modern.

The Tzistarakis Mosque, which nowadays houses a part of the Greek Museum of Folk Arts, the ruins of the Library of Hadrian, and the Church of Pantanassa, demonstrate parts of Greek history and culture.

The area’s most popular street, Ifestou, is lined with shops of all kinds, boasting a vibrant atmosphere. 

Every Sunday, when an outdoor antique market takes place on Avissinias Square in Monastiraki, you’ll find a mixed crowd of locals and tourists.

Even if you don’t find anything to buy it is worth taking a stroll around the market and mingling with locals.

A Local’s Guide to Monastiraki in Athens

Climb on top of philopappos hill.

Philopappos Hill is another renowned site, usually holding a place in the lists of the top things to do in Athens.

Including the Pnyx Hill, Socrates’ prison, the Monument of Philopappos, and the 16th-century church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, the green hill is undeniably of great historical significance.

However, this isn’t the only reason it is worth your while. 

It is a great spot to take an afternoon walk along marble-paved paths surrounded by olive and pine trees away from the city’s noise.

From the hill’s summit, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Acropolis and see the entire city up to the Saronic Gulf from above. Many tourists head here for great photo opportunities, while for locals, it is a place for escaping the city’s crowds .

From Ancient Tombs to Stunning Sunsets: Philopappos Hill has it All

Go shopping at athens central market.

Athens Central Market, commonly known as Varvakios, is located on Athinas Street in the center of Athens. Here, you’ll find vendors selling meat, fish, vegetables, nuts, herbs, and spices, you name it.

This bustling food market has every local ingredient used in traditional Greek cuisine dishes which are sold at lower prices than in supermarkets or local stores.

That’s why Athenians all over Attica head here to shop, especially before Christmas or Easter’s festive dinners.

On the other hand, tourists have one more reason to visit Varvakios Market. This vibrant food market will give you an insight into Greek culture and the country’s culinary habits.

A Hidden Foodie Oasis: Visit the Athens Central Market

Visit the stavros niarchos foundation cultural center.

Founded in 2017, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center breathed new life into the area of Kallithea in Attica’s southern suburbs.

Home to the Greek National Opera, the National Library of Greece, and the Stavros Niarchos Park, this modern architectural public space attracts locals and tourists.

Numerous cultural events, concerts, festivals, and performances occur throughout the year; in the summertime, the 21-hectare park hosts free events of all types.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC)

Explore psirri’s nightlife.

Athens’ nightlife needs no introduction. It is widely known that the Greek capital is a city that never sleeps boasting a diverse and vibrant nightlife.

And even though numerous neighborhoods around the city center are ideal for a night out, Psirri is the one that stands out.

The hip district close to Monastiraki station has always been one of the best nightlife areas and until nowadays, offers endless choices.

The little alleys around Psirri Square brim with local taverns, classy restaurants , and stylish bars for all types and budgets.

The Most Popular Neighborhoods to Visit in Athens [Greece]

Watch a movie at an open-air cinema.

One of the top things to do if you’re visiting Athens in summer is to watch a movie in one of the open-air cinemas.

Around the end of May, outdoor cinemas open their doors and welcome cinephiles when temperatures increase.

During the summer months and until the end of September, Athenians skip cinema complexes in favor of their neighborhoods’ local open-air cinemas. Some of the city center’s cinemas screen the latest releases while others play some of the best film masterpieces of all time.

And while there are numerous outdoor cinemas all over Athens, if you want to watch a movie with the Acropolis on the backdrop, Cine Thission is a perfect choice.

Discover the Exarchia Neighborhood

Dotted with graffiti-painted walls, vinyl stores, and underground music venues, the neighborhood of Exarchia has a unique atmosphere that you won’t find in any other area in Athens.

Known for attracting the city’s alternative and bohemian crowd, Exarchia is for those wanting to avoid tourist places and go off the beaten path.

In the morning, take a stroll around the neighborhood and discover second-hand clothing stores, bookstores, and artisans’ shops.

At night, choose one of the numerous cafés, local taverns, and vivid bars and savor a drink among locals.

Discover Exarchia Neighborhood in Athens

If you want to explore Athens’ major landmarks and tourist areas but at the same gain an insight into the Greek culture and experience the city like a local, make sure to add at least a few of these things to your to-do list when you visit Athens.

It’s up to you to decide which of these places and activities suit your style and plan your trip to Athens based on your needs.

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Athens Things to Do

The famous Acropolis of Athens

The picturesque neighborhood of Plaka

The impressive beach of Kape

We have gathered a list of the Best Things to Do in Athens which includes the absolute must-sees and must-dos in the capital of Greece: places to visit, attractions, where to swim, activities, tours, where to eat, and more.

In brief , the top things to do are visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum , stroll around the picturesque Plaka and Monastiraki , visit the SNFCC , eat delicious meals at fine restaurants and taverns , swim at the beaches of the Riviera, go on a day cruise to the Saronic islands and take a day tour to famous archaeological sites like Delphi or Epidaurus.

Open the table of contents to see our suggestions at a glance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Click on a section below to be directed there. 1. Visit the Acropolis 2. Visit the Acropolis Museum 3. Stroll around the picturesque Plaka Neighborhood 4. Stay at a boutique hotel 5. Visit impressive ancient temples and ruins 6. Book a dinner at one of the most renowned restaurants 7. Athens in summer? Don't miss the beaches! 8. Explore the treasures of the Archaeological Museum 9. Visit Cape Sounio and feel the ancient vibes 10. Get to the best points with panoramic views 11. Coffee or Cocktails on rooftop terraces 12. Have a walk at Dionysiou Areopagitou Street 13. Experience the Greek nightlife 14. Visit Syntagma Square, the Parliament & the Change of the Guards 15. Explore Zappeion Megaron & the National Gardens 16. Make a day trip to famous Ancient Sites 17. Explore the Athens Riviera 18. Visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) 19. Watch a movie in an open-air cinema 20. Make a day tour of the Saronic Islands 21. Explore the authentic Athenian lifestyle 22. Discover the best street-art pieces 23. Visit the Monastiraki flea market 24. Shopping Therapy 25. Visit the Museums & Galleries 26. Enjoy a concert or a play during the Athens Epidaurus Festival 27. Buy groceries from the Laiki Agora (Farmer’s Market) 28. Visit the Monastery of Kaisariani at Mount Imittos 29. Visit the aristocratic suburb of Kifisia More

1. Visit the Acropolis

The Acropolis of Athens is not only Greece’s most important landmark but also one of the most impressive and most significant historic monuments in the whole world, so being ranked as the number one thing to do while in the Greek capital comes as no surprise! This imposing rocky hill in the center of Athens consists of a complex of ancient temples. The most well-known and photographed is the Parthenon , which was dedicated to the ancient Greek Olympian Goddess Athena . It was constructed with white marble from Mount Pendeli between 447 and 432 BC. When visiting the Acropolis of Athens, try to be at the entrance as early as possible in the morning or a couple of hours before the site closes. It gets very crowded and in the summer extremely hot. Bear in mind that you will surely need almost a half-day (combined with the Acropolis museum) to wander around this imposing monument and gaze at its panoramic views . Booking a guided walking tour is recommended for a better understanding of the history and architecture of the Acropolis. Also, a guided tour gives skip-the-ticket-line access to the Acropolis which is a time-saver, absolutely necessary during high season. Skip the line! Get your Tickets Online

Explore the Acropolis

2. Visit the Acropolis Museum

Near the Acropolis temple complex, on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, you will find an ultra-modern structure with a glass facade designed by the famous architect Bernard Tschumi . The new Acropolis Museum is one of the most important museums on a worldwide level as it houses hundreds of ancient findings , including but not limited to statues, vessels, ornaments, and marbles originating from the Parthenon and the Acropolis. On the top floor of the museum, there is a lovely cafe where you can enjoy some coffee with views of the Acropolis after visiting the exhibitions. Skip the line! Get your Tickets Online

Visit the Acropolis Museum

3. Stroll around the picturesque Plaka Neighborhood

Plaka is the oldest and most picturesque neighborhood in the modern city of Athens. It is located just under the Acropolis. In Plaka, you will mostly find colorful, neoclassical houses and buildings that host some of the best restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops in the city, featuring some well-preserved listed buildings. While strolling around Plaka, you will also discover many important landmarks and ancient monuments such as the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, the Roman solar clock Tower of the Winds , a few Byzantine churches, and small houses in Anafiotika , with narrow alleys that will most likely remind you of the Greek islands. Overall, Plaka is one of the main signature places in Greece and going on a walk there while you’re in Athens is among the best things to do in the busy capital!

Discover Plaka

4. Stay at a boutique hotel

Being the capital of Greece, Athens offers numerous accommodation options for all types of travelers. Booking accommodation that meets your needs is a crucial thing to do if you want your stay to be the optimum one! This is a shortlist of our favorite hotels in the city: • The Foundry in the picturesque neighborhood of Psyrri, has an urban design combined with some retro details. The suites feature a roof garden as well as other green details and a nice view of the Acropolis. • Ergon House is situated downtown, in the heart of Syntagma. This is a gastronomy hotel, very famous for its restaurant that is inspired by ancient markets. Apart from a comfortable stay, you will taste some of the most delicious Greek dishes in the entire city. • Coco-Mat is a modern-designed hotel built on the foothills of the Acropolis. It is highly recommended for anyone who wants to stay in the city center and its roof garden with a pool offers some of the best views of the Pantheon. • The Margi is great for all sea lovers, as a luxurious option right by the beach of Vouliagmeni. The hotel’s vintage decor and variety of facilities available, including a large pool, a gym, and a restaurant will surely make your vacation unforgettable!

Discover more Hotels

5. Visit impressive ancient temples and ruins

Besides the Acropolis, there are many other important monuments and landmarks in Athens. Some of them are quite popular and others are less-known, but all of them have equal historic significance: • The Olympian Zeus Temple : The ruins of this ancient temple dedicated to Olympian Zeus are located in the center of Athens. Its high and impressive columns stand to this day and attract thousands of visitors every year. It is located close to Plaka . • The Arch of Hadrian : It is located next to the Olympian Zeus Temple and was built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The contrast between the large ancient marble of the triumphal Arch and the busyness of an ultra-modern street shapes an unusual image where modernity and antiquity blend into one another. • The Ancient Agora : Located near Thissio, the Ancient Agora of Acropolis is a major ancient landmark. It is a lovely setting with ancient ruins and marble fragments, surrounded by dense vegetation that consists of pine and olive trees. The Agora was used for political gatherings and juries by the Ancient Greeks. • The Temple of Hephaestus : This impressive monument in Thissio was initially constructed to honor the god of fire and remains almost untouched by the passage of time. It is the best-preserved ancient temple in the country and the most prominent example of Dorian architecture that inspired various architectural projects all around the world. • The Roman Agora : The ruins of the Roman Agora are located in the area of Monastiraki. It was constructed during the 1st century BC by Augustus and Julius Caesar and was the largest open market in Athens. Nearby you will also find the remnants of Hadrian's Library . • Last but not least, another landmark you shouldn’t miss is the Kallimarmaro Stadium (also known as Panathenaic Stadium). The vast, white-marble stadium was initially constructed to host the Panathenaic Games during antiquity. Many centuries later and after a revivifying reconstruction, it hosted the first Modern Olympic Games of Athens. From there, you can get a refreshment at Odeon Cafe , in the beautiful neighborhood of Mets , located just behind.

View more Sights

6. Book a dinner at one of the most renowned restaurants

Going hungry in Athens should not be a problem! The city is a great place for food lovers as it has a vast culinary scene with countless options that correspond to all tastes: local taverns serving traditional dishes, fine-dining restaurants, greek street food, ethnic cuisines, and more! A true paradise for foodies! Some of the top-listed places to eat in Athens are Ergon - a modern take on ancient Agoras, Nolan - serving creative dishes inspired by global cuisines, Ama Lachei - for traditional and budget-friendly delicacies housed in an old school, and Feedελ - a hidden gem for Mediterranean gastronomy and cocktail lovers. For fresh fish, we strongly recommend Mikres Kyklades .

Discover the Best Restaurants

7. Athens in summer? Don't miss the beaches!

Athens is one of the very few European capital cities with a long coastal line and direct access to numerous beaches that make it a great summer destination. As it is common for the temperature to exceed 35°C in July and August, spending a day at the beach is the best thing to do in order to refresh yourself. Not only are these beaches clean enough to swim, but many of them have also received Blue Flag awards for their particularly clear waters. Some of the best beaches are Vouliagmeni , Lagonisi and Legrena . If you are looking for natural beauty, we recommend Kape Beach . If you are looking for something special, have a look at Vouliagmeni Lake . Most of them have golden sand and warm waters and they can easily be approached by car or public transport. Both organized and unorganized options are situated at convenient locations along the length of the coastline that is widely known as the Athens Riviera . Some of them grant free access while others have an entrance fee. In most cases, there are facilities nearby, including restaurants, beach bars, and hotels. The beaches in Athens' vicinity are usually very crowded during hot summer days but there are more remote and calm options available on the coastline as well. How to get there? Rent a car with us!

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8. Explore the treasures of the Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Athens is the most important museum in the world dedicated to Greek Antiquity . Its rich collection of ancient treasures includes all kinds of items and artifacts such as vessels, ornaments, sculptures, jewelry, statues, miniatures, weapons, and everyday tools dating far back to the past of Ancient Greece. The exhibits were discovered in excavations in different parts of Greece. From ancient Macedonia to the Minoans in Crete, Mycenae in Peloponnese, and the Cycladic Islands , the Archaeological Museum of Athens offers guests the opportunity to explore many aspects of the Ancient Greek civilization. It is also worth mentioning that the museum hosts exhibitions with items from other parts of the world that represent other major ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians .

More about the museum

9. Visit Cape Sounio and feel the ancient vibes

If you loved the landscape at the Acropolis and would like to visit another impressive ancient temple , the best thing to do is to take a day tour to admire the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio . You may have already caught a glimpse of the temple on some postcards since this is one of the most photogenic places in Greece. Due to its remote location, the temple is surrounded by a spectacular landscape of unspoiled natural beauty and the Aegean Sea. The sea views it offers are stunning, especially at sunset time when you can watch the golden sun rays gleam through the temple’s imposing columns. The landscape is also particularly beautiful during summer nights and it’s a popular destination for people who want to catch a better view of the full moon in August. Not to miss: A Tour to Sounio or get there with a private minivan transfer .

Discover Cape Sounio

10. Get to the best points with panoramic views

Except for the views offered while on the Acropolis, there are also some other great places to get panoramic views. The most popular place is Lycabettus Hill , a lush green area full of pine and olive trees, located right in the heart of Athens. It is the highest spot in the Attica Basin, which guarantees some stunning panoramic views of the city, Acropolis Hill, the suburbs, and the surrounding areas. From up there, you will be able to see as far as the coast of Athens and the island of Aegina . The white chapel of Agios Georgios which has been built on the top of Lycabettus can be spotted from many different places in Athens. Mount Lycabettus is also known as the location of a large open-air theater that hosts various concerts and theatrical plays during the summer months. On the hill, you will also find a nice cafe-restaurant where you can eat or drink something while enjoying the panoramic view. Before climbing up there you can also visit Kolonaki , one of the most beautiful upscale neighborhoods in Athens, which is located at the foothills of Lycabettus . You can approach the top of the hill on foot, by car, or by bus. You can also take a cable car instead. Whether you go for a morning coffee or for dinner or a drink, Lycabettus is considered the most romantic place in Athens! Strolling around the streets of Athens will also lead you to some hidden viewpoints : • Pnyx Hill is quite popular for this purpose. It is a lush green area that you can easily approach with a starting point at Dimitris Loubadiaris church . • Another green area is Filopappou Hill , which is connected to Pnyx through a long paved road. Both of these hills offer a stunning view of the Parthenon and the city. • In addition to these spots, another great option is Areios Pagos (or Vrahakia) just below the Acropolis. It is a rocky area very popular among young people. At the end of the day, they bring along a few beers, a bottle of wine, and a guitar and climb up there to gaze at the sunset painting the entire city red, while listening to the sound of distant traffic making the city buzz. • Great views of the northern part of the city can be offered from the picturesque neighborhood of Anafiotika in Plaka.

11. Cafés or Cocktails on rooftop terraces

Greeks take coffee very seriously and see it as a small daily ceremony. There is a whole aspect of culture established around coffee drinking. You will find countless lovely coffee shops all over Athens with inviting decor and a cozy atmosphere. If you are a coffee lover you will adore the famous cold brew coffees: frappe , freddo espresso and freddo cappuccino are a must-taste during your stay in Greece. There are also lots of warm coffee options available such as traditional Greek or Turkish coffee. If you want to enjoy a coffee with a nice view, we would recommend the terraces of A for Athens , Anglais , and Ciel . Note that these cafés also operate as bars until late at night.

Discover the Best cafés

12. Have a walk at Dionysiou Areopagitou Street

The most beautiful pedestrian street of Athens is located on the foothills of the Acropolis, right next to the Akropoli metro station, near the Acropolis Museum . It starts at the Arch of Adrian , goes around the hill of Acropolis, and ends at a crossroad with the pedestrian street of Apostolou Pavlou in the Thissio area. During your walk, expect to see some of the most impressive modern or neoclassical Athenian mansions. The ancient Roman theatre of Herodes Atticus is also on your way. Pnyx Hill and the small historical basilica church of Agios Dimitrios Loumpadiaris on Philopappos Hill are also close. Street musicians and artists will keep you good company and if you feel hungry try some typical Greek street snacks such as grilled corn, nuts, and candy. Although you can book a walking tour , we believe that walking around by yourself and at your own pace is the best thing to do in order to fully enjoy your wander.

Discover Areopagitou Street

13. Experience the Greek nightlife

Athens is one of the most vivid capitals in Europe and can be characterized as a  city that never sleeps ! It is popular for its vibrant nightlife and it attracts many young travelers, Greek and international students, and Erasmus communities from all over the world. Most of the bars and nightclubs are located in the regions of the city center - in particular, Syntagma, Gazi, Psiri, Monastiraki, and Exarchia. Both popular and underground options are available throughout the city. During summer, beach bars and clubs host parties and are always ready to welcome guests in the southern suburbs such as Glyfada and Alimos. If you’re into late-night partying and dancing as much as the Greeks, you will certainly not be disappointed!

Discover the Best Clubs

14. Visit Syntagma Square, the Parliament & the Change of the Guards

Syntagma Square is the most central point in Athens. The Greek Parliament , which also used to be the palace of King Otto and is a typical example of the Neoclassical architectural movement, is one of the most important buildings of the square. Syntagma is also surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and ministries. The commercial Ermou Street and other big avenues like Panepistimiou Street and Stadiou Street have their starting points there. A very popular attraction is the changing of guards that are widely known as Evzones or Tsoliades and guard the memorial Tomb of the Unknown Soldier . The change takes place every hour.

Explore Syntagma

15. Explore Zappeion Megaron & the National Gardens

The National Gardens are easily accessed on foot from Syntagma Square. The place is a tranquil oasis of vegetation in the heart of the noisy city of Athens with lots of Mediterranean plants and exotic trees. Next to the Gardens, you can visit Zappeion Megaron . It is an impressive exhibition hall and a characteristic example of Neoclassical Architecture.

Explore the National Gardens

16. Make a day trip to famous Ancient Sites

If your visit to the Greek mainland is intertwined with a passion for history and knowledge acquisition, the best thing to do is to discover the most important archaeological sites of Greece (Delphi, Mycenae and Epidaurus) with a day tour from Athens Discover our: • Tours to Delphi • Tours to Mycenae • Tours to Epidaurus Theatre . Alternatively, you can get a tour with a private luxury minivan .

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17. Explore the Athens Riviera

The large coastal line of Attica that goes all the way from Piraeus to Sounion is known as the Athens Riviera. Besides the beaches that are a great gateway during hot summer days, you will also discover many beautiful seafront spots and promenades, marinas, or harbors where you can go for an evening walk to watch the sunset. One of the most popular places on the coast is Flisvos at Palaio Faliro. This coastal promenade is full of cafes, restaurants, bars, and places to get ice cream. It is located next to a lovely marina and not far from a few beautiful sandy beaches. Nearby, you will also find verdant parks and outdoor sports facilities. It is one of the most organized parts of the coastal front of Athens and can be easily reached by tram.

Explore the Riviera

18. Visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)

Stavros Niarchos Foundation is one of the most visited spots in Athens. It is located in the southern suburbs of Athens, in the area of Palaio Faliro , very close to the coastline of Athens and the marina of Flisvos . The SNFCC was established in 2016 and has been playing an important role in promoting all aspects of culture in Greece ever since. These ultra-modern structures designed by famous architect Renzo Piano consist of the National Library and the National Opera House of Greece . The center also has an amazing outdoor environment with canals, Mediterranean gardens, and several cafes.

Visit SNFCC

19. Watch a movie in an open-air cinema

Open-air cinemas have become a summer institution in Greece and are one of the locals’ favorite ways to spend a summer evening . Watching a movie in such a venue is a unique experience and is undoubtedly considered one of the best things to do in Greece. Each year they start operating in mid or late May (depending on the weather conditions) and don’t close up until the first autumn rains, usually in October . Cine Thission is one of the top open-air cinemas in the world. It offers a wide variety of both new and old films to choose from. Its vintage decor combined with a lovely garden and views of the Acropolis will take you back to an Athenian summer night in the 60s. Take a tub of popcorn or a cold beer and enjoy the intoxicating scent of jasmine while watching a film under the stars.

Discover the Best Cinemas

20. Make a day tour of the Saronic Islands

If you have a few spare vacation days to spend in Athens and are in the mood for a day trip, an organized day tour to the Saronic Islands is a great option. You will take a break from the urban landscape of Athens and see two of the most beautiful Saronic Islands: Hydra and Aegina . Hydra is located only a couple of hours away from Athens and can easily be approached by ferry. The island is characterized by a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere with many colorful aristocratic mansions and museums while it is completely carfree! Aegina is a very popular weekend resort for the residents of Athens since they can easily get there with a one-hour ferry trip. The small island is full of nice swimming spots in its clear turquoise waters and delicious fish taverns. The island’s history dates back to Antiquity and the Temple of Athena Aphaia testifies to it.

More about this Tour

21. Explore the authentic Athenian lifestyle

If you want to escape the tourist side of Athens and have a glance at its everyday lifestyle, visit or book your stay in one of its central residential neighborhoods. • Koukaki : This district was voted as one of the best places to stay in Athens. It is close to the Acropolis and many places to rent are located there. Urban Athenian style is combined with a truly chilled-out atmosphere. In Koukaki, you will discover many interesting hidden spots, including both traditional and modern cafes, restaurants, and shops. • Mets : Strolling around this tiny Athenian neighborhood near Kallimarmaro Stadium , you may notice that it seems almost as if time has stopped. Away from the noisy city center but still just a few minutes walk from it, the atmosphere at Mets will take you back to Athens of the 20th century. • Kolonaki : It is one of the most famous upscale neighborhoods in Athens. It is full of elegant coffee shops, luxurious restaurants for fine dining, and expensive boutiques. The streets of Kolonaki are always full of life and it is a nice place to visit if you enjoy going shopping at up-market spots. • Exarchia : Exarchia is the most representative area of the Athenian underground scene . Being close to some of the city’s universities and having a particularly alternative atmosphere, the area is full of cafes, bars, vintage shops, bookstores, and amazing street artworks ! • Kypseli : Kypseli is one of the biggest neighborhoods in Athens and a modern hub for digital nomads in Athens. Walking through Kypseli you will feel a strong urban vibe. You will see both modern and older buildings, parks, theatres, cinemas and coffee shops.

View more Neighborhoods

22. Discover the best street-art pieces

As you walk by the streets of Athens you will definitely come across huge murals and graffitis . Some of them are considered fine works of street art. This alternative way of expression emerged during the economic crisis in central neighborhoods such as Exarchia, Monastiraki, Metaxourgio, Gazi, and more. There are hundreds of them scattered all around the city and taking a street art tour will help you find them and learn the interesting story behind them. These alternative walking tours are a great way to explore Athens beyond its touristy places.

Learn more about Street Art

23. Visit the Monastiraki flea market

Located in the center of Athens near Syntagma Square, Monastiraki Square is a very lively place and one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Athens where you can have an authentic urban experience. It is a busy meeting point any time of the day because it is easily accessible by metro and it offers a variety of things to see and do. The flea market of Monastiraki is crowded and has a very authentic and multicultural environment. You will find many vintage and antique shops, cafes, and taverns. If you are interested in shopping for special pieces for you or your loved ones, the best thing to do is to pay a visit to this market that has it all.

More about the Flea Market

24. Shopping Therapy

Being the capital of Greece, Athens is full of various malls , shopping centers , smaller shops , and boutiques where you can find both local and international products, including fashion, cosmetics, food, traditional products, and souvenirs. The main commercial road of Athens is Ermou Street , a paved road where you can find popular fast fashion stores and brands. One of the biggest shopping centers in Athens is Attica Mall , located on Panepistimiou Avenue. There are also many smaller stores and boutiques that aren’t part of the international chains where you can find local, good-quality products.

Discover the Best Shops

25. Visit the Museums & Galleries

If you’re an art lover, you certainly have to visit the biggest museums and art galleries in Athens: • The National Gallery opened in 2021 after many years of huge reconstruction works. It is located near Evangelismos metro station. The gallery holds the largest collection of paintings and artworks made by renowned Greek and foreign artists that represent different time periods and movements from the 17th to the 20th century . The ultra-modern building of the gallery along with the (old) Hilton hotel and the Dromeas glass statue form a representative architectural image of Athenian modernism. • One of the most popular museums in the city is Benaki Museum , which is located very close to Syntagma Square. This museum exhibits important archaeological and cultural objects from different eras and various parts of Greece. • Goulandris Museum is a newly established cultural center for contemporary art lovers. Located near the emblematic Kallimarmaro Stadium, it is an easily accessible spot. The museum was constructed within the framework of cultural projects that were implemented by the Foundation of Basil & Elise Goulandris . The collection of the museum consists of some important artworks of Picasso , Van Gogh , Pollock , Bacon , Monet , and El Greco . The cafe located in the museum is a quiet little corner decorated with plants, where you can have your morning coffee and enjoy the refreshing atmosphere. • Other important museums located in the city center are the Byzantine Museum , which is housed in an old aristocratic mansion and houses many precious items related to Byzantium and Christianity , and the Cycladic Art Museum . the collection of which consists of archeological findings of Cycladic art, including idols, miniatures, and pottery. • For modern art lovers, the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) is an excellent option. It hosts collections and exhibitions of some of the most radical artworks created by Greek and international artists .

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26. Enjoy a concert or a play during the Athens Epidaurus Festival

Greece organizes various cultural events and festivals every year, especially during the summer. To get a grip on the ancient atmosphere you can visit Herodes Atticus Theater and attend a concert or play that takes place there in the framework of the Athens Epidaurus Festival. There are plenty of options available: you can either watch a classical play , an ancient Greek tragedy or comedy or combine ancient architecture with a modern spectacle, such as a concert of contemporary music or a dance show . Herodes Atticus Theater hosts both Greek and international performances from renowned artists from all around the world and if the play is in Greek, there are English subtitles for the foreign viewers. In any case, the theater’s excellent acoustics guarantee an unforgettable experience!

Learn more about the Athens Epidaurus Festival

27. Buy groceries from the Laiki Agora(Farmer’s Market)

Despite being such a large city, Athens has a very long tradition of colorful farmers’ markets that are held in all neighborhoods on a weekly basis . Most Greeks enjoy going there to do their weekly grocery shopping since they can find fresh local products at a low price. This kind of food market is widely known as Laiki and usually has a fixed weekly schedule. The most popular and biggest markets located in central places are on Kallidromiou Street at Exarchia every Saturday and on Archimidous Street in Pagrati every Friday. It is certainly one of the best non-touristy things to do which you have to experience if you spend some time in the city!

More about Laiki Agora

28. Visit the Monastery of Kaisariani at Mount Imittos

One of the most relaxing ways to escape the busy center is to visit Mount Imittos and reconnect with nature. It is very close to the city and can easily be approached by bus. This small mountain is full of hiking paths and is the ideal place to escape from the city’s grey landscape for a while. You will walk through dense pine tree forests rich in local flora and fauna, while there are many beautiful points with panoramic views of the city , all the way to the sea. On the mountain, you will also find the Byzantine Monastery of Kaisariani - an impressive structure with charming architecture, elaborate frescos, and murals. In the area, there are also other ruins that are probably remnants of ancient temples as well as Kalopoula , a lovely wooden cafe where you can have a drink or a snack.

More about the Monastery

29. Visit the aristocratic suburb of Kifisia

Kifisia is one of the most wealthy northern outskirts of Athens. You can easily make a half-day visit by taking the green metro line and enjoying its verdant environment and noble atmosphere. While strolling around, you will notice houses that don’t look anything like the rest of the city. Being an old aristocratic suburb, you will come across many 19th-century stone-built mansions which are very impressive. The refreshing air at Kifisia makes it a very nice place to go for a walk, thanks to its numerous parks and other green spots that are full of plane trees and pine trees. For those with a sweet tooth, among many lovely cafes and restaurants, you will find Varsos , a vintage place where you can enjoy a coffee and one of its famous desserts, including galaktoboureko , baklavas , kataifi , and other delicious traditional sweets.

More about Kifisia

But that’s not all - there are way more things to do! We invite you to explore even more options that the city has to offer and can fulfill all visitors’ needs:

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT ATHENS

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23 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Athens

Written by Lisa Alexander and Lana Law Updated Mar 1, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

A symbol of Western Civilization, Athens' illustrious history stretches back more than 3,000 years. As you walk the streets today, you'll see a mix of the ancient and the modern, making it the perfect destination for travelers who like a little fun with their sightseeing.

The Acropolis is one of the world's most breathtaking ancient ruins , and the city's exceptional museums display fascinating artifacts uncovered at local sites. Other hidden charms are the dazzling Byzantine churches found all over the city and the village-like neighborhoods north of the Acropolis.

When you think you've run out of things to do in Athens, spend some time getting lost in the Plaka district's narrow pedestrian streets, lined with quaint bougainvillea-draped houses and inviting restaurant terraces. Settle here in a shady spot for a cup of Greek coffee and some fabulous Baklava. When you've recharged head over to the Athens Flea Market in Monastiraki for some light shopping.

A completely different vacation experience from the idyllic Greek islands , Athens can feel hectic and busy during the summer season, but in the spring and fall, you can still enjoy good weather and see far fewer tourists.

Plan your sightseeing with our list of the top tourist attractions in Athens.

1. Visit the Ancient Acropolis

2. acropolis museum, 3. national archaeology museum, 4. wander the pláka and anafiotika neighborhoods, 5. stroll through the ancient agora: ruins of the marketplace, 6. the roman agora & hadrian's library, 7. panathenaic stadium & olympic stadium, 8. museum of cycladic art, 9. olympieion: temple of olympian zeus, 10. byzantine museum, 11. search for deals in monastiraki & the flea market, 12. panaghia kapnikaréa church, 13. see the changing of the guard at syntagma square, 14. church of the holy apostles, 15. national gardens and the zappeion, 16. church of demetrius loumbardiaris, 17. grab dinner and socialize on mnisikleous street stairs, 18. the national museum of contemporary art, 19. enjoy the view from lycabettus hill, 20. varvakios agora, 21. philopappos monument, 22. areopagus, 23. benaki museum, where to stay in athens for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to athens, athens, greece - climate chart.

Few sights in the world compare to Athens' Acropolis, with its Parthenon temple perched high on a rocky crag keeping watch over centuries of civilization. A reminder of the glory of ancient Athens, the Acropolis was the center of the ancient city and functioned as a citadel in its protected hilltop location.

The most emblematic building is the Parthenon , the largest temple of the classical antiquity period dating from 447 BC to 338 BC. With its monumental rows of Doric columns and stunning sculptural details, the temple is an awe-inspiring sight. In the frieze on the eastern side, reliefs depict the birth of the goddess Athena.

Other ruins of the Acropolis include the Temple of Athena Nike at the entrance, and Erechtheion , a complex of ancient sanctuaries built between 421 BC and 395 BC. The most famous feature of the Erechtheion complex is the Porch of the Caryatids , with six statues of maidens in place of Doric columns.

For beautiful views of the Acropolis from below , head to the north side of the hill. Streetside restaurants line the pedestrian street of Apostolou Pavlou and look up to the Acropolis. Some of these restaurants also have rooftop dining, with incredible views across to the Acropolis, showing the grand entrance, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Parthenon, all of which are lit up in the evenings.

Author's Tip: On hot days, it's best to visit the Acropolis in the morning and then head to the air-conditioned Acropolis Museum in the afternoon. Alternatively, head up to the Acropolis for sunset. To avoid the long line to get in, buy a Skip the Line Acropolis of Athens Tour , which includes a guided tour of the site.

• Read More: Visiting the Acropolis in Athens: The Essential Guide

Another of Athens' top attractions, the Acropolis Museum contains one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world . The new facility was completed in 2007, below the Acropolis hilltop, and replaced the former museum on the hill.

This huge facility 25,000 square meters, and features 14,000 square meters of exhibition space. The unique layout incorporates an ancient Athenian neighborhood.

This is one of the best things to do in Athens when temperatures are soaring at midday. Be aware, the entrance queue to purchase tickets can be long, so it's best to book your tickets online in advance. That way, you'll have a guaranteed admission at a specific time.

Official site: http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en

Founded in the 19th century, Athens' National Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the greatest antiquities museums in the world.

The museum is housed in an impressive Neoclassical building with 8,000 square meters of exhibition space. On display are five permanent collections with more than 11,000 exhibits, offering a comprehensive overview of Greek civilization from prehistory through the classical period to late antiquity.

The Prehistoric Collection covers the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC (the Neolithic, Cycladic, and Mycenaean periods) and presents findings from the prehistoric settlement at Thera. The Sculpture Collection exhibits ancient Greek sculptures from the sixth century BC to the fifth century BC, including rare masterpieces. The Vase and Decorative Objects Collection showcases ancient Greek pottery from the 11th century BC all the way until the classical Roman period. The Stathatos Collection features minor objects from a wide range of historical periods. Exquisite little statues and figurines sculpted from metals are on display in the Metallurgy Collection .

Address: 44 Patission Street, Athens

Official site: https://www.namuseum.gr/en/

Between the northern slopes of the Acropolis and Ermoú Street, the picturesque Pláka neighborhood is a tourist hot spot. The main attraction of this historic area is its charming village ambience. Narrow pedestrian streets and the cheerful little squares of the Pláka quarter are lined with lovely bougainvillea-trimmed pastel-painted houses, restaurants, and shops.

Tucked away in peaceful corners of the neighborhood are historic churches, such as the Metamórfosis Church in the southwest and the Church of Kapnikaréa in the north. A leisurely stroll through the picturesque setting is the perfect thing to do when you've had your fill of ruins and museums.

The Plaka quarter, along with neighboring Anafiotika nestled into the slopes north of the Acropolis, have an abundance of authentic Greek restaurants with inviting terrace seating. The winding medieval streets of Anafiotika are also a delight to explore in the evenings. This area is famous for its Restaurant Staircase on Mnisikleous Street . Nearby, quieter streets are hidden away on the hillside, which conceal cute little cafés and restaurants.

The area boasts two important archaeological sites on Pepopida Street: the first-century BC Roman Agora and the second-century Library of Hadrian .

The ancient Agora was the marketplace and the center of everyday life in ancient Athens. For an impressive view of the Agora from afar, head to the north wall of the Acropolis or the roads from the Areopagus.

The best place to enter the Agora is at the north gate off Adrianoú Street (near the Church of Saint Philip). The Greek word "Agora" means to "gather and orate," indicating that this site was a location of public speaking. The Agora was a place of administration and commerce as well as the meeting place of the Agora tou Dimou, a civic decision-making group. Athletic events and theater performances were also held here.

One of the most striking features of the Ancient Agora is the Stoa of Attalos , originally built by King Attalos II and reconstructed in the 1950s. The stoa may have been the scene of Socrates' trial in 399 BC.

Another key site is the Temple of Hephaistos . You can reach it on a pleasant walk along the footpath that leads up the Agora Hill (Kolonos Agoraios). This fifth-century BC Doric temple is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, thanks to its conversion into a Christian church, which saved it from destruction. The temple was designed on a classical plan with six rows of 13 columns, and the Ionic friezes appear to be modeled on the Parthenon.

Address: 24 Andrianou Street, Athens

Adjacent to the Ancient Agora is the site of the Roman Agora. While it may all seem like one site, these buildings were constructed later, and construction eventually moved on to the site of the Ancient Agora. One of the easily recognizable sites here is the Tower of the Winds .

On the edge of the Roman Agora is the ancient Hadrian's Library , founded by Emperor Hadrian in AD 132. Even later, during Byzantine times, three churches were built near the site of the library.

You can see one wall of Hadrian's Library and the ruins of the Roman Agora from the street, but if you want to explore further, you can buy a ticket and walk through the ruins.

Ancient Athens's largest building, the Panathenaic Stadium, has a capacity for 60,000 spectators. Constructed around 335 BC during the era of Herodes Atticus, the venue hosted the Panathenaic Games where runners competed in races around the track. The 204-meter-long track was designed with four double herms, where runners would turn in the races.

Around AD 140, the stadium was updated with new marble seating by Herodes Atticus. The structure that tourists see today is a replica of the original stadium , which was rebuilt for the Olympic Games of 1896 . This modern-era Olympic Stadium was created in the identical fashion as the Panathenaic Stadium, with 47 tiers of seating and a rounded southeast end.

The facility hosts concerts and other events during the summer. Attending a show can be a nice way to spend an evening in Athens.

Location: Ardettos Hill, Athens

In the Kolonáki quarter, the Museum of Cycladic Art was created in 1986 by the Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris Foundation. The shipowner Nikolas P. Goulandris was a well-known patron of the arts and cultural life in Athens. Goulandris' own collection forms the core of the museum's exhibits.

Housed in a sleek modern building with a façade of marble and glass, the museum's permanent collection includes more than 3,000 objects. The collection represents ancient Greek art, ancient art of the Cyclades (the islands in the Aegean Sea encircling the Island of Delos near Mykonos), and Cypriot art (from the island of Cyprus ) dating from the fourth century BC to the sixth century AD.

Many of the artifacts on display date to the sixth century BC. Temporary exhibits are held at the elegant 19th-century Stathatos Mansion, accessible from the main building by a passageway from the atrium.

Address: 4 Neophytou Douka Street, Athens

Official site: https://cycladic.gr/en

Dedicated to Zeus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, also called the Olympieion, was the largest temple in ancient Greece . Though the Parthenon is better preserved, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was an even more monumental structure in its day. The temple dates to the sixth century BC but was not completed until the second century AD by the Emperor Hadrian. In front of the Olympieion, not far from the entrance, stands Hadrian's Arch at the end of Dionysiou Areopagitou.

It's easy to imagine the grand impression this temple made in its complete form. More than a hundred enormous marble columns once supported the grandiose sanctuary. Only 15 columns remain standing, and another surviving column lies on the ground, but the ruins' monumental presence gives a sense of the massive size of the original building. The gigantic structure was a befitting shrine to Zeus, the ancient Greeks' most all-powerful God, known as the King of Gods.

Nearby, just north of the Olympieion, is a small park containing the ruins of Themistokles' wall and the ancient Roman baths . The baths are quite impressive considering they are a free attraction that you can easily work into your walking tour near the Olympieion. They are located right along the edge of Vassilissis Amalias Avenue, at the side of the road.

Location: City Center near the Athens Gate and Athanasiou Diakou Street, Athens

This interesting museum offers fascinating insights into the Byzantine period of Greek history. Housed in a 19th-century palace originally built for the Duchesse de Plaisance, the wife of Charles-François Lebrun of France, the museum displays a precious collection of Byzantine art.

The Byzantine Empire was the inheritance of the eastern half of the Roman Empire after it fell. From the third century to the 15th century, the Byzantine Empire ruled over the land of what is now the Balkans, Greece, and Asia Minor. During this time, religious art was highly valued. Byzantine artists created masterpieces of detailed, glittering mosaics and gilded icons.

With more than 25,000 artifacts on display, the Byzantine Museum is a treasury of religious artifacts from the Byzantine period as well as pieces from the early Christian, medieval, and post-Byzantine eras. The collection includes sculptures, paintings, icons, textiles, and mosaics. Highlights are the architectural fragments from early Christian basilicas and Byzantine churches and the reproduction of a fountain depicted at the Monastery of Dafní. The museum's courtyard features a splendid fragment of a mosaic floor from the fifth century.

Address: 22 Vas. Sofias Avenue, Athens

Official site: www.byzantinemuseum.gr/en/

Location: Ancient Agora, Athens

Narrow streets lined with shops selling everything from jewelry and trinkets to clothing and everyday goods is what you'll find in the Athens Flea Market in Monastiraki. This is one of the neighborhood's main draws, but this area has a very unique vibe and is a nice place to just relax at an outdoor patio or wander about.

Monastiraki has no shortage of restaurants, and this is a good place to come for lunch if you want to grab a gyros or any type of traditional Greek dish. Unlike the more upscale Plaka district, this area is a bit more casual.

Monastiraki Square is an open area, surrounded by a mix of old and new buildings. This is a good place to orient yourself. A sign on one side of the square marks the street to the Flea Market. From the square, you can see the Acropolis up high in the distance, and a short walk from the square takes you to Hadrian's Library.

Gracing a little square that opens onto a pedestrian-only section of busy Ermoú Street, the Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church is a delightful place to visit and a site you are likely to walk past. This church is a splendid example of architecture from the 11th-century Byzantine era and a stark contrast to the modern architecture that surrounds it. It was saved from demolition in the 19th century by the intervention of King Ludwig I of Bavaria.

When it was built, domed cruciform churches such as this one were typical. In the 12th century, the church was enhanced with a graceful entrance portico and a narthex featuring four pediments (built onto the western end). Inside, the church is decorated with 19th-century paintings created in the iconographic style of the Middle Byzantine period.

Location: Corner of Ermoú and Kalamiótous Street, Athens

For many tourists, watching the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square is an exciting and memorable experience. The Soldiers of the Presidential Guard stand in front of the Hellenic Parliament on Syntagma Square 24 hours a day, year-round. The guards wear traditional costumes complete with pleated skirts, leg tassels, and pompom shoes.

The Changing of the Guards takes place in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument at 11am daily. This monument honors anonymous soldiers who died fighting for the country. The monument features a marble relief that imitates a warrior grave stele of ancient times.

On the site of the ancient Agora, the Church of the Holy Apostles was the only building left standing when this entire quarter of Athens was demolished to excavate the Agora archaeological site. Built in the 10th century, the church stands above a nymphaion (sacred spring).

The exterior is notable for its ashlar masonry and its ornamental Kufic (a style of Arabic script) inscriptions. Typical of Byzantine architecture, the church has a dome supported on four columns, and the apse and transepts feature semicircular conches. The interior of the dome is adorned with original frescoes depicting Christ Pantocrator (Ruler of All), John the Baptist, adorable little cherubim, and archangels. Much of the original 11th-century iconostasis (wall of icons and religious paintings) has also been well preserved.

Located next to the Greek parliament, the National Garden is a large green space behind the Temple of Olympian Zeus and home to the Zappeion. If you have had enough sun during your day of sightseeing, this is a quiet, shady place to relax and cool off. Inviting trails lead through tall trees and offer a reprieve from the busy streets. It's also a free attraction in Athens.

On the edge of the garden is the Zappeion Hall , which you can enter for a peek inside if it is not in use. It was built in the 1870s and is used for events. Inside the main entrance is an impressive round, open-air hall, lined by columns.

In a verdant setting on Philopappou Hill , this tiny 12th-century Byzantine chapel offers an opportunity for an enchanting spiritual experience. The building was constructed at the Diateichisma Gate because of the ancient belief that divinity protected the gates.

Inside, the church has a single-aisle vaulted basilica form, and the walls are adorned with frescoes dating to 1732. The chapel's name "Loumbardiaris" (meaning "The Cannoneer") is connected with the legend that the church was saved by a miracle around 1650 when the Turkish commander of the Acropolis, Yusuf, bombed the church. The church was restored in the 1960s by the architect D. Pikionis. Another highlight of visiting Philopappou Hill is the chance to take in spectacular views of the Parthenon from this location.

Location: Philopappou Hill, Athens

If you are looking for things to do at night in Athens, head over to the Mnisikleous Street stairs. Restaurants line this set of stairs on the top end of Mnisikleous Street, drawing a crowd in the evenings.

The restaurants vary in quality, although some are quite good, but the atmosphere here is hard to beat. It's extremely casual and relaxed. In fact, when the tables are full, people take to sitting on cushions on the stone stairs, and small knee-high wooden benches are brought out and placed on the stairs, creating an impromptu table. People are often tightly packed in, making for an intimate and friendly experience.

Sometimes a visit to Athens can feel like an overdose on history. To alleviate that condition, head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art. This institution is the cultural epicenter of Athens and is home to a constant stream of temporary exhibits showcasing the latest in art innovation.

In addition to the visiting exhibitions, the museum has an impressive permanent collection of 172 pieces on display. These items were created by 78 different artists, both domestic and international, along two specific topics requested by the museum.

The total collection of the museum consists of 1,300 pieces, most of them in paintings and photography.

As you stand on and gaze out over Athens from the Acropolis, you may wonder what the hill in the distance is. That would be Lycabettus Hill, and it's well worth a visit. The view from the top of Lycabettus Hill is one of the best in Athens.

At 227 meters in height, it's the highest point in the city and provides a unique view down upon the Acropolis. The funicular operates well into the night (12 to 1:30am depending on the season), so a trip up here at night to see the city lights and the Acropolis fully lit is highly recommended. Or, if you find yourself there during the day, take a bit of time to soak it all in by grabbing a cold drink or a bite to eat at the restaurant at the top.

You can walk to the top if you really want to, or as most people do, take the three-minute ride on the funicular .

Official site: https://www.lycabettushill.com/

If you are looking to get off the well-trodden tourist path in Athens and see how true Athenians live, set your alarm to get up early and head to the Varvakios Agora. Located in the Monastiraki neighborhood, this fresh food market is an experience unlike any in Athens.

The bounty of the sea and farm are on full display, with the lively sellers hawking their goods to locals and tourists alike. In another building nearby, fruit, vegetables, and, of course, olives are on sale. Small restaurants are located on the premises, offering cheap, tasty, and filling meals. Take some time to wander the aisles and soak up the atmosphere, and be sure to bring your camera!

The Philopappos Monument is only an 800-meter walk southwest of the Acropolis and well worth the pleasant stroll to get there. The area, known as Pynx Hill , is an oasis of green with mature cypress and pine trees and makes for a pleasant escape from the crowds and concrete.

The monument dates from the 2nd century AD and is adorned with incredible bas-relief depictions of Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos.

The monument is set on a high point with views back towards the Parthenon, Acropolis , and city sights.

As you gaze down from the Acropolis you may wonder to yourself what all those people are doing on that bald white rock outcrop located nearby. Well, they've climbed up to the top of the Areopagus to enjoy the panoramic views of the Acropolis and the surrounding cityscapes.

Easily reached via winding pathways through cypress bushes and an ancient marble staircase, this outcrop is a popular destination for those looking to do a short hike as part of their Athenian exploration. Areopagus is also a very popular spot to enjoy the sunset and to capture images of the Acropolis and other ancient sights at night when they are softly lit.

Although the hilltop is barren except for the ruins of a church, it was once the site of the supreme council of ancient Athens. The site is free to access and open 24 hours a day .

For a deeper dive into the culture that spawned all the history that surrounds you, step inside the doors of the Benaki Museum. Housed in a spectacular Neoclassical-style mansion, the collection spans the centuries starting with the ancient Greek artifacts and ultimately right through to the 20th Century.

In addition to the priceless treasures found here, the building itself is an attraction worth learning about as it transitioned from a private residence into the museum you see today.

The Benaki Museum showcases a regular rotation of temporary exhibits in the Spyridon & Eurydice Costopoulos Gallery.

Official Site: https://www.benaki.org/index.php?lang=en

The best place to stay in Athens is near the Acropolis in the Plaka or Anafiotika neighborhoods. This will put you in the center of the action and within walking distance of the Acropolis, Roman Agora, Library of Hadrian, and Syntagma Square. Both neighborhoods are picturesque and quaint, with narrow pedestrian-only streets, many restaurants, and interesting shops. Below are some highly-rated hotels in convenient locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• Within walking distance from the Temple of Olympian Zeus and many good restaurants, the boutique AVA Hotel Athens offers quaint and cozy suites with kitchenettes.
• The O&B Athens Boutique Hotel is a 10-minute walk to the Acropolis and features modern rooms and a spectacular rooftop patio with amazing views.
• The elegant Grande Bretagne Hotel , with a well-regarded rooftop restaurant, is set in a prime location that it has occupied since 1874.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The appropriately named Plaka Hotel offers good rooms in a great location, and the rooftop patio has views to the Acropolis. Free coffee and tea are on offer all day long.
• The Hermes Hotel in the Plaka is newly renovated and just a two-minute walk to the attractions of Syntagma Square.
• On a quiet side street, the Central Hotel has also been recently renovated and offers modern, comfortable rooms and a hot breakfast. It's a 15-minute walk from the Acropolis, and the view from the rooftop patio is quite spectacular.

Budget Hotels:

• Hotel Acropolis House is a good budget option with an excellent location close to attractions, and the shops of the pedestrian-only Ermou Street are a short stroll away. This is a historic property, and rooms are dated but come in an assortment of sizes. Some rooms have their own bathrooms, but others come with their own bathroom located down the hall. Guests have their own key to their private washrooms.
• The Hotel Metropolis has been recently renovated and provides rooms with balconies, some facing the Acropolis.
• See the Sights: For maximum sightseeing flexibility and value, it's hard to beat the City Sightseeing Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Tour . Accompanied by an audio commentary, you can cruise around Athens in an open-top double-decker bus, hopping on and off at any of the 14 stops to spend more time at your favorite attractions, such as the Acropolis or the Plaka. If you only have a few hours to see the highlights of Athens, the Athens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour blends both the city's ancient and modern attractions. An expert guide takes you to see top sites such as the Tomb of the Unknown, the Acropolis, and the Pantheon. This 3.5-hour tour includes admission to the Acropolis of Athens and the Acropolis Museum (optional), hotel pickup, and free Wi-Fi on the coach.
• Delphi Day Trip: If you want to complement your Athens tour by exploring historic monuments further afield, consider the Delphi Day Trip . This full-day tour takes you to this World Heritage-listed archaeological site to see the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archeological Museum. On your way home, you have a chance to explore the picturesque towns of Arachova and Levadia. Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off at select hotels, free Wi-Fi, and entrance fees.
• Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip: Stunning scenery and hilltop ruins are the highlights of the Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip . This full-day guided adventure includes a beautiful drive along the Saronic Gulf and into the Peloponnese to see the hilltop ruins of Mycenae as well as a visit to Epidaurus, the birthplace of Apollo's son, and the picturesque town of Nauplia. Also included are entrance fees, a professional guide, free Wi-Fi on the coach, and a map.
• Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Day Trip : See one of Athens' most famous monuments on the Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Trip . Traveling in an air-conditioned coach, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a scenic drive to Cape Sounion to see the remains of the clifftop Temple of Poseidon, overlooking the sea, while an experienced guide shares information about its history. This four-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off at select hotels, entrance fees, and free Wi-Fi on the coach.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

For many people, Athens is simply a gateway to the Greek Islands or destinations to the north. If you are planning your trip, below are some ideas to help find places to visit in Greece.

Greek Islands: The most famous and popular of the Greek Islands is Santorini . If this is your first excursion to the Greek Islands, it should be on your itinerary. Also very popular is Crete . This is a large island with many things to see and do, so be sure to include more than a day or two if you are planning on stopping here. Other ideas for Greek islands include Corfu , Rhodes , Samos , and Mykonos.

Exploring Greece: The rich history of Greece extends far beyond Athens, but the remains of the Temple of Apollo in Corinth and the seat of the oracle at Delphi are within the reach of a day trip. Another highlight is the monasteries above the rock formations at Metéora . For more ideas, see our guide to the Top Tourist Attractions in Greece .

More on Greece

Visit Athens: Top 20 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in athens: the 20 best places to visit (all highlights).

You’re traveling to Greece and want to visit Athens , the capital? You’re wondering about the best things to do in the city?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have created this guide of the 20 best places to visit in Athens , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Athens in 1, 2 or 3 days as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

And as always, this travel guide contains all my best tips to make the most of your stay.

So, what to do in Athens? Let’s start with the best places to visit!

1. The Acropolis of Athens and The Parthenon

2. the acropolis museum, 3. the ancient agora, 4. the national archaeological museum of athens, 5. the national garden and the zappeion park, 6. syntagma square, 7. ermou street, 8. monastiraki district, 9. plaka district, 10. mount lycabettus, 11. the panathenaic stadium, 12. the philopappos hill, 13. the roman agora, 14. the other museums in athens, 15. gazi district, 16. go to the beach, 17. cape sounion, 18. the saronic islands, 19. mycenae, epidaurus and nafplio, bonus – water sports and other activities to do around athens, top things to do in athens when it rains, best things to do in athens with family, getting around athens on foot, how many days to visit athens, 1 day in athens, 2 days in athens, 3 days in athens, where to stay in athens, where to eat in athens, renting a boat in greece, tourist map of athens, cyclades (greek islands), visit athens: the 20 must-see attractions.

Let’s start this list of the 20 best things to do in Athens with The Acropolis, the most emblematic site of the city.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site located on a hill in the capital is one of the most visited Ancient Site of Greece. It’s also Athens’ main tourist attraction.

At the top, you will find the Parthenon , the most famous monument of the Acropolis. As most of the site, it was commissioned by Pericles and b uilt during the 5th century B.C. This temple, dedicated to the Goddess Athena, is entirely made of marble and weighs about 20,000 tons!

The other places to see on the site are:

• The Propylaea, the monumental gateway to the Acropolis
• The Erechtheion (or Erechtheum): a Temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. Its most remarkable element is the Porch of the Caryatids (or Porch of the Maidens), where 6 statues of young girls are used as columns.
• The Temple of Athena Nike
• The Theatre of Dionysus
• The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone theatre still used for representations during Athens Festival.

The best way to visit The Athens Acropolis is to buy a 30€ combined ticket . The ticket is valid for 5 days, and includes a skip-the-line entrance to the Acropolis and an access to the 6 others main ancient sites in Athens :

• The Ancient Agora
• Hadrian’s Library
• The Temple of Olympian Zeus
• The Roman Agora
• The Aristotle’s Lyceum
• The Kerameikos.

To get this combined ticket, it’s very simple, you just have to book it by clicking on the button below:

To make them most of your visit to Athens, you should opt for the Athens City Pass. It includes all the must-see attractions, such as:

• The combined Acropolis ticket mentioned above
• The Acropolis Museum entrance ticket
• An audio guide for your visit to Athens
• A 10% discount on all other attractions in Athens

To book it, simply click here:

And if you want to learn everything about the Acropolis History , the best is to opt for a guided visit (it’s also a skip the line ticket).

The best guided tour in English is the one from GetyourGuide Originals. It’s so great that they will give you a full refund if you don’t enjoy your time!

To book it, you just have to click on the button below:

Visiting the Acropolis Museum is one of the best things to do in Athens.

If you want a better understanding of the context and history of the Acropolis before visiting it, you should definitely go to The Acropolis Museum first . It displays nearly 4,000 ancient objects and artefacts found on the site!

The museum is very interesting and well designed. From the 3rd floor panoramic terrace, you will also have a magnificent view on the Acropolis . So why not go there to have a drink and enjoy the view?

You will find all the useful informations to plan your visit on the official website .

To avoid waiting in line, you can directly get a skip-the-line ticket for the Acropolis Museum here:

You can also book a guided tour of the museum by clicking here!

Another great place to see in Athens is The Ancient Agora.

The Agora was the main square of ancient Athens . It was considered as the cultural, political, commercial and social center of the city. Nowadays, the site is mostly in ruins, but still worth a visit, especially for The Temple of Hephaestus. Built during the Age of Pericles in 449 B.C, it’s one of the best preserved Doric temples in Greece.

You’ll also find a museum exposing objects discovered on the site, some statues and a scale model of the Agora to help you visualize how it looked like.

The visit of the Ancient Agora is included in the 30€ combined ticket .

Otherwise, the tickets for the Agora needs to be booked here!

If you enjoyed the Acropolis Museum, then you should really go to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

The museum has a worldwide reputation for its collection of splendid ancient objects . This impressive building offers more than 8,000 m² of exhibition space, where you’ll find fantastic collections aged from the Neolithic Era to the end of the Roman Period. Most of the collections are dedicated to the Greek civilization , but you will also find several rooms with Egyptian antiquities.

The most remarkable pieces exposed in the museum are:

• The golden Mask of Agamemnon , found in Mycenae
• A bronze statue representing a young horseman and its mount
• The statue of Zeus or Poseidon
• The Varvakeion Athena , a reproduction of the statue which once stood in the Parthenon.

For further informations about rates and schedules, you can visit the official website .

In order to avoid the long waiting line in front of the museum, you need to booking your tickets in advance by clicking on the button below:

If you want to enjoy a bit of greenery during your stay in Athens, then you should definitely take a walk in the National Garden and the Zappeion Park . The 2 are actually one and the same big park, making it the largest public park in Athens!

This is the best place to go if you want to relax and have a break far from the tourist crowd.

The park is located between The Panathenaic Stadium and Syntagma Square.

Syntagma Square, or “Constitution Square” in English, is Athens’ central square.

It’s also the city’s main gathering place , whether it’s for demonstrations or sporting events. The House of Parliament is located here since 1935, in an ancient royal palace built by the first King of Greece. It’s the center of Greece’s political life.

The Square is a must-see attraction in Athens. There, you’ll see the Changing of the Presidential Guard ceremony . The soldiers, also called “Evzones”, are guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, right in front of the Parliament House. Every hour, the changing takes place and you can attend a strange synchronized ballet.

Most of all, you’ll be amazed by the famous traditional uniforms of the Evzones with skirts, tights and pompom shoes!

You’re going to Athens?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in the large European capitals 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Athens on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Athens.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Athens, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Athens!

If you want to go shopping in Athens, it certainly will be on Ermou Street!

This pedestrian street goes from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki district . As it is Athens’ main commercial street , y ou’ll find here most of the big international brands (H&M, Zara, Marks & Spencer…) as well as many bars and restaurants.

Don’t forget to see the picturesque Byzantine Church of Kapnikarea! Located on Ermou Street, it was built in the 11th century.

To continue this Athens tourist guide, let’s go to Monastiraki district.

It’s located in the centre of Athens , alongside Plaka district. (I will tell you more about Plaka a bit later)

Monastiraki Square, with its Byzantine Church, is the heart of this lively and cosmopolitan neighbourhood. You’ll enjoy walking in its narrow alleys with lots of small shops of all kind. The atmosphere feels a bit like the souks in arabic countries ! Souvenirs, clothes, shoes or jewellery, you’ll for sure find everything you need.

Every Sunday, the famous Flea Market of Monastiraki takes place on Avissinya Square . M any antique and second-hand goods dealers are selling ancient books, silverware or leather goods. The negotiations are often tough, but you can find some nice things, especially if you get up early!

Another place you should visit in Athens is Plaka district.

The oldest district of Athens is often nicknamed “Neighborhood of the Gods” , as it’s located at the foothill of the Acropolis . Even if it’s a really busy and touristic area, Plaka managed to keep its picturesque charm, with its narrow alleys and pretty houses.

During your tour, you will enjoy Byzantine constructions , as well as neo-classical houses . With its many shops, it’s also a great place to buy local products or souvenirs.

While you’re there, you should definitely go to the tiny Anaflotika neighborhood . In this peaceful and quiet place with white houses and blue shutters , you’ll feel like you are in the heart of The Cyclades ! Don’t forget to go to the top of Stratanos Street , to enjoy a superb panorama over Athens.

If you want to admire a stunning view of the Acropolis , then you have to climb up to Mount Lycabettus!

The 278 meters high Mount Lycabettus is also called “Hill of the Wolves”, and is certainly the best place to enjoy a 360° panorama of Athens . At the top, don’t miss the charming Orthodox Chapel of St.George.

You can access the top of Mount Lycabettus:

• By foot: A 20-minute stairs path will take you to the top.
• By cable-car: The Lycabettus Funicular takes only 3 minutes to go to the summit. The round trip ticket cost 7€, and departure point is located at the crossing of Aristipou and Ploutarchou streets.

The Panathenaic Stadium , or Kallimarmaro is another famous tourist attraction in Athens.

It’s located in front of Zappeion Park’s Southern entrance.

The stadium was built in the 4th century B.C to host the Panathenaic Games , a sporting event held every year to honor the Goddess Athena . There, athletes were competing in track and field, wrestling and chariot races.

Originally made out of wood, it has been completely rebuilt in white marble a few centuries later. The stadium had a capacity of more than 70,000 spectators , and gladiator fights were also organized.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the stadium was abandoned, and the stones were reused elsewhere.

Much later, during the 19th century , the stadium was rebuilt to host the 1st Modern Olympic Games.

Nowadays, the stadium isn’t used for competitions anymore, as its dimensions no longer meet the required standards.

You can visit the inside of the stadium for 5€ . The entrance fee includes an audio guide and access to the track.

If you believe you’re out of things to see in Athens , and if you have visited the main neighborhoods, why don’t you go up to Philopappos Hill?

Also known as the Hill of the Muses , the site is one of the best viewpoints to see Athens and the Acropolis . You can walk to the top of this 147 meters high hill using one of the many pedestrian trails in around 10 minutes.

At the summit, you will have a panoramic view of the entire city, the port of Piraeus and the Attic Peninsula. If you are lucky enough to have a very clear weather, you’ll even see some of the closest islands! There, you can also admire the Philopappos monument , a mausoleum dedicated to the Roman senator Philopappos, considered as one of Athens’ benefactors.

On the site, don’t forget to see the church of Agios Dimitrios Lumbardiaris , the prison of Socrates , and the remains of the Shrine of the Muses.

The Roman Agora is another point of interest to visit in Athens . Don’t confuse it with the Ancient Agora I mentioned earlier!

The Agora, or Roman Forum is located in Plaka district . It was built between 19 and 11 B.C. There, you could find a large central market , several shops and public latrines.

The most remarkable elements of the Agora are:

• The Gate of Athena Archegetis , with its 4 well preserved columns.
• The recently renovated Fethiye Mosque , where temporary exhibitions are held.
• The Tower of the Winds : a marble tower built by Andronicus of Cyrrhus to be used as a compass, an horologion, and a weathercock.

If you are staying in Athens for a couple of days, you should take the opportunity to visit some museums.

For the cultural tourism enthusiasts, here are the other museums you should visit in Athens:

• The Numismatic Museum , exposing more than 500,000 coins and medals. Some of them are more than 3,000 years old!
• The Museum of Cycladic Art and its collections of objects from the Cyclades islands
• The Benaki Museum , the oldest museum in Greece, with it’s 40,000 pieces of art from the Ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century
• The National Gallery , with its artworks and sculptures from the post-Byzantine Era.
• Museum of Greek Folk Art , to get a look at Greece’s traditions!
• The Byzantine and Christian Museum
• The National Museum of Contemporary Art
• Athens war Museum , if you want to learn everything about Greece’s war history.
• The National History Museum

Where to go in Athens if you want to party all night?

You should definitely try Gazi district! This former industrial district has been refurbished to become the trendy place to go out at night in the Greek capital.

There, you can enjoy a drink on a trendy bar terrace , or try one of the many restaurants and night clubs . You’ll for sure find a place you’ll like in Gazi neighbourhood.

The surroundings of the Kerameikos metro station, and the streets of Dekeleon, Gargition and Voutadon are the busiest.

The 5 best things to do around Athens

You’re having a few days in Athens , and you have seen most of the city? Then, you should really go on a day trip to explore the city’s surroundings.

Here are the best places to visit around Athens:

You’ll find a lot of beaches near Athens . These beaches aren’t the ones you’ll find on Greece’s postcards. Yet, it’s still a good way to have a refreshing moment out of the city.

The Apollo Coast beaches , in the South of Athens, are the closest to city . The best part is that you can access them using public transports directly from Syntagma Square! The Apollo Coast, with its luxury private beaches, is often nicknamed “ the Athenian Riviera “. In the seaside resorts of Glyfada Beach, Voula Beach, Lagonisi Beach or Saronida Beach, you’ll enjoy a young, festive and luxurious atmosphere.

If you want to go to a more family friendly place or wilder beaches , you should try those located East of Athens . How about going to Schinias Beach, Kaki Thalassa Beach, Marathon Beach or Nea Makri?

Cape Sounion is located on the Southern end of the Attic Peninsula, around 1:20 hours drive from Athens.

According to Greek Mythology, King Aegus would have thrown himself from the cliffs here , thinking his son Theseus was dead. Theseus went to fight the Minotaur and had promised to change the black sails of his ship to white in case of victory.

Full of joy from his victory, Theseus forgot to change the sails of his ship. When his father saw the black sails, he thought his son was dead and committed suicide. From this time, the Aegan Sea is named after him!

At Cape Sounion, you’ll admire a temple dedicated to Poseidon , the god of the Sea and protector of the sailors. The place offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Saronic Gulf. You should go there at sunset, when the sunlight illuminates the temple’s marble columns!

This is the perfect place for a half-day tour around Athens. If you don’t have a car, you can take an organized tour .

Everything is planned on these tours: they will pick you up at your hotel and drive you along the Apollo Coast until you reach the Cape. The price includes the transfer, a guide and the Temple’s entrance.

The Saronic Islands are among the closest islands to Athens .

If you want to get there, the easiest way is to take a ship from the Port of Piraeus.

The best Saronic Islands to see are:

• Aegina , where you can visit the Temple of Aphaia and the remains of Paleochora, an ancient Byzantine village
• Agistri and its many small coves.
• Poros , for its pretty colored houses.
• Hydra, an island where cars are banned! It’s the perfect destination if you want to hike and enjoy beautiful beaches.
• Spetses , covered in pine trees and a great place to cycle! You need to book your bike tour around the island here.

If you only have one day to discover the Saronic Islands , you can book a cruise . Everything is included: from Athens, a bus will take you to the port of Piraeus, and you’ll sail to the islands from there.

During this cruise, you will visit the islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina. Lunch is even included.

You need to book it by clicking on the button below:

For an upscale experience , you can also opt for a cruise on a beautiful sailboat . It includes swimming time, lunch and free time on the islands. You need to book it by clicking here.

And if you want to take your time to discover the Saronic Islands, you can opt for a fantastic 3-day cruise. You will have the opportunity to visit the islands and enjoy swimming in the most beautiful places!

Accommodation in a double cabin , meals and a bus tour of Aegina island are included in the price.

You need to book your 3 day cruise to the Saronic islands here:

If you want to discover the countryside around Athens, you should definitely take a tour of the Peloponnese !

During your daytrip, you’ll see:

• The Corinth Canal for the souvenir photo!
• The archaeological site of Mycenae: this UNESCO World Heritage site was once King Agamemnon’s home.
• The city of Napflio , and the Palamidi Fortress.
• The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus , also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tour includes the pick-up at your hotel, the transfer in an air-conditioned bus, a guide and the entrance tickets for all the sites. You can click here to book your tour.

Booking this tour is the best way to see some of the most famous places of Peloponnese in a short amount of time!

And if you want to know more about Peloponnese, you can read my detailed article : The 15 Best things to do in Peloponnese.

The famous Archaeological Site of Delphi is located 2:20 hours drive from Athens.

The site, built on Mount Parnassus , offers a splendid view of the valley and the sea. There, you’ll admire the Temple of Apollo (where the oracle of Delphi, the Pythia, transmitted Appolo’s directives from the gods to humans), the theatre and the stadium.

You should also visit Delphi Archaeological Museum . A lot of ancient vestiges found on the site are exposed there.

If you don’t have a car, organized tours starts from Athens every day . The price includes the transfer from and back to your hotel, a guide, and the entrances ticket to Delphi Archaeological Site and Museum. You can book your day trip to Delphi from Athens here.

To change a bit from the cultural visits, you should take advantage of your stay in Athens to try one or more activities!

In order to help you out, I have prepared a selection of the best activities to do around Athens . You simply need click on the orange links for more info and too book.

Water sports:

• Snorkeling excursion (half-day)
• Canyoning in Aspropyrgos Gorge
• Sea kayaking excursion along the Greek Riviera and towards Cape Sounion
• Coastal canyoning or coasteering : an activity similar to canyoning but done by the sea and not in a river. Includes swimming, jumping and climbing!
• Walking and swimming in a river with a guide – 2 courses to choose from
• First dive with theory course, 10 minutes training dive + 40 minutes dive to 10 meters deep
• 2 exploration dives for certified divers
• 3 day diving course to obtain your PADI Open Water Diver certification.

Activities:

• Paragliding flight offering a beautiful view over the mountains and the coast, 1 hour from Athens
• 3.5 hour bike tour in Athens or One day bike tour
• Mountain bike tour with a guide in the mountains around Athens – you can opt for a 2 or 4 hours tour depending on your level.
• Full day mountain bike tour to Cape Sounion and in the national park of Lavrio – Also available in the national park of Parnitha
• Bike tour to on the island of Spetses , including boat transportation from Athens
• A helicopter flight in the surroundings of Athens.

And if you’re really looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity , you should definitely do a skydive near Athens!

You came to Athens to enjoy the sunny and warm Mediterranean climate, but what are the best activities to do in Athens when the weather is bad?

Don’t worry, here is a list of the things to do in Athens when it rains:

• Visit the many museums to learn more about Greece’s History , traditions or art. If you read this article carefully, you’ll notice that I mentioned a lot of museums. This should keep you busy for a while!
• Go to Athens Central Market. You’ll find great local products in this covered market.
• Go shopping in one of Athens’ many Malls.
• Try an Escape Game : solve the riddles and try to escape in less than an hour! The Athens Clue Escape Game is also available in English.

To help you plan your family trip to Athens, you’ll find here a list of Athens best places to visit with your children!

• Visit The Eugenides Planetarium to discover the universe with your family
• Go to T he Hellenic Cosmos for a 3D virtual visit of Ancient Greece
• Take a walk in the National Garden, and let your children enjoy the playgrounds!
• Visit the Hellenic Children’s Museum, where kids can play merchant or construction games. It’s a miniature world, where everything is adapted to kids size!
• Spend a day at the Allou Fun Park & Kidom , Greece’s biggest amusement park!
• Enjoy the Attica Zoological Park , one of the classics of a family stay in Athens. You can buy your tickets here.

Now, I will give you a 1 day itinerary to visit Athens on foot . It will allow you to discover most of the city’s highlights.

And if you are spending more than one day in Athens , you can always split this walk: you just have to read my itineraries to visit Athens in 1, 2 or 3 days , a bit further down in this guide.

Let’s start this walking tour of Athens in Syntagma Square . There, you can observe the typical uniforms of the Presidential Guard, during the Changing of the Guard . Then, go through the National Garden and Zappeion Park , to arrive at The Panathenaic Stadium .

After that, go through the Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas Street , along the Zappeion to reach Hadrien’s Gate . In the same place, you’ll find the colossal Temple of Zeus , where there are only 15 columns left.

Continue by taking the Dionysiou Areopagitou Street , to reach the entrance of the Acropolis . You just have to decide if you want to visit it, or admire it from the outside.

Then, walk to Thrasillou Street and Stratanos Street to enter Anaflotika neighborhood . There, you’ll enjoy a beautiful panorama of Athens and the Acropolis.

Wander in the pretty alleys of Plaka and Monastiraki districticts . You’ll see the Roman Agora , the Ancient Agora , the Hadrien’s Library and the Monastiraki Square.

These neighborhoods are the best to go shopping in small shops. When you will be done, you can head to Ermou Street to continue shopping in Athens’ main commercial street!

To end your day, how about going to Mount Lycabettus or Philopappos Hill , to admire the sunset over the Acropolis?

Unlike other capitals such as Rome or London , the best places to visit in Athens are concentrated in a quite small area, making the visit very comfortable to do on foot!

You can visit most of the city’s Must-See Attractions in 1 or 2 days , even if you take some time to visit the museums and the main archaeological sites. If you are staying 3 days or more in Athens , you can even take a tour to visit the surroundings.

If you want to visit Athens, you should definitely buy the Athens City Pass.

It includes:

• The combined ticket for Acropolis and Archaeological Sites
• A skip-the-line ticket for the Acropolis Museum
• 10% discount on many activities, such as the Delphi or Cape Sounion tours.

You can buy it right here.

You only have one day to visit Athens ? No problem! Here is the best itinerary to make the most of your stay:

• Start your day by visiting The Acropolis , the most famous tourist attraction in Athens.
• Continue your visit with the Acropolis Museum to learn everything about the origins and the History of this ancient site.
• Lunch break
• After your meal, wander in the Plaka neighborhood . Located on the foothill of the Acropolis, it’s the oldest district of the city!
• After that, visit the Ancient Agora and its museum
• Then, you can go for a walk in Monastiraki
• At the end of the day, go to Philopappos Hill to see the sunset over The Acropolis
• And if you like to party, go to Gazi neighborhood for a drink or a night out!

If you want to see Athens’ best points of interest without visiting the monuments, you can also do the “How to visit Athens on foot” itinerary I have suggested you above in this travel guide.

If you have 2 days in Athens , in addition to the first day described above, you can add:

• Start with the visit of the Panathenaic Stadium
• Then go to Hadrien’s Gate and the Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Take a stroll in the National Garden & Zappeion Park
• Attend the Changing of the Guard on Syntagma Square
• Then, after your lunch break:
• Go to Ermou Street for some Shopping
• Visit The National Archaeological Museum
• For the sunset, head to the top Mount Lycabettus. It’s the best place in town to enjoy it!

If you spend 3 days in Athens , in addition of the 2 days above, how about visiting some of Athens other museums ? Whether you like Art, ancient coins, Greek folklore or History, you will for sure find an interesting museum!

Another great way to spend your 3rd day is to go on a day trip to visit Athens’ surroundings.

Here are the best ones:

• From Athens – Visit the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion : This day trip will take you to the Cape Sounion, located at the very end of the Attic Peninsula. After picking you up at your hotel, the bus will drive you along the scenic Coast of Appollo, famous for its beaches. Try to get a window seat, because the view is beautiful! Once you arrive, you will visit the Temple of Poseidon. Located on a hill, it offers a magnificent view of the surroundings.
• From Athens – Visit the Saronic Islands: Another option is to opt for a full-day cruise to the Saronic Islands. During the day, you will discover the islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina. The lunch is included.
• From Athens – A full-day Mycenae and Epidaurus trip: You prefer to visit archaeological sites of Peloponnese? Then this day trip is perfect for you! It combines the visit of Mycenae Archaeological Site (and the Tomb of King Agamemnon) with Nafplio (the Palamidi Fortress) and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Entrance fees, transfer, guide and lunch are included.
• From Athens – A Day trip to Delphi: During this tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the Ancient Site of Delphi. Did you know that the oracles where delivered here? T he visit of the Delphi Museum is also included. E ntrance fee, transfer, professional licensed guide and lunch, everything is included in this tour!

With all these activities, you can even easily spend 4, 5 days or more in Athens!

• Bedbox Hostel: A Youth Hostel located 300m from Monastiraki Square, and 700m from the Acropolis. Dormitory room starting from 18€ per night. Strong points: the location, the really kind staff and the cleanliness!
• Evripides Hotel: Located 400m from Ermou Street and 500m from Monastiraki. The rooms are simple but comfortable, starting from 70€ per night, with breakfast included. What I loved: the breathtaking view of the Acropolis from the rooftop, the location (perfect to visit Athens on foot) and the friendly and helpful staff! A great choice in Athens for its exceptional value for money!
• Amalia Hotel: Located on Syntagma Square, just in front of the National Gardens. The double rooms are modern and spacious. Some of them even have a balcony with a nice view of the gardens. The price starts at 155€ per night with breakfast included. Strong points: The comfort, the generous breakfast, and the location in the centre of Athens.
• Wyndham Grand Athens: 5-star Hotel located 1km from Ermou Street and 1.5km from the Acropolis. You’ll love the elegant and design double rooms here, starting from 200€ per night. Breakfast will cost you 16€. Strong points: the outdoor pool on the roof, the view of the Acropolis, the spa center, and the location right next to a metro station!
• Electra Metropolis: This 5-star hotel is located only 200m from Syntagma Square and 600m from the Acropolis. The price for a spacious and comfortable double room starts at 270€ per night, breakfast included. What I loved: the ideal location, the view of The Acropolis from the rooftop, the amazing restaurant, the pool. The best choice for a luxury stay in Athens!

• Tzitzikas kai Mermigas (literally The Ant and the Grasshopper): Don’t worry about the name, you’ll taste delicious Greek specialities here! They have 4 restaurants in Athens and the most central is located in Syntagma. In a cosy atmosphere, you will taste the classics of Greek cuisine. Don’t be afraid to share your dishes because the portions are very generous!
• BlueFish Athens: Located next to the Roman Agora, this restaurant offers fish and seafood based dishes. You’ll love the food here: the cuisine is a perfect mix of traditions, modernity and inventiveness! The place and the service are also very pleasant.
• Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant: The restaurant is located in front of the Acropolis Museum. Some others restaurants in the same place might be tourist traps, but not the Liondi. You’ll enjoy its typical, tasty and generous cuisine. And if you’re really hungry, choose a meze tasting formula!

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day at sea during your trip to Greece , you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental.

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Greece? 😊

I have created for you a tourist map of Athens and Greece , listing all the must see attractions and points of interest I have talked about in this article. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow on it.

And you, what do you plan to visit during your stay in Athens?

Greece travel guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Greece guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

You’re traveling to Greece ? These articles will help you !

Discover all my articles about Greece : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Greece are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Greece – The Ultimate Bucket list!
• The 15 Best Things to do in Peloponnese – All the must-see attractions
• Itinerary: 4-5 days in Greece – The perfect itinerary for a short stay in Greece
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Santorini !
• Itinerary: 6, 7 or 8 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Athens + Peloponnese in a week
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Central Greece in 9-10 days
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + Cyclades (Santorini)
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Greece – The best Itinerary to visit Athens + Central Greece + even more Cyclades islands!
• Itinerary: 1 month in Greece – The definitive guide to visit Greece in a month!
• Road trip in Greece – The best itineraries for 5, 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days.
• Thessaloniki: The 12 best places to visit
• The 15 Best Cyclades Islands to visit – With all the must-see attractions
• Itinerary: 1 week in Greek islands – How to visit the Cyclades in 6, 7 or 8 days
• Itinerary: 10 days in Greek islands – The definitive guide to visit the Cyclades in 10 days!
• Itinerary: Greek Island Hopping routes – The best 2 weeks itinerary to visit the Cyclades
• Amorgos: The 8 best places to see
• Andros: The 7 must-see attractions and activities
• Naxos: Top 10 things to do
• Paros: The 10 best places to visit
• Santorini: The definitive guide
• Tinos: The 10 best things to do
• Rhodes: Top 12 best places to visit

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece

Athens 3 Day Itinerary For First Time Visitors

With 3 days in Athens, you can see all the main sites, such as the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, and get a good experience of the Greek capital.  

What to do in Athens in 3 days

Spending three days in Athens is the ideal amount of time to see the important places of interest, such as the Acropolis, Plaka, Ancient Agora, Temple of Zeus and more. Knowing what to see is half the battle, knowing what order to see everything in is a whole different story!

This is why I’ve written this guide on what to do in Athens in 3 days. I was born and raised in Athens, and I love my city with its many different faces. Athens has so much to offer, which is why many people return.

As you probably know, Athens is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its most iconic landmark is the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 5th century BC. There are many more archaeological sites, and dozens of museums.

Apart from that, the Greek capital is a vibrant city, with almost 4 million inhabitants. There are busy markets, vibrant shopping areas, and dozens of local places and hidden gems. From its buzzing center to its suburbs on the coast, Athens a wonderful place to explore.

Here are my suggestions on what to do in Athens in 3 days. As there is no single Athens vacation itinerary that will fit everyone’s taste, I have included a few different ideas for everyone. You’ll also find some useful insights on where to eat and what to avoid in three days in Athens Greece.

Explore the Athens city center

The historic Athens city center is fairly compact. The main places of interest are Syntagma Square , Acropolis, Plaka , Monastiraki, Psiri , Thissio, and the areas in between. Any of these areas is great to base yourself and do your sightseeing.

There are a few pedestrianized roads and dozens of side streets and narrow alleyways, often making navigation a challenge.

Much of the historic center is only accessible on foot. To travel between the different neighbourhoods you can walk, use the Athens metro  or take a taxi.

Central Athens is roughly a 40-50 minute drive from the Athens international airport, or more, depending on traffic. The Athens airport metro takes about 45 minutes, while the airport bus can take an hour or longer.

Main attractions and highlights in Athens Greece

Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, has no less than  seven ancient sites! 

The most famous sites are the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora . You can also visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the ancient cemetery in Kerameikos, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library and Aristotle’s Lyceum.

There is a combined ticket , which allows entrance to all of them. If you only want to visit one or two sites, it will work out cheaper to get single entrance tickets.

Apart from the historical sites, Athens has dozens of  museums . Archaeology and history fans will quickly realize that 3 days in Athens Greece are nowhere near enough! There are also several  art galleries  and  art museums  all around the entire city.

Athens, however, has a lot more to see apart from these attractions. The quaint changing of the Guards, our cutting edge street art, the beautiful neoclassical buildings and the lively Athens markets are all pieces of our colorful city’s puzzle, and they are here for you to discover.

Day 1 – Ancient wonders of Athens

On Day 1 of your Athens itinerary, start by exploring the city on foot. Walk on the beautiful pedestrianized streets and visit a few of our famous sites.

You can also visit Plaka, the oldest and best known neighbourhood in Athens. There’s a touristy side to it, but it’s lovely!

Temple of Zeus and Areopagitou street

Your starting point for the day is the massive Temple of Olympian Zeus , close to the Acropolis metro station. Only 16 of the original 104 columns remain, but they are quite something! You can also spot the Acropolis from right inside the site.

If you are planning to visit three archaeological sites or more, this is a great place to buy the combined ticket in person. Queues here are much shorter than at the Acropolis or the Ancient Agora of Athens.

Upon leaving the temple, pass by the massive  Hadrian’s Arch , built in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian. Cross the busy Amalias Avenue, and you will find yourselves right on  Dionysiou Areopagitou  street.

In my opinion, this is one of the most picturesque streets in Athens. It was pedestrianized just before the 2004 Olympic Games and it passes right through the historic centre.

As you are walking on this ancient road, you will literally be able to see  ancient Athens for free .

Climb up the Acropolis Hill

As you are on Areopagitou street, heading towards Thissio metro station, you will soon see the entrance to the  Acropolis . The famous archaeological site is actually a large citadel, up on a hill.

There are many temples and ruins, of which the most famous is the Parthenon. It was dedicated to Goddess Athena, one of the  twelve Olympian Gods  and the protectress of the city. Here is a cool myth explaining  how Athens took its name . There’s also a smaller temple, dedicated to Athena Nike.

After you’ve explored the ancient ruins, climb up to the area with the massive  Greek flag . You will get unique views of the concrete jungle below!

The famous site gets very busy at certain times of the day, especially during peak season when cruise boats arrive in the morning. Allow at least an hour and a half to explore the ancient site fully, or more if there are crowds.

Have a look at this related article about overtourism in Athens .

The Acropolis is open from 8 am to 8 pm in summer, and to 5 pm in winter. Closing times vary during March-April and September-October, so check in advance.

Last tip: Many visitors underestimate the summer heat! If you are visiting in summer, make sure you bring a hat, sunscreen and some water. If it’s a particularly hot day, you can change the itinerary around, and visit in the evening. Here are a few more travel tips on  how to stay cool in the summer in Athens . 

Explore the Acropolis Museum

Back on Areopagitou street, you will immediately see the popular  Acropolis museum  on your left. Here, you can see several artefacts that have been discovered around the Acropolis.

Some of the most fascinating statues in the museum are the five Caryatids. They were originally six – the sixth one is currently at the British Museum.

Apart from the galleries, there is an excavated area just underneath the museum, where you can see parts of the ancient city.

The café on the second floor is a great spot to have a break from all the walking and climbing, and you will enjoy a fantastic view of the Acropolis. The museum’s opening hours vary by season and day of the week, so check their  website  for the latest information.

I strongly recommend that you take a guided tour for the Acropolis and the Museum, which will make Ancient Greece come alive and will significantly add to your experience. I’ve taken a few tours over the years, and there’s always something new to learn!

Otherwise, please at least try to brush up on your ancient Greek history before you visit!

Best places to visit in Athens for Acropolis views

Once you are back on Areopagitou street, continue walking towards Thissio metro. You will soon see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus , also known as  Herodion ancient theater  to your right, and  Filopappou Hill  to your left.

Herodion theatre is only open during evening performances in spring, summer and autumn. You can see the theatre’s interior when you are up on the Acropolis.

Filopappou Hill is a large green space where you can climb for some great views of the city. 

On top of the hill, you will also find the Filopappos tomb monument. This is dedicated to the Syrian Prince Filopappos, an honorary citizen of Athens who died in 116AD.

Another popular viewing point is  Mars Hill , or  Areios Pagos , the court of Justice in Ancient Greece. It was also the spot that Apostle Paul chose to talk about Christianity in 51 AD.

Areios Pagos offers some of the best views of the Acropolis, and is popular with first timers, returning visitors and locals.

Back on the pedestrianized street, you will find several cafés, snack bars and all-day restaurants where you can have a much-needed break.

Some popular suggestions in the area include  Thissio View  and  Athinaion Politeia . Alternatively, you can stop at one of the restaurants tucked away in the backstreets, such as Merceri , To Kousoulo  or To Kafeneio tou Rizou .

Kerameikos ancient cemetery 

After your break, continue walking towards Thissio metro. If you are in the mood for another ancient site, turn left towards  Kerameikos ancient cemetery .

Kerameikos was very important in ancient times. The area was originally where the potters and artisans lived, and it later became the cemetery of Athens. The small museum hosts several artefacts related to funerary practices.

Even though the site is big, you could probably walk around in about an hour. However, you can easily spend longer. The site is open from 8 am to 8 pm in summer, and closes at 5 pm in winter.

After Kerameikos, it’s time to stroll around the lovely, quaint neighbourhoods called  Plaka  and  Anafiotika .

Plaka and Anafiotika

Walk up Ermou and Adrianou streets, turn right on Vrisakiou or Areos street, and head towards Tripodon. You’ve now reached the famous locale called Plaka.

Plaka is a small neighbourhood with lots of all-day cafés, tavernas, restaurants and bars.

It’s also full of charming neoclassical buildings, some nice street art and an assortment of tourist shops where you can buy tasteful and not-so-tasteful Greek souvenirs .

You can easily spend a few hours here, or even perhaps climb up to the quaint Anafiotika  area before dark. This is a tiny neighborhood that looks like a Greek island!

Then you can have some nice Greek food in one the many tavernas. I like  Scholarchio and Kafeneio , but there are many in the area to choose from.

Day 1 Athens – Overview

Here is an overview of your first day in Athens, which begins at Acropolis metro, and ends in Plaka:

• The Temple of Zeus
• The Acropolis
• The Acropolis Museum
• Filopappou Hill
• Kerameikos ancient cemetery

While this is easily doable in one day in Athens, some people might find it a little tiring. It’s best to avoid this itinerary if you are jetlagged!

If you are visiting in winter, you will probably run out of time to visit Kerameikos. It’s best to check out all the other must sees in Athens without feeling rushed, and perhaps return to visit Kerameikos on Day 2 or 3.

Day 2 – Experience the local markets in modern Athens

On your second day, you will explore more ancient sites, but also have a taste of the local life! Visit markets, commercial streets and hidden areas where Athenians hang out.

Visit the Ancient Agora of Athens

Start your day with a visit to the  Ancient Agora , which is located close to Monastiraki square. The Agora once was the social, financial and commercial heart of the city. In my opinion, it’s one of the most fascinating spots in central Athens.

Note: This photo was taken in January. You will not need a coat in the summer – more like shorts and a T-Shirt! Here’s what to pack for Greece .

The Ancient Agora is full of ancient ruins, including the temple of Hephaestus, the best preserved temple in Greece. Go inside the Byzantine church of Holy Apostles, to check the frescoes.

I find the museum in the Ancient Agora fascinating. Take your time to read the informative signs, and you can learn a lot about the Ancient Greeks.

Allow a couple of hours for the Agora and the museum, as there is a fair amount of walking. Make sure you take in the beautiful views of our city!

Here is my complete  visitor’s guide to the Ancient Agora .

Athens markets in Monastiraki

Once you are out of the Agora, check out the  flea market in Monastiraki.  This is located on Ifestou street and the surrounding alleyways.

Although there’s a touristy side to it, you will also see second-hand bookstores, antique shops etc. If you are in Athens on a Sunday , check out the bigger antiques market, which begins very early in the day.

For a quick break, you can go up the 360 Rooftop Café. They offer drinks and snacks with an unbeatable view of (guess what?) the Acropolis!

Athens central food market 

And now, it’s time to experience the everyday life in Athens, and visit the  Varvakios central food market .

There are different sections for meat, fish, fruit and veg and several other products. You can visit just to have a look, but also to buy any Greek products to bring back home.

Note that the stalls start closing at around 15.00, and the Central market is closed on Sundays. Here’s everything you need to know about the  Varvakios central food market .

Or you can always take an Athens food tour , where you will learn more about all the delicious Greek dishes and Greek cuisine!

Stroll around the quaint Psiri neighborhood

Once you’ve visited the market, it’s time for lunch. While the notorious  Diporto   underground taverna is an interesting place to visit, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. You can try  Klimataria , on Theatrou square, which has kept its authentic character and offers dishes to match.

One of my favourite restaurants in Athens is  Mavros Gatos  on Navarchou Apostoli street, in Psiri area. They generally open around 13.00-13.30, so you will be just on time for small Greek dishes!

If you were thinking fish,  Atlantikos   on Avliton street is another great spot.

Apart from great lunch spots, Psiri area has some cool  street art . Wander around and see how many beautiful works you can discover!

Shopping on Ermou street 

After lunch, walk up the busy, pedestrianized  Ermou street , heading towards Syntagma Square.

In Ancient Greece mythology, Ermis / Hermes was the God of commerce (and not only). Τhis street, named after him, is one of the most commercial streets in Athens. You can find international chain shops, but also local stores selling mostly clothes, shoes and homeware.

Right in the middle of Ermou, you will see  Kapnikarea Byzantine church , dating from the 11th century. In the 19th century, when Ermou street was being designed, the small Christian church was nearly demolished.

Fortunately, its historical significance was taken into account, and it was preserved and restored instead. If it’s open, go inside and check the frescoes, designed by the prominent Greek artist Fotis Kontoglou.

The side streets and alleys around Ermou street are also great for bargain shopping. Head here if you are interested in fabrics, beads, jewellery or crafts materials. You will also discover dozens of cool all-day cafés, more street art and many street vendors and buskers.

Here’s a complete guide on the best shopping areas in Athens .

Syntagma square and the Changing of the Guards

Head up Ermou, and you will arrive at  Syntagma (Constitution) square , right in the centre of Athens.

The magnificent building that you will see on the opposite side of the square is the Greek Parliament. After the modern Greek state was first established, it was the Palace of King Otto.

In 1843, Athenians had a big demonstration here, asking for a constitution.

Right outside the Parliament building, you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the  Changing of the Guards . This happens every hour, on the hour, day and night, rain or snow! For more information, read my article about the  Evzones .

You can also visit the adjacent National Gardens, a lovely green space, and take a break from all the walking. Here is some more information: National Gardens in Athens .

If your three days in Athens include a Sunday, you could consider checking out the Ceremonial Changing of the Guards. This happens at 11 am every Sunday – just be there earlier to secure a viewing spot.

Explore Lycabettus Hill and Kolonaki area

Unless you’ve spent a very long time shopping, there will be plenty of time to go up  Lycabettus Hill . It’s possible to hike up, however you might prefer to take a taxi, or perhaps the cable car. The sunset views from up the hill are pretty cool!

Here’s more information about  Mount Lycabettus , including how to get there.

Afterwards, head down to  Kolonaki , one of the most upmarket areas in downtown Athens. You can go to one of the numerous restaurants and bars to have a meal or a drink, and watch the people go by.

One of the most popular streets is the pedestrianized Tsakalof street, which is full of all-day cafés / bars. As an example, Da Capo has been an iconic cafe in Athens for several decades.

Day 2 Athens – Overview

Just to summarize, this is a perfect itinerary for your second day in Athens:

• Ancient Agora
• Monastiraki flea market
• Varvakios food market
• Ermou street
• Syntagma Square
• The Parliament
• Changing of the Guards
• National Garden

While this might sound like a lot to do in one day, the actual distances aren’t too long. Just make sure you wear comfortable shoes to help you walk on the cobbled streets and enjoy walking around Athens!

Day 3 – More activities in Athens

If you have booked to stay 3 nights in Athens, you still have a whole day to explore. On day three in Athens, you can decide if you are interested in any of the other museums and attractions in the city centre.

Alternatively, you can take a half day tour to Cape Sounion, and see the Athens Riviera and the temple of Poseidon.

The National Archaeological Museum

People who have a specific interest in ancient history, Greek culture and ancient Greek art should definitely include the National Archaeological Museum  in a 3 day Athens itinerary.

This is the largest museum in Greece, and it will give you a pretty good idea of Greece’s long and complex history. In fact, if you only want to visit one museum in Athens, I suggest that you visit this one.

It takes about four hours to see all the collections properly! I know this sounds like a very long time, but you will need it if you actually want to read about the exhibits. There is also a quiet café downstairs where you can take a break if you want.

The museum closes at 8 pm in summer, and at 4 pm in winter, and you can check their  website  for more information.

The National Archaeological museum is right next to an infamous area of Athens called Exarchia . 

Stroll around the infamous Exarchia area

Ask ten people what they think about Exarchia in Athens, and you will get ten different answers. Cool, lively, authentic, gritty, shabby, dirty, dark, these are all words I’ve heard people use to describe Exarchia.

Indeed, some people might find this area slightly intimidating, mostly due to the amount of graffiti.

Yet, this is a vibrant area of the city, and is particularly popular with the younger crowd. It’s a perfect neighbourhood to observe everyday life in Athens.

Apart from the many neoclassical buildings and cool street art, you will find plenty of cafés and all-day hangouts. For one of the best meals in central Athens, head to Oxo Nou  on Emmanouil Benaki. They have a huge menu, large portions, amazing dishes and lots of Cretan  raki  on the house.

Athens Trilogy – Beautiful neoclassical buildings

After leaving Exarchia, stroll by Panepistimio metro, to see the so-called  Trilogy of Athens .

These are three of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in Athens. From left to right, they are the National Library of Greece, the University and the Academy of Athens.

These magnificent buildings were constructed in the 19th century, after the designs of the Danish architects Hans Christian Hansen and Theophil Hansen. Sadly, at the moment they are not open to visitors – hopefully one day!

Explore the art galleries and free museums

If history is not your thing, don’t worry. Athens has many more attractions apart from the famous sites and museums. Anyone who loves art will be happy to know that there are several art museums in Athens. 

Here is a list of twenty of the  best museums in Athens for history, culture, modern and contemporary art. It includes the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the National Gallery, and many more.

And if you are looking for free activities, check out my article on free museums and galleries in Athens . You may be surprised – and this is why 3 days in Athens are nowhere near enough!

See the Panathenaic Stadium

Another fascinating attraction is the  Panathenaic Stadium . This massive stadium was originally built in 329 BC to host athletic events, starting with the Great Panathinaia.

The stadium continued to be in use during Roman times, but fell into disuse when Christianity prevailed. Many of the materials used for its construction were removed to be used elsewhere.

Towards the end of the 19th century, certain people decided to revive the Olympic Games. For this purpose, the Panathenaic Stadium was reconstructed, and was home to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Nowadays the stadium hosts several events from time to time, but is also open to visitors. Allow at least an hour and a half to visit the impressive stadium and the small museum.

Visit the temple of Poseidon at Sounion

If you want to see what the coastal suburbs of Athens look like, you can take a half-day Athens trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion . The temple is a popular sunset spot, as it’s right at the edge of Attica peninsula.

People who are happy to hire a rental car can easily combine a visit to the temple with a few hours on the beach. Most areas on the so-called Athens Riviera are suitable for swimming. 

This is a good option for people planning a weekend in Athens Greece, as this half-day trip can give you an idea of the coastline.

Depending on traffic, this activity should take you about 4.5-5 hours if you are leaving from central Athens. Note that on summer weekends there will generally be a lot of traffic, so plan your visit on a weekday if you can.

Take a walking tour

If you don’t feel like visiting any other tourist attractions, you could consider taking an Athens private walking tour with a local .

While you can see a lot of our city on your own, a local can always explain all its little secrets. Plus, you will have the opportunity to experience the everyday life in Athens and Greece!

Day 3 Athens – Overview

I have deliberately left day 3 with no suggested itinerary. You may choose to do any of these activities, or totally ignore them and do your own thing! After all, this is your own holiday, and you should do what you feel like doing.

How many days to spend in Athens

If you are visiting Greece for the first time, my suggestion is to spend at least 3 days in Athens. This way you can explore our famous ancient monuments, visit a couple of museums, and enjoy local life without feeling too rushed.

In fact, I think that three days in Athens is the absolute minimum that you need in order to scratch the surface. You can easily spend a week in Athens and never get tired of it!

FAQs about Athens

Here are a few questions that people who visit Athens often ask:

Is 3 days enough for Athens?

3 days is enough to see the main attractions of Athens. You’ll also get a general idea of what local life is like. 

What are some of the best places to visit in Athens?

Athens is famous for its ancient history. Some of the top attractions include the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Olympian Zeus. Other places to visit include the various neighborhoods, like Plaka, Anafiotika and Psiri, and the colourful markets around Monastiraki.

Is Athens safe?

Overall, Athens is a very safe city, though some areas might feel unsafe at first. With that said, always be mindful of your valuables, especially if you are in crowded places and the Athens metro.

What can you do in Greece in 3 days?

It depends on what you want out of your holiday. Often, a 3 days in Greece itinerary includes a day or two in Athens, plus a day trip to one of the Greek islands.

Which Greek islands should I visit?

Greece has over 100 inhabited islands, so choosing between them can be a tough choice. Santorini and Mykonos are two of the most popular and crowded islands, but there are dozens more to choose from.

Here is a 7-day itinerary for Athens, Mykonos and Santorini .

How can I get from Athens to the Greek islands?

Some Greek islands, like  Santorini ,  Mykonos  or  Milos , have airports. If you decide to fly there from the Athens airport, it’s best to book your flight as early as possible, as last-minute prices tend to be very high.

I personally prefer to travel to the islands on ferries. I use a search engine called Ferryscanner to check ferry itineraries and book my ferry tickets. These days you usually get your tickets in your email, so you don’t need to queue at the port to collect them.

Athens Itinerary 3 Days

I hope that the above itineraries and tips have helped you decide what to see during your trip to Athens in 3 days. If there’s anything else that you’d like to know about Athens, leave a comment right below!

Here are a few more articles in my Athens travel blog you might enjoy:

• How to get around Athens
• The best time to visit Athens and Greece
• Islands near Athens
• Day trips from Athens
• How to get from Athens to Thessaloniki by train
• How to book a train ticket in Greece
• Driving in Greece
• 2 days in Athens itinerary – if you are pushed for time!

Hi! I am Vanessa! I’ve been calling Athens home for over 40 years, and I’m not tired of it yet. While it’s far from a perfect city, I find it absolutely fascinating, as it has so many different faces. You could easily stay in Athens for a week and not get bored! For more local advice on how to plan a trip to Athens, feel free to contact me. Also, follow my FB page , where I post information and news about Athens and Greece.

6 thoughts on “Athens 3 Day Itinerary For First Time Visitors”

Hello Vanessa! Thank you for the thorough explanation of what one can do in 3 days in Athens. I plan to go with my girlfriend in June, so this article will be my go-to one, but I will also check out your other posts, as I find them extremely useful for any tourist coming to Athens. Greetings from Poland!

Thank you so much!! Please feel free to ask any questions!

Hi! Thank you for this! We are going for about 2.5 days LOL, arriving in the afternoon on a Sunday and leaving mid afternoon on a Wednesday. Our 16-year-old daughter has been waiting to get to Athens FOREVER. She wants to see the old sites for sure so this has been a big help. Any other suggestions you have for visiting in November or with teenagers? I know its a quick trip and we want to see the big stuff most of all. Thanks again for all this info. 🙂 Greatly appreciated.

Thank you! Have a look at Psiri area , she will love it, and make sure you pass by the Little Kook cafe which has become very famous – I don’t like their desserts personally, but the place is worth having a look at. I love the Museum of Illusions too, which is something different, and you can definitely go to the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology !

Hi Vanessa, which is the best airline to use to get to Corfu from Athens please . Thanks from Western Australia

Hi! I would personally choose whichever fits my schedule (and luggage) best! I’ve used both Aegean / Olympic Airlines (they are the same company) and Sky Express and they are both fine, Sky tends to allow for more luggage – just be very careful with your fare as not all of them allow the same amount of luggage. Here are a few things to do in Corfu ! Enjoy your time!

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 Must-See Historical Attractions in Athens

Athens: the birthplace of western civilisation. known for its expressive architecture, striking ruins, and picturesque landscape, there are a number of essential sites for any visitor to see..

Lucy Davidson

06 sep 2021, @lucejuiceluce.

Western Civilisation owes a great deal to Athens. Many intellectual and artistic ideas originated there, and great thinkers were drawn to what was once one of the powerhouse cities of classical antiquity. As the cradle of democracy, classical Athenian architecture reflected the influx of ideas, with sprawling villas, vast monuments, and epic amphitheatres being just a few of the sites that have been left behind.

Today, the city is still dominated by landmarks which date to 5th-century B.C. and are hugely popular attractions. Here’s our pick of 10 that you shouldn’t miss.

What are the Top Ten Sites to Visit in Athens?

1. The Acropolis

Of all the places to visit in Athens, the Acropolis is by far and away the most popular. However, there’s more to this site than just the Parthenon temple for which it is best known.

Indeed, the Acropolis contains a number of other fascinating things to see, including the Erechtheion, the Propylaia and the temple of Athena Nike. Usually pretty swamped with tourists and guides, it’s not a particularly peaceful experience, but you simply can’t visit Athens without seeing the Acropolis.

2. Temple of Poseidon - Sounio

For truly spectacular views you can’t beat a short half- or full day-trip down to Sounio to see the Temple of Poseidon.

This partially ruined Greek temple sits atop a coastal cliff, with the deep blue ocean below combining to make for one picturesque backdrop – certainly one of the most picturesque places near Athens to visit. If you can catch it at sunset, then the scene will be complete. It’s roughly an hour out from Athens and there are loads of tour options available.

3. Theatre of Herodes Atticus

This partially restored Greco-Roman theatre is visually stunning. If you forgive the fact that much of the site is probably more Greco-Modern than Greco-Roman then you’ll definitely enjoy your visit.

Built by an affluent Greek-born Roman senator in the mid-second century AD, the theatre is startlingly photogenic and offers some great shots of the city. Though it’s not one of the most well-known Athenian sites, it’s nevertheless one of the most appealing.

4. Temple of Hephaestus

Strangely ignored by many lists of the best things to see in Athens, the Temple of Hephaestus is actually the best preserved of Athens’ ancient temples, and by quite some margin. It’s remarkably good condition is due to its conversion for use as a church in the 7th century.

Today it largely stands in its original form; remarkable given it was built almost 2,500 years ago. Despite all its clear advantages however, it has been and remains overshadowed literally and figuratively by the larger and more famous temple on the hill, the Parthenon.

5. The Parthenon

Unmistakably perched atop the Acropolis, many people come to Athens just to visit the Parthenon. Indeed, it always ranks among the top 10 places to see in Athens, often sitting at number one.

While there’s no doubt the Parthenon is impressive and you simply can’t come to Athens without visiting it, it gets hot and jam packed in the tourist season and it’s not as well preserved as some of the other ancient temples in Athens. Visit as early in the day as you can and be aware that there is on-going preservation work underway.

6. Agios Eleftherios

One of the more tucked away places to see in Athens, the charming Byzantine church of Agios Eleftherios is definitely worth a visit.

Built in the 12th century, it’s a beautiful example of later-Byzantine architecture. Located alongside the far larger Cathedral of Athens, this small yet perfectly formed medieval church is a pint-sized hidden gem among the hustle and bustle of Athenian life.

7. Panathenaic Stadium

A visually stunning stadium and the site of the first modern Olympic games, the Panathenaic Stadium is well worth a visit. Built on the site of its ancient predecessor, the sporting history of this place stretches back 2,300 years.

Today the site is one of the most fun things to do in Athens – you can explore the stadium, find out more about Olympic history, and even hold an Olympic torch! Great for kids, the track is open for visitors, so you can follow in ancient footsteps and gain your own Olympic glory.

8. Ancient Agora of Athens

If you’re mulling over what to see in Athens, the Ancient Agora is an interesting and easy to reach option.

Once the thriving heart of the city, today it contains the remains of a number of important ancient buildings as well as the impressive Agora Museum, contained within the reconstructed building known as the Stoa of Attalos.

9. Kerameikos

A hidden gem that takes a little extra effort to discover, Kerameikos seems very much to be the most ignored archaeological park in Athens.

However, this quiet and peaceful place definitely ranks among the more interesting and rewarding things to do in Athens. Containing the remains an ancient cemetery, Kerameikos includes the ruins of a series of famous monuments and even what’s left of the old city walls. The small museum helps to bring a bit of context to the site and is also well worth a visit.

10. Athens National Archaeological Museum

One of the most prominent archaeological institutions in the world, this great museum is absolutely packed with ancient artefacts – far too many to discover in one go!

Like any museum of this type, it can be somewhat exhausting once you’ve explored several dozen collections, and with such a treasure trove on show the novelty can wear off after a time. That said, with permanent exhibitions ranging from the Neolithic and Mycenaean, right through ancient Greece and into the Romans era, the museum is full of fascinating artefacts and stories and certainly ranks among the most interesting places to visit in Athens.

Top 10 Things to Do in Athens Greece

1: the acropolis.

A visit to the Acropolis is a must-do during your time in Athens. After all, it’s one of the places that makes Athens, Greece famous. The Acropolis is the perfect place for any traveler, whether you’re interested in history or culture. This ancient site is actually a citadel that is located on a hill overlooking the capital city of Athens. This is where you will find what remains of many of the famous ancient buildings that make Greece, Greece, such as the Parthenon. The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which represents the best of ancient Greek architecture.

Visiting the Acropolis is incredibly accessible and easy to do, but you do have to purchase a ticket when you arrive. There are two different ticket options, one that only admits you to the Acropolis and Parthenon, and one that can get you in here and other archaeological sites in the area, known as a combination ticket. Depending on your travel style, and what else you want to do and see in Athens, consider purchasing the combination ticket so that you can see more! There is also an option to purchase your tickets online before arriving, if you know what day you plan on visiting, and certain days are free admission.

At the Acropolis, there is plenty to see and experience. You’ll have the chance to visit the Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaea, the famous Parthenon, and more, so this will be an all-day excursion. Make the most of it, take in the beautiful architecture, and spend a day exploring ancient ruins—but don’t forget your walking shoes and sunblock, visiting the Acropolis is an outdoor activity!

2: The National Archaeological museum

Once you’ve been inspired by the ancient structures at the Acropolis, you might be itching to learn more about ancient Greek art and architecture. The National Archaeological Museum is one of the most notable things to do in Athens, Greece, and is known as one of the most important museums in the world holding artifacts from ancient Greece. The National Archaeological Museum has been around since the late 1800s, housing and commemorating Greek antiquities for the beauty and history they possess. This is also the largest Archaeological Museum in Greece, meaning it’ll be easy to get lost in here for a day marveling at Greece’s extensive history.

The museum has both winter and summer hours and rates for visiting and is only open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so make sure you plan ahead. The National Archaeological Museum can be accessed by most public transport and is accessible for people with disabilities. As you make your way through the museum, you’ll be able to make your way through history: from prehistoric antiquities to sculpture and metalwork. You also won’t only find Greek art and architecture here—the museum houses art from Egypt and Cyprus as well, so you’ll be able to gain a full understanding of ancient art from this part of the world, its history, and its impact on modern life.

If you’re spending your Greek vacation in Athens, you simply have to spend a day exploring Plaka. Plaka is a historical neighborhood in Athens, Greece located just below the Acropolis. Here, you’ll truly feel like you’ve gone back in time a little bit, or perhaps, that you’ve entered a beautiful fantasy world. Plaka is lined with cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafes, and small tavernas. In Plaka, you’ll be able to get most of your souvenir shopping done, as the streets are lined with shops selling everything you could possibly want, from clothes to ceramics.

Plaka is located in Athens, Greece, just a few blocks away from Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Square, meaning you can easily access Plaka from both public transport and the airport. Like many of the attractions in Athens, Plaka’s shops have both winter and summer hours, and close earlier in the winter, so plan on getting your shopping in during the day. Plaka truly is one of the most important, must-see places in Athens, and is great for people traveling solo—it is easily one of the safest areas of Athens to explore! So, throw on your walking shoes and grab your wallet—Plaka’s cobblestone streets are waiting for you!

4: Mount Lycabettus

For the adventurer, Mount Lycabettus is here to combine your love for nature with views of the city during your trip to Athens, Greece. Mount Lycabettus stands at about 300 meters above sea level. Covered in pine trees, this towering mountain has two peaks, which are home to the Chapel of St. George, a restaurant, and a theatre. This is the highest point in Athens, and will give you the absolute best views of the city, no matter what time of day you decide to climb the mountain.

The climb to the top of Mount Lycabettus may be a challenging one, especially in the summer months, as there is no shade. The city also offers a funicular railway to help you reach the top as well, so that you can still get the beautiful view without walking in the sun to reach the top of the mountain. The entire walk can take anywhere from a half an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your personal fitness level. If walking just isn’t your thing, there is also an option to take a cable car to the top, but you simply can’t beat climbing to the highest peak in Athens! And if you’re a budget traveler, you’re in luck! The walk up Mount Lycabettus is free!

5: Panathenaic Stadium

During your visit to Athens, Greece, you definitely can’t miss a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium. Its historical significance is a huge reason to visit, but it’s also a unique piece of architecture in Athens, Greece. The only stadium in the world built completely out of marble, the Panathenaic Stadium was originally used to host games during the celebration of the Great Panathenaia. This place was specifically significant during Roman times when Athens was no longer a city that held any political power.

For tourists, the Panathenaic Stadium is conveniently located in downtown Athens. You can access the stadium via most public transportation, or by walking. While there is a small admission fee to enter the Panathenaic Stadium, it’s the perfect outing for families because kids under six get free admission!

Tourists often have fun running around the stadium, right where ancient athletes once competed. It is advised that you check the weather before planning a morning jog around the stadium—in the summer, the stadium’s marble makes the area very hot, and in the winter, wet weather can make the steps slippery, so plan accordingly!

During your visit to the Panathenaic Stadium, you can’t miss taking a picture from the upper tier of Stand 21, where you can see the stadium, as well as other historical and architectural landmarks, such as the Parthenon, all at once. Another great photo op is of the podium with the stadium in the backdrop—your friends and family back home will be amazed at the view!

6: ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS

Another beautiful architectural site not to be missed during your trip to Athens, Greece is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Located on the southwest side of the Acropolis, this Roman theater was renovated in 1950, so you’ll be able to witness it similarly to how it looked in ancient times. In ancient Greece, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus was a musical theater used for shows, and could seat up to 5,000 people. Today, concerts are still held here, although the theater was originally built in 161 CE.

A visit to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is not included in the general Acropolis admission. To access the theater, you will enter via the Dionyssiou Areopagitou Street, which is the walkway specifically built to connect each of Athens’ most famous sites. Generally, you cannot enter the theater unless you are there to view a show or concert. If concerts aren’t your thing, or you didn’t get tickets, don’t worry! You can still see the Odeon from above if you climb to the top of the Acropolis!

7: Philopappos Monument

The Philopappos Monument and hill is easily one of the most interesting things to do in Athens, Greece during your Greek vacation. This monument is actually an ancient Greek mausoleum, which was created in dedication to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos. A prince of the Kingdom of Commagene, his monument was placed on the Mouseion Hill, just south of the famous Acropolis. Recent studies have found that architectural parts of the Philopappos Monument were used in the creation and building of the Parthenon, but today, only a mere two sides of the Philopappos Monument remain to be viewed by modern tourists. Nearly all of it has been destroyed since ancient times, making it one of the most important sites to visit during your time in Athens, Greece.

Visiting the Philopappos Monument is simply a must-do during your Greek vacation. While public transport can get you close to the monument, you do have to do a bit of walking to actually see what you came for. Taking the metro to Petralona Station will get you about 25 minutes from the hill, which is a short walk to do for a site as amazing as this.

8: Ancient Agora

During your time in Athens, Greece, you definitely can’t miss a visit to the Ancient Agora. If you’re truly trying to get a sense of Greek culture, and ancient Greek history, this is a place that simply has to be on your itinerary. The Ancient Agora is part of Classical Athens, and is known to be the best example of an ancient Greek Agora still available for viewing today. An agora, as used in ancient Greece, was a public meeting place, meaning this was one of the largest social centers of ancient Athens. Today, you can access the Ancient Agora by heading to the northwest side of the Acropolis. It is surrounded by both the Areopagus and Agoraios Kolonos, two of the hills in the area, the latter also known as Market Hill.

Visiting the Ancient Agora is one of the most accessible tourist attractions in Athens. Unlike many of the ancient monuments in the area, the Ancient Agora is open daily, from 8AM to 3PM. Admission can be bought either as a single ticket for just the Agora, or as a combination ticket that would get you into other ancient monuments such as the Acropolis.

9: Monastiraki

When you travel through Athens, Greece, you have to pay a visit to Monastiraki. Monastiraki means “small monastery,” and is a historic neighborhood in Athens known for being home to many iconic landmarks. This is where you’ll find a couple of the places on this list, including the Ancient Agora, as well as others, such as the Stoa for Attalos and Hadrian’s Library. If you’re looking to get some souvenir shopping done, you’re in luck—Monastiraki is also the site of an extensive Sunday flea market selling everything from handmade shoes to souvenir shirts. Of course, there are plenty of shops open all week, but only on Sundays will you find people selling their handmade goods out on the streets. This historic neighborhood is perfect for the traveler looking to experience all things Greek. Only in Monastiraki will you be able to visit the shops, and witness the unique architecture of traditional tavernas and views of the Acropolis.

This is a place of historical significance. With plenty of ancient landmarks to visit, you simply can’t ignore the neighborhood’s rich history as a transportation hub for the city that blossomed with the historic Monastiraki Station. In Monastiraki, you’ll find yourself wandering through plenty of historic sites, from the mosque of Tzistarakis Aga to the Temple of Zeus, and the Monastery of Pantanassa. You’ll also be welcomed by plenty of museums to explore, including the Greek Museum of Folk Arts. It’s easy to wander through Monastiraki all day, walking by the river and exploring centuries-old architecture. This is a local hub—so you won’t have to worry about tourist traps!

10: Kolonaki

For your last must-visit spot in Athens, Greece, you definitely have to add Kolonaki to your trip itinerary. Kolonaki is another beautiful neighborhood in Athens, Greece, and yet it is completely different from the other historic neighborhoods on this list. This is a higher-fashion neighborhood perfect for the traveler who’s ready to shop. Kolonaki is home to designer boutiques, international labels, and galleries. A visit here will turn your Greek vacation into a luxury one as you explore fine dining, trendy bars, and live music, from jazz to DJs. This is also the perfect place to start your trek up Mount Lycabettus.

A visit to Kolonaki is sure to add some fun to your Greek itinerary. Here, you can visit the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cyclandic Art, and the Byzantine Museum. You also can’t miss the National Park on Irodou Attikou Street, where you can watch the changing of the guard at the Presidential Mansion. These spots are ones that will add rich history, culture, and art to your Greek itinerary, making for the perfect addition to any Greek vacation.

A vacation to Athens, Greece is one many travelers dream about. From the stunning architecture to the rich history, there is plenty to see and enjoy during a trip to Athens. You could easily spend more than a week here, taking in every nook and cranny this ancient city has to offer. Hidden gems are tucked away in historic neighborhoods, and so are fancy restaurants, flea markets, and lots of ancient architecture. The Acropolis sits overlooking the city along with other centuries old buildings. Climb to the top of Mount Lycabettus and take in the view of the city. There are endless options when it comes to Athens, Greece for any type of traveler, so what are you waiting for? Book that plane ticket, and get ready to explore what’s left of ancient Greece.

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The 12 Best Places To Visit In Athens, Greece

Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Natalia

As one of the oldest cities in the world, there are plenty of incredible places to visit in Athens, Greece. It’s a travel destination not to be missed for history lovers, with a vast array of majestic ruins to visit, including the world-famous Acropolis, the Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora. On top of that the city is home to quaint neighbourhoods, stunning viewpoints and museums, as well as being perfectly located for some fabulous day trips around Greece. We spent two weeks exploring Athens, whilst also taking the opportunity to  gorge on the delicious local cuisine. Read on to discover our verdict on the best places to visit in Athens, Greece.

Table of Contents

Best places to visit in Athens

The Acropolis is a must visit place and undoubtedly the most famous site in all of Athens. Perched on top of a hill in the city centre, this ancient citadel is home to some of the oldest ruins in the city. The ruins of the Acropolis date back to the 5th century BC, and are a must see when visiting Athens.

Of all the structures found at the Acropolis, the Parthenon is the most well-known. The Parthenon is a former temple, dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena, whom the city of Athens was named after.

Construction of the temple began in 447 BC and continued until 432 BC. As with many of the structures at the Acropolis, the Parthenon has suffered substantial damage over the years.

Although the Parthenon is the most famous site at the Acropolis, there are a number of other ruins to visit, including the Theatre of Dionysus, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.

Another spot to visit is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a theatre dating back to the 2nd Century. The theatre is still used today, although it is cordoned off so that you can only access it if you have tickets to a performance. Fortunately you can still get a good vantage point of it from the southwest slope of the Acropolis.

Tickets to the Acropolis of Athens cost €20 per person during the summer season (1st April-31st October), but are available at a reduced rate of €10 per person during the winter season (1st November-31st March.)

Reduced rate tickets are available for €10 during summer and €5 during winter if you are a university student or are over 65 years old and from an EU member state. Better yet, free tickets are available for under 18s, although free tickets cannot be booked in advance.

During the summer queues can get up to two hours long, especially at the weekends, so it’s best to buy your ticket online in advance if you can. Click here to head to the Acropolis ticketing website, which also has further information on eligibility for the reduced rate and free tickets.

If you plan to visit other ruins in Athens then you can buy a combined ticket costing €30. The combined ticket allows one admission per site to the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Olympieion, Kerameikos and Aristotle’s School.

These tickets are valid for 5 days, allowing you to spend your time exploring the different ruins. Reduced combined tickets are available for just €15 for students and seniors. Unfortunately there is no reduction in the price of a combined ticket during winter.

On certain days of the year there is free admission to the Acropolis and other ruins in Athens. The dates do vary from year to year, so it’s important to check them before your trip.

If you want to book your tickets in advance then another option is to book them via Get Your Guide, which we recommend doing as it’s such an iconic place to visit in Athens. One of the best options is to book a ticket which allows you to skip the queue as well as have a digital audio tour on your phone to give you more information about the ruins. These tickets do cost more than standard entry, but are available from just €29.50 per person.

Click here to book skip-the-line Acropolis tickets with an audio guide!

Alternatively, you can book a guided tour of the Acropolis for around €14 more. Guided tours last 90 minutes and are a brilliant way to find out more about the incredible history of the ruins.

They can be booked in advance through Get Your Guide for just €43, which includes skip-the-line entry to the Acropolis as well as an hour and a half guided tour. At the conclusion of the tour you will have the chance to explore the ruins without the guide too if you’d like to stay for longer!

Click here to book a 90 minute guided tour of the Acropolis!

There are two entrances to the Acropolis – the main entrance and the side entrance. Both entrances require some uphill walking to reach the ruins, but we recommend using the side entrance as it is less busy and also isn’t as far away from the main ruins. We recommend reading this article on the different entrances to the Acropolis before you visit.

Restoration works have been underway at the Acropolis since 1975, but as of 2017 they have slowed down significantly. Although the works have slowed, construction may still partially obstruct sections of the Parthenon and other ruins. During our visit in early 2019 one side of the Parthenon was blocked by construction, but the majority of it could still be enjoyed without obstruction. Despite the works the Acropolis is still one of the top tourist destinations and things to see in Athens!

Ancient Agora of Athens

The Ancient Agora of Athens was once the heart of the city, acting as a marketplace and meeting point for Athenians. In similar fashion to the Roman Forum in Rome , the Agora is a large archaeological site home to a range of ruins, with two of the most notable being the Hephaisteion and the Stoa of Attalos.

Also known as the Temple of Hephaestus, the Hephaisteion is a beautiful temple that dates back to the 5th century BC. The Stoa of Attalos is a covered walkway that was once home to a number of shops, making it the ancient equivalent of a shopping mall.

With so many different ruins and artefacts to see, you can easily spend a few hours exploring the Agora. Although it isn’t as iconic as the Acropolis, it’s still a fascinating place to visit thanks to its rich history.

Entrance tickets to the Ancient Agora of Athens cost €8 between 1st April to 31st October, but are available at a reduced rate of €4 outside of these dates. Students and seniors are able to get reduced rate tickets for €4 all year round.

Panathenaic stadium

One of the top places to visit in Athens is the immense Panathenaic stadium – the main venue for the first modern day Olympic Games in 1896. The original stadium on the site opened in 330 BC before being abandoned during the 4th century.

Following excavations in the 19th century the stadium was rebuilt in time for the 1896 Olympic Games. It held both the opening and closing ceremonies of the games, as well as being the venue for 4 of the 9 contested events. As of 2019, the Panathenaic stadium is still the only stadium in the world to be built entirely from marble.

Built in a horseshoe shape, the stadium has an external length of 268 metres and width of 34 metres. In the past the Panathenaic stadium had a maximum capacity of 80,000 spectators, but its current capacity is 45,000-50,000.

In our opinion it’s a simply unmissable spot to visit on any trip to Athens, thanks to the stadium’s significance in the history of the Olympic Games.

The Panathenaic Stadium was again used as a venue during the 2004 Olympic Games, hosting the archery as well as being the finish point for the marathon. Before every Olympics, the stadium hosts the handover ceremony for the Olympic flame to be passed from the previous host nation to the next one.

On top of this, it is still sometimes used for other sporting events, and during our visit in early 2019 there was a school sports day taking place in the stadium. Concerts also take place at the stadium, with R.E.M. and Depeche Mode having played there previously.

Tickets to visit the Panathenaic stadium cost €5, although students and seniors are able to gain entrance for a reduced rate of €2.50. Unlike some of the other attractions in Athens, entrance to the stadium costs the same rate throughout the year, and so it isn’t possible to visit for less during the winter months.

Entrance to the stadium includes a free audio guide as well as access to a museum with previous Olympic games posters, torches and more.

Philopappos Hill

Philopappos Hill is one of the best places to visit for sunset in Athens. Thanks to the hill’s central location, it’s the perfect spot to watch day turn to night as it provides wonderful views of both the Acropolis and the whole city.

The walk up isn’t too strenuous, and only takes around 15-minutes from bottom to top. At the top of the hill you will find the Philopappos monument – an ancient Greek mausoleum dedicated to Philopappus, a prince from the Kingdom of Commagene.

Although sunset is the best time to visit, it’s still a lovely place to see at any time of day thanks to the incredible views. If possible, it’s well worth planning your day so that you can be here for sunset. With a bit of luck you’ll be treated to a vibrant sky alongside the most stunning views of Athens and the Acropolis.

After nightfall the Acropolis illuminated, so make sure to wait until you see it lit up before descending the hill as it’s one of the things not to miss in Athens!

Lycabettus hill

At 277 metres above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens. Sometimes referred to as Mount Lycabettus, it’s a brilliant place to visit for sunset as you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the whole city.

Visiting the hill for sunset is definitely one of the best things to do in Athens at night. That being said, the stunning views mean it’s a brilliant spot to visit at any time of day.

There are two options to get to the top of Lycabettus Hill – take the funicular or walk. We personally opted to hike to the top during our visit, but as we visited early in the year it wasn’t too hot.

During the summer months walking can be particularly tough due to the heat, so make sure to stay well hydrated if you plan to walk up on a hot day! If it’s a really hot day then we suggest taking the funicular railway to the top.

A funicular is a kind of train used for going up and down steep inclines, making it an ideal way to get to the top of the hill. The Lycabettus Hill funicular costs €5 for a one-way journey or €7 for a return trip. It runs at least once every 30 minutes between 9am and 2.30am, and during peak times it sometimes runs as often as every 10 minutes.

Unfortunately the funicular runs inside a closed tunnel so you don’t get any views on the way up, but it isn’t long before you get to enjoy the views from the top!

If you’d prefer to walk to the top it isn’t too tough a walk. In total it took us around 30 minutes to reach the top from the nearby Evangelismos metro station. Although it can be fairly steep at times, if you have a moderate level of fitness the walk to the top should take no longer than an hour at most.

When at the top you can see why this made our list of one of the best places to visit in Athens as well as Greece!

Whichever way you choose to get to the top, there are a number of incredible viewpoints to enjoy. If you’re visiting at sunset we recommend being at the top at least half an hour before so that you can walk around and appreciate the different vantage points.

As sunset approaches the very top viewing platform of Lycabettus Hill can get extremely crowded, so it can be worth walking back down the hill slightly to find a quieter spot away from the crowds.

Located in the shadow of the Acropolis, Plaka is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Athens. It’s the oldest neighbourhood in the city and is made up of narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional tavernas and souvenir stores.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Neighbourhood of the Gods’, Plaka is a lovely area to wander around to soak up the atmosphere, both during the day and night.

One of the best places to visit is the tiny Anafiotika neighbourhood, located at the top of the hill in Plaka, despite being in the centre of Athens, the neighbourhood feels more like it belongs on one of the Greek islands.

It’s a very scenic and charming spot to visit, and is definitely one of the city’s hidden gems. Although Plaka itself can be over-commercialised at times, Anafiotika is a quiet and peaceful escape that’s well worth visiting.

Syntagma Square is the central square of modern day Athens. The square is easy to reach by public transport, with 2 of the city’s 3 metro lines stopping at Syntagma station. Due to the square’s central location, it’s common for it to get busy with a mix of both tourists and locals.

Directly adjacent to the square is the Greek Parliament Building, known as the Hellenic Parliament. One of the main things to do in Syntagma Square is to watch the changing of the guards at the parliament building.

The main changing of the guard ceremony in Athens, known as the Grand Change, takes place on Sundays at the parliament building. Many websites report that this takes place at 11am, but on our visit we arrived at around 10.30am to find it was already underway. We recommend arriving prior to 10.30am to ensure you’re there before the ceremony starts.

Thanks to the central location of Syntagma Square, many of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance. On top of that, there are a number of restaurants, bars and hotels nearby, making it a great area of the city to stay.

Monastiraki

Monastiraki is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Athens and is best-known for being one of the city’s main shopping districts. The best place to start your visit to the neighbourhood is Monastiraki square, which is home to the Tzistarakis Mosque and the Church of the Pantanassa. Like many squares in the city centre, it is a hub of activity and so can be quite busy.

In terms of shopping, the area is home to a mix of boutiques, souvenir shops and specialty stores. One of the best times to visit Monastiraki is during the Sunday flea market. As with most flea markets there is a mix of antiques and unique souvenirs as well as some junk you probably won’t be interested in at all!

If shopping isn’t really your thing then you may prefer to visit one of the rooftop bars near to Monastiraki Square. You can choose between A for Athens or 360 Cocktail Bar, both of which have wonderful views overlooking the Acropolis and the square. They’re great spots to enjoy a drink with some of the most memorable views in Athens.

The neighbourhood is easily accessible by Metro as the Monastiraki Metro station serves both lines 1 and 3. Close-by to the metro station you will find the ruins of Hadrian’s Library, which you are able to visit using the combined Acropolis ticket if you wish.

Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is one of the top tourist attractions and places to visit in Athens. It showcases a collection of artefacts found at the Acropolis and its surrounding slopes, dating from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.

The museum is built on top of an archaeological site, and so the floor is often transparent to allow visitors to see the ruins below, for those looking for a cultural thing to do in Athens this is one of the spots to visit!

Between 1st April and 31st October tickets to the Acropolis Museum cost €10 at full price or €5 at the reduced rate, and between 1st November and 31st March tickets are €5 or €3 at the reduced rate.

Tickets for the Acropolis Museum can be brought via Get Your Guide. 

One option is to purchase a skip-the-line ticket , and another is to book a guided tour of the museum to learn even more about the fascinating history!

Roman Agora

Just north of the Acropolis you will find the Roman Agora, which was the city’s market area whilst under Roman rule. Believed to be built during the 2nd or 1st Century BC, the Roman Agora is substantially smaller than the Ancient Agora, which means you don’t need to plan as long for your visit.

Much of the Roman Agora can be seen through fences without paying the entrance fee, but if you have the combined Acropolis ticket then entry is included and so it’s worth going in for a closer look. Points of interest in the Roman Agora include the Tower of the Winds, the Fethiye Mosque and the Gate of Athena Archegetis, which served as the entrance to the market.

If you want to visit but do not have a combined ticket then the entrance fee to the Roman Agora is €6 between 1st April and 31st October, and €3 outside of these months.

Athens Olympic Sports Complex

If you’re looking for places to go outside central Athens then we recommend visiting the Athens Olympic Sports Complex, also referred to as OAKA. The complex was used for the 2004 Olympic Games, and is home to the Main Olympic Stadium in Athens – not to be confused with the Panathenaic stadium.

Today the complex is largely unused and abandoned, although some locals do still use the area for jogging, rollerblading and more.

One of the main reasons to visit is the beautifully designed arches, which are perfect for wandering underneath and getting some brilliant photos too. It’s a nice spot to relax and it also gives you the chance to see the Main Olympic Stadium from the 2004 games.

The stadium is home to AEK Athens Football Club , and has previously hosted the Champions League Final in 2007, as well as concerts from the likes of U2, Michael Jackson and Bon Jovi.

The Olympic Sports Complex is easy to reach as you can take line 1 to the Irini metro station, which is located directly adjacent to the complex. In our opinion visiting the complex is one of the more interesting non touristy things to do in Athens.

Free Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a different way to discover the city then we recommend taking a free walking tour. These tours are a great chance to learn about the history of both Athens and Greece whilst you get a feel for the city.

Tours run every day at 9.30am, and can be booked by visiting the Athens free walking tour website. The length of tours can vary slightly depending on how many questions your group has, but normally they last around 2 to 2 and half hours.

Unfortunately we didn’t get chance to do the free walking tour in Athens, but we did do a similar one in Bucharest and we found it absolutely fascinating. The reviews of the Athens walking tour on TripAdvisor are great, so we’re sure this tour is one of the top things to do in Athens.

Although the tours are free, if you enjoy the tour and have enough money to give a tip then we recommend doing so. The guides are so passionate and knowledgeable about the city, so contributing even a small amount goes a long way to showing your appreciation for their hard work.

Day Trips from Athens

While there are some absolutely incredible places to visit and things to do in Athens itself, there are also a number of great day trips to take from the city. Greece has some wonderful islands and historical sites to visit, so if you have enough time during your trip we fully recommend seeing more than just Athens!

There are a number of islands that can be easily visited on day trips from Athens, including Hydra, Poros and Aegina. It’s possible to book ferries online in advance , or alternatively you can arrange them at the port in Piraeus.

Arranging it this way normally works out cheaper, but if you would like to visit multiple islands in one day then you can book a day tour with Get Your Guide. These tours visit Hydra, Poros and Aegina, allowing you to see a number of the beautiful islands in just one day!

Click here to check out the wonderful day tour to the islands on Get Your Guide! If a day trip is too rushed for you then you can arrange transport yourself and also choose to stay on one of the islands for a few days too.

Other brilliant day trip spots from Athens include Meteora, Delphi and the Temple of Poseidon. Meteora is a stunning rock formation home to a number of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries, which help to make it a truly magical place.

Delphi is home to some stunning ruins, including the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi amphitheatre. Finally, the Temple of Poseidon is a famous temple built between 444 BC and 440 BC, and is a truly beautiful place to visit at sunset.

Day trips to all these wonderful places and more can be arranged in advance through Get Your Guide. We recommend booking early for your trip so that the dates you want to visit don’t sell out!

Click here to see the amazing day trips available from Athens on Get Your Guide!

How to get to Athens city centre from the airport

There are good public transport links between Athens airport and the city centre, so you can either use the metro or take a bus. The cheaper option is to take the bus, which costs €6 one-way and takes around an hour to reach the city centre.

Buses from the airport will drop you off in Syntagma Square, which is ideal if you have a hotel around this area. If you’d prefer to take the metro then a one-way ticket to the city centre costs €10.

Alternatively, if you’re only staying for a few days you can buy a 3-day tourist ticket for €22. This ticket is valid for 72 hours from when you first validate it and allows unlimited metro use within the city centre, as well as a return journey from the airport.

If you plan to use the metro to get around during your stay then the 3-day Athens tourist ticket is very good value. The advantage of taking the metro to the city centre is that you can get off at the stop closest to your accommodation.

Athens has three metro lines, and the one running to the airport is metro line 3. If the stop you need is on another line then you can change at Monastiraki station for line 1 or Syntagma station for line 2. To find out more about the metro lines click here.

The final option is to take a taxi from Athens airport to the city centre. Unsurprisingly this is the most expensive option, but if you’re in a group then it can still work out as relatively good value if you split the cost.

Taxis from the airport to the city centre have a fixed rate fee and cost €38 from 5am to 12am or €54 from 12am to 5am. Taking a taxi from the airport is the quickest way to reach Athens city centre, so if you would prefer to get there quickly then it’s a good option.

Getting around Athens

If you’re staying in the city centre then you should be able to easily walk to places to visit in Athens like the Acropolis, Ancient Agora and Philopappos Hill.

During summer the city can get very hot, so you should make sure to drink plenty of water if you’re going to be walking around the city. It’s also worth considering other means of transport if you feel the weather is too hot to walk in.

Fortunately, Athens has a cheap and easy to use metro system , with 3 different lines running across the city. A 90-minute ticket for the metro costs €1.40, whereas a 24-hour ticket costs €4.50.

Both options are great value if you want to get around the city quickly. The metro system is extremely convenient if you’re staying outside of the city, as it means you can quickly reach the centre of Athens for less than €2.

Best time to visit Athens

The best time to visit Athens in terms of weather is during spring or autumn as it can get uncomfortably warm during the summer months. Temperatures in the city can exceed 35 degrees Celsius during summer, with average highs of 32 degrees Celsius in both July and August.

Visiting during spring or autumn also means the city should be less busy than during summer, so not only will it be a more bearable temperature, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the attractions without as many tourists!

If possible, try to avoid weekends if you’re only visiting for a few days, even during winter. The city will inevitably be more busy during weekends, especially if you visit during a holiday such as Easter.

When we visited Athens in winter 2019 we were pleasantly surprised with the weather. Although the nights were reasonably cold, some of the days were so warm it was comfortable enough to walk around in shorts and a t-shirt.

Of course the weather can vary, especially in winter, so visiting at this time is a bit of a gamble as it’s possible to get periods of rainy weather. Just a month before we visited Athens even saw some snowfall , which, although rare, is still possible in the city.

If the warm weather and crowds don’t bother you then summer is still a nice time to visit the city, but it’s important to make sure you have air conditioning in your accommodation if you visit at this time.

Where to stay in Athens

Zappion Hotel

The centrally located Zappion Hotel is one of the best budget options in Athens, located within walking distance of top attractions such as the Acropolis, Philopappos Hill and the lovely neighbourhood of Plaka.

Click here to book a stay at the budget friendly Zappion Hotel on Booking.com!

Athos Hotel

If you’re looking for a more comfortable stay then the Athos Hotel is a brilliant option, thanks to the beautiful rooftop terrace and well furnished rooms.

The hotel is brilliantly located just a 5-minute walk from Syntagma Square, which means you can easily explore Athens on foot. 

Click here to take a look at the wonderful Athos Hotel on Booking.com!

Treat yourself!

Electra Palace Hotel

The 5-star Electra Palace Hotel is one of the best hotels in Athens, largely thanks to its amazing rooftop pool with views of the Acropolis. Rooms at the property are comfortable and luxurious, and all the amenities and facilities you need are readily available throughout your stay.

To top if off, the hotel is centrally located so you never have to venture too far to discover the city’s attractions. 

Click here to book a stay at the incredible Electra Palace Hotel on Booking.com!

Looking for more information on where to stay? Click here to read our in depth guide to the best places to stay in Athens!

Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!

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Top 10 Places to Visit in Athens, Greece

Here are the landmarks, archaeological sites, and neighborhoods that no one should miss during their trip to Athens.

There is a rumor circulating around flight crews that the most beautiful city from above is no other than Athens. Its hilly landscape features vast olive groves, palm tree-lined coastal avenues, and urban neighborhoods sprawling across the Attican peninsula. The sight is breathtaking. Upon landing, however, visitors are met with a surprising realization: this European capital is profoundly different from the slow-paced, traditional Greek countryside.

There are so many things to see and countless more events to attend. The quirky architecture and urban planning, the growing population that exceeds three million people, and the wide list of “must-sees” can be overwhelming. To save you some time, here is a curated list of the top ten places to visit in Athens (also read this article for our list of Athens’ must-visit museums).

1. The Acropolis Hill

Although Athens has at least seven hills of historical significance, the most prominent is the Acropolis — the acro (high) of the polis (city). The limestone rock is more than a citadel. Since antiquity, it has been a major religious site and the epicenter of the infamous Periclean building program.

Taking place during Greece’s classical era , the program involved the construction of marvelous temples made of Pentelic marble. The temples were dedicated to ancient Greek deities, with the most prominent one, the Parthenon , being associated with the goddess Athena , the patroness of the city. Other temples include but are not limited to the Erechtheion, the Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus, and the Temple of Athena Nike.

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Today, the Acropolis Hill is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece. Although it is no longer an active site for religious ceremonies, it stands as a symbol of Greece’s Classical Era. After all, Athens is known as the “cradle of Western civilization”, and its main landmark, the Parthenon, stands as a universal symbol of the ideas and values of the West.

Situated at the heart of the city, the Acropolis Hill can be reached by following the iconic Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, near the Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis metro station. Children under five and young European citizens can enter the site for free, whereas regular tickets cost around 20€, depending on the season. On certain Sundays and selected dates, all visitors can enter the sight for free.

2. Plaka and Anafiotika 

Surrounding the Acropolis Hill, visitors can find two of the most picturesque neighborhoods of Athens. The streets and low-rise houses of Plaka and Anafiotika are commonly found on postcards from Athens. Thanks to the limited car access to the area, both neighborhoods offer a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Although their names are often used interchangeably to describe the northeastern area surrounding Acropolis Hill, the two neighborhoods have their own distinct character and charm.

Plaka is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Athens, recognized for its neoclassical buildings , iconic art cafes, outdoor cinemas, and numerous souvenir shops. Visitors are encouraged to walk around its narrow pathways and explore what the neighborhood has to offer. Through doing this they can discover various galleries and lesser-known museums, such as the Frissiras Museum .

Due to the large number of tourists that gather around Acropolis Hill, it is not uncommon to come across various tourist traps in Plaka. However, exploring the neighborhood is a must when visiting Athens for the first time.

Anafiotika is a distinct neighborhood within Plaka that can be reached via Prytaneiou Street, right behind the Byzantine Church of St. Nikolaos Ragavas . Contrary to the elegant neoclassical buildings of Plaka, with their distinct ornate pediments and symmetrical facades, the houses of Anafiotika exude a rural ambiance. After a long walk up and down the alleyways leading to the neighborhood, visitors often feel as if they entered a portal to the Cyclades.

Constructed in the late 19th century by the builders of the Royal Palace of Athens (currently known as the Hellenic Parliament), Anafiotika is an islanding enclave within Athens. Locals and visitors distinguish it from its white-washed cube houses, outlined flagstone alleyways, and vibrant bougainvillea planters, all characteristics of the Cycladic architecture. That is because its first residents originated from the island of Anafi — hence the name “Anafiotika.”

3. Syntagma and 4. The National Gardens 

After visiting the Acropolis Hill, Plaka, and Anafiotika, travelers often find themselves in the less touristy parts of Athens. Just one subway stop away from Akropoli, there is Syntagma Square, one of the most common meeting places for Athenians. Right there, visitors can admire the Hellenic Parliament and the former Royal Palace of Athens. They can also witness the change of the guards in front of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier that stands nearby.

A few steps away from Syntagma Square, a green oasis awaits those who seek a break from the concrete jungle that is the center of Athens. You will recognize it by the tall palm trees that invite the visitor to enter its green iron gates. The National Gardens of Athens were designed by the German agronomist Friedrich Schmidt in 1840, following the request of the first queen of Greece, Amalia of Oldenburg . Known initially as the “Royal Gardens,” the park includes ponds, a zoo with small animals, and a great variety of plants from all around the world. Those who are lucky can witness non-endemic birds, such as exotic green parrots, flying from tree to tree. It is not clear whether those birds were released there by Schmidt himself or if they somehow found their way to the Gardens by other means. The sighting, however, is truly remarkable.

The park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset and entry is free of charge. Since the area is guarded by security, the National Gardens are considered a very safe place for locals and tourists alike.

5. Zappeion

Right next to the National Gardens, visitors can see one of the oldest conferences and exhibition centers of Greece. Zappeion (Megaro) is a palatial building following the neoclassical architectural movement. It was used as the main fencing hall during the 1896 Summer Olympics and as an Olympic Village in 1906.

Apart from the palatial buildings, visitors can admire the beautiful Zappeion Gardens that surround the area. The park includes a playground for children and 2400 square meters of atriums and patios. Contrary to the National Gardens, the Gardens of Zappeion are less dense and people can freely enter and exit at any time of the day. For this exact reason, it is advised to avoid visiting the area late at night.

6. Temple of Olympian Zeus  

Another important landmark of the city of Athens is the Temple of Olympian Zeus , or simply, Olympieion. Situated right next to the southwestern part of Zappeion, its remains stand as a reminder of the city’s rich past. The temple was laid by the Athenian tyrants in the 6th century BCE on the site of an older outdoor sanctuary of Zeus . More than 600 years later, the Roman emperor Hadrian extended the structure by adding 104 colossal columns. Today, visitors can see 16 of them, since the original structure was hit by barbarian invasions and natural disasters.

7. Panathenaic Stadium 

Less than ten minutes on foot from Zappeion and the Olympieion, there is another important Athenian landmark. The Panathenaic Stadium, or Kallimarmaro, is an open-air U-shaped stadium that has been hosting several athletic competitions and cultural events for centuries. Made entirely out of marble, it is distinguished for its impressive design. Initially, it was made out of limestone and was later reconstructed by Herodes Atticus in 144 CE, who envisioned it as a marble structure. In modern times, the stadium held the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1896 Olympic Games, as well as several more athletic competitions.

8. The Ancient Agora of Athens

Moving away from the Panathenaic Stadium towards the northwestern part of central Athens, visitors can enter the ancient market (agora) of the city. The Agora was in fact more than a business area. Athenians would discuss politics, and many great ideas were born in this exact location. The Agora was also the meeting point of sculptors and marble workers, such as Phidias , Alcamenes, and Praxiteles.

Today, visitors can enter the Agora and its Museum from 8 AM to 6 PM from Adrianou Street, just a few minutes away from Monastiraki Square. The temple of Hephaestus and other important landmarks are enclosed within the archaeological site of the Agora. Ticket prices vary from 5€ to 10€, while there are many free admission days during the year.

9. Kerameikos Cemetery 

Within a short walking distance from the Ancient Agora, there is the archaeological site of Kerameikos and the homonymous Museum. Dating back to the early bronze age, it showcases part of the ancient necropolis of Athens, bringing forgotten rituals to light. At first glance, the site resembles a regular park. Upon paying close attention, visitors will notice monumental graves, statues, and wall ruins.

Moreover, the Museum of Kerameikos sheds more light on the religious beliefs of ancient Athenians. For example, recent archaeological findings from the area stand as proof that the local population would use the dead in occult practices even during the Classical Era. Curse tablets would be buried in freshly dug tombs with the hope that the deceased would carry them to Hades , where the goddess of witchcraft, Hecate , resided.

The entrance to Kerameikos is in close proximity to Thision metro station, right at the pedestrian part of Ermou Street. Ticket prices vary from 4€ to 8€, while there are many free admission days during the year, including the 28th of October.

10. The Pnyx

Although Athens has many historical hills, most travelers are unable to visit all of them during their trip. Apart from the Acropolis, another important Athenian Hill is the Pnyx . Since 507 BC, ancient Athenians would gather on this rocky hill to attend the ekklesia (assembly) and discuss politics. Important figures such as Pericles and Demosthenes have delivered historical orations on that site, which visitors can freely access by following different alleyways in the historical center.

Visiting the site does not only offer a breathtaking view of Athens and the Acropolis, but it also allows travelers to see the first bema (speaker’s platform) to have ever existed at the birthplace of Democracy . The hill is open to the public at all hours of the day and night and there are no admission fees. The easiest and fastest way to get there is by following the alleyway that starts from the Doridis Observatory all the way up to the Nymphs Hill. The exact spot of the bema can be reached within 15 minutes from the train station of Thisio.

7 Museums to Visit in Athens

By Marialena Perpiraki MSc. Media & Convergence, BA Communication, Media & Culture Marialena is a journalist and content writer with an interest in comparative mythology and folklore. She holds a BA in Communications, Media & Culture from Panteion University of Athens and an MSc. in Media & Convergence Management from AAU, Austria. She is the creator of the cross-media platform Helinika.

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Classical Greece: The Golden Era (ca. 480–323 B.C.)

Planning Your Trip To Athens, Greece: 14 Must-See Locations

V isiting Athens, Greece, is a bucket-list trip for many people. Athens was the at the heart of the ancient Greek empire, and the city played an important part in the development of democracy, philosophy, literature, art, theatre, and mathematics. In this guide, we'll show you some of the most renown places of ancient Athens, and hopefully give you some ideas for planning your trip itinerary.

1. Parthenon Atop The Acropolis

Dominating the Acropolis, the Parthenon stands as the epitome of ancient Greek architecture. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, its colossal structure is a testament to classical design and a must-see for any visitor. The Acropolis ticket grants access to this architectural marvel along with other significant sites in the vicinity.

2. Theater of Dionysus

Carved into the southern slope of the Acropolis, the Theater of Dionysus witnessed the birth of Greek tragedy. You can still see the well-preserved stone seats and stage, where works by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides once came to life.

3. Temple of Nike

Located on on the southwestern side of the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena Nike is a small yet elegant structure celebrating Greek victory in war. Its graceful Ionic columns and friezes capture the essence of Athenian triumphs in battle.

4. Erechtheion

Dedicated to Athena and Poseidon, the Erechtheion on the northern side of the Acropolis boasts a unique design featuring the Caryatid Porch, adorned with intricately carved female statues.

5. Propylaia

Located at the entrance to the Acropolis, the Propylaia combines Doric and Ionic architecture to create a dramatic introduction to this sacred Greek site. Visitors will walk through this masterful structure at the beginning and end of their Acropolis journey.

6. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Devoted to the king of the gods, Zeus, the colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus features towering Corinthian columns, once making it the largest temple in ancient Greece. You can easily combine a visit to this site with the nearby Arch of Hadrian to see two impressive places at one time.

7. Panathenaic Stadium

Constructed entirely in marble, the Panathenaic Stadium hosted both ancient and modern Olympic Games. It's a wonderful place to visit with kids as you can explore the entire structure and run where the athletes competed. Channel your inner Olympian by climbing its stairs, exploring athlete tunnels, and standing on the historic podiums.

8. Agora of Ancient Athens

The Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient city of Athens, offers a glimpse into daily life, serving as a hub for political, commercial, and cultural affairs. You can wander through this open-air park archeological and discover many amazing ruins, such as the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus. Learn more about the Agora Of Ancient Athens here .

9. Temple of Hephaestus

Nestled within the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus is a well-preserved Doric temple dedicated to the god of craftsmanship. Its harmonious proportions and intricate friezes, capture the essence of ancient Greek artistry. The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best preserved ancient Greek temples in existence, and you can walk right up to it!

10. Stoa of Attalos

Once a vibrant hub for social and commercial activities, the Stoa of Attalos now houses a museum within the Ancient Agora. The gorgeous long colonades, sculptures, and busts give you a true feel for what the building would have looked like 2,500 years ago. The museum is filled with amazing relics like figurines, sculptures, vases, and other items.

11. Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos

As the burial ground for Athens in antiquity, the Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos unveils tombs, monuments, and remnants that offer a glimpse into ancient Greek burial practices.

12. National Archaeological Museum

The incredible National Archeological Museum has an extensive collection of artifacts spanning various periods of Greek history. At the Museum you can see exquisite sculptures, ancient pottery, gold jewelry, and renowned works like the Antikythera Mechanism and the golden Mask Of Agamemnon. See more about our visit here .

13. Arch of Hadrian

Erected in honor of Roman Emperor Hadrian, the Arch of Hadrian stands as a tangible link between ancient Athens and the new city. The Arch is next to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and both can be visited in one trip. You can walk up under the Arch, so it's a perfect place for that Athens selfie!

14. Roman Agora

The Roman Agora served as a marketplace during the Roman period. Prominent ruins are the Tower of the Winds, a clocktower and a weather vane. You can easily explore this archaeological site, situated between the Greek Agora and the Parthenon, as part of a day-long excursion around the Plaka District.

Visiting Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece is filled with so many historical and archaeological wonders. Plan your visit around the major attractions and add smaller destinations as side trips. Be sure to stay somewhere downtown so you are close to many of the places outlined above. The Plaka District is a popular touristy neighborhood and is close to most things. Some locations, like the National Archeological Museum can be reached via a short Uber ride. Be sure to dress for the weather as most landmarks are outside. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do some walking. Some locations require you purchase a ticket, and more popular places, like the Parthenon, will be crowded certain times of the year.

To learn more, you can read our full article here .

Related posts:

How To Plan A Trip To Europe For Your Family

What’s Up With The Cats In Athens, Greece?

Choosing Between Plaka Hotels & Rentals: Where Our Family Stayed In The Heart of Athens

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Home » Europe » Athens

11 BEST Places to Visit in Athens (2024)

Athens is not only the capital of modern-day Greece, but also the birth of western civilization. When visiting the city, you’ll see constant reminders of this with remnants of buildings that date to way before the time of Jesus Christ!

It can be hard to know where to start when exploring Athens, as there are so many cultural and historical attractions. That’s where we come in. We’ve put together this list of the best places to visit in Athens – a mixture of cool cultural landmarks and quirky attractions that will help you get the best out of your holiday!

Our list has more than enough places to visit in Athens in 3 days, you could probably stay in the city for a week without getting bored!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Athens:

These are the best places to visit in athens, faq on the best places to visit in athens, final thoughts.

Many describe Gazi as the new cafe and restaurant district and others simply utilize it as an affordable base from which to explore Athens. Whichever camp you’re in, there’s a whole load going on…

• Visit the Technopolis (former gas works) where you can catch outdoor shows, concerts, exhibitions and pop-up galleries
• Explore streets Iakou, Persephonis, Dekeleon and Voutado for cool cafes that turn into bars after sundown
• Eat at The Butcher Shop – here you can tuck into grilled meats and traditional souvlaki

Before you hit the ground running on this adventure hot on the tail of the supersonic Hermes, keep in mind that Athens is a diverse city with loads of great accommodation spread all over the map. We’ve condensed this down for you so be sure to check out where to stay in Athens before you embark!

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#1 – Acropolis of Athens – One of Athens’ coolest historical sites

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• Top of everyone’s Athens itinerary!
• Home to some of the world’s most archaeological and historically significant buildings
• See where democracy was established

Why it’s awesome: The Acropolis of Athens is a citadel perched upon a rocky hill at the top of the Greek capital. It is without a doubt the most important landmark in Athens, possibly even the whole of Greece! According to UNESCO, who listed it as a World Heritage site, it’s the most beautiful architectural complex from Greek antiquity. There’s more than enough in the Acropolis to spend a few days wandering around and exploring. Just beware it can get extremely hot and it’s uncovered, so take adequate sun protection and wear comfortable clothes!

What to do there: There’s a long list of things to do at this Athens must-see attraction. First on your list should be the 5 th century BC Parthenon Temple. It’s a beautifully preserved temple and a key point of interest in Athens and the Acropolis. The Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike are other important temples in the Acropolis, while the Theatre of Dionysius at the foot of the hill is worth a visit too. Before or after you explore the citadel, take a walk around the Acropolis museum to learn more about this incredible archaeological site. If you really can’t get enough of this place, stay in an Airbnb nearby with a view of the acropolis!

#2 – Mount Lycabettus

• Enjoy woods and nature in the centre of Athens
• Take the funicular up to the top for fab views of the city
• Boasts one of the coolest places to eat in Athens

Why it’s awesome: Another hill in the Greek capital and another cool place to visit. Rather than being famed for its manmade wonders, the highest point in Athens is covered in Pine forests which are a cool and refreshing walk option on a hot summer’s day! If a walk sounds like too much hard work, there’s a funicular train on the hill too. That’ll take the strain off your legs while still allowing you to enjoy the stunning views all the way down to the ocean! Don’t miss this awesome Athens hotspot. See if you can spot your hostel from the top, as there are many great hostels to stay in , in Athens located around the area.

What to do there: There’s a whole host of things to do at one of the coolest landmarks in Athens. As we’ve already mentioned, a walk or taking the funicular is a great way to enjoy the views on the way up and at the top of the hill. Not only that, atop the hill is one of the best places to eat in the capital. Stunning views at twilight with delicious local and traditional food is an unforgettable way to spend an evening. Especially if you’re looking for something romantic to do as a couple, you’ll want to add this to your Athens itinerary !

#3 – Panathenaic Stadium

• Visit the world’s only stadium entirely carved of marble
• The site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896
• Still hosts live events such as concerts!

Why it’s awesome: You can’t travel to Athens without knowing it’s the birthplace of the modern Olympic games. And what’s better than seeing the original stadium, and the only one in the world made completely of white marble?! The stadium’s history goes way further back than that though. There were sporting events dating back to before Christ taking place on the land now occupied by the stadium! As well as being a proud sporting achievement, it was the first place to play the modern Olympic Hymn. The Panethenaic Stadium also had a place in the Athens Olympic Games in 2004!

What to do there: Walk around the stadium and take in the impressive architecture of the world’s only marble stadium. If you’re travelling to Greece in November, see athletes make it over the finish line of the city’s marathon! Nowadays, the Panthenaic Stadium isn’t just used for sporting events, but it’s a concert venue. So, if you’re running low on Athens vacation ideas, check out who’s playing. Maybe you’ll get to see one of your favourite artists in an unforgettable and amazing location!

#4 – National Garden, Athens – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Athens

• Take a walk through the National Garden
• See native and exotic plants
• Explore ancient ruins of columns and mosaics

Why it’s awesome: Just over the road from the Panathenaic Stadium, the National Garden is another of the most famous places in Athens. Not only can you enjoy native and exotic plants, but there are tortoise and terrapin ponds in the garden too! If you’re planning on walking from Mets to Kolonaki, then this is one of the prettiest routes you can take. Exploring the gardens is a perfect way to spend half a day when visiting Athens, and it’s popular with tourists and locals alike!

What to do there: The beauty of the national garden is that you can make it suit your style. So, if you want to spend a few hours reading a book in the shade, no problem. Want to learn about the 7,000+ species of plants and trees in the park? You can do that too. There’s even a children’s library to keep the kids entertained! Oh, and if you have a jogging or running routine that you want to keep up on your holidays, there’s nowhere better to exercise than this gorgeous place!

#5 – The Old Madrasa of Athens – One of the more unique places to visit in Athens!

• See the remains of some of Athens’ darker times
• Located in one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Athens – Plaka
• Great for a short break between other activities

Why it’s awesome: So, one of the more unusual things to do in Athens is visiting the Old Madrasa. It’s not something that will take a day or even half a day, but don’t let that put you off. The Madrasa is more modern than most of the ruins in Athens, dating back just 300 years. It’s practically brand new by the standards here! A remain of Ottoman rule, this became one of the most feared and terrifying prisons in the Greek capital. Few who entered left, with many either being sold to slavery, tortured, or hanged from the ‘hangman’s tree.’

What to do there: Nowadays, the Madrasa is an interesting place to take a walk and see what’s left. The key part is the doorway that led many a prisoner, student, or condemned person to their fate. You can also see the remains of the walls that held the prisoners in! The Plane Tree where so many were executed from can’t be seen though – that was destroyed by a lightning strike in 1919. It’s good to combine visiting the Madrasa with some of Athens’ other cool landmarks, like the Roman Agora.

#6 – Syntagma Square

• See the Old Royal Palace of Athens
• Explore Athens’ central and biggest square
• Great place for people watching with a coffee!

Why it’s awesome: Syntagma Square is the centre of Athens and a very important place! Translated into English, Syntagma means Consitution, and it’s where the first King of Greece, Otto, granted that in the 19 th century. Nowadays, it’s the base of the Greek parliament and where you’ll find the country’s royal palace. That’s not all though, Syntagma Square is a top Athens hotspot, with plenty of restaurants, nightlife, and accommodation here! In fact, most of the city’s 5 star hotels are based around the outside of the square. It’s a great place to eat, although do be wary of tourist pricing!

What to do there: Around the outside of Syntagma Square, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for half a day. Such a large number of cafes with outside seating are the perfect place to enjoy a drink, a book, or just watch the world go by! It may sound weird, but the square’s metro station is worth a visit too. Why on earth is that?! Well, when digging the foundations of the station, workers discovered one of the largest archaeological discoveries in Athens! So, when walking through the station, some of that is on display!

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#7 – Temple of Hepaesthus and the Agora of Athens – One of the most underrated places to see in Athens!

• Visit one of the best-preserved Greek temples in the world
• One of the earliest and best examples of a marketplace
• Another of the most famous landmarks in Athens

Why it’s awesome: Since these two are so close, we’ve put them in together. Temple of Hepaesthus is the perfect place to visit before or after a visit to the Ancient Agora. Among all the beautiful places in Greece , this one often gets overlooked. It’s a mystery as to why though, considering this is one of the most complete in the city! Head on to the Agora, where minimal restoration has taken place so that you can imagine how the ancient marketplace was in the glory days of Ancient Greece!

What to do there: As well as visiting the Temple of Hepaesthus, there are a few things to keep you entertained for at least half a day here. Another impressive building that has been beautifully preserved is the Stoa of Attalos. This building comes from the Hellenistic Period. At the Agora, you can learn about how it was important through the eras of not only Ancient Greece but Roman and Byzantine too!

#8 – Kerameikos Cemetery – A nice quiet place to visit in Athens

• Visit a cemetery that remained undiscovered for over 2,000 years
• A beautiful spot that tourists often don’t get round to visiting
• One of the more unusual things to do in Athens

Why it’s awesome: The stunningly beautiful Kerameikos Cemetery is a victim of a city that has so many archaeological sites! Often overlooked for more glamorous sites like the Ancient Agora or the Acropolis, you may be lucky enough to get this cool place almost to yourself. Especially if you’re not visiting in the high season! The cemetery is dedicated to Keramos, the son of Dionysius. He was the hero of potters, and that’s where the Latinised word ceramic comes from!

What to do there: You might think that fewer tourists come here because it hasn’t been worked on. Well, you’d be wrong! As well as the beautifully preserved cemetery, there’s a museum too. And yep, you guessed it, it’s dedicated to pottery. Once you’ve finished at Kermeikos, head to one of the cool local spots nearby. Some of the best places to eat in Athens can be found nearby in the Psiri and Gazi districts. There’s a hammam nearby too, where you can enjoy a relaxing Turkish bath!

#9 – Technopolis – A fascinating educational place to visit in Athens

• Visit one of Europe’s best live industrial museums
• See an autonomous and self-reliant community
• A cool point of interest in Athens

Why it’s awesome: There are plenty of museums in Athens, but for the average person, there is only so much you can learn about ruins and archaeology before you start to get a little bored. If you’re looking to enjoy a spot of culture and something educational, this is the perfect alternative. Technopolis is located in the old gas factory in Athens but has been transformed into one of the city’s most artistic and intriguing cultural centres. Visit here to see a different side of the Greek capital’s history and culture!

What to do there: This charming place is often seen as a factory of art. However, it’s not just art that you can enjoy here! As a live autonomous community, you can see carpenters, mechanics, and barbershops working here. It’s a closed community and a tourist attraction at the same time! Check out Technopolis’ events programme to see what cool things are happening when you travel to Athens. Poetry readings, art exhibitions, and concerts are just the start!

#10 – Agia Dynami – Quite the quirky place in Athens

• Visit this tiny Byzantine Church which is surrounded by an entire building!
• Learn this little building’s fascinating history
• One of the more unusual attractions in Athens!

Why it’s awesome: This charming little church has plenty of character and is worth making a detour to when you’re in the centre! It’s a Greek Orthodox Church dating back to the 16 th century, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The quaint little church is actually a shrine for pregnant women, who can go to pray for a safe delivery. The most interesting thing about it though, is that it’s surrounded on all 4 sides by another building! It’s also on the original sites of a temple dedicated to Heracles!

What to do there: If you’re a pregnant woman, then this church is set up for you! However, if you don’t want to pray for your own safe delivery it’s still a really cool place to pop in and take a look. It’s almost entirely surrounded by the five star Electra Metropolis hotel, so if you’re staying there you literally can’t miss it! If you do plan to visit Agia Dynami, make sure you dress appropriately. Usually covering below the knee is enough, but to be on the safe side it’s probably best to wear jeans or long trousers.

#11 – Polignotou – A great place to visit in Athens at night!

• Be led by the glowing light of the Acropolis above
• Feel as though you’re in Ancient Athens
• Enjoy a magical movie at the open-air cinema

Why it’s awesome: Polignotou is the street which leads to the Acropolis, and a leisurely stroll from Thissio to Plaka at night is an ideal spot for a romantic walk, or just to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s almost always quiet, and you’ll just be guided by the moonlight and the lights of the ancient Acropolis! When you reach your destination of Plaka, you can find some of the best places to eat in Athens.

What to do there: Of course, sometimes a walk just isn’t enough to keep you entertained. Something that will make for an unforgettable evening though is watching a movie at Thissio open-air cinema. Not only are you under the stars, but you’re also in the shadow of the Acropolis and the iconic Parthenon. There are a number of other open-air cinemas in Athens too, so if sitting under the stars in relative warmth appeals to you, you’re certainly in the right city!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Athens

What is Athens famous for?

Athens is famous for its historical routes and their contributions to world politics. It also has important historical monuments, such as the Acropolis.

What is the best place to visit in Athens beside the Acropolis?

The Panathenaic Stadium is definitely my second favourite place to visit in Athens after the Acropolis. It’s extremely rare to see a full Roman stadium in all its glory, so definitely check this one out.

Is Athens a safe place to visit?

Athens is considered a safe city for tourists, but you do hear about the occasional muggings in crowded places or on the metro.

Is Athens expensive?

Athens is not expensive as long as you learn to budget and make wise money-saving decisions. Read our guide to ‘ Is Greece Expensive? ‘ for some tips.

So, that concludes our list of the best places to visit in Athens. We hope this has been a useful and informative list which has also given you an idea of the best neighbourhoods and places to stay in Athens too!

Whatever you want from your break in the Greek capital – you’re bound to find it here. Fascinating architectural treasures, great food and nightlife, and some cool and unusual attractions, it’s all hidden there somewhere under the shadow of the Acropolis.

Hopefully, our list doesn’t just show you the best places to visit in Athens but also offers you the opportunity to stay in the city and see it like a local. If you’re passionate about travel, there’s no way that you’ll not have a fantastic time in Athens.

Worried about spending too much money on the Island? We’ve put together some tips and tricks in your Greece Travel costs guide . Be sure to check it out!

Athens? Completed it mate! If you’re looking for more stuff to do, check out the amazing day trips from Athens you can do too.

Alright, we’ve said enough – Enjoy your trip!

Mathilde Magnier

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20 free things to do in Athens this summer

If you are traveling to Athens this summer and on a budget, don’t worry, there are plenty of fun sights to see and activities to participate in that are free. Kathimerini English Edition has compiled a broad list of free things to do in the city.

If you are traveling to Athens this summer and on a budget, don’t worry, there are plenty of fun sights to see and activities to participate in that are free. Kathimerini Engish Edition has compiled a broad list of free things to do in the city.

Whether you are a history buff, love sightseeing, or simply want to sit back and watch a movie, this list has got you covered.

Ancient Monuments 

• Stop by the Arch of Hadrian. It’s the perfect spot to take cool photos to share with friends and family.
• Watch the ceremonial changing of the guard at the Hellenic Parliament building in Syntagma Square.
• Visit Kallimarmaro ! Take a walk around the Kallimarmaro stadium where the first modern Olympic games were held in 1896.
• Go to the Acropolis, one of the world’s most recognizable monuments of the ancient world. Children and young people up to the age of 25, from EU member-states, are entitled to free entry, upon presentation of their ID card or passport for verification of their age and country of origin.
• Walk up Lycabettus Hill , the city’s highest point, to get a beautiful view of Athens.
• Admire the white-colored cottages and winding alleys at Anafiotika in Plaka.
• Philopappos Hill offers great views of the Acropolis and the city. It’s a perfect spot for a hike or a picnic. 

Arts and Activities 

• Exercise in Fokianos sports park : use the free exercise machines in Zappeion Neighborhood. While you are there, consider visiting Zappeion Hall.
• Art Walk in Psiri: Take a stroll through the neighborhood of Psiri and enjoy the street art. 
• Visit the Current Athens website and check out the free art exhibitions around the city.
• Run or cycle for free at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA).
• Travel to Glyfada or Kavouri Beach for a day of fun and relaxation by the Aegean Sea. 

Walking Activities and Traditional Greek Sightings

• Stroll through Monastiraki Flea Market. The market is a sight to behold as the street is covered with street vendors selling intriguing items.
• Wander through the historic neighborhood of Plaka whose charming atmosphere is sure to leave you inspired and content.  
• Visit Varvakios Agora to experience a traditional Greek market.
• Walk through Exarchia, a neighborhood known for its edgy aesthetic and anarchist history. The area was the site of the 1973 student uprising against the Greek dictatorship and a vibrant space for free thinking and mutual aid networks.
• Visit the National Garden near Syntagma Square. Take a peaceful walk or simply stand back and admire the greenery. 

Museums and Cultural Centers 

• Visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center : Enjoy the park and the free events often held there.
• Benaki Museum of Greek Culture has free admission on Thursday (6 pm to 12 am).
• Watch an outdoor film: participate in the Athens 14th Open air film festival at different locations each week.

Irene Anastasiadis is a summer intern at Kathimerini English Edition and a master’s student at Boston University.

Achilles Frangos is a summer intern at Kathimerini English Edition and a third-year college student at Columbia University.

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