Things to Do in Fashion Island
20 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Athens
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A symbol of Western Civilization at its most magnificent, Athens' illustrious history stretches back more three,000 years. The city flourished during classical antiquity and was the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles, and Sophocles. More than than but a relic of its glorious by, today Athens is a humming and modern capital metropolis and home to some of the land'south most of import tourist attractions.
The Acropolis is one of the world's nigh breathtaking ancient ruins, and the metropolis's exceptional museums brandish fascinating artifacts uncovered at local sites. Other hidden charms awaiting discovery are the dazzling Byzantine churches found all over the metropolis and the village-like neighborhoods north of the Acropolis.
When you think y'all've run out of things to practice in Athens, spend some fourth dimension getting lost in the Plaka district'southward narrow pedestrian streets, lined with quaint bougainvillea-draped houses and inviting restaurant terraces.
A completely different vacation experience from the idyllic Greek islands, Athens can feel hectic and busy during the summer flavor, but in the bound and fall, you lot can withal enjoy good weather condition and see far fewer tourists.
Programme your sightseeing with our list of the top tourist attractions in Athens.
See also: Where to Stay in Athens
Notation: Some businesses may exist temporarily closed due to recent global health and safe issues.
ane. Visit the Aboriginal Acropolis
Few sights in the world compare to Athens' Acropolis, with its Parthenon temple perched high on a rocky crag keeping lookout man over centuries of civilization. A reminder of the glory of aboriginal Athens, the Acropolis was the center of the ancient metropolis and functioned equally a citadel in its protected hilltop location.
The nearly emblematic building is the Parthenon, the largest temple of the classical antiquity menses dating from 447 BC to 338 BC. With its monumental rows of Doric columns and stunning sculptural details, the temple is an awe-inspiring sight. In the frieze on the eastern side, reliefs describe the birth of the goddess Athena.
Other ruins of the Acropolis include the Temple of Athena Nike at the entrance, and Erechtheion, a complex of aboriginal sanctuaries built between 421 BC and 395 BC. The nigh famous feature of the Erechtheion complex is the Porch of the Caryatids, with vi statues of maidens in place of Doric columns.
For beautiful views of the Acropolis from beneath, head to the due north side of the colina. Streetside restaurants line the pedestrian street of Apostolou Pavlou and look up to the Acropolis. Some of these restaurants also take rooftop dining, with incredible views across to the Acropolis, showing the thou entrance, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Parthenon, all of which are lit up in the evenings.
On hot days, it's best to visit the Acropolis in the morning and and so head to the air-conditioned Acropolis Museum in the afternoon. Alternatively, head up to the Acropolis for dusk. To avoid the long line to get in, buy a Skip the Line Acropolis of Athens Tour , which includes a guided tour of the site.
- Read More than: Visiting the Acropolis in Athens: The Essential Guide
ii. Acropolis Museum
Some other of Athens' top attractions, the Acropolis Museum contains one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the earth. The new facility was completed in 2007, below the Acropolis hilltop, and replaced the former museum on the hill.
This huge facility 25,000 square meters, and features 14,000 square meters of exhibition space. The unique layout incorporates an aboriginal Athenian neighborhood.
This is one of the best things to exercise in Athens when temperatures are soaring at midday. Be aware, the entrance queue to buy tickets can exist long, so it'southward best to book your tickets online in advance. That style, you lot'll have a guaranteed admission at a specific time.
Official site: http://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en
3. National Archaeology Museum
Founded in the 19th century, Athens' National Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Hellenic republic and one of the greatest antiquities museums in the globe.
The museum is housed in an impressive Neoclassical edifice with 8,000 foursquare meters of exhibition infinite. On display are 5 permanent collections with more than than 11,000 exhibits, offer a comprehensive overview of Greek civilization from prehistory through the classical period to late artifact.
The Prehistoric Drove covers the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC (the Neolithic, Cycladic, and Mycenaean periods) and presents findings from the prehistoric settlement at Thera. The Sculpture Collection exhibits aboriginal Greek sculptures from the sixth century BC to the fifth century BC, including rare masterpieces. The Vase and Decorative Objects Drove showcases ancient Greek pottery from the 11th century BC all the way until the classical Roman menstruation. The Stathatos Collection features minor objects from a wide range of historical periods. Exquisite little statues and figurines sculpted from metals are on display in the Metallurgy Collection.
Address: 44 Patission Street, Athens
Official site: https://www.namuseum.gr/en/
iv. Wander the Pláka and Anafiotika Neighborhoods
Betwixt the northern slopes of the Acropolis and Ermoú Street, the picturesque Pláka neighborhood is a tourist hot spot. The master attraction of this historic surface area is its charming village ambience. Narrow pedestrian streets and the cheerful petty squares of the Pláka quarter are lined with lovely bougainvillea-trimmed pastel-painted houses, restaurants, and shops.
Tucked abroad in peaceful corners of the neighborhood are celebrated churches, such as the Metamórfosis Church in the southwest and the Church of Kapnikaréa in the north. A leisurely stroll through the picturesque setting is the perfect thing to do when you've had your fill of ruins and museums.
The Plaka quarter, forth with neighboring Anafiotika nestled into the slopes north of the Acropolis, accept an affluence of authentic Greek restaurants with inviting terrace seating. The winding medieval streets of Anafiotika are also a delight to explore in the evenings. This area is famous for its Eating place Staircase on Mnisikleous Street. Nearby, quieter streets are hidden away on the hillside, which conceal cute little cafés and restaurants.
The area boasts ii important archaeological sites on Pepopida Street: the first-century BC Roman Agora and the second-century Library of Hadrian.
five. Stroll Through the Ancient Agora: Ruins of the Marketplace
The ancient Agora was the marketplace and the center of everyday life in ancient Athens. For an impressive view of the Agora from afar, head to the north wall of the Acropolis or the roads from the Areopagus.
The best place to enter the Agora is at the n gate off Adrianoú Street (near the Church of Saint Philip). The Greek word "Agora" means to "get together and orate," indicating that this site was a location of public speaking. The Agora was a identify of assistants and commerce too as the coming together identify of the Agora tou Dimou, a civic decision-making grouping. Athletic events and theater performances were also held here.
1 of the well-nigh hit features of the Ancient Agora is the Stoa of Attalos, originally built by King Attalos II and reconstructed in the 1950s. The stoa may have been the scene of Socrates' trial in 399 BC.
Another key site is the awe-inspiring Temple of Hephaistos. You can reach it on a pleasant walk along the footpath that leads up the Agora Hill (Kolonos Agoraios). This fifth-century BC Doric temple is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, thanks to its conversion into a Christian church, which saved it from destruction. The temple was designed on a classical program with six rows of 13 columns, and the Ionic friezes appear to exist modeled on the Parthenon.
Address: 24 Andrianou Street, Athens
6. The Roman Agora & Hadrian's Library
Adjacent to the Ancient Agora is the site of the Roman Agora. While it may all seem like i site, these buildings were constructed later, and construction somewhen moved on to the site of the Ancient Agora. One of the easily recognizable sites here is the Tower of the Winds.
On the edge of the Roman Agora is the ancient Hadrian'southward Library, founded by Emperor Hadrian in Advert 132. Even afterward, during Byzantine times, three churches were congenital near the site of the library.
You can encounter ane wall of Hadrian'south Library and ruins of the Roman Agora from the street, just if you lot want to explore further, you can purchase a ticket and walk through the ruins.
7. Museum of Cycladic Art
In the Kolonáki quarter, the Museum of Cycladic Fine art was created in 1986 by the Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris Foundation. The shipowner Nikolas P. Goulandris was a well-known patron of the arts and cultural life in Athens. Goulandris' ain collection forms the core of the museum's exhibits.
Housed in a sleek modernistic building with a facade of marble and drinking glass, the museum's permanent collection includes more than than 3,000 objects. The collection represents aboriginal Greek art, ancient art of the Cyclades (the islands in the Aegean Ocean encircling the Isle of Delos near Mykonos), and Cypriot art (from the island of Republic of cyprus) dating from the fourth century BC to the sixth century AD.
Many of the artifacts on display date to the sixth century BC. Temporary exhibits are held at the elegant 19th-century Stathatos Mansion, accessible from the main edifice past a passageway from the atrium.
Address: 4 Neophytou Douka Street, Athens
Official site: https://cycladic.gr/en
eight. Olympieion: Temple of Olympian Zeus
Dedicated to Zeus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, also called the Olympieion, was the largest temple in ancient Greece. Though the Parthenon is better preserved, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was an fifty-fifty more than monumental structure in its day. The temple dates to the sixth century BC but was not completed until the 2d century AD by the Emperor Hadrian. In forepart of the Olympieion, not far from the entrance, stands Hadrian's Curvation at the end of Dionysiou Areopagitou.
It'south easy to imagine the grand impression this temple made in its complete form. More than than a hundred enormous marble columns once supported the grandiose sanctuary. Simply 15 columns remain continuing, and another surviving column lies on the ground, but the ruins' monumental presence gives a sense of the massive size of the original edifice. The gigantic structure was a befitting shrine to Zeus, the aboriginal Greeks' most all-powerful God, known as the King of Gods.
Nearby, only north of the Olympieion, is a small-scale park containing the ruins of Themistokles' wall and the ancient Roman baths. The baths are quite impressive considering they are a free attraction that you tin easily work into your walking tour near the Olympieion. They are located right along the edge of Vassilissis Amalias Artery, at the side of the route.
Location: City Heart near the Athens Gate and Athanasiou Diakou Street, Athens
9. Panathenaic Stadium & Olympic Stadium
Aboriginal Athens'south largest building, the Panathenaic Stadium, has a chapters for 60,000 spectators. Constructed around 335 BC during the era of Herodes Atticus, the venue hosted the Panathenaic Games where runners competed in races around the track. The 204-meter-long rails was designed with four double herms, where runners would plow in the races.
Around Advertizing 140, the stadium was updated with new marble seating by Herodes Atticus. The structure that tourists see today is a replica of the original stadium, which was rebuilt for the Olympic Games of 1896. This modern-era Olympic Stadium was created in the identical style as the Panathenaic Stadium, with 47 tiers of seating and a rounded southeast end.
The facility hosts concerts and other events during the summer. Attention a show can be a overnice manner to spend an evening in Athens.
Location: Ardettos Hill, Athens
10. Byzantine Museum
This interesting museum offers fascinating insights into the Byzantine catamenia of Greek history. Housed in a 19th-century palace originally built for the Duchesse de Plaisance, the wife of Charles-François Lebrun of France, the museum displays a precious collection of Byzantine art.
The Byzantine Empire was the inheritance of the eastern half of the Roman Empire after information technology fell. From the third century to the 15th century, the Byzantine Empire ruled over the land of what is at present the Balkans, Hellenic republic, and Asia Minor. During this fourth dimension, religious fine art was highly valued. Byzantine artists created masterpieces of detailed, glittering mosaics and aureate icons.
With more than than 25,000 artifacts on display, the Byzantine Museum is a treasury of religious artifacts from the Byzantine menstruum every bit well every bit pieces from the early Christian, medieval, and postal service-Byzantine eras. The collection includes sculptures, paintings, icons, textiles, and mosaics. Highlights are the architectural fragments from early Christian basilicas and Byzantine churches and the reproduction of a fountain depicted at the Monastery of Dafní. The museum's courtyard features a first-class fragment of a mosaic floor from the fifth century.
Address: 22 Vas. Sofias Avenue, Athens
Official site: www.byzantinemuseum.gr/en/
Location: Ancient Agora, Athens
eleven. Search for Deals in Monastiraki & the Flea Marketplace
Narrow streets lined with shops selling everything from jewelry and trinkets to wearable and everyday appurtenances is what you'll find in the Athens Flea Market place in Monastiraki. This is one of the neighborhood's main draws, but this area has a very unique vibe and is a dainty place to just relax at an outdoor patio or wander almost.
Monastiraki has no shortage of restaurants, and this is a good place to come for lunch if you want to grab a gyros or whatever type of traditional Greek dish. Dissimilar the more upscale Plaka district, this area is a bit more casual.
Monastiraki Square is an open up area, surrounded past a mix of old and new buildings. This is a expert place to orient yourself. A sign on one side of the foursquare marks the street to the Flea Market. From the square, you tin encounter the Acropolis upwardly loftier in the distance, and a short walk from the square takes you to Hadrian's Library.
12. Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church
Gracing a little square that opens onto a pedestrian-only department of busy Ermoú Street, the Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church is a delightful place to visit and a site you are probable to walk past. This church is a splendid example of compages from the 11th-century Byzantine era and a stark contrast to the modern compages that surrounds it. It was saved from demolition in the 19th century by the intervention of King Ludwig I of Bavaria.
When it was built, domed cruciform churches such as this ane were typical. In the twelfth century, the church was enhanced with a graceful entrance portico and a narthex featuring 4 pediments (built onto the western stop). Within, the church is busy with 19th-century paintings created in the iconographic style of the Middle Byzantine period.
Location: Corner of Ermoú and Kalamiótous Street, Athens
13. Run into the Changing of the Baby-sit at Syntagma Square
For many tourists, watching the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Foursquare is an exciting and memorable feel. The Soldiers of the Presidential Guard stand in front of the Hellenic Parliament on Syntagma Foursquare 24 hours a mean solar day, year-round. The guards article of clothing traditional costumes complete with pleated skirts, leg tassels, and pompom shoes.
The Irresolute of the Guards takes place in front end of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument at 11am daily. This monument honors bearding soldiers who died fighting for the country. The monument features a marble relief that imitates a warrior grave stele of ancient times.
14. Church of the Holy Apostles
On the site of the ancient Agora, the Church of the Holy Apostles was the only edifice left standing when this unabridged quarter of Athens was demolished to excavate the Agora archaeological site. Built in the 10th century, the church stands above a nymphaion (sacred spring).
The exterior is notable for its ashlar masonry and its ornamental Kufic (a mode of Standard arabic script) inscriptions. Typical of Byzantine compages, the church building has a dome supported on four columns, and the alcove and transepts feature semicircular conches. The interior of the dome is adorned with original frescoes depicting Christ Pantocrator (Ruler of All), John the Baptist, adorable little cherubim, and archangels. Much of the original 11th-century iconostasis (wall of icons and religious paintings) has also been well preserved.
15. National Gardens and the Zappeion
Located next to the Greek parliament, the National Garden is a large green space behind the Temple of Olympian Zeus and home to the Zappeion. If you have had plenty sun during your day of sightseeing, this is a quiet, shady place to relax and absurd off. Inviting trails lead through alpine copse and offering a reprieve from the decorated streets. It's also a costless attraction in Athens.
On the edge of the garden is the Zappeion Hall, which you tin enter for a peek inside if it is not in employ. Information technology was congenital in the 1870s and is used for events. Within the main entrance is an impressive circular, open up-air hall, lined by columns.
16. Church building of Demetrius Loumbardiaris
In a verdant setting on Philopappou Hill, this tiny 12th-century Byzantine chapel offers an opportunity for an enchanting spiritual feel. The building was constructed at the Diateichisma Gate because of the ancient belief that divinity protected the gates.
Within, the church has a single-aisle vaulted basilica course, and the walls are adorned with frescoes dating to 1732. The chapel'southward name "Loumbardiaris" (meaning "The Cannoneer") is connected with the legend that the church building was saved past a phenomenon around 1650 when the Turkish commander of the Acropolis, Yusuf, bombed the church building. The church was restored in the 1960s by the architect D. Pikionis. Some other highlight of visiting Philopappou Hill is the chance to have in spectacular views of the Parthenon from this location.
Location: Philopappou Hill, Athens
17. Catch Dinner and Socialize on Mnisikleous Street Stairs
If you are looking for things to do at night in Athens, caput over to the Mnisikleous Street stairs. Restaurants line this set of stairs on the top end of Mnisikleous Street, drawing a crowd in the evenings.
The restaurants vary in quality, although some are quite skilful, but the atmosphere here is hard to beat out. Information technology'due south extremely casual and relaxed. In fact, when the tables are full, people take to sitting on cushions on the stone stairs, and small-scale knee joint-high wooden benches are brought out and placed on the stairs, creating an impromptu table. People are often tightly packed in, making for an intimate and friendly feel.
18. The National Museum of Contemporary Fine art
Sometimes a visit to Athens tin feel like an overdose on history. To alleviate that condition, caput to the National Museum of Contemporary Art. This institution is the cultural epicenter of Athens and is dwelling house to a abiding stream of temporary exhibits showcasing the latest in art innovation.
In addition to the visiting exhibitions, the museum has an impressive permanent collection of 172 pieces on display. These items were created by 78 dissimilar artists, both domestic and international, forth 2 specific topics requested past the museum.
The total collection of the museum consists of 1,300 pieces, nearly of them in paintings and photography.
19. Bask the View From Lycabettus Loma
As you stand up on and gaze out over Athens from the Acropolis, you lot may wonder what the loma in the distance is. That would exist Lycabettus Colina, and it'south well worth a visit. The view from the tiptop of Lycabettus Hill is one of the best in Athens.
At 227 meters in tiptop, it'south the highest point in the city, and provides the unique view down upon the Acropolis. The funicular operates well into the night (12 to one:30am depending on the flavour), and so a trip up here at night to come across the urban center lights and the Acropolis fully lit is highly recommended. Or, if y'all notice yourself there during the solar day, take a chip of fourth dimension to soak information technology all in past grabbing a cold drinkable or a bite to consume at the eating house at the pinnacle.
Y'all can walk to the meridian if you really want to, or like nigh people practice, take the 3-minute ride on the funicular.
Official site: https://www.lycabettushill.com/
20. Varvakios Agora
If you are looking to get off the well-trodden tourist path in Athens and encounter how true Athenians live, ready your alarm to get up early and head to the Varvakios Agora. Located in the Monastiraki neighborhood, this fresh food market is an experience unlike whatsoever in Athens.
The bounty of the sea and farm are on full display, with the lively sellers hawking their goods to locals and tourists akin. In some other building nearby, fruit, vegetables, and, of class, olives are on sale. Small restaurants are located on the premises, offering cheap, tasty, and filling meals. Take some time to wander the aisles and soak up the atmosphere, and be sure to bring your camera!
Where to Stay in Athens for Sightseeing
The best identify to stay in Athens is nigh the Acropolis in the Plaka or Anafiotika neighborhoods. This will put you lot in the heart of the action and within walking distance of the Acropolis, Roman Agora, Library of Hadrian, and Syntagma Square. Both neighborhoods are picturesque and quaint, with narrow pedestrian-only streets, many restaurants, and interesting shops. Beneath are some highly-rated hotels in convenient locations:
Luxury Hotels:
- Within walking altitude from the Temple of Olympian Zeus and many proficient restaurants, the boutique AVA Hotel Athens offers quaint and cozy suites with kitchenettes.
- The O&B Athens Boutique Hotel is a 10-minute walk to the Acropolis and features modernistic rooms and a spectacular rooftop patio with amazing views.
- The elegant Grande Bretagne Hotel , with a well-regarded rooftop eatery, is set up in a prime number location that it has occupied since 1874.
Mid-Range Hotels:
- The appropriately named Plaka Hotel offers good rooms in a groovy location, and the rooftop patio has views to the Acropolis. Free coffee and tea are on offer all day long.
- The Hermes Hotel in the Plaka is newly renovated and just a two-minute walk to the attractions of Syntagma Square.
- On a quiet side street, the Fundamental Hotel has also been recently renovated and offers mod, comfortable rooms and a hot breakfast. It'southward a 15-minute walk from the Acropolis, and the view from the rooftop patio is quite spectacular.
Budget Hotels:
- Hotel Acropolis House is a good budget option with an splendid location shut to attractions, and the shops of the pedestrian-but Ermou Street are a short stroll away. This is a celebrated property, and rooms are dated only come up in an assortment of sizes. Some rooms have their own bathrooms, simply others come with their own bathroom located down the hall. Guests have their ain fundamental to their private washrooms.
- The Hotel City has been recently renovated and provides rooms with balconies, some facing the Acropolis.
Tips and Tours: How to Make the Well-nigh of Your Visit to Athens
- See the Sights: For maximum sightseeing flexibility and value, it'south hard to beat out the City Sightseeing Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bout . Accompanied by an audio commentary, you tin prowl around Athens in an open-peak double decker bus, hopping on and off at any of the 14 stops to spend more time at your favorite attractions, such every bit the Acropolis or the Plaka. If you simply have a few hours to see the highlights of Athens, the Athens Half-24-hour interval Sightseeing Tour blends both the city's ancient and modern attractions. An skillful guide takes you to run into height sites such every bit the Tomb of the Unknown, the Acropolis, and the Pantheon. This three.v-hour tour includes access to the Acropolis of Athens and the Acropolis Museum (optional), hotel pickup, and free Wi-Fi on the coach.
- Delphi Twenty-four hour period Trip: If you want to complement your Athens tour by exploring celebrated monuments further afield, consider the Delphi Day Trip . This total-day bout takes you to this Earth Heritage-listed archaeological site to come across the Temple of Apollo and the Delphi Archeological Museum. On your way abode, you have a chance to explore the picturesque towns of Arachova and Levadia. Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drib-off at select hotels, free Wi-Fi, and entrance fees.
- Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip: Stunning scenery and hilltop ruins are the highlights of the Mycenae and Epidaurus Twenty-four hour period Trip . This full-day guided adventure includes a cute drive along the Saronic Gulf and into the Peloponnese to see the hilltop ruins of Mycenae every bit well as a visit to Epidaurus, the birthplace of Apollo'south son, and the picturesque town of Nauplia. Too included are archway fees, a professional guide, free Wi-Fi on the coach, and a map.
- Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Solar day Trip: Encounter ane of Athens' near famous monuments on the Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon One-half-Day Trip . Traveling in an air-conditioned coach, you lot can sit back, relax, and bask a scenic drive to Greatcoat Sounion to meet the remains of the clifftop Temple of Poseidon, overlooking the sea, while an experienced guide shares information about its history. This four-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drib-off at select hotels, entrance fees, and free Wi-Fi on the double-decker.
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For many people, Athens is simply a gateway to the Greek Islands or destinations to the north. If you are planning your trip, below are some ideas to assist notice places to visit in Greece.
Greek Islands: The most famous and popular of the Greek Islands is Santorini. If this is your first excursion to the Greek Islands, information technology should exist on your itinerary. Besides very popular is Crete. This is a large island with many things to see and practice, and then exist sure to include more a mean solar day or two if you are planning on stopping here. Other ideas for Greek islands include Corfu, Rhodes, Samos, and Mykonos.
Exploring Greece: The rich history of Hellenic republic extends far across Athens, but the remains of the Temple of Apollo in Corinth and the seat of the oracle at Delphi are inside the achieve of a day trip. Some other highlight is the monasteries above the rock formations at Metéora. For more ideas, see our guide to the Top Tourist Attractions in Greece.
Athens Map - Attractions (Historical)
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