29. April 2024
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Traveling to Greece is an exciting and memorable experience that every traveler should have on their bucket list. From the stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and
Exploring Athens: 7 Must-See Attractions
Athens, Greece, is a city that needs no introduction. Home to some of the most iconic ancient ruins in the world, Athens is a city that every traveler should visit at least once in their lifetime. Whether you’re a history buff or a foodie, Athens has something to offer everyone. In this article, we’ll explore 7 must-see attractions in Athens that you won’t want to miss. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for this historic city!
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1. The Acropolis
The Acropolis, also known as the ‘Sacred Rock’ by locals, sits high on a hill overlooking Athens and is the beating heart of the city. No visit to Athens is complete without a trip to the Acropolis. This ancient citadel sits high above the city and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. You can find 21 ancient sights including an old amphitheater in an area of 30.000 square meters. The last one is famous for being an awesome location for open-air concerts!
The most famous attraction at the Acropolis and the one you can see from all parts of Athens is the Parthenon. This iconic temple was built in honor of the goddess Athena and is known for its stunning columns and intricate friezes. It was built in the 5th century BC and is a marvel of ancient architecture, so no wonder it is a UNESCO world heritage site.
Insider tip: we recommend going to the Acropolis directly when it opens. That’s at 8 am and has the advantage of fewer people and milder temperatures. The buses will arrive around 9 am.
The Acropolis is open from April to October 8 AM – 8 PM and November to March 8 AM – 5 PM. The admission is pretty expensive at 20€/22$ and you can buy the tickets on-site or online.
2. Mount Lycabettus
For stunning views of Athens, head to Mount Lycabettus. This hill offers panoramic city views and is a popular spot for watching the sunset. Visitors can reach the top of the hill on foot or by taking a funicular railway. Buy a beer at the foot of the mountain and enjoy it with a beautiful sunset to get the best out of it. But maybe also bring water, cause the walk-up can be pretty hot with the sun still up. Unless it is totally worth it. We think it’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Europe and here you can see how big this famous white city is!
3. The Plaka Neighborhood
The Plaka neighborhood is one of the oldest in Athens and is known for its picturesque streets and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the narrow alleys and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes. You can also spot some awesome street art here. If you wanna see more of it, be sure to also wander around the areas of Exarcheia, Psyri, and Gazi.
4. Monastiraki
The Monastiraki Flea Market is a bustling marketplace that is popular with locals and tourists alike. Visitors can browse stalls selling everything from jewelry and souvenirs to antique furniture and clothing. Also, you can find a lot of tour agencies here and we booked our tickets for the ferry to Paros. It’s also great to find some souvenirs or gifts. But as always: don’t forget to bargain!
5. The Temples
We can’t really decide which of the many temples we want to highlight (except the Acropolis). So here’s a list of the most famous and best-known temples in Athens:
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of the largest ancient temples in Greece and is dedicated to the king of the gods, Zeus. Although only 15 of the original 104 columns remain, this impressive temple is still a sight to behold.
The Ancient Agora was the heart of ancient Athens and was once a bustling marketplace and political center. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of this historic site and learn about the ancient history of Athens.
Almost directly on Monastiraki Square stands Hadrian’s Library. Take a stroll around the grounds of what was once a huge library dating back to 130 AD and through the garden around it. Among the ruins and Corinthian columns, many turtles roam around, not bothered by visitors in any way and patiently waiting for you to drop a piece of apple. Hadrian’s Library is one of the sights that you can actually see quite well from the outside.
If you want to visit the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, and the Olympieion with the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the online combination ticket for 35 euros is a practical solution. You don’t have to queue at any ticket office, but can simply go directly to the entrance of the sights with your online ticket. There is also a 5-day ticket for 7 sights if you have that much time.
6. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens and is home to the Greek Parliament and the tomb of the unknown soldier. Every hour, visitors can watch the changing of the guard, a ceremonial event that is a must-see for anyone visiting Athens.
When you go be sure to take the detour around the National Garden as well. We loved combining those two attractions as they are so close together and both worth a visit. When we were there first, there was a huge demonstration, so we had to come back another day.
7. Explore the Museums & Stadiums
The National Archaeological Museum is home to an impressive collection of ancient Greek artifacts and is a must-visit for history buffs. From intricately carved statues to ornate jewelry, this museum has something for everyone.
The Benaki Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in Greek art and culture. This museum has an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of Greece. From ancient pottery and jewelry to contemporary paintings and sculptures, the Benaki Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the art and culture of this iconic nation.
The Panathenaic Stadium is an ancient stadium that was originally built for the Panathenaic Games. Today, it is best known as the site of the first modern Olympic Games, which were held in Athens in 1896. Take a tour of the stadium and relive the glory of the Olympics in this historic setting. This massive marble stadium is the only one of its kind in the world!
8. Where to stay and eat in Athens
Einleitung über die verschiedenen Viertel? We stayed in the beautiful Ederlezi Zoubourlou Aparthotel in the heart of Monastiraki. That cost us around 29€ per person and night. You also get a discount at the delicious bakery right next to the hotel. Other good options are the Bedbox Hostel (for backpackers), Lekka 10 Apartments (very central apartments), or Filia Place (also central apartments).
Athens has a fantastic selection of local and international restaurants. Of course, you can find a delicious Pita around every corner – we mean it’s the capital of Greece, but here are other cafes or restaurants we can recommend:
For breakfast, you can go to Ciel Bar where you have a beautiful view of the Acropolis, or to Dope Roasting Co. Try the delicious pizza at the Pizza School Bar and have burgers at Pax Burgers, which is right across Lukumades. You have to get those as they are a famous Greece desert. Grab some drinks at SIX D.O.G.S, one of the coolest bars we’ve ever been to, or Tranzistor Cafe which is always lively.
9. Best time to travel
The best time to visit Athens is between March and May or September and November when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. In summer it can get extremely hot (over 40 degrees) and most locals will leave the city for the coast in August, making the center quieter and less atmospheric.
We recommend staying for 3-4 nights to enjoy all of Athens. A few days are enough to see the Acropolis and explore the center. If you have more time you could also lounge on one of the beaches nearby. We heard the best ones are Vougliagmeni, Kape, and Alimos.
You can get around Athens easily by public transportation. The city has an extensive metro and bus system that is affordable and efficient. You can even reach the coastline in about 35 minutes. But if you wanna save some money Athens is a very walkable city too. There’s plenty to explore within walking distance of the city center and surrounding neighborhoods and that’s how we got around.
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