Athens is the spectacular capital and largest city of Greece, the cradle of western civilization. With breathtaking history and culture, Athens is home to many iconic landmarks and destinations, including the Acropolis of Athens and the Parthenon temple, which are located on a hill overlooking the city. The Acropolis Museum is also a popular destination, where visitors can learn about the history of the city and see the famous Parthenon frieze.
Other popular destinations in Athens include the Agora of Athens, an ancient market where political, commercial, and social activity took place, and the National Archaeological Museum, which has a great collection of artifacts from all over Greece. The Plaka neighborhood is also a great place to visit, with its narrow streets, tavernas, and souvenir shops.
In addition to its historic sites, Athens is also a modern city with many restaurants, cafes, and shopping options. Syntagma Square is a central square in the city that is home to the Greek Parliament building, as well as many restaurants and cafes. The city is also home to the Panathenaic Stadium, an ancient stadium that was refurbished in the 19th century and is now used for sporting events and concerts.
Athens is a vibrant and exciting city that offers something for everyone. Its rich history and culture make it a fantastic vacation destination for anyone interested in learning about the past, while its modern amenities and lively atmosphere make it a great place to relax and have fun. With these 25 best things to do in Athens, you will surely not miss any must-see attraction or landmark.
Other popular destinations in Athens include the Agora of Athens, an ancient market where political, commercial, and social activity took place, and the National Archaeological Museum, which has a great collection of artifacts from all over Greece. The Plaka neighborhood is also a great place to visit, with its narrow streets, tavernas, and souvenir shops.
In addition to its historic sites, Athens is also a modern city with many restaurants, cafes, and shopping options. Syntagma Square is a central square in the city that is home to the Greek Parliament building, as well as many restaurants and cafes. The city is also home to the Panathenaic Stadium, an ancient stadium that was refurbished in the 19th century and is now used for sporting events and concerts.
Athens is a vibrant and exciting city that offers something for everyone. Its rich history and culture make it a fantastic vacation destination for anyone interested in learning about the past, while its modern amenities and lively atmosphere make it a great place to relax and have fun. With these 25 best things to do in Athens, you will surely not miss any must-see attraction or landmark.
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Make the most of your time in Athens and enjoy access to 7 of the city's top archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, Roman Agora, and Ancient Agora.
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25 places
Acropolis of Athens
1
The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a high rocky outcropping above the city of Athens. The outstanding structure contains the remains of several ancient buildings, the most famous of which is the incredible Parthenon temple.
Acropolis Museum, Athens
2
The Acropolis Museum is a modern museum located at the base of the Acropolis in Athens. It was built to house the artifacts and sculptures that were found on the Acropolis, including the famous Parthenon frieze. The museum has a fantastic collection of ancient Greek art and is a wonderful place to learn about the history and culture of this incredible city.
Parthenon, Athens
3
The Parthenon is a temple located on the Acropolis of Athens. It was built in the 5th century BCE and is dedicated to the goddess Athena. It is considered one of the most important examples of ancient Greek architecture and is a symbol of the city of Athens. The iconic temple is known for its beautiful sculptures and reliefs, which depict stories from Greek mythology. It is a must-see destination for anyone interested in ancient history and culture.
Ancient Agora of Athens, Athens
4
The Agora of Athens was the center of political, commercial, and social activity in ancient Athens. It was a bustling marketplace and the site of important civic and religious buildings.
Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens
5
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is an impressive ruined temple in Athens that was once the largest temple in the city. It was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology.
Panathenaic Stadium, Athens
6
The Panathenaic Stadium is an ancient stadium located in Athens. It was originally built in the 4th century BCE and was used for athletic contests. It was later refurbished in the 19th century and is now used for sporting events and concerts. The stadium is famous for being the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
National Archaeological Museum, Athens
7
The National Archaeological Museum is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Greek history and culture. It contains an impressive collection of artifacts from all over Greece, including sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and more.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens
8
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a magnificent ancient theater located on the Acropolis of Athens. It was built in the 2nd century CE and was used for concerts, plays, and other performances. It is named after Herodes Atticus, a wealthy Greek patron of the arts. The theater is still used for performances today and is a wonderful place to see live music or theater in Athens.
Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora), Athens
9
The Roman Forum of Athens, which is also known as the Roman Agora, is a wonderful ancient market located in the center of the city. It was built in the 1st century CE and was used for trade and commerce. It is a magnificent place to see another historical piece of this thrilling city.
Temple of Hephaestus, Athens
10
The Temple of Hephaestus is another outstanding ancient temple at the Agora of Athens. It was built in the 5th century BCE and is dedicated to the god Hephaestus, the patron of blacksmiths and craftsmen. The marvelous temple is known for its well-preserved Doric columns and is a fantastic example of ancient Greek architecture.
Athens 105 55, GreeceHoly Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary (Panagia Kapnikarea), Athens
11
The Holy Church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, also known as Panagia Kapnikarea, is an Eastern Orthodox church located in the center of Athens. It was built in the 11th century and is known for its beautiful Byzantine architecture and wonderful frescoes. It is a popular destination for religious tourists, and for anyone who has an interest in the city's history.
Syntagma Square, Athens
12
The vibrant Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens and a popular destination for tourists. It is home to the Greek Parliament building, as well as many restaurants, cafes, and shopping options. Don't miss the Changing of the Guards in Athens, which take place every round hour, although the main ceremony is on Sundays at 11 am.
Plateia Syntagmatos, Athina, GreeceMonastiraki Flea Market, Athens
13
Monastiraki Flea Market is a popular shopping destination in Athens, known for its open-air market where vendors sell a variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and more.
Plaka, Athens
14
Plaka is a charming neighborhood located in the heart of Athens. It is filled with winsome narrow streets, vibrant tavernas, and lovely souvenir shops. It is a great place to wander and soak up the local atmosphere.
Plaka, Athens, GreeceLycabettus Hill, Athens
15
Lycabettus Hill (or Mount Lycabettus) is a popular hill in Athens with a fantastic panoramic view of the city. It can be reached by hiking or by taking the funicular. At the top, there is a small church and a restaurant.
Philopappos Hill, Athens
16
Philopappos Hill, also known as the Hill of the Muses, is a hill located in Athens with winsome views of the city. It is home to the Monument of Philopappos, a tomb, and monument dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappos, who was the prince of the Kingdom of Commagene. The hill is a popular destination for tourists and is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the views.
Φυλής 215, Athina 117 41, GreeceByzantine and Christian Museum, Athens
17
The Byzantine and Christian Museum is a museum located in Athens that is dedicated to the history of the Byzantine Empire and Early Christian art. It contains a large collection of artifacts and works of art from this period, including icons, manuscripts, and frescoes. The museum is a marvelous place to learn about the rich history of this period in Greek history.
Theatre of Dionysus, Athens
18
The Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient theater located on the south slope of the Acropolis of Athens. It was built in the 6th century BCE and was used for performances of plays and other events. It is named after Dionysus, the god of wine and pleasure.
Central Athens "Varvakios" Markets, Athens
19
The Central Athens "Varvakios" Markets is a large market located in the center of the city. It is known for its wide variety of goods, including fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as clothing and other household items. The Varvakios market is a lively place, and an excellent opportunity to browse and shop for souvenirs or to get a taste of local life in Athens.
Νο68 Βαρβακειος Αγορα, Athina 105 51, GreeceVideo
Archaeological Site of Kerameikos, Athens
20
The Archaeological Site of Kerameikos is an ancient cemetery located in Athens. It was used from the 11th century BCE to the 5th century CE and contains the remains of many important figures from ancient Greek history.
Hadrian's Library, Athens
21
Hadrian's Library is an ancient library located in Athens. It was built in the 2nd century CE and was used to store books and scrolls. The library is a great example of ancient Greek architecture and is a popular destination for tourists interested in history and literature.
Benaki Museum, Athens
22
The lovely Benaki Museum is a museum of Greek culture and history, with a focus on the 19th and 20th centuries. It contains a rich and diverse collection of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.
Little Kook, Athens
23
Little Kook is a small cafe located in the trendy Plaka neighborhood of Athens. It is known for its unique decor, which includes a variety of colorful objects and artwork. The enchanting cafe is a popular destination for tourists and locals as well and is a splendid place to grab a coffee or a snack while exploring the city.
Hadrian's Arch, Athens
24
Hadrian's Arch is an ancient triumphal arch located in Athens. It was built in the 2nd century CE to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who visited the city.
National Garden, Athens
25
The National Garden is a splendid large park located in the center of Athens. It was created in the 19th century and is a popular destination for tourists and locals as well. The garden is home to a variety of plants and trees, as well as a small zoo and a children's playground. It is a lovely place to relax, have a picnic and enjoy the outdoors in Athens.