Contemplating traveling to Athens, Greece? Get the most out of your vacation by exploring the best things to do in Athens, Greece, and the best places to visit in Athens, Greece below. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3 travel company that aspires to disrupt the travel industry.
Table Of Content
- Acropolis
- Acropolis Museum
- Ancient Agora
- Byzantine Museum
- Lycabettus Hill
- Monastiraki & the Flea Market
- Museum of Cycladic Art
- National Archaeology Museum
- National Gardens and the Zappeion
- National Museum of Contemporary Art
- Panathenaic Stadium & Olympic Stadium
- Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church
- Pláka and Anafiotika Neighborhoods
- Pláka Stairs
- Parthenon
- Roman Agora & Hadrian’s Library
- Syntagma Square
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Temple of Poseidon
- Theatre of Dionysus
- Varvakios Agora
- Explore Europe
Acropolis
A place that stood watch over centuries of civilization.
On the Acropolis of Athens, high on a sheer cliff, is the Parthenon, the world’s most magnificent temple.
Once the center of an ancient city and a fortress, it acts as a reminder of Athens’ splendour from its hilltop position.
The Parthenon, the biggest temple of classical antiquity, dates from 447 BC up to 338 BC and is the most iconic structure.
The temple is awe-inspiring with its enormous rows of Doric columns and magnificent sculptural decorations.
Head to the north side of the slope for stunning views of the Acropolis below.
Restaurants overlooking the Acropolis line the Apostolou Pavlou’s pedestrian street.
Visit the Acropolis in the early mornings and the Acropolis Museum in the afternoon on warm days. But, you can watch the sunset from the Acropolis instead.
See unbelievable sights that have witnessed thousands of years of civilization when you visit Athens’ Acropolis.
Address: Athens 105 58, Greece
Acropolis Museum
Museum housing artifacts from ancient Greece.
The Acropolis Museum is also part of Athens’ primary attractions. It is home to the world’s most precious ancient Greek art collections.
Built by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, the modern facility officially opened to showcase thousands of objects discovered on the Acropolis ancient site. It is positioned on the southeast slope.
In fact, it is situated very strategically to give you beautiful endless views of the Parthenon.
When the sun is shining brightly in Athens, this is one of the most awesome place to be in!
If you want a hassle-free trip to this museum, you need to book ticket in advance. You don’t want to get caught in a long tourist line, do you?
Have the chance to polish your ancient history when you visit the Acropolis Museum now.
Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece
Ancient Agora
See the ruins of a historic ancient marketplace.
In ancient Athens, the Agora served as both a marketplace and a main place to get everyday needs.
The best entrance to the Agora is through the north gate off Adriano Street.
The Agora tou Dimou, a civic decision-making body, used it as a meeting place as well as a place of administration and business.
One awesome architectural wonder in ancient Greece is the Stoa of Attalos, created by Attalos II and reconstructed in the 1950s to its original glory.
Moreover, there are also athletic and theatrical activities were also held at this location.
Another must-see is the majestic Temple of Hephaistos. A pleasant stroll along Agora Hill’s path, and you’ll get there.
Stroll around this historic site now.
Address: 24 Andrianou Street, Athens
Byzantine Museum
A treasure trove of all things Byzantine.
This intriguing museum, Byzantine Museum, provides unique insights into Greek history throughout the Byzantine period.
It is housed in a 19th-century mansion erected for the Duchesse de Plaisance, the spouse of the King of France, Charles-François Lebrun. It houses a priceless collection of Byzantine art.
The eastern half of the Roman Empire was left to the Byzantine Empire after it fell.
The Byzantine Empire governed over what is now the Balkans, Greece, and Asia Minor from the third to the fifteenth centuries.
Religious art was highly esteemed during the time. Therefore, Byzantine painters made wonders of gilded icons and exquisite mosaics.
The Byzantine Museum is a goldmine of religious relics from the Byzantine period, as well as pieces from the early Christian, medieval, and post-Byzantine eras, with over 25,000 on show.
Moreover, sculptures, paintings, icons, fabrics, and mosaics are among the works in the collection.
Architectural relics from older basilicas and Byzantine structures, as well as a reproduction of a fountain depicted at Daphni Monastery, are among the attractions of the exhibit.
Check out the Byzantine Museum on your next visit to Athens.
Address: 22 Vas. Sofias Avenue, Athens
Lycabettus Hill
You might ask what the hill in the distance is when you stand on the Acropolis and look out across Athens.
Lycabettus Hill is the location, and it is well worth a visit. It gives you one of the most excellent views in Athens!
This cretaceous limestone peak rises 300 meters northeast of the heart of the city, and its lower slopes are covered in pine trees, which grow spottier as you approach the rocky summit.
It is the city’s highest point, standing at 227 meters, and offers a spectacular perspective of the Acropolis.
A trip up here at night to see the city lights and the Acropolis illuminated is strongly recommended.
If you’re there during the day, stop at the top and sit at a restaurant for a refreshing drink or a bite to eat and take it all in.
Also, you can either hike to the top or take the three-minute funicular trip, which is what most visitors do.
The city’s magnificent panorama awaits you at the summit.
You may take your time to spot the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Piraeus Coast, and peaks such as Pentelicus, which provided marble for the Acropolis, and the rising Parnitha in the north.
What are you waiting for? Hike up Lycabettus Hill now.
Address: Athens 114 71, Greece
Monastiraki & the Flea Market
Shop, dine, or just people watch.
The Athens Flea Market in Monastiraki has narrow alleyways packed with shops selling anything from jewelry and trinkets to apparel and everyday items.
This is one of the neighborhood’s primary draws, but it has its own distinct character and is a pleasant place to simply relax on an outdoor patio or roam about.
There are many eateries in Monastiraki, and this is a fantastic area to go for lunch if you want gyros or any other classic Greek food. This region is more relaxed than the more affluent Plaka sector.
Monastiraki Square is a large open space surrounded by both old and new structures.
This is a fantastic spot to get your thoughts. You will see that the street to the entry of the Flea Market is marked with signage on one side of the square.
The Acropolis may be seen in the distance from the square, while Hadrian’s Library is a short walk from the square.
Wander through this square now on your next visit to Athens.
Address: Monastiraki, Athens, Greece
Museum of Cycladic Art
Enjoy seeing pieces of Agean art at this museum.
The Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris Foundation founded the Museum of Cycladic Art in the Kolonáki neighborhood in 1986.
Nikolas P. Goulandris, the shipowner, was a well-known supporter of the arts and culture in Athens. The museum’s exhibitions revolve around Goulandris’ personal collection.
An remarkable marble and glass exterior frames a display of over 3,000 objects that are part of the museum’s permanent collection.
Moreover, the collection contains ancient Greek and Cycladic art dating from the fourth to sixth centuries Ad.
Meanwhile, there are still many exhibits that date back to the sixth century BC.
The entrance to the Stathatos Mansion, a 19th-century mansion with a marvelous atrium, is through a corridor from this site.
Wander through the Museum of Cyclandric Art now to learn more about this art style.
Address: 4 Neophytou Douka Street, Athens
National Archaeology Museum
A museum that contains the finest Greek antiquities in the world.
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens, founded in the nineteenth century, is Greece’s largest archaeological museum and one of the world’s most excellent antiquities museums.
The museum is built in a unique Neoclassical structure with an exhibiting space of 8,000 square meters.
Five permanent collections with over 11,000 items are on display, providing a comprehensive overview of Greek civilization from prehistory to late antiquity.
Moreover, its Prehistoric Collection of the museum covers the Neolithic, Mycenaean, and Cycladic periods, including some artifacts from Thera’s prehistoric habitation.
Also, there is a sculpture collection that features unique masterpieces and ancient Greek sculptures from the sixth to fifth centuries BC.
Furthermore, you can also view artifacts from many historical periods in the Stathatos Collection, and Metallurgy Collection features exquisite metal-sculpted miniature statues and figures.
Don’t forget to visit this museum on your next trip to Athens.
Address: 44 Patission Street, Athens
National Gardens and the Zappeion
These gardens tucked away in the center of Athens provide a lovely escape from the city’s bustle.
The National Garden is a large park behind the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Home to the Zappeion, which is located near the Greek parliament, provides a refreshing green buffer between old Athens and the modern sea of concrete.
The National Garden was once the Royal Garden, which opened to the south of the Old Royal Palace at the end of the 1830s and was ordered by Amalia of Oldenburg.
This may be a peaceful and shady spot to relax and cool off if you’ve had your fill of the sun during the day’s tours.
Trails that wind through some thick trees provide a welcome respite from the bustling streets. In Athens, it’s also a free attraction.
The park also has a botanical museum and a small zoo that features peacocks, birds of prey, wolves, and some monkeys.
Furthermore, Zappeion Hall, located by the garden’s border, can be entered for a look inside if it is not in use.
Stroll through these gardens now, and don’t forget to take a peek at Zappeion Hall.
Address: Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athina 105 57, Greece
National Museum of Contemporary Art
There’s definitely more than just history in Athens.
A trip to Athens can sometimes feel like an overload of history.
Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art to help you feel better.
This institution is Athens’ cultural hub, with a steady stream of temporary exhibits displaying the newest in artistic creativity.
This eight-story museum, originally a Fix Brewery in the Neos Kosmos area, and had been in the works for 19 years, finally opened its doors to the public in 2016.
Take in the best of Athens’ art scene as well as pieces from international artists.
Indeed, the museum looks at timeless themes like democracy, identity, exclusion, and some of today’s most critical challenges, such as the Mediterranean refugee crisis, racial prejudice, and violence.
Moreover, the museum has an impressive permanent collection of 172 pieces on show in addition to the visiting exhibitions.
Also, the artifacts were created by 78 different domestic and international artists in response to the museum’s two specific requests.
All in all, the National Museum of Contemporary Art collection totals 1,300 works, the majority of which are paintings and photographs.
Don’t forget to plan a trip to this museum when in Athens.
Address: Kallirois Av. & Amvr. Frantzi Street, Athens, 117 43, Greece
Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. It’s time to travel. Use this travel the world and the seven seas travel guide to explore all the countries! When you explore the world, you have to go to the USA. The United States is home to an abundance of breathtakingly gorgeous open landscapes. It also features a wide range of climates and topographic conditions. Discover the top state to travel in USA.
Panathenaic Stadium & Olympic Stadium
Marvel at this historic site that’s been around for centuries.
This ancient-turned-modern stadium has tiers of white Pentelic marble seating carved into a ravine near Ardettos Hill.
It is a place for fans of classical architecture and sports who can picture the shouts of millennia past.
Ancient Athens’ most remarkable structure holds 60,000 audiences, the Panathenaic Stadium.
Moreover, Herodes Atticus reconstructed the stadium with its marble seats around AD 140.
On the other hand, the stadium site is a reconstruction of the old stadium that was renovated for the 1896 Olympic Games in Paris.
There are also 47 tiers of seating and also a rounded southeast end, this modern Olympic Stadium was built like Panathenaic Stadium.
On the other hand, there is also an audio tour, entrance to a small display of the modern Olympics, and the opportunity to snap your photo on a winners’ podium are all included in the ticket price.
This is a sure must-see site in Athens, book your tickets now.
Address: Ardettos Hill, Athens
Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church
One of Athens’ most ancient and historically significant churches.
The Panaghia Kapnikaréa Church is in a little plaza that opens onto a pedestrian-only portion of busy Ermo Street.
This church is a beautiful spot to explore and a sight you will pass by.
In fact, it is a magnificent example of Byzantine architecture from the eleventh century, and it stands in strong contrast to the modern building surrounding it.
It was preserved from demolition in the 19th century because of King Ludwig I of Bavaria’s assistance.
The church’s interior is ornamented with 19th-century paintings in the Middle Byzantine iconographic style.
The architectural structure of Kapnikarea is unique; it is a multifaceted edifice made up of three parts: the main church located in the south, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Furthermore, there are some surviving illustrations in the interior, and the well-known hagiographer Fotis Kontoglou has done considerable restoration work and new iconography.
Say a prayer when you visit this church the next time you visit Athens.
Address: Pl. Kapnikareas, Athina 105 63, Greece
Pláka and Anafiotika Neighborhoods
Check out these neighborhoods that genuinely encapsulate the cultural destination that is Athens.
The picturesque Pláka area is a famous tourist attraction, lying between the northern side of the Acropolis and Ermo Street.
The Pláka quarter’s small pedestrian lanes and lovely little parks are adorned with magnificent flowers, pastel-painted buildings, cafés, and boutiques.
Historic churches, such as the Metamórfosis Church in the southwest and the Church of Kapnikaréa in the north, are tucked away in quiet corners of the area.
When you’ve gotten your fill of ruins and museums, take a leisurely stroll in the gorgeous surroundings.
A few of Athens’s best traditional Greek restaurants can be found in the Plaka neighborhood and the hills around Anafiotika, just north of Acropolis.
Moreover, Anafiotika’s historic alleyways come alive at night, too. Dining at Restaurant Staircase on Mnisikleous Street is a must.
Also, The Roman Agora from the first century BC and Hadrian’s Library, built in the second century, are both located on Pepopida Street.
Don’t forget to check these two neighborhoods when you plan your next adventure to Athens.
Address: Plaka and Anafiotika, Athens, Greece
Pláka Stairs
Go up or go down and dine on these steps in the “Neighborhood of The Gods.”
It’s a unique, hip neighborhood that’s well-known among locals, and tourists will find some of the city’s coolest atmospheres.
Sit at one of the eateries along with the stairwell’s outside tables or on the stairs themselves.
You’ll have a terrific time conversing with locals and friends and toasting about the beauty of Athens.
Head to the Mnisikleous Street stairs if you’re seeking something to do late at night in Athens.
Restaurants line this stairwell at the top of Mnisikleous Street, which attracts a crowd in the evenings.
Although the quality of the restaurants varies, some are pretty outstanding, and the atmosphere is impossible to surpass. It’s relatively informal and laid-back.
Check out this trendy place, take pictures, and enjoy the food at the Pláka Stairs.
Address: Plaka Stairs, Athens, Greece
Parthenon
Remember that famous stone temple you learn about in history class? Well, this is it.
The Parthenon, designed to be the most important monument on the Acropolis, embodies the magnificence of Ancient Greece.
It is dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the goddess representing the city’s might and prestige. It is known as the ‘virgin’s apartment.’
The Parthenon took 15 years to construct and is Greece’s largest Doric temple.
Iktinos and Kallicrates developed it, which was completed in time for the Great Panathenaic Festival in 438 BC.
Moreover, it was built on the Acropolis’ highest land to hold the magnificent Athena statue commissioned by Pericles and function as the new treasury.
However, it was constructed on the site of at least three previous Athena temples.
Like the Propylaia’s, the Parthenon’s ceiling was painted blue and adorned with stars.
The statue for which the temple was built stood here: the Athena Parthenos, regarded as one of the ancient world’s wonders. But the statue was transferred to Constantinople in AD 426, where it vanished.
Don’t miss this must-see when in Athens.
Address: Athens 105 58, Greece
Roman Agora & Hadrian’s Library
An open market for the Athenians.
The Ancient Agora is right by the Roman Agora. While everything appears on one site, these structures were built later, and development finally went on to the Ancient Agora site.
The Tower of the Winds is a well-known landmark in this area.
A paved path links the Agora to the Ancient Agora in Thissio.
Although the Ancient Agora was intended for political assemblies by the Athenians, the Roman Agora was really a market, a marketplace.
In AD 132, Emperor Hadrian built Hadrian’s Library on the margins of the Roman Agora.
Later, during Byzantine times, three churches were constructed around the library site.
The Roman Agora was covered with slabs during Hadrian’s reign, and a library, the famed Library of Hadrian, was built nearby.
Over the years, Ottoman and Venetian invasions gradually deteriorated the site, which was eventually covered with workshops, homes, churches, and mosques.
If you are interested in such history, you can get it all in this library!
Address: Polignotou 3, Athina 105 55, Greece
Syntagma Square
A place where Athenians demanded a constitution.
Syntagma Square is also recognized as Constitution Square since it was here on the 3rd of September 1843 that the Athenians took up arms against King Otto of Greece, demanding a constitution.
The square presides over the Hellenic Parliament, an imposing structure built between 1836 and 1842 as the Royal Palace for Greece’s first king, King Otto.
Today, Syntagma Square is one of the city’s most visited areas. It also serves as the launching place for most of the city’s events and hosts concerts and festivals.
The plaza is often bustling with people who are exploring the square’s stands, roaming around, or taking advantage of the free WiFi.
The Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square is an exciting and unforgettable experience for many visitors.
The Presidential Guard is stationed in Syntagma Square, in front of the Hellenic Parliament, 24 hours a day, all year.
Moreover, a memorial honors unnamed service members who died while serving their nation. This monument includes a marble carving that resembles an antique warrior tomb stele.
Visit this historic site now.
Address: Platia Sintagmatos, Athina, Athens, Greece
Temple of Olympian Zeus
A temple dedicated to the god of the sky and ruler of the gods.
The Olympieion, commonly known as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, was the biggest in ancient Greece, dedicated to Zeus.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus was an even more massive construction in its day than the Parthenon, despite its better preservation.
Emperor Hadrian didn’t finish the temple until the 2nd century AD, even though construction began in the 6th century BC.
Hadrian’s Arch is a short distance from the entrance at the end of Dionysiou Arepagitou in front of the Olympieion.
It’s easy to picture how magnificent this structure looked on its whole.
Over a hundred massive marble columns formerly supported the magnificent temple.
A tiny park nearby, just north of the Olympieion, has the ruins of Themistokles’ wall as well as the ancient Roman baths.
The baths are pretty remarkable for a free sight that may easily be incorporated into any walking tour near the Olympieion.
Check out the Temple of Olympian Zeus ruins, a site that existed years before any of us.
Address: Athens 105 57, Greece
Temple of Poseidon
A temple dedicated to the “almost” patron of Athens.
Choosing a temple site was a skill that the Greeks mastered long ago.
70 kilometers south of Athens, the Temple of Poseidon is situated on a rocky outcrop that drops 65 meters into the sea.
Built of marble from neighboring Agrilesa in 444 BC, the same year as the Parthenon, it is a marvel of sparkling white columns.
When ancient sailors received their first glimpse of white, they knew they were almost home; the views from the temple are as breathtaking.
On a clear day, Kea, Kythnos, and Serifos may be seen to the southeast, while Aegina and the Peloponnese can be seen to the west.
Iktinos, the architect of the Temple of Hephaistos in Athens’ Ancient Agora, is assumed to have designed the temple. Sixteen of the Doric columns have survived.
Furthermore, the ruins of a propylaeum, a fortified tower, and a 6th-century temple to Athena on a lower hill to the northeast.
It’s ideal for visiting early in the morning or waiting until sunset to reenact Byron’s famous lines!
See breathtaking views now when you visit the Temple of Poseidon.
Address: Cape Sounio, Sounio 195 00, Greece
Theatre of Dionysus
Visit the world’s first theater and the site of the birth of Greek drama.
The Dionysus Theatre is considered the original Greek theatre and the birthplace of Greek theater.
It was known to be the first theater in the world, dug into a natural hollow on the Acropolis’ southern slopes.
Dionysus, the patron of wine and pleasure, inspired the birth of Greek play in this ancient theater.
Since its original construction in the late sixth century, the theater has undergone multiple iterations.
When tragedies by Euripides and Aeschylus were performed on stage in the 5th century, the theater was used regularly for theatrical performances.
The theater was used to commemorate the god Dionysus, and the plays were performed as part of the festivities.
In truth, a massive statue of the god had been placed in the front row to allow him to witness the plays and sacrifices conducted in his honor.
Moreover, the theater’s main structure was initially made of wood, but it was later rebuilt in stone. In 330 B.C., Stone seats with a capacity of 17,000 persons were added.
Its most magnificent seat, however, was carved with grape bunches and the phrase Priest of Dionysus Eleftherios.
Over the last few years, significant efforts have been made to rehabilitate Dionysus’ old theatre so that it can once again stage theatrical performances.
This historic theatre has seen time pass by, make sure to give it a visit when you come to Athens.
Address: Mitseon 25, Athina 117 42, Greece
Varvakios Agora
See all that the Athenians have to offer when you visit their central market.
The Varvakios Agora is a wonderful place to gain a look into the everyday lives of real Athenians, provided you’re prepared to wake up early.
It is located in the Monastiraki area, unlike any other in Athens.
The market’s tavernas, many of which are open 24 hours a day, are an Athenian staple for hangover-busting pastas.
Athinas’ produce market may be found west of town. Nearby streets are full of cheese, olives, and spices that are available to buy.
Moreover, local residents and visitors alike are treated to a vibrant exhibition of the richness of natural resources.
Also, there are eateries on the site that serve inexpensive and substantial meals.
Be sure to take pictures and capture the mood as you walk the aisles.
Drop by this market if you like fresh goodies for your travels ahead!
Need more convincing to travel to Athens, Greece, right? Visit reasons to visit Athens, Greece, at least once in your lifetime here.
Address: 42 Athinas St. Psirri, Athens, 105 51
