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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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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

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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Touropia Travel

Discover the World

22 Top Tourist Attractions in Athens

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Athens is a sprawling city established among seven historic hills and surrounded by remarkable mountains. Inhabited for more than 3,000 years, Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Consisting of a large city center, an urban district and metropolitan area, Athens presents a confusing blend of historical and modern features.

The city is famous for its archaeological ruins and monuments. However, Athens is not just about ancient ruins. This bustling city is also an important center for culture, nightlife and sports. An overview of the top tourist attractions in Athens .

22. Theatre of Dionysus

Travelers who are mad about theatre won’t want to miss the Theatre of Dionysus, the oldest theatre in Greece. Many of the most famous ancient Greek comedies and tragedies debuted on the stage here. The theatre, originally a temple built in the sixth century BC, is dedicated to Dionysus, the god of merriment and wine.

Cut into a cliff on the Acropolis, the theatre could seat 17,000 people. It has been continuously remodeled over the centuries. The best views of the Theatre of Dionysus, usually credited as the birthplace of European theatre, can be seen from higher up on the Acropolis.

21. Byzantine and Christian Museum

The glories of Greek Orthodox Christianity await visitors to the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens. The museum is chock full of more than 25,000 artifacts relating to Grecian artifacts from approximately the third to the 20th centuries.

The exhibits include artifacts from regions where Hellenism took root, and covers the Byzantium, post-Byzantium, medieval and early Christian periods. Some of its holdings are rare, including collections of pottery, manuscripts, fabrics and frescoes. It has one of the largest collections of Byzantine art in the world. The museum has a collection of marble and limestone slabs and icons.

20. Roman Agora

Centuries ago, shoppers may have rubbed shoulders with the likes of Julius Caesar and Augustus since they helped fund the Roman Agora. In contrary to the Ancient Agora which it replaced, it had a purely commercial character. The Roman Agora was built during the waning years of the first century BC when Greece was part of the Roman Empire.

The new agora featured a large open space surrounded by colonnades and columns; shops were inside these borders. The 12-meter (40-foot) Tower of Wind, just east of the Roman market, features reliefs of the eight winds with a sundial underneath each.

19. Museum of Cycladic Art

What started out in the 1960s as two people acquiring artifacts associated with Greece’s Cyclades Islands resulted in a world-class collection of Cycladic art. The Museum of Cycladic Art opened in 1986 featuring more than 3,000 artifacts and figures created between 3300 and 1100 BC on the Aegean Sea archipelago.

Some of the marble figurines are lifelike in size. The statues feature nude people in an abstract or simple style and are said to have influenced 20th century artists such as Modigliani and Brancusi. Some artifacts are in groups such a heroes and gods to better give a picture of ancient Greek civilization.

18. Philopappos Hill

The Acropolis may be the most famous hill in Athens, but Philopappos Hill isn’t far behind. It also has an ancient history. Ancient Greeks believed the nine muses lived there and eventually named the hill after a monument to Philopappos, a Roman senator who is considered a benefactor of Athens.

At 147 meters (482 feet) high, it offers great views of the Acropolis and the rest of Athens. To the south, the Aegean Sea can be seen on a clear day. Philopappos is buried in a marble tomb in 115 AD at the highest point on the hill.

17. Temple of Athena Nike

There’s something indescribably graceful about the Temple of Athena Nike that has been standing in a prominent spot on the Acropolis since 420 BC. Athena was the goddess of war and wisdom. Nike is the Greek word for victory.

It was at this temple the ancient Greeks prayed for victory in a war against Sparta. The temple was destroyed in the 17th century during a war between the Venetians and the Turks, but was rebuilt. It’s famous for a “wet drapery” (a type of sculpture in which “fabric” drapes over a nude body) of Nike adjusting her sandal.

16. Anafiotika

Ruins aren’t the only things worth visiting in Athens. In-between the ancient and the sparkling new lies Anafiotika, an old neighborhood that is worth a wander. This picturesque slice of Athens can be found below the Acropolis and just north of the historic neighborhood of Plaka.

Anafiotika was built by workers from the Cyclade island of Anafi in the 1860s on the order of King Otto I. Many of the houses were destroyed in the 1950s for archeological digs, but 45 of the original houses remain. The houses feature Cycladic style architecture, reminiscent of that found on the Greek Islands. The modest houses are still inhabited and many are decorated with colorful bougainvillea.

15. Benaki Museum

The Benaki Museum, housed in the Benaki family’s former mansion, is home to an outstanding collection of art representing various stages of Greek culture. Its holdings include 120,000 works of art starting in prehistoric times and ending today. With 181,000 books, it is Greece’s largest Muslim library, though they are housed in one of the museum’s four satellite facilities.

The museum also has an extensive collection of Asian art. The museum started in 1934 when the Benakis donated 37,000 Islamic and Byzantine objects. Other donations over the years have made the Benaki Museum one of Greece’s top museums.

14. National Garden

In the heart of Athens, the National Garden provides a green oasis for sunny afternoon trips. The Royal Garden has a private garden for the Royal Palace, which is now the Parliament Building. The Public Garden was established in 1923. This is a quiet and peaceful place away from the bustling city with a gorgeous green

Statues decorate the gardens as well as flowerbeds and small ruins of antiquity. The gardens of Zappeion can also be found here, which surround the ancient congress hall that was built in the 19th century.

13. Panathenaic Stadium

Though built by the ancients, Panathenaic Stadium holds a special place in sports history. This original stadium, which dates to around 300 BC and was rebuilt in 144, has hosted several Olympics. More importantly, the stadium is where the Olympic flame starts on its journey to the nation hosting that year’s athletic contests.

In ancient times, the stadium hosted a religious festival dedicated to the goddess Athena every four years. The current structure was restored in the 19th century for the first modern version of the Olympics Games after centuries of disuse. Panathenaic Stadium seats 50,000 spectators and is the largest stadium in the world made entirely of marble. The stadium is a major attraction in Athens.

12. Monastiraki

Travelers who like to shop ‘til they drop may enjoy a visit to Monastiraki, a huge market and neighborhood in the historic district in Athens. On weekdays, there is a normal marketplace with shops selling souvenirs.

On the weekends, it transforms into a huge flea market, with vendors carting in tables and carpets from which they sell junk, antiques and everything in-between.

One of Athens’ top shopping areas, Monastiraki is a good place to buy clothing, icons and souvenirs, and people watch from a sidewalk café. Haggling over prices is expected here, but be wary about paying antique prices for a fake made in another country.

11. Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was – and is – a top music venue in Athens. Built in 161 by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, the amphitheatre could seat more than 6,000 in steeply sloped tiers at the base of the Acropolis. Alas, it was destroyed by invaders a hundred years later, only to be resurrected in the 1950s.

It hosts the annual Athens Festival , an annual celebration featuring performances by international entertainers. The odeon also is a good place to take in classical Greek performances. Although a roof covered the theater in ancient times, everything takes place under the stars today.

10. New Acropolis Museum

A main stop on any Athens tour is the New Acropolis Museum, which resides near the base of the hill overlooking the city. It has the largest collection of Greek architecture and ancient sculptures including statues of the goddess Athena and “Kritios Boy.”

The museum was originally scheduled to be built in time for the 2004 Olympics, but its completion was delayed due to legal battles. The museum has five floors that showcase 4,000 artifacts. Permanent exhibitions here include the Parthenon Frieze, Athena statue, Color the Peplos Kore, Parthenon Gallery and Athena Nike.

9. Mount Lycabettus

For romantic evenings, gorgeous sunsets and an amazing panoramic view of Athens, Mount Lycabettus is an incredible adventure. As the highest point in Athens, it allows visitors to see all across the Attica basin and the Aegean Sea. Climbers can also see as the chapel of St. George from its peak.

A little cafe here will serve up a fantastic dinner for two. To start the hike, visitors go up the path that begins at the end of Aristippou Street in Kolonaki. The path continues to wind upwards around the mountain. Visitors can also take the funicular, which departs from Ploutarchou and Aristippou Street.

8. National Archaeological Museum

For visitors who love art exhibitions, there is no better place to visit in Greece than the National Archaeological Museum. Multiple collections can be found here from contemporary artists all the way back to antiquity.

The museum also has a large collection of artwork dating back to the Neolithic Age. The collections include small vases, working tools, clay vases and other small artifacts that are some of the oldest archaeological finds dating back to the 7th millennium. Over thirty rooms, sculptures from every century can be viewed including ancient Kouroi Egyptian sculptures.

7. Syntagma Square

A major point of interest for any traveler to Athens is the Syntagma Square. The most famous aspect of Syntagma is the changing of the guards by the Evzones in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Hellenic Parliament Building is located here as well as various buses, trolleys and tram stops.

A fountain, ancient statues and two large grassy areas offer the picture perfect place for photos and picnics. Most major events that occur in Greece have been celebrated at the Syntagma Square.

It’s also the site of various political functions, and it was also at this square that the Military Junta government was overthrown in 1974. Besides the Hellenic Parliament building, other interests include the historic hotels Grande Bretagne and George II.

6. Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is known as the largest temple in Greece. The massive ancient complex took nearly seven centuries to complete. Building originally began in 515 BC by order of Peisistratos, but work stopped on the temple as it was seen as oppressive as Peisistratos and his son were seen as tyrants by the Athenians.

Work resumed in 175 BC but was halted 10 years later when the Roman architect Cossutius died. Under emperor Hardian in 132 BC, the temple was finally completed and dedicated to Zeus Olympios. The temple stands today mostly as a reminder of Greek history, but only 15 of 104 huge columns remain. The columns each rise 17 meters (57 feet) into the air and once surrounded a cella where two large statues were once placed.

5. Erechtheum

The Erechtheus or Erechtheion is a temple made from Pentelic marble. It’s located on the Acropolis, and it’s one of the legendary pieces of Greek architecture. Its construction dates back to c. 421 and 405 when the earlier temple to Athena was destroyed by the Persian invasion.

The Erechtheum was once a sanctuary dedicated to Athena Polias, Erechtheus and Poseidon. Visitors can access the shrine to Athena by going through the eastern portico. The northern portico leads to the western cella.

The Porch of the Caryatids can be found through the southern portico. The six draped female figures can be found here that support the entablature, which is the Erechtheum’s most defining feature.

4. Ancient Agora

Located to the northwest of the Acropolis, the ancient Agora of Athens was once a marketplace and civic center. The people gathered here to browse all kinds of commodities.

It was also a place to meet others and talk about politics, business, current events and the nature of the universe and divine. The ancient Greek democracy can actually be traced to this ancient spot. It’s a wonderful area to look at the cultural beginnings of Athens.

Overlooking the Ancient Agora from its elevated position on the hill of Agoraios Kolonos, the Temple of Hephaistos was built in the 5th century BC. Similar in style but smaller than the Parthenon, the temple consists of 34 Doric columns that support a still partially intact roof. It is the best preserved temple in all of Greece thanks to its conversion into a church in the 7th century.

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Athens is the Plaka District, which resides under the Acropolis and spreads out to Syntagma. This village is almost like an island within the city, and it’s the perfect way to experience authentic Greek culture.

The area is quite private and boasts truly unique scenery with several cafes, ancient trees, green leaf canopies and stone walkways. The area is well-known for its food, boutique shops and cafes. Along Kydathineon Street, visitors find the Jewish Museum, Folk-Art Museum and Saita Taverna, which serves delicious bakalairo and other grilled meats.

2. Parthenon

The Parthenon is the most famous building in Athens and all of Greece. It stands majestically at the top of the Acropolis and is considered the epitome of Doric architecture, the simplest of Greek architectural styles.

The temple was built to honor the goddess Athena Parthenos, the patron of Athens, to thank her for protecting the city during the Persian Wars. Situated on the site of a former temple to Athena, the Parthenon was considered completed in 438 BC, when Athens was at its peak. The symbol of ancient Greece, the Parthenon is decorated with sculptures that are considered outstanding examples of Greek art.

1. Acropolis

No visit to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis , the most famous hill in the Greek capital. It’s impossible not to visit this landmark since so many important Greek ruins are located here, including an old citadel for which

Though only 156 meters (511 feet) high, the Acropolis is considered the highest point in the spirit of ancient Greek culture. From the Parthenon at the summit, travelers can look down on monuments built on its sides as well as over a more modem Athens. The buildings on this hill are considered a great blending of architecture with natural surroundings.

Map of Tourist Attractions in Athens

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Reader interactions.

September 6, 2019 at 10:05 pm

I have been to Athens and Greece overall twice: 2010 & 2012. I studied Ancient Greece and Athens so I am partial to all of the things ancient. Of course, the acropolis with all the wonderful buildings on it and around it, along with the agora, is so fulfilling. But to get a true feeling of the ancient past, a visit to the National Archaeological Museum is a must. The Bronze Age portion is among my favorite parts that reflects much of what is described in Homer’s Iliad. However, when all is said, I truly love it all! Be sure to visit the many other great locations in Greece while your here: Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi, Thermopylae, etc!

October 5, 2016 at 9:53 am

We will be taking a Mediterranean cruise in July, 2017. Will end up in Athens. Want to spend a few days here, maybe two to three. Will that be enough and what would you recommend we do with this time to experience a little taste of Athens and Greece?

May 7, 2015 at 3:31 pm

Great tips, thanks! We also highly recommend The Monastiraki Square Flea Market…

October 2, 2014 at 4:32 pm

I highly recommend Greece. Go for the best way to get a new version of how life could be….Visit Glyfada, south of Athens. ., and Astir beach, also Voulagmeni because I have lived there. Further down you will find Lavrio and Then Sounio.

May 30, 2014 at 7:11 am

I want to go to these places someday

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The heart of Greece

Athens Attractions

Look no further than Athens attractions! From towering temples to bustling markets, Athens offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern culture. Discover the top must-see sites and hidden gems that make Athens the ultimate destination for your next adventure.

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7 Hills of Athens

Athens Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing

Wherever you look, Athens is full of monuments of ancient and newer culture. Athens is a city full of contrasts and always has something new to discover behind its touring showcase. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, or if you are just passing through Athens to a destination in one of the Greek islands, our entertainment guide in Athens aims to offer you the best choices for making the days and Your nights in Athens, more interesting.

Explore the ancient ruins of Athens and discover the secrets of the Acropolis. Walk through the winding streets of the Plaka district and experience the culture and history of this timeless city. Taste the delicious food of Greek cuisine, from fresh seafood to sweet pastries. Enjoy the nightlife of the city and find yourself in the lively bars and clubs of the city center. Visit the National Archaeological Museum, to learn about the fascinating history of the city. Shop for souvenirs at the vibrant Monastiraki Flea Market, or explore the nearby islands of Aegina and Poros. Visit the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, to take in the stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Climb to the top of Lycabettus Hill and experience the beauty of the city from a unique perspective. Soak up the sun at one of the many beaches around Athens and enjoy a relaxing day. Immerse yourself in the stories of Ancient Greece in the open-air theatre of Herodes Atticus.

Visit the birthplace of democracy and experience the beauty of Athens, Greece. Check out our ultimate Athens bucket list of 35 essential things to do and see, from the Acropolis and Parthenon to the picturesque Plaka district and the bustling Monastiraki flea market. Explore the city’s ancient ruins, its vibrant culture, and its stunning Mediterranean coastline. Discover the ultimate Athens adventure today!

Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing

Best Athens Hotels

Ancient athens.

Best Museums in Athens

Athens Museums

Top 35 attractions in athens.

Athens is a historic city with many tourist attractions and sightseeing opportunities. The most popular attraction is the Acropolis, which includes the Parthenon and is located on a hill 156 meters high. Other popular attractions include the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Visitors can also explore the Plaka and Anafiotika neighborhoods, Syntagma Square, and the Temple of Hephaestus. Additionally, there are opportunities to visit the island of Hydra and ancient Delphi. The Plaka area is recommended for shopping and dining with great views of the Acropolis.

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Map Of Athens Attractions

Visit the sacred rock of the Acropolis, one of the most photographed sights in the world! This unique destination every year is a pole of attraction for millions of visitors from all over the world. See unique beauty and architectural masterpieces such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena, Nike and the Propylaea. Enjoy the ancient marbles and the impressive views of the city.

Parthenon is the emblem of Athens and probably of Greece as well. Parthenon is considered the most perfect Doric temple ever built, and one of the most known and recognizable monuments in the world. The temple of Parthenon is known for its imposing position on the Acropolis, its architectural refinements and the reflection of the ancient Greek culture throughout the centuries.

Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora of Athens was the heart of the ancient city: a large, open square that constituted the seat of justice, the political, economic, administrative, social, religious and cultural center of the city, where all citizens assembled to carry out any kind of activity. At the beginning of the 6th century BC, at the time of the great Solon legislator, the area was transformed into a public gathering place for citizens.

Panathenaic Stadium

Walk to the white marble stadium, the home of the first Olympic Games of 1896. The Panathenaic Stadium was built between 330 and 329 BC. Between 140 and 144 AD, the Stadium was repaired by Herodes Atticus. During antiquity, it was used for the Olympic Games where they honored the goddess Athena. The Panathenaic Stadium is today a tourist attraction and is used only in special cases.

Odeon of Herodes

The famous Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built during the 2nd century BC. AD, by Tiberius Claudius Atticus Herod, a well-known son of a great Athenian family and benefactor, in memory of Rilglas’ wife, who died in 160 AD. The conservatory, mainly used for musical events, was roofed and had a total capacity of 5,000 people. The conservatory was destroyed in 267 AD by Hercules and was never rebuilt.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is located in the heart of the city, in front of the Greek Parliament. Until 1843, it was called the Palace Square, as in the present House there were the palaces of King Otto. Access: Syntagma Square is a transport hub, with many bus lines, trolleybus, metro and tram stops, while it is also connected to the airport Eleftherios Venizelos.

Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki is a district of Athens around Monastiraki Square, which extends to the south side of Ermou Street, from the height of the Mitropoleos Square to the Thissio Square. Its name comes from the old church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, located on the square. In Monastiraki Square dominates the old Tzistarakis Mosque, which today houses an annex of the Folk Art Museum.

Hadrian's Arch

The Adrian’s Gate (or the Arch of Adrian) is a monumental gate from Roman period. It covered an ancient road from the center of Athens to a complex of settlements on the eastern side of the city, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It was believed that this gate was constructed to commemorate the adventus of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and to be honored for his many benefacts in the city.

National Archaeological Museum

One cannot visit Greece without exploring rich history it carries within itself so make sure not miss chance visit National Archaeological museum which holds more than 11000 artifacts dating back centuries ago giving perfect overview about past civilizations lived throughout region. The museum is home to a vast collection of sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and other objects,

Central Market

It is a unique structure of a well-organized district market where many food traders, such as meat, poultry, seafood, agricultural products, and more are housed. With a history of 130 years and architecture influenced by architecture in central Europe, Varvakios Market has every reason to be considered ασ one of the ornaments of Athens. The market was completed in 1886.

Paved alleys, uphill streets on the edge of the Acropolis, neoclassical houses, make up a unique setting that enchants the visitor and travels. Plaka is a charming historic district in the center of Athens under the Acropolis. After WWII, Plaka’s buildings were preserved as a whole. In the area, there are museums, taverns, restaurants, cafes and tourist shops, and buildings of famous citizens of old Athens.

Athens Metro

The Athens Metro consists of 3 lines with a total length of 72.3 km. Building the Athens Metro is perhaps the largest archaeological excavation project ever undertaken! The metro network of Athens is one of the most modern in Europe and has been described as an underground modern day museum. It also offers access to the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” in eastern Attica.

City Sightseeing Bus

If you have a limited time in Athens this is probably the best way to get to know the sights of a city. According to the City Sightseeing Hop on – Hop off the system, the route lasts 90 minutes, and the passenger can board and disembark as many times as he wishes, at any of the 15 stops on the route. The buses are clean, the tour very informative and the view … magical!

Zoological Park Tour

The Zoological Park lies on 19 hectares of land and features thirty species of reptiles, 238 species of birds and 46 species of Mammals. Monkeys, tigers, horses and farm animals from the Greek fauna live together with animals from the African Savannah. There are interactive programs especially for kids that aim at raising awareness on the significance of the preservation of the natural habitat.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

It is one of the most important sanctuaries in ancient Athens, whose fate coincided with the state changes that took place in the city over the centuries. In a large, rectangular walled area stand 15 huge Corinthian columns, which once surrounded the magnificent Temple of Olympian Zeus (“Olympion”). The construction of the great temple began by Peisistratos in 515 BC.

Planetarium

The new Digital Planetarium of the Eugene Foundation is the largest and best-equipped digital planetarium in the world. The new Eugenides Planetarium offers the visitor the chance to make a unique virtual trip to the stars. Among the most spectacular projective systems are three three-dimensional virtual reality systems covering the entire screen.

Flisvos Marina

Located only 6 km from the center of Athens Flisvos Marina provides easy access to many cultural and entertainment attractions available in the rejuvenated Olympic city. The newly constructed Athens ring road and the extensive and modern public transportation system allow easy and convenient access to all historical sites. Flisvos Marina provides a diversity of recreation and relaxation opportunities.

Piraeus Municipal Theatre

The Municipal Theater of Piraeus is a neoclassical building built by the architect Ioannis Lazarimos and was opened on April 9, 1895. Its main stage is in baroque style, while the square of the theater could accommodate up to 1,300 spectators. Recently renewed, theatre is ready to move to a new era with the most sophisticated technological, lighting and sound instruments.

Vouliagmeni Lake

Lake Vouliagmeni is a lagoon located 16 kilometers northwest of Loutraki, very close to the archaeological site of Heraion and the settlement of Perachora. It has a sandy beach as opposed to the beach of Loutraki. According to research, the lake’s water heals rheumatic, gynecological diseases, rheumatism and sports injuries. Lake Vouliagmeni has the largest underground tunnel in the world.

The National Library

The National Library of Greece is located in the center of Athens. The building housed is designed by the Danish architect Theophilos Hansen -brother of Cristian Hansen as part of the famous Athenian Trilogy of neoclassical buildings, including the Academy of Athens and the first building of the University of Athens. The library was founded by Ioannis Kapodistrias.

National Garden

The National Garden has a total area of 154 acres and its formation began 175 years ago, in 1939 with the planting of 15,000 ornamental plants.  In the National Garden, there is a large number of rare plants and trees that can not be found anywhere else in Greece. It is opened 365 days a year, from sunrise to sunset, and entrance is, of course, free of charge.

Tour to Cape Sounion

Driving along the wonderful coastal road that connects downtown with the splendid southern suburbs of Athens, you can see the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni and the small picturesque settlements and seaside resorts of Palea Fokea, Lagonissi, and Saronida. The Temple of Poseidon is one of the major tourist attractions in this historical city.

Climb Mount Lycabettus

For a different view of Athens, head to the top of Mount Lycabettus. This limestone hill is the highest point in the city and offers stunning views of the city below. There is a funicular railway that takes visitors to the top, or you can get your workout in and climb the hill on foot. The climb itself is an adventure, as you’ll pass through beautiful forests and take in the natural beauty of the hill. 

See the Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony that takes place every Sunday at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. The Changing of the Guard ceremony in Athens involves a highly choreographed sequence of events that lasts approximately one hour. The ceremony is a popular tourist attraction and a great way to experience a little bit of Greek culture.

Athens Riviera

The Athens Riviera is a stretch of coastline that spans from the southern suburbs of Athens to Cape Sounio. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, landscapes, and historic sites in Greece. The Athens Riviera boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. From organized beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas to secluded coves accessible only by boat, there is something for everyone.

Technopolis

Located in the heart of Athens, Technopolis is an industrial museum and an important cultural center that showcases the history of Athens’ industrial revolution. The museum, which is set in a former gasworks factory, spans over 30,000 square meters and comprises numerous exhibition halls, performance venues, and cultural spaces.

Pnyx Hill is a hilltop location that played an essential role in the development of democracy in ancient Greece. In the 5th century BC, the Athenians gathered at Pnyx Hill to hold their assemblies, where they would debate and vote on important issues. This unique location was chosen because it could accommodate a large number of people and provided excellent acoustics for public speeches.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center is a cultural and educational complex that has become a top destination for tourists. The center is a hub for art, music, and education, offering a range of activities and events that cater to all ages and interests. Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, the center boasts a modern and innovative design that seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings. 

Kaisariani Monastery

Built in the 11th century, the Kaisariani Monastery has a long history and a unique architecture that impresses visitors. The monastery was originally built as a Christian orthodox monastery dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. Over the centuries, it has been used as a refuge for many people, including monks, nuns, and civilians. The Gazi Flea Market is a must-visit, with its wide range of vintage clothing, antiques, and handmade crafts.

Gazi is a neighborhood full of life, culture, and history, with something to offer to everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the local culture and history, or simply want to enjoy the vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene, Gazi has it all. The Gazi Flea Market is a must-visit, with its wide range of vintage clothing, antiques, and handmade crafts.

Kerameikos Cemetery

This cemetery was used for burials from the Early Bronze Age to the Roman period. The Kerameikos Cemetery is a fascinating archeological site that offers a unique glimpse into ancient Greek culture and history. Its historical significance and impressive structures make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient civilizations.

Anafiotika Athens

Anafiotika was established in the mid-19th century by settlers from the island of Anafi, hence the name. These settlers were primarily skilled craftsmen who came to Athens to help with the construction of King Otto’s palace. They built their houses on the slopes of the Acropolis, using the leftover marble and stones from the palace’s construction.

Philopappos Hill

Filopappos Hill is a hill located in the city of Athens, Greece. It is situated southwest of the Acropolis and is part of the larger Hills of the Muses, which also includes the Pnyx and the Hill of the Nymphs. The hill is named after the Roman consul Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, who built a monument on the hill in 114 AD.

Lycabettus Theatre

Lycabettus Theatre is an open-air amphitheater located on the hill of Lycabettus in Athens, Greece. It was built in the 1960s and has a seating capacity of approximately 4,000 people. The theater is known for hosting a variety of performances, including music concerts, theatrical productions, and dance performances.

Byzantine and Christian Museum

The Byzantine and Christian Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of the Byzantine Empire, one of the most influential empires in human history. With a vast collection of art and artifacts spanning over a thousand years, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the complex and fascinating world of Byzantine art and culture.

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Speaking of dinner, Athens is an excellent destination for gourmands, as well as classicists. You can take a walking tour of Athens which includes the chance to sample Greek specialties and delicacies. There are also Greek wine tasting tours on offer, which are perfect if you’re interested in finding out more about the local vineyards.

If you are interested in sightseeing in Athens but are interested in the modern as well as the ancient city, then there are walking tours available around Plaka and Monastiraki, as well as contemporary Greek highlights like the Parliament building and the main shopping areas.

Athens’ museums are another of the city’s many highlights. The New Acropolis Museum and the Benaki Museum have some of the world’s best collections relating to ancient civilizations. They can get very busy at peak times, but it’s possible to buy a pass to allow you to jump the queue and maximize your time in the museum.

If you’re interested in traveling around at your own pace rather than going on a walking or coach tour, then consider buying a ticket for the hop-on-hop-off bus. Tickets include discounts on some sites, and buses stop off at all major tourist sites in Athens. There are two routes available, and this is a very good option if you want to combine sightseeing with leisurely lunches and plenty of pit stops!

There are also plenty of excursions on an offer outside the city, at sites both near and far. The clifftop monasteries of Meteora, one of the highlights of Greece, can be visited on a 2-day excursion. There are cruises to nearby Greek islands, including Hydra, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and much more – perfect if you either want to see historical sites in locations that are further out of Athens or just want to travel to some of the most famous holiday islands in Greece.

However, if you only have a short time in Greece but still want to travel outside the city, then you should consider a trip to the Temple of Poseidon, to Corinth or to Marathon. Going on an organized coach tour is the most efficient way to get around these sites and maximize the use of your time in Athens.

Bus Tours around Athens

Athens and its suburbs are beautiful and dotted with art galleries, museums, exhibitions, parks, gardens, ruins, and natural beauty. Guided bus yours are one of the best ways to see Athens and its periphery any day of the year. Zipping through the countryside in an air-conditioned bus with an English (or whatever your language is) tour guide who explains all the sights, the history and the people who created it, one can almost feel how it felt to cruise around Greece a long time ago. Along with Monuments, landmarks and ancient churches, there are so many attractions that compete for our attention, we could spend days touring Greece.

Getting around the city

Athens is a sophisticated and cosmopolitan European city; revamped hotels, stylish restaurants, and shops, elegant and cozy cafés pop up everywhere in Athens, a city that never sleeps.

Athens is probably one of the most contradictory cities you will see. The cradle of European civilization, one of the most historical capital cities of the world has been experiencing the most significant changes in the historic center, re-establishing, these last few years, the cultural and social life as it once was.

Featuring one of the most stunning pedestrian promenades in Europe and high traffic in the downtown, Athens can be the source of frustrations if you are a resident but is still irresistibly seductive.

The oldest city in Europe, the richest in history and culture is full of trend-conscious residents and visitors; hedonism and enjoyment are the main themes here, as Athenians value their night outs and their festivals as nothing else.

Athens is one of the safest and liveliest cities in Europe, a colorful mix of history, antiquity, and grace, with a lusty urban soul.

Athens is a modern Western city; no dress code or any other restrictions are implemented. Featuring a rich nightlife, with hundreds of bars, beachside restaurants, and clubs all over, and a well-appointed GLBT scene, Athens can meet all needs and requirements, whether you are up to wild night out, or a relaxing and cozy dining out the evening.

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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!

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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.

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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 .

View All Tours

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 .

View All Museums

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 Tourist Attractions in Athens you must not miss

The beautiful capital of Greece, Athens, was the heart of Ancient Greece, the birthplace of philosophy, astronomy, democracy, mathematics, the Olympic Games and the list goes on. Athens was once one of the most powerful empires, which is evident in the landmarks, monuments, and ruins that modern Athens has inherited to this day. The city has been inhabited for more than 3,000 years and is spread across seven historic hills. We have created a list of 23 tourist attractions all visitors ought to visit when in Athens.

1. The Plaka and Anafiotika Neighborhoods

Residing under the area of Acropolis the Plaka District resembles a small island village with its colorful nobly houses, the bougainvillea trees shadowing the narrow streets and the traditional tavernas spreading their tables through the stairs reigning the scenery. The neighborhood of Plaka is home to some of the most expensive houses in Athens, as the views and the tranquility of the area can not be compared to any other in the center. The famous Greek tavern, named Anafiotika, attracts Greeks and tourists all year round, where they can degust on delicious freshly made food and house wine to the sound of live Greek music dominated by the “bouzouki”.

Recommended tour:

Athens: Acropolis and Old Town Small Group Walking Tour

2. Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora was the marketplace and the center of everyday life in ancient Athens. I was also where Greeks would concentrate and discuss philosophy, politics, current events or astronomy. In this spot is where the traces of the beginning of Democracy can be found. It is a beautiful area enclosed for its preservation where visitors can also visit the museum of the Ancient Agora where art crafts such as bronze, clay and glass objects, sculptures, coins dating back to the 7th century BC can be found. In the Agora there are also temples dedicated to God Hephaestus and a smaller one for Apollo Patroos. The Ancient Agora is located northwest of Acropolis.

Athens: Agora, Plaka & Monastiraki Private Tour

3. Roman Agora

In the north of the Acropolis and east from the Ancient Agora, located in the area of Monastiraki is the Roman Agora. The Roman Agora was constructed later in the 1st century BC by the Roman Emperors Julius Caesar and Augustus and the purpose was purely to be an open-air marketplace featuring shops. Along the centuries and the numerous invasions first by Venetians and later by the Ottomans in 1400, the Roman Agora was destroyed and its ruins were covered by houses, workshops, and mosques. The Fethiye Mosque built by the Ottomans during the 17th century is still standing to this day, however, it has been repurposed for the use of exhibitions and conferences. 

Acropolis, Plaka & Ancient Agora Guided Tour without Tickets

4. Tower of the Winds

Found in the Roman Agora, located between the districts of Monastiraki and Plaka, the wind tower ruins are part of the first meteorological station ever to exist. Made from Pentelic marble, the wind tower was once a clock tower, from where ancient Greeks could tell the time of the day. It was built in the year 50 BC and the founder was the astronomer Andronicus of Cyrrhus and other functions of the tower apart from telling the hour, included forecasting the weather.

Athens Private Acropolis and Other Ancient Sites Tour

5. Acropolis

Acropolis is the jewel of Athens. Rising in the basin of Athens, the Acropolis monument is the most well-conserved monument still existing from the Greek ancient times. Acropolis derives from the synthetic word acro and polis, which means the edge of the city, as in the highest point of the city, the spot from where guards could oversee the whole city in Ancient Times and detect any enemies or external coups. 

The Parthenon, which is the most important landmark in Greece’s history, majestically brightens the city of Athens. The building was built in the 4th century BC  in honor of the goddess Athena, who was Athens’ city patroness. Through the years and the many foreign invasions of the country, the Parthenon deteriorated, until in 1975 the restoration project of the temple of Athena Nike was initiated to recreate the perfect replica, consisting of new parts and the ruins left behind.

Recommended tours:

Acropolis: Guided Walking Tour with Entrance Ticket

Athens: Hidden Historical Gems Private Walking Tour

6. The New Acropolis Museum

The New Acropolis museums opened its door to the public in the year 2009, depicting a total of 3.000 artifacts found in Acropolis and the areas surrounding. The first Acropolis museum was built in 1874, however, when new excavations in the city uncovered new artifacts the urgent need for more and modern space was responded by the creation of the new museum, which has a total area of 25,000 square meters, which is approximately 15 times the size of the old one.

The Museum has been built on top of parts of ruins of Roman and early Byzantine Athens. The significant structure of the museum has been designed precisely to be accessible to people with special needs. The glass surrounding the upper floor levels allows the visitors to admire the Acropolis from a distance, while they can also enjoy delicious meals at the museum’s restaurant on the rooftop terrace. 

Athens: Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Tour

Athens: 3-Hour Private Acropolis Museum By Night Tour

Athens: Private 4-Hour Tour with Acropolis and Old Town

7. Temple of Olympian Zeus

The temple dedicated to the head of the Olympian God Zeus, also known as the Columns of the Olympian Zeus, is the largest one in Greece. The construction of the temple began during the 6th century, under the tyrant Pisistratus, who envisioned building the largest and greatest temple, but was not completed for almost 6 centuries, when Roman Emperor Hadrian decided to conclude the project. Once the temple was held by 104 columns of 17metres each,  however, today only 15 are still standing. 

Zeus Temple, Acropolis & Museum Private Tour without Tickets

8. Hadrian’s Arch 

History has that the Arch was constructed to honor the arrival of Roman Emperor Hadrian in Athens and his contributions to the town, as was the conclusion of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, located behind the Arch.

 The monument is constructed by marble derived from the Mountain Penteli, located 18km away, as is its neighboring temple. There are two interesting inscriptions carved on the bottom of the arch one on the northwest and the other on the northeast side. 

The first writes: ΑΙΔ’ ΕΙΣΙΝ ΑΘΗΝΑΙ ΘΗΣΕΩΣ Η ΠΡΙΝ ΠΟΛΙΣ – This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus. 

The second: ΑΙΔ’ ΕΙΣ’ ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟΥ ΚΟΥΧΙ ΘΗΣΕΩΣ ΠΟΛΙΣ (this is the city of Hadrian, and not of Theseus).

Athens: Mythology, Gods and Legends Small-Group Walking Tour

9. Museum of Cycladic Art 

The museum hosts a world-class collection of Cycladic Art featuring more than 3,000 artifacts made of marble stone, clay, bronze, silver, gold, glass, and faience, which date back to 3300 to 1100 BC, found in the many then inhabited islands of the Aegeon Pelagos. The pieces of art are grouped depending on the utility of the object, if it was a toy or a culinary object, the dating or the location found, objects tributed to Gods or Heroes, in order to give a better picture of ancient Greek Civilization to the visitors. 

The museum is open every day except Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 17:00 pm and a full-priced admission ticket is 7 EUR.

10. Monastiraki and Flea Market

The district of Monastiraki is located under the Roman Agora and is the modern marketplace where hundreds of souvenir but also commercial shops can be found today. During the weekend the area becomes a huge flea market famous for the antique pieces sold at generous prices. The area is rich in traditional restaurants and souvlaki shops attracting many tourists. It is also known for the rooftop bars and cafeterias from where visitors can admire the beautiful city and Acropolis views.

11. Changing of the Guards at Syntagma Square

The most central point of Athens city is the Syntagma Square, where the Hellenic Parliament building is located. A very famous attraction/event for tourists visiting Athens is the symbolic changing of the Guards in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guards known as Evzones who wear traditional costumes which comprises of pleated skirts, leg tassels and “tsaruxia”, the traditional Greek shoes with pom-poms on the top, are in position 24/7 all year round.

12. The National Archeological Museum

The National Archeological Museums is Greece’s greatest and largest museum. With over 20,000 exhibits, the museum’s intention is to depict a panorama of Greek Civilization from prehistoric times to Late Antiquity. The museum houses some of the most well-preserved, rarest, and famous statues from Ancient times, like the Antikythera mechanism, which is said to be the firsts traces of a computer, the Bronze Statuette of Athletic Spartan Girl and the Gold Nestor’s Cup, which is described in the epos of Iliad. The museum also houses a 118years old library of 20,000 volumes including archeological rare ancient art, science, and philosophy books. The neo-classical building, built in the 19th century, also houses modern conservational laboratories, a photographic and chemistry laboratory, exhibition spaces, and a lecture hall where archeological lectures take place.

Acropolis and National Museum Private Athens Tour

13. Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus is the highest point in Athens, situated at over 300 meters above sea level. The 360° view of Athens city from the hill is simply breathtaking. The most beautiful images fill the eyes of every visitor, facing the Acropolis to Piraeus and the Athenian Riviera . The Lycabettus Mount is a very popular destination for sunset and sunrise lovers, as one can expect both the setting and the rising of the sun from that point is fascinating. One of the best restaurants in town is located on the top of the hill, named Orizondes- a modern Mediterranean cuisine restaurant with distinctive service, high-quality dishes made with the finest ingredients and of course unique views, attract a lot of visitors. To climb the hill you hike from Syntagma Square, which takes an hour and a half or you could hop on an underground cable car that crosses the hill and takes you right to the top! Also check out our post on  Top 5 Spots: The Best View of Athens

Athens: 1-Hour Mount Lycabettus Tuk-Tuk Ride

14. Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Lying just at the foothill of the Acropolis is the marvelous ancient open-air theater – the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Built between 22 BC – 15 BC by the Greek politician and philosopher Herodes Atticus in memory of his late Roman wife Regilla.  In the 1950s the audience stands and the stage were restored to accommodate the Athens Festival which runs every year from May to October. Famous and acclaimed Greek, as well as international artists, have performed in the theater like Maria Callas, Frank Sinatra and Luciano Pavarotti.

15. National Garden and Zappeion

Located in the heart of Athens, next to Syntagma Square the green abyss of the National Garden is ideal for a walk during a sunny day. Besides the beautiful trees and flowerbeds which naturally decorate the park, statues and ancient ruins and monuments also give a majestic touch to the scenery. The building of Zappeion and its garden can also be found on the premises of the National Garden. The Zappeion today is used to host conferences and ceremonies, but was once a building where important historical events took place. Is in this building where Greece was signed in to be part of the European Community in 1979.  

16. Philopappos Hill

Southeast from the Acropolis area, another famous hill surrounded by rich greenery stands out. That is the Philopappos Hill, named after the monument located there dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, a Roman prince who ruled the ancient Greco-Iranian kingdom Commagene, who had also been buried there. The hill, 150 meters high above sea level offers beautiful views of the Acropolis, Athens and the Aegean Sea.

17. The Prison of Socrates

Beneath the Hill of Philopappos, on the eastern side, two caves carved into the rock hill are said to be former prisons where the greatest Greek philosopher Socrates was locked up around the year 399 BC. Socrates was accused for brainwashing the young generation against democracy and the city-state order. He was also blamed for political corruption and for doubting the pantheon, the existence of the Olympian Gods. He was sentenced to death and had to carry on his own execution by drinking a poisonous beverage of hemlock. In these old prisons, Greeks hid pieces of art from the Acropolis and the National Archeological Museum during the occupation of the Nazis during WW2.

18. Benaki Museum

The Benaki Museum is located in the family mansion of Emannouil Benakis, a man who is considered a national benefactor to Greece. The museum houses 120,000 Greek pieces of works of art from prehistoric to modern times, representing the various stages of greek culture. The venue is home to an extensive collection of Middle-Eastern, Islamic and Asian art, it hosts periodic exhibitions and maintains a state-of-the-art restoration and conservation workshop. The larger contribution to the museum was made by the Benakis family themselves in 1934 when they donated 37,000 Islamic and Byzantine objects to be displayed at the properties of the museum.

Athens: Private Guided Tour of the Cycladic & Benaki Museums

EMST is the National Museum of Contemporary Arts in Athens. The art collected and displayed at the museum dates back to the postwar period up until the present and features 172 artworks, created by 78 Greek and International artists. Awarded contemporary artists like Costas Varotsos, Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, Pedro Cabrita Reis, Kim Sooja among others are displayed in the permanent exhibition of EMST. All these artists focus on the same following topics: Memories, Political narratives, Limits and passages and Eterotopias, Mythology of the familiar and New Perspectives. An artwork itself is the building which hosts permanently the EMST collection since 2014. Located in Syngrou Avenue, the building is a former FIX Brewery built in 1961 and then abandoned in 1982. The high ceilings, the glass windows scattered around the walls of the establishment, the spacious rooms, all benefit the exhibition of the artworks, which permits each one to have their own place and “privacy”.

20. Byzantine and Christian Museum

One of the largest and most significant museums of Byzantine Art in the world is located in Athens, the Byzantine and Christian Museum. The collection of artcraft sums up to approximately 30,000 pieces and includes works of art such as pottery,  icons, ceramics, ecclesiastical textiles, statues, sculptures, paintings and jewelry dating back from the 3rd century AD to the Late Middle Ages  (20th century). This is a great museum to admire the glories of the Greek Orthodox Christianity.

21. Areopagus

The giant rock located on the northwest side of Acropolis, just across the entrance of the monument, is the Areopagus or Hill of Ares. The site in ancient Greek times was used as a governmental institution where the oldest hence wiser tried cases of homicide, religious matters, robbing, and even cases concerning arson of olive trees! This constitution existed way before Democracy was born in Athens. Today, on this hill visitors can climb free of charge and admire the most beautiful 360 degrees views from Athens. On the Southwest Acropolis, on the Southeast the Aegean Sea, on the West the Philopappos Hill, looking down the ancient Agora and anywhere else one look they can gaze on the beautiful city of Athens and the rich greenery that surrounds the site.

22. Kallimarmaro Stadium or Panathenaic Stadium 

Built during the era of Herodes Atticus, roughly around 335 BC, this stadium is of great importance in the history of sports, as it has hosted several Olympic Games for centuries. Built entirely from marble, the stadium accommodates up to 50,000 seating spectators and is one of the oldest stadiums still operating in modern days. Of course, the stadium visitors admire today is a replica of the original Kallimarmaro Stadium, which was rebuilt to host the 1896 Olympic Games, the first international one held in modern history. Since then the venue has hosted one more time the Olympics in 2014, the 1997 World Championship in Athletics, the Special Olympics in 2011, and famous artists’ concerts such as the Scorpions & the R.E.M.

23. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a multifunctional and environmentally sustainable complex in Kallithea, the region of Athens. The whole Center, which consists of the National Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera, and the 210,000 m² Stavros Niarchos Park, was a donation of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation to the Greek state and for all Greeks delivered in 2017. The SNF committed to fund all the costs of the Center which summed up to €630 million, including a €20 million grant to help maintain and sustain the center for the first four years of its operation. The purpose of the Center was to provide a space where everyone, regardless of disabilities, could have free access to education, recreation, arts, music, culture, sports and nature. 

From Athens: E-Bike Ride to the Sea

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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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Things to do in Athens: attractions & sights

Top 20 what to do in athens greece: sightseeing & tourist attractions.

Athens sights Top 20, an overview of the tourist attractions, activities, sightseeing, tourism, famous landmarks and best things to in Athens Greece. What are the top places to visit in Athens?

Top 20 Things to do in Athens - Attractions & Landmarks

Athens is a great city with a rich history. So there is a lot to see and visit. You may already be familiar with the most famous sights such as the Acropolis and the National Archaeological Museum , but there is much more to experience in Athens Greece. In this list you will therefore find the top 20 Athens sightseeing . These are both the well-known tourist attractions and places that you really have to see and the hidden gems. The list is full of fun day trips, neighborhoods, landmarks, sights and attractions . What are the things to do in Athens Greece?

Popular things to do in Athens Greece

Need more inspiration for things to do in the capital of Greece ? What to do in Athens Greece? In addition to the above sights and places to visit in Athens , here are some popular tours and activities in Athens Greece:

Where are the attractions in Athens?

FAQ Athens sightseeing and landmarks

The main attraction of Athens is the Acropolis, the central hill that houses the Parthenon temple. Furthermore, in the city are several archaeological excavations such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora. The districts of Pláka, Anafiótika and Monastiráki are popular (tourist) districts in the center and museum lovers will find what they are looking for in the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum. In this article you can read all about the Top 20 Athens attractions .

No, without tickets you can only see the Acropolis hill from a distance. To visit the archaeological area on top of the Acropolis, you must purchase a ticket that allows you to visit the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, among other things. Learn more about Acropolis tickets .

The most famous museum is the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the hill of the same name. Other popular museums include the National Archaeological Museum of Athens Greece, the Benaki Museum and the Byzantine Christian Museum. In this article you can read all about the Museums in Athens .

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Most visited attractions

Top 20 Things to do in Athens

Acropolis: Tours & Tickets

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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A Glorious Summer Season Awaits at the City of Athens Lycabettus Theatre

What to see at the athens epidaurus festival 2024, great open-air cinemas in athens, where to experience lgbt+ culture in athens, 6 unusual sights in athens worth a detour, from artefacts to art: 6 fine museum shops in athens, listen to our new podcast series – athens unpacked, neighbourhoods.

Each neighbourhood in Athens has its own unique attractions and character. Explore the cafes you can’t miss in Exarchia, the vibrant nightlife in Gazi and the coolest shopping in Koukaki. Discover your new favourite Athenian neighbourhood with our insider guides.

Monastiraki

Historic centre, neos kosmos, sepolia / kolonos.

The most famous Athenian neighbourhood of Plaka is definitely a top attraction for visitors. Its picturesque streets, historic landmarks and lively shops make it a must-see. Just be prepared for the crowds.

What a difference a decade makes. The arrival of the landmark Acropolis Museum and the pedestrian walkway linking the city’s ancient monuments has seen this historic neighbourhood emerge as one of Athens’ most fashionable postcodes.

Layers of history intersect at the city’s hub of commerce and craftsmanship.

The heart of modern Greece beats in the historic centre of Athens — but contrary to what you’d think, it has little to do with ancient ruins.

The Athenian intelligentsia have long settled in this central neighbourhood of leafy squares and lively cafes. Now the hipsters are moving in too.

Rebels with, and quite often without, a cause have earned Exarchia a reputation as the turf of anarchists and radicals.

Gritty, dense and lined with auto repair shops, Neos Kosmos was a silent blue collar neighbourhood you’d never go to unless you lived there. But when art came to town, a transformation began, and today this up-and-coming neighbourhood is coming alive.

Head off the beaten track to Kolonos and Sepolia, two low-key residential areas that have yet to catch up with the fast-paced tempo of downtown Athens.

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James Arthur at the City of Athens Lycabettus Theatre

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Athens Marathon the Authentic 2024

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Democracy at the National Gallery

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Top 18 Things to Do in Athens, Greece

Athens, the capital of Greece, was the heart of ancient Greek civilization, and people from around the world still come here to visit early Greek landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Meanwhile, the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum preserve sculptures, vases, jewelry, and more from Ancient Greece, offering guests a chance to step back in time.

However, these ancient structures and museums aren't the only must-see attractions in Athens. Diving into the nightlife in the Psiri neighborhood and shopping in the Plaka are favorite pastimes for tourists and residents alike.

Visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

The Acropolis and the Parthenon dominate the skyline of Athens. These hilltop sights are stunning, and the view from the Acropolis of the city and the surrounding temples is one that will stay with you forever.

The Acropolis is an ancient citadel located on a rocky hilltop overlooking Athens; it's also the site of a number of ancient buildings like the Parthenon, which is one of the most significant symbols of early western civilization that have made it to modern times. Constructed between 447 and 438 B.C. and co-designed by Ictinus and Callicrates, the Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena at the height of the Athenian Empire.

At the Acropolis, join a ​ tour group  organized by language—though there may be a short wait while a full group is gathered. These tours are led by licensed guides and take guests through the structures still standing in the Acropolis.

The New Acropolis Museum nearby is also an attraction worth seeing; discounted tickets are available for access to both. Alternatively, book an organized tour ahead of time, which will generally include transportation from your hotel.

Learn History at the National Archaeological Museum

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With artifacts dating back to 6000 B.C. and covering everything from prehistory to Greek antiquity, The National Archaeological Museum in Athens is considered one of the greatest museums in the world. While even a brief stop at the museum will impress, first-time visitors should allow at least two to three hours for a full tour of the exhibits and artifacts.

However, you could easily spend an entire day learning about the history of the region here, since the museum covers millennia of Greek culture—starting with the Cycladic Island civilization, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans and continuing through the Greco-Roman world.

Catch the Sunset at Cape Sounion

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A great afternoon trip from Athens, Cape Sounion is one of those destinations that is as much a favorite with locals as it is with tourists, mainly for the breathtaking views you'll find here. A highlight of the cape is the Temple of Poseidon, a 5th Century temple with Doric columns that's become a favorite sunset-viewing spot for visitors.

While it is possible to visit Sounion by public bus from Athens, most visitors prefer to drive or to take an organized tour. You can book one directly ahead of your trip through your hotel or by visiting a travel agency in Athens.

Visit the Seaside City of Piraeus

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To enjoy the seaside atmosphere of Athens, slip away to Piraeus, easily reachable by the Metro, and have dinner at one of the pricey but charming seaside taverns of Microlimano.

Piraeus, the port city of Athens, is not quite a Greek island but is reminiscent of the Greek island vibe. Allow yourself some extra time and stop by the excellent Piraeus Archaeological Museum or the equally-fascinating Nautical Museum.

You can also take an open-topped bus tour between Athens and Piraeus, making it an easy and interesting way to get back and forth between the two cities.

Hike to the Top of Lycabettus Hill

 Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy

For an escape from the heat of Athens in summer, the wooded top of Lycabettus Hill provides plenty of breeze and shade as well as a few great attractions including the 19th century Chapel of St. George, a theatre, and a restaurant.

Visitors can access Lycabettus Hill via a three-minute cable car ride or by taking a circular hiking trail up the 277 meters to the top. While the cable car ride is quick, you won't get a view of the city on the way up or down, but while the hiking trail may be more scenic, it can be a grueling climb in the heat of the summer in the city.

Celebrate Culture at Syntagma Square

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Also known as "Constitution Square," Syntagma Square is the heart of Athens in many ways. Not only is it a large public square that often hosts holiday events, but it's also the location of several of Athens' most renowned luxury hotels and is an intense public transportation hub.

Additionally, Syntagma Square has the Parliament Building along one side, and the daily " Changing of the Guard " here provides a colorful photo opportunity on your trip—as well as a chance to experience an active part of the current government of Greece.

Once you're done touring the sites on the square, head down pedestrian-only Ermou Street for access to some of Athens' better upscale shopping.

Explore the Plaka and Other Neighborhoods

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The Plaka is the area of winding streets around the Acropolis. It's renowned for its small shops, restaurants, and local architecture. While it's touristy, you'll still find the area charming for its selection of Athenian crafts, Greecian food, and local art.

Stop somewhere for a frappe (iced instant coffee), especially during the summer, and watch passersby. It's also nice to visit at night with the tavernas staying open until late, and Cine Paris often shows classic movies outdoors. The whitewashed homes of the adjacent Anafiotika neighborhood give the area a Greek-island feel.

Take in the Nightlife Scene in Athens

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

With many tourist shops open until 10 p.m. and a number of nightclubs, tavernas, and bars open until dawn across the city, the nightlife culture of Athens is thriving—even for tourists.

While Plaka may be popular for shopping, eating a casual dinner, or having an early drink, consider heading to Psiri for parties that go all night, dance clubs featuring international DJs, and bars that serve until dawn.

Wander Around the Agora

Daniel Frauchiger/Getty Images

The Ancient Agora of Classical Athens is the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora (marketplace) in the country. You'll find it northwest of the Acropolis, bounded on the south by the hill of the Areopagus and on the west by the hill of Agoraios Kolonos.

This spot offers plenty of things to see and explore—all of which can be seen in a few hours. Visit the temple of Hephaestus—a rebuilt colonnade that houses the Agora Museum—and check out a number of small monuments throughout the Agora itself. A multiple-site combo ticket makes it a particularly good bargain to combine a visit here with the Acropolis and other nearby sites.

Stroll Through the National Garden

Sjaak Kempe/Flickr/CC BY-2.0

Located in the heart of the city between the Kolonaki and Pangrati neighborhoods near the Plaka and the Acropolis, the National Garden is a public park that's home to 15.5 hectares of landscaped gardens and trails that are open from sunrise to sunset.

The National Garden is also home to a number of ancient ruins and mosaics as well as a duck pond, a Botanical Museum, a cafe, a playground, and a children's library.

Take a Seat at the Theatre of Dionysus

The Theatre of Dionysus is located at the foot of the Acropolis and is considered the oldest theater in the world. Poets and playwrights like Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Euripides, and Sophocles premiered their works on this stage in the 5th century B.C., and the first drama was presented here by Thespis in about 530 B.C.

Whether you're a fan of modern theater or not, the views and historical significance of this site makes adding it to your itinerary worth it—especially if you're already visiting the Acropolis nearby.

Climb to the Philopappos Monument

Carol Roddato/Flickr/CC BY-SA 3.0 

Dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, a prince from the Kingdom of Commagene in the 1st and 2nd centuries, the Philopappos Monument is an ancient Greek mausoleum located southwest of the Acropolis on Mouseion Hill. 

Easily accessible via a walking trail and staircase through lush greenery, the Philopappos Monument is open to all—day or night—but is best around sunset for spectacular views of the southern part of the city.

Attend a Concert at Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure originally completed in 161 A.D. and reconstructed in 1950 that still hosts concerts to this day. While free tours of the site are available throughout the daytime, nighttime concerts require tickets to attend.

Take a Trip Through Time at the Benaki Museum

The Benaki Museum is a three-floor art and history museum dedicated to Greek culture throughout the ages. Founded by art collector Antonis Benakis in 1930, the museum traces Greek history from prehistoric times to the present.

Exhibits in the museum include Neolithic vases, Archaic ceramics, Classical sculpture, Byzantine and Ottoman artifacts, and a variety of paintings, documents, and weapons from the Greek War of Independence from 1821 to 1829.

Run Around the Panathenaic Stadium

dronepicr/Flickr/CC BY-2.0 

Built for the 1896 Olympics, the Panathenaic Stadium is an almost-exact replica of the stadium built for the Panathenaic Games in 330 B.C. and served as the site of several games for the 2004 Summer Olympics. Built to hold 45,000 spectators and tall enough to see the National Garden and Acropolis from its highest seats, the Panathenaic Stadium makes a great stop on your tour of Athens.

Pray at the Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea

The Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea is one of the oldest churches in Athens, originally constructed in 1050, dedicated to the Greek Orthodox faith. Located on Ermou Street at the edge of the Plaka, this small church offers a reprieve from the busy shopping district outside its walls. However, the interior is only open for viewings on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tour the Byzantine and Christian Museum

 Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Located on Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, this unique museum is home to over 25,000 artifacts from the 3rd Century A.D. to the Late Middle Ages. Founded in 1914, the Byzantine and Christian Museum houses pictures, scriptures, frescoes, pottery, fabrics, manuscripts, and copies of artifacts from the height of the Byzantine and Christian Empires in Greece.

Marvel at the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Although not much of this structure remains standing, the 15 surviving columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus have scrolls and acanthus patterns that harken back to the temple's original significance. 

Construction on the temple started in the 6th century B.C. but wasn't completed until the 2nd century A.D. under the rule of Emperor Hadrian. However, it fell less than a century later in 267 when the Herulian invasion sacked the city and the stone from many of the 104 original columns was quarried to rebuild other structures around Athens.

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Greece

Written by Michael Law and Jane Foster Updated Sep 29, 2023

Home to some of the world's most important historical sites, along with some 6,000 islands, Greece is known for its natural beauty and fascinating culture. Ancient archaeological sites, cliffs tumbling into sparkling blue water, sand and pebble beaches, and a balmy Mediterranean climate make Greece one of Europe's prime places to visit for tourists .

Besides Athens, some of the top things to see on the mainland include Ancient Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora. But most people come here to catch a ferry or a flight to the islands: Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Corfu, and Crete are the most popular. Plan your trip with our list of the top attractions in Greece.

1. Acropolis, Athens

2. acropolis museum, athens, 3. santorini, 6. the towns and beaches of crete, 8. metéora monasteries, 9. rhodes town, 10. zákynthos, 11. samaria gorge, 12. nafplio, 13. thessaloniki, 14. corinth canal, 15. mount olympus, 16. palace of knossos, 17. mycenae, 21. víkos gorge.

Considered the symbol of Athens and Greece, and indeed of Western civilization, the Acropolis is a rocky mound rising in the heart of modern Athens, crowned by three magnificent temples dating from the 5th century BC. The best known and most distinctive is the Parthenon , originally made up of 58 columns supporting a roof and decorated by ornate pediments and a frieze.

Although the Parthenon steals the show, other highlights on the Acropolis hilltop are also spectacular. The ornate Temple of Athena Nike, the Porch of the Caryatids, and the Propylaea are not to be missed. Tear yourself away from the historic sights and wander over to the edge, panoramic views of the seven historical hills of Athens and the city are laid out below you.

Skirting the foot of the Acropolis and connecting it to the city's other major ancient attractions — the Ancient Agora , the Roman Forum , Kerameikos , and the Temple of Olympian Zeus — is a 2.5-kilometer walking path known as the Archaeological Promenade .

Author's Tips: For a fantastic nighttime view of the Acropolis, make your way to one of the rooftop restaurant patios on the pedestrian-only Apostolou Pavlou . Plan on getting to the Acropolis early to avoid ticket lineups, bus tours, crowds, and the heat if you are visiting in summer.

• Visiting the Acropolis in Athens: The Essential Guide
• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Athens

The Acropolis Museum is one of Athens' most-visited tourist attractions. Designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, it is an ultra-modern glass and steel structure with light and airy exhibition spaces, built specifically to display ancient finds from the Acropolis.

Top things to see here include the 6th-century-BC Moschophoros (statue of a young man carrying a calf on his shoulders), the Caryatids (sculptures of female figures that held up the Erechtheion), and the highly controversial Parthenon marbles . From the museum's cafe-restaurant terrace, you can enjoy amazing views of the Acropolis itself.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Athens

Stunning Santorini is the most dramatic of all the Greek isles. It is best known for the west coast cliff-top towns of Fira and Oia , which appear to hang over a deep, blue sea-filled caldera. Made up of typical Cycladic whitewashed cubic buildings, many of which have been converted into boutique hotels with infinity pools, both Fira and Oia are considered romantic destinations, popular for weddings and honeymoons.

Things to do in Santorini include sunbathing and swimming at the black volcanic-sand beaches on the south and east coasts and visiting the archaeological site of Akrotiri , an Ancient Minoan settlement buried below lava following the volcanic eruption that created the caldera, some 3,600 years ago. The island has an airport and is served by ferries and catamarans from Athens' port, Piraeus.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on Santorini

Many people consider Greece's most glamorous island destination to be Mykonos. After-dark activities center on Mykonos Town, noted for its chic boutique hotels, classy seafood restaurants, and live music venues. Other attractions include Paraportiani (a whitewashed church in Mykonos Town) and numerous sandy beaches along the island's south coast (served both by bus and taxi-boat from Mykonos Town).

The island is particularly popular with international celebrities. Mykonos has an airport and is connected by ferry and catamaran to Athens' port, Piraeus, and Rafina.

On the Greek mainland, Delphi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built on the lower slopes of Mount Parnassus, overlooking a dramatic ravine, the site was sacred to the ancients, who came here on pilgrimages to worship Apollo (god of light, prophecy, music, and healing) and to ask advice from the mythical Oracle.

It is made up of the crumbling ruins of numerous temples, a theater, and a stadium, dating from between the 8th century BC and the 2nd century AD. Nearby, stands the Delphi Archaeological Museum , displaying an impressive collection of finds from the site. Delphi lies 180 kilometers northwest of Athens.

Delphi is about a 2.5-hour drive from Athens. It can easily be done as an overnight trip from the city, or even a day trip if you don't mind a long day.

• Read More: Visiting Delphi from Athens: Highlights, Tips & Tours

The massive island of Crete is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Greece. Blessed with some of the best beaches in Greece , the island draws visitors from around the world. Some of the most popular beaches on Crete range from small arcs of sand backed by restaurants and promenades to wide-open natural stretches lapped by incredibly clear waters and endless views across the sea.

But Crete is not all about beaches. It has its fair share of notable archeological sites, including the impressive Palace of Knossos, located near the pleasant city of Heraklion . The historical city of Chania and the laid-back town of Agios Nikolaos have wonderful old waterfront areas perfect for spending long afternoons on a café terrace getting lost in the views.

Get away from the bigger communities, and head to smaller towns like Plakias or Matala on Crete's south coast to find more remote beaches and beautiful mountainous backdrops.

If archeological sites, beaches, and historical towns weren't enough, the island has one of the most impressive hikes in the world : the Samaria Gorge.

One of Greece's top tourist destinations, Corfu sits in the Ionian Sea off the west coast of the mainland. The capital, Corfu Town , is a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to its elegant Italianate architecture — it was ruled by the Venetians for several centuries. Explore its romantic pedestrian-only streets to discover two 16th-century fortresses and the arcaded Liston, lined by old-fashioned cafes.

Away from the main town, the island is lushly beautiful, with rugged limestone rocks tumbling into the sea in its north and velvety green hills in its south. The most popular beach area is Paleokastritsa , on the west coast, about 25 kilometers from Corfu Town. Here, you'll find a collection of deep, curving bays sheltering sand and pebble beaches stretching into a clear blue sea. Corfu is served by an airport and ferries from Igoumenitsa and Patras on the Greek mainland. In summer, ferries sailing from Ancona and Venice also stop here.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do on Corfu Island

One of the most unusual things to see in Greece has to be the Thessaly Plain, where bizarre rocky outcrops are capped by the centuries-old monasteries of Metéora. On the UNESCO World Heritage list, six of the monasteries are open to the public. You need to climb up several flights of stone steps carved into the rocks to reach each monastery, and inside, you'll find flickering candles, religious icons, Byzantine frescoes, and burning incense.

Opening hours vary, and to see all six monasteries, you need to spend at least one day in the area. The nearest town is Kalambaka . Consider staying here, as it's a pleasant and relaxed place to visit, with small hotels and family-run restaurants serving traditional fare.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Metéora

Lying on the Aegean Sea, close to Turkey, Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands. Its capital, UNESCO-listed Rhodes Town, is one of Greece's top tourist destinations. It is enclosed by an impressive fortification system, including monumental towers and gates built by the Knights of St. John after they took control of the island in the 14th century.

The car-free cobbled streets of the old town are a joy to explore on foot. Nearby attractions include the pretty hillside coastal town of Lindos, and Marmaris on the Turkish coast, which can be visited by excursion boat. Rhodes is served by an airport, as well as regular ferries from Athens' port, Piraeus.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rhodes Town

Home to gorgeous scenery both above and under the sea surrounding it, Zákynthos (Zante) island is another top tourist destination in Greece. It is also easy to access, located just 16 kilometers off Peloponnese's west coast in the Ionian Sea.

Two of the biggest boasts on this geographically intriguing island are its pebble and sand beaches — Shipwreck Beach is the most famous — and stunning sea caves like the Blue Caves , off the island's northern tip. Inside, the sparkling water reflects the color of the blue sky on the cave walls to create a magical glow. The Blue Caves are only one of the many watery attractions around this island. There is also excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.

• Read More: Top Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Zakynthos

On the island of Crete, the Samaria Gorge is a top attraction for lovers of the great outdoors. Measuring 16 kilometers in length and, at its narrowest point, only four meters wide, it runs from Omalos (1,250 meters) in the White Mountains down to Agia Roumeli , on the Libyan Sea.

Depending on your level of fitness, it will take five to seven hours to walk. It is steep in parts and rocky, so you should wear good hiking shoes and carry plenty of water. The gorge lies within the Samaria National Park , and is on the UNESCO tentative list. Through summer, organized tours depart from Chania and Réthymnon .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Chania

Often cited as Greece's most beautiful city, Nafplio is a popular weekend destination for wealthy Athenians. Built on a small peninsular on the east coast of the Peloponnese, it became the first capital of modern Greece in 1828 before Athens took over in 1834.

Take an afternoon or a day to wander through the old town, this car-free area is filled with Neoclassical mansions and proud churches and overlooked by the 18th-century Palamidi Fortress . Nearby attractions include Tiryns , Epidaurus Theater , and Ancient Corinth .

Thessaloniki doesn't seem to mind not being on most people's touring list. The locals are happy to have the place and all its sights to themselves. The main sightseeing attractions are its UNESCO-listed Byzantine churches , but worth investigating are several Roman monuments (including the Triumphal Arch of Galerius and the 4th-century Rotunda ), the 15th-century White Tower on the seafront, and an excellent Byzantine Museum .

Overlooking the Aegean Sea in northern Greece, Thessaloniki (Salonica) is the country's second biggest city after Athens. Founded in 316 BC due to its position close to both Bulgaria and Turkey, it has always been a crossroads of various cultures and religions.

One of the top day trips from Thessaloniki is to Mount Olympus , the highest mountain in Greece. Only 80 kilometers away on good roads, this impressive natural sight is well worth visiting. The most popular hiking trails depart from near the town of Prionia.

As you drive along the relatively flat highway 8 approaching the Peloponnese Peninsula, be sure to stop in at the lookout over the Corinth Canal. This canal, first dreamed about and attempted in 1 CE, was finally brought to fruition in 1883. Unfortunately for the builders, the canal was never particularly profitable or successful.

Park your car and walk out onto the bridge and give some thought as to how the original builders managed to dig down through the solid rock to carve out the canal.

Mount Olympus, famous home of the god Zeus, lies about halfway between Athens and Thessaloniki. Towering over the surrounding countryside at an impressive 2,918 meters, this mountain is a top recreation destination in the summer.

Three hiking trails lead to its summit, although most people take the two-day, one-night Priona trail. From the top, the views are unparalleled and well worth the effort expended to get here. You do not need any special equipment to do this hike, just a good assortment of clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and a taste for adventure.

One of the top archeological sites here in Greece, the Palace of Knossos is a must-see when visiting Crete. The site dates from the Late Minoan time period and has been very well restored. Although the standing buildings give you a real sense of what this place once looked like, as with many archeological sites in Greece, some portions require a bit of imagination.

The site is well laid out, with walking trails that wind their way past the main buildings and plazas. Be sure to check out the colorful paintings on some of the major structures near the end of the walkway.

The Palace of Knossos is located just outside of Heraklion , one of the main gateways to Crete. Tours can be easily arranged.

The impressive citadel of Mycenae is one of the top archeological sites south of Athens and well worth a visit for those interested in Greek history. Set impressively on a hill, Mycenae dates from around 1350 BCE, the peak of the Mycenaean civilization.

One of the key sights at Mycenae is the impressive Lion Gate. Set into the side of the hill, the gate is composed of perfectly inlaid stones over a rectangular doorway. This is the site where the famous gold mask was found by the explorer Heinrich Schliemann in the late 19th century. If the sun is getting to you, step inside the impressively domed Treasury of Atreus and enjoy some shade.

The island of Paros is sometimes overlooked by ferry travelers exploring the Cyclades, intent on visiting the more popular Santorini. However, this is a mistake. This laid-back island has everything that the busier islands offer farther south and north. The same whitewashed towns perched on the waterfront with patios full of laughing and smiling patrons are what you'll find here, but without the crowds.

Paros also has a fine selection of beaches and historical sites to explore. It's also a good spot to go if you are watching your costs; accommodation is cheaper here.

Another popular destination, Naxos is one of the largest Cycladic islands. This huge island is a fun place to explore, and with fewer tourists than places like Santorini or Mykonos. A couple of must-sees when exploring include the small towns of Filoti, Halki, and Apiranthos.

Take some time to wander through the main town, Chora of Naxos, especially the Kastro district. Here, you'll find a variety of shops selling all manner of souvenirs, along with cute restaurants with inviting patios.

If you want to hit the beach, Naxos does not disappoint. A couple to check out include Paradise Beach, Agia Anna, or Agios Prokopios. If you are into kiteboarding, the windswept Mikri Vigla is the place to go.

For a taste of quintessential Greece that's only a two-hour ferry ride from Athens , consider the delightful island of Hydra. Home to old mansions and white-washed houses adorned with bougainvillea and cobblestone streets the town has been attracting the creative set for decades.

The island is wonderfully car-free so walking is a pleasure, stroll the busy port area and be sure to check out the early 19th-century cannons along the waterfront. Should you need to get anywhere on the island, donkeys are the main mode of transport on land, and water taxis will be more than willing to take you to a secluded beach lapped by crystal-clear water.

Cat lovers will especially enjoy Hydra, it's known for its feline residents who are generally very friendly and always open for a tasty morsel of seafood.

Another one of Greece's premier natural attractions is the Víkos Gorge. Lesser known than the above profiled Samara Gorge on Crete, this incredible natural phenomenon is commonly known as the Grand Canyon of Greece. The gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the larger Vikos–Aoös National Park.

An astounding 1,000 meters deep the canyon is one of the most amazing and easily accessible natural sights in the northwest area of Greece. If you want to just see the gorge from a lookout, one of the best is located at Oxya Viewpoint , where you'll be treated to views into the deepest part of the gorge.

For the more adventurous, a well-signposted 13-kilometer hiking trail takes you down into the gorge and back up the other side. The trail starts at Monodendri and ends at Vikos. Halfway through you can go for a dip in the icy cold Voidomatis Springs to cool off. The trail is considered moderately difficult and takes most people 4.5 to 5 hours to complete.

More on Greece

Greece sizzles under relentless heatwave; top sites shut down

G reece has been grappling with a heatwave for eleven days. On July 18, temperatures soared past 100°F in Athens, and in other parts of the country, it was even hotter.

On Thursday, Athens thermometers read 100°F, and in some areas, temperatures are expected to climb to as high as 109°F. According to meteorologists, hot air masses from Africa will linger over Greece until Sunday, July 21.

In several regions of Greece, the risk of wildfires remains very high.

Closing tourist attractions

In Athens, water curtains and misting systems have been activated in many locations to help tourists and residents cool down.

Due to the oppressive heat and the associated risks, a difficult but necessary decision has been made. The Greek Ministry of Culture reported that all archaeological sites in Athens were closed to tourists on Thursday, July 18, from noon to 5 PM.

This closure may continue until the end of the week, but the ministry will provide ongoing updates.

Since Wednesday, the Acropolis has been among the closed archaeological sites. Greece's most popular tourist attraction was also closed during the heatwave in June.

Italy and Balkans swelter under relentless heatwave

Heatwave havoc in Greece: Tourists disappear on solo hikes

Record-breaking heatwave hits southern Europe: Greece, Cyprus, Italy sizzle

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Tourist attractions close as extreme heat forces many in Europe to stay inside

In north macedonia authorities were struggling to tame dozens of wildfires that had broken out in the last day, article bookmarked.

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Greece shut one of its main tourist attractions as a deadly heatwave continued to swelter large areas of Europe .

Meteorologists said the hot air from Africa was forecast to continue baking the region for several more days and at least through Sunday, with the heat wave peaking on Wednesday and Thursday when temperatures were expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit).

Greece’s Culture Ministry ordered the Acropolis closed for several hours in the middle of the day Wednesday.

Meteorologists said the hot air from Africa was forecast to continue baking Greece for several more days and at least through Sunday, with the heat wave peaking on Wednesday and Thursday when temperatures were expected to reach 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit).

Authorities shut down Athens ’ famed Acropolis, the country’s biggest cultural attraction, from noon to 5 p.m. while municipalities were making air-conditioned indoor spaces available to the public. People were warned to avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, and drink water frequently.

Tourists hoping to visit the Parthenon temple atop the Acropolis queued early in the morning to beat the worst of the heat, while the Red Cross handed chilled bottled water and information fliers to those waiting in line.

“We got it done and got out quick, and now we’re going to some air conditions and some more libation and enjoy the day,” said Toby Dunlap, who was visiting from Pennsylvania and had just toured the Acropolis. “But it’s hot up there, it really is. If you don’t come prepared, you’re going to sweat.”

Another visitor, Jordan Lilley from Newcastle in Britain, joined the morning queue to visit the site before it shut down until the afternoon. “I’ve just got here only 10 minutes (ago), but I’m feeling hot. Very hot,” he said. “We were standing in the sun for, like, 10 minutes. Even after 10 minutes, I’m feeling the heat.”

In Albania, the heat led the government to reschedule working hours for civil servants, making it easier for some to work from home. In neighboring Italy, authorities added Palermo, Sicily, to the list of 13 cities with a severe heat warning as the entire Italian peninsula broiled in the same heat wave. The list was expected to grow to 14 on Thursday, when the northern city of Bolzano was expected to be added.

In Verona, where temperatures hovered around 35 C (95 F), sprinklers in the public park were used to spritz passersby during the late afternoons, and tourists were urged to make use of public water fountains. Flyers recommended elderly people stay indoors during the hottest times of the day and a 24-hour hotline was set up for emergencies, local media reported.

The hot, dry conditions have also fanned wildfires, with firefighters and water-dropping aircraft battling several blazes in Greece, including a large one in a pine forest in Corinth in southern Greece.

Across the northern border in North Macedonia, authorities were struggling to tame dozens of wildfires that had broken out in the previous 24 hours, with one major blaze stretching across nearly 30 kilometers (21 miles). Firefighting aircraft from Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Romania and Turkey responded to the country's call for assistance.

The government has declared a nationwide monthlong state of emergency to reducing the risk of wildfires, with measures including a ban on access to forest areas.

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Greece heatwave 2024: is it safe to travel and should you cancel your holiday

After the country was scorched by its earliest heatwave on record, here is everything you need to know if you have a trip booked amid more extreme temperatures

Greece is one of the sunniest countries in Europe , and the bright weather paired with lovely beaches and striking scenery have made it a well-established summer getaway spot for years. 

However, Greece’s warm temperatures make it highly prone to heatwaves and wildfires, which are only becoming more common because of the climate emergency. Extreme temperatures scorched the country in a Europe-wide heatwave last summer , and Greece already experienced it ’s earliest ever heatwave in min-June.  Wildfires have spread around Cyprus , Kos, Chios and Crete , and  the Acropolis, Greece’s most popular tourist attraction, was forced to close  for the hottest parts of the day during this period. 

These extreme temperatures have now skyrocketed again, reaching a blistering 45C in some regions. I t looks like Greece is set for a long and searingly hot summer.  Here is everything you need to know about the Greece heatwave if you have a trip booked. 

Which areas have been affected by the heatwave in Greece? 

Areas across Greece are about to be affected by the heatwave as extremely hot weather is set to prevail for 10 days from July 15 to 24.  Based on maps from WXCharts , the region around Larissa is predicted to experience blistering 45C temperatures, and areas such as Thessaloniki, Skopje and Athens, which will see temperatures of around 41-42C. 

In Greece, temperatures above 38C which last at least three days constitute a heatwave. 

So, is it safe to travel to Greece right now? 

Travelling to Greece hasn’t been advised against, but if you have a trip booked, you’ll need to take precautions to stay safe. During the previous heatwave in some areas, people were told to remain indoors between 11am and 3pm, and in June schools were suspended and attractions, including the Acropolis, were closed due to wildfire fears . 

Greece’s extreme temperatures during the first heatwave sadly led to the deaths of a handful of tourists, the first of which was British author and TV presenter Michael Mosely on the island of Symi, many of whom were out hiking during the hottest parts of the day. 

What islands were affected by the wildfires? 

Back in April, there was a wildfire on the island of Crete which injured three people. More recently, Paphos, a city in southwest Cyprus, has experienced wildfires. Five villages in the area were evacuated, and many homes and farms have been destroyed by the fire. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported as a result of wildfires.

The islands of Kos, Chios and Crete have all also experienced wildfires in the last few weeks. 

What is the UK Foreign Office saying? 

The Foreign Office hasn’t advised against travelling to Greece, but on the safety and security section of the website, it reads: ‘There are active wildfires across Greece, including in populated areas on the mainland and a number of islands. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Follow ‘112 Greece’ on X (formerly known as Twitter) for official updates.

You should:

• take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas
• make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
• not light barbecues

Causing a forest fire is treated as a criminal offence in Greece even if unintentional. If you see a forest fire, call the emergency services on 112. Forest fires can also cause travel disruption in wider areas.’

There’s more advice in this section about what to do if you find yourself in an area affected by wildfires – you can read that here . 

What are your rights if you’ve booked a trip to Greece? 

You won’t be entitled to a refund on your trip, as the Foreign Office hasn’t advised against travel to Greece. However, if you are concerned, it’s worth contacting your travel provider to see what can be done – you may be able to move the dates you travel. 

What’s the hottest Greece has ever been?

Greece actually holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded in Europe. On July 10 1977, Elefsina (which is in the Athens metropolitan area) reached a scorching 48C. The longest heatwave ever recorded in Greece was in July 2023, lasting for 16 days. 

When was the last heatwave in Greece?

The last heatwave in Greece was only a few weeks ago, and broke the record as the earliest one ever. Temperatures reached up to 43C in some areas on June 12 and 13. About the upcoming heatwave,  Greek Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis said ‘People need to understand that climate change is happening and that they need to be very careful. We have had cases of foreign travellers who lost their lives in Greece.’

ICYMI: Is it safe to travel to Rhodes right now? The latest advice after the earthquake in Greece . 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for all the latest travel news. 

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Mayor of Athens says tourism in Greece isn’t ‘viable’ anymore as each visitor only adds €0.40 to the economy

Summers in Athens are about historical sights like the Parthenon, colorful markets and plates of souvlakis. But lately, it’s gotten hard to cope with the number of people chasing those exact things. 

Authorities in the Greek capital of Athens have lamented the city’s tipping into overtourism territory, making crowds unmanageable . To control that, the city capped the number of tourists who could visit the Acropolis to 20,000 last year, as tourists flocked to Greece beyond just the summertime. 

Tourism is a double-edged sword in Greece. The number of visitors has exploded beyond control, growing by 120% between 2019 and 2023. But since Greece derives 25-30% of its GDP from tourist activities—with that number soaring to 90% on the island of Santorini—cracking down on it isn’t easy.

Still, the headache of excessive visitors and its impact on local communities and the city itself has made tourism in its current form isn’t sustainable, Athens’s Mayor Harris Doukas said.         

“Each visitor brings €0.40 to the city, and we haven’t seen this money yet,” Doukas told Euronews . “We need to find a way to make tourism viable.”

Last year, a whopping 33 million tourists visited Greece—over thrice the country’s population. More tourism means a greater economic boost by propping up local business activities. But they’ve resulted in a disproportionate strain on infrastructure, housing and environmental resources. These are particularly pressing as Greece grapples with the aftermath of wildfires in recent years. 

“It turns out that the pressures exerted by tourism on the environment are linked to the change of land uses (due to the creation of new infrastructure and other facilities for tourist use), and specifically with the expansion of the urban environment at the expense of the natural,” a government report on sustainable tourism found as part of a broader effort to change Greece’s approach towards tourism.  

Earlier this year, Greece introduced a “ climate crisis resilience tax ” that aims to raise funds that can help it address natural disasters by charging tourists through their hotel bills.    

Managing overtourism in a delicate yet firm way

Given its relationship with the tourism and hospitality sectors, Greece has tried to manage its visitors with a raft of measures, including extending the vacation season to a longer period and introducing fines for businesses that take up too much space on beaches with their sunbeds and umbrellas.

“Our goal is to protect both the environment and the right of citizens to access the beach freely, and to preserve our tourism product as well as healthy entrepreneurship,” Economy Minister Kostis Hatzidakis said in a statement, according to Agence France-Presse.

Travel demand was nearly zilch three years ago at the pandemic’s peak. But it has since come back roaring—and several other European cities are also facing the heat of it. Italy and the Netherlands are grappling with a phenomenon similar to Greece’s.

In response to the threat of overtourism, Amsterdam has curbed the construction of new hotels and plans to limit cruise ship dockings in its harbor , while Venice has introduced an entry fee for its visitors as of this summer. 

With visitor numbers steadily rising, countries now face a delicate balance between promoting and limiting tourism, especially where it’s a crucial piece of the economy.

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The Best Times to Visit Greece for Good Weather, Fewer Crowds, and Affordable Prices

High, low, and shoulder seasons all have their advantages.

Alessandra Amodio

Greece has long beckoned travelers with its crystalline waters, rich historical sites, and delicious cuisine. One of the best times to visit is in late spring or early fall to avoid the summer crowds and soaring temperatures. Here's an overview of the main tourist seasons:

• High Season:  July to August
• Shoulder Seasons:  April to June and September to October
• Low Season:  November to March

There are advantages to visiting year-round. The peak summer months are best for a classic coastal vacation spent swimming in the sea and dining in outdoor tavernas, while the low season offers a glimpse of local life as well as more affordable rates. Winter is also the rainy season in Greece, but it can be a good time for a cultural getaway with fewer crowds at museums and archaeological sites.

Ready to plan your trip? These are the best times to visit Greece no matter your priorities.

Michela Buttignol/Travel+Leisure

Best Times to Visit Greece for Smaller Crowds

Unsurprisingly, the most popular time to visit Greece stretches from late spring to early fall, when the warm weather draws beach-goers and island-hoppers. According to CEIC data , fewer than one million people visit Greece each month between November and March, compared to more than six times that number in August. So if you're not planning to hit the beaches, you'll encounter far fewer crowds if you visit in winter.

While the weather is cooler from November to March (average temperatures hover between the mid-40s and the low 60s), it can be a pleasant time to explore ancient ruins such as those at Delphi and contemporary art galleries and museums in Athens . Note, however, that many tourist venues and hotels close for the winter, particularly in the Greek islands , and there's a higher chance of rain between November and March.

Best Times to Visit Greece for Good Weather

If you're after warm weather but want to avoid extreme heat, May and September are among the best months to go to Greece. The country is relatively large, so temperatures vary, but in May, the average temperature in Athens ranges from a high of 77 degrees Fahrenheit to a low of 59. Mountainous areas like Mount Olympus are typically cooler. In June, the average high warms up to the mid-80s — perfect for swimming in the sea.

Summer can be sweltering, with average highs in the 90s in Athens, though the Greek islands tend to be cooler, in the high 70s and 80s. By October, average highs dip into the 60s and low 70s. Yes, it's cool, but nowhere near cold enough to feel uninviting. Winter is the rainiest season in Greece.

Best Times to Visit Greece for Lower Prices

You're likely to save money on a trip to Greece if you travel during the winter low season. According to Skyscanner , the cheapest month to fly to Greece is November. You can typically find the best airfare by booking your flight within one to two months of your scheduled departure.

Hotels tend to be pricey during July and August, so avoid these peak months if you're looking for lower room rates. It's worth noting that prices increase slightly during Greek Orthodox Easter, which sometimes falls at the end of April. The end of December and the beginning of January see a similar spike.

Worst Times to Visit Greece

There's no bad time to visit Greece, but July and August can be uncomfortably hot and humid, especially in Athens. The capital city and Cycladic islands (including Mykonos and Santorini) are also at their most crowded and expensive during these months, so it's best to avoid midsummer if you're looking for more elbow room, lower prices, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Conversely, winter temperatures can dip as low as the 40s in Greece and it's also the wettest season. While the cool weather is fine for exploring historical sites, shops, and museums, it's too chilly to swim in the ocean, and some hotels and attractions in resort areas may close.

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