The various wonderful issues to do in Athens make the Greek capital one of the vital well-liked locations for a metropolis journey in Europe. Everybody is aware of the world-famous Acropolis, town’s landmark, nevertheless, many extra fascinating points of interest await you on a sightseeing tour. Throughout your metropolis stroll, you’ll discover the charming previous city of Athens, marvel at imposing excavation websites, go to attention-grabbing museums and expertise an impressive view of the snow-white coastal metropolis from town hills. However not solely that, additionally the various cool fashionable neighborhoods, with nice bars and eating places are a assure for an unforgettable trip. However what are the very best issues to do in Athens, what are the true insider ideas for a metropolis journey, and which actions shouldn’t be missed?
On this journey information, you will see that all of the essential data and recommendations on visiting Athens in Greece. As well as, we present you probably the most lovely points of interest, the very best issues to do in Athens, nice footage, reveal actual insider ideas and the place to seek out fabulous lodging.
Good to know!
If you’re looking for nice locations for the place to remain in Athens, then try the Moon & Stars Boutique Resort in a central location and with an amazing view of the Acropolis.
2 days in Athens are simply sufficient to see a number of the predominant points of interest. Nevertheless, if you want to discover town in additional element, you need to positively plan 3–5 days.
Athens will be visited all yr spherical! A metropolis journey in winter can be really helpful, when you possibly can expertise town away from the hustle and bustle and at balmy temperatures.
For probably the most well-known points of interest in Athens, you possibly can keep away from the queue by reserving your ticket upfront. Combo-tickets are additionally well-liked, saving you some huge cash.
Athens
Basic Details about Athens in Greece
The 4 million inhabitants metropolis of Athens can be the capital of Greece and is taken into account the cradle of Western civilization. As soon as this metropolis shaped the middle of Greek antiquity. The historical past of this historic cosmopolitan metropolis goes again greater than 3,000 years, and the exceptionally wealthy cultural heritage will be admired at nearly each nook of town heart throughout a metropolis tour. A must-see and on the similar time, crucial attraction in Athens is in fact, the large Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, which is located majestically on a excessive hill and dominates the overall cityscape.
Actually value seeing, nevertheless, are additionally the many improbable museums in Athens, the place you possibly can dive deep into the historical past of antiquity. And naturally, the spectacular excavation websites with the traditional temples and the historic buildings that may be discovered at nearly each nook of the previous city. For individuals who love procuring, it’s best to walk alongside the lengthy Ermou Avenue, the well-known boulevardof town heart. Furthermore, the Plaka district, the previous city of Athens, is completely value visiting, the place charming alleys and colourful taverns invite to take pleasure in.
Athens
The Finest Issues to Do in Athens
On a metropolis journey to Athens, you possibly can look ahead to a complete vary of points of interest value seeing. Most of them are positioned instantly within the metropolis heart, which you’ll discover on foot by yourself. So that you simply don’t lose the overview, we now have summarized the greatest issues to do in Athens at a look:
The Acropolis
One of many best possible issues to do in Athens is a go to to the Acropolis, an historic citadel or often known as the Excessive Metropolis. Since 1987, the Athens Acropolis has been on the record of UNESCO World Heritage Websites, and furthermore, it has been awarded the European Heritage award. The temple advanced is positioned within the oldest a part of town, in an impressive location on a 156-meter-high rock. Constructed between 467 B.C. and 406 B.C., you possibly can go to a number of attention-grabbing points of interest on a tour of the location. The Propylaea, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Nike and the world-famous Parthenon are only a few of the highlights that may be found on the Acropolis.
The view of Athens from the Acropolis can be unbeatable. From the highest you possibly can take pleasure in a 360° view of the white roofs of town, a panorama that shouldn’t be missed on any metropolis journey.
Tip: The Acropolis is probably the most well-known attraction of town and accordingly, properly visited. If you wish to keep away from queuing for a very long time, you need to e book your entrance tickets on-line upfront.
The Acropolis
Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is unquestionably one of the vital attention-grabbing museums within the metropolis, and a spotlight that shouldn’t be missed on any metropolis journey to Athens. This attraction is positioned beneath the Acropolis and homes on 14,000 sq. meters an unimaginable assortment of greater than 4,000 findings, a lot of them ceramics and sculptures, all of which have been discovered on the sacred hill of the Acropolis. Notably value seeing are the Caryatids, the spectacular feminine figures that supported the Erechtheion porch on the time and at the moment are one of many predominant points of interest within the museum.
An actual gem of the museum can be the panoramic terrace on the third flooring. Right here you possibly can take pleasure in an impressive view over the rooftops of Athens in addition to the Acropolis, and you may absorb the spectacular atmosphere within the café.
Tip: The Acropolis Museum is among the 10 greatest museums on the earth and is accordingly properly visited. With a Skip-the-Line ticket, it can save you your self a protracted queue!
Acropolis Museum
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, one of many oldest open-air theaters on the earth, is unquestionably one of the vital wonderful issues to see in Athens. This imposing historic theater was constructed as early as 161 AD beneath the Acropolis. Its namesake, Herodes Atticus, was the founding father of this constructing, which he had erected to honor his spouse. The theater holds about 5,000 spectators, and occasions have been held once more because the Thirties. Artists akin to Nana Mouskouri, Luciano Pavarotti, Margot Fonteyn, Maria Callas, Liza Minnelli and Frank Sinatra have carried out on this legendary location.
Tip: You possibly can both go to this attraction from the within or catch a glimpse of the Odeon on the way in which as much as the Acropolis.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Parament & Altering of the Guard
One of the vital essential buildings in Athens is the Palace of Parliament, centrally positioned on Syntagma Sq. within the heart of Athens. Previously the royal palace, the constructing was commissioned by Otto I of Bavaria and constructed between 1834 – 1838 within the neoclassical type by court docket architect Friedrich Gärtner. The pastel colours and the easy, straight type of this constructing are particularly lovely. The monument of the “Unknown Soldier” can be attention-grabbing to see. Top-of-the-line issues to do in Athens is watch the well-known altering of the guard, with the troopers wearing beak sneakers weighing nearly 3 kg. An occasion that you need to positively put in your Athens to-do record.
Tip: The altering of the guard takes locations each hour, proper in entrance of the Palace of Parliament. On Sunday at 11 am, there may be the massive altering of the guard within the official uniform.
Parament
Monastiraki Sq.
The Monastiraki Sq. is among the most unimaginable issues to see in Athens! It’s positioned within the coronary heart of the previous city and is a well-liked assembly place for locals in addition to vacationers. Particularly the view of the Acropolis from Monastiraki is gorgeous and, along with the Pantanassa Church and Tzistarakis Mosque creates a panorama like from 1001 nights. Across the sq. are a few of Athens’ greatest points of interest, akin to Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora, the Historical Agora, and the Monastiraki Flea Market. The energetic hustle and bustle is greatest loved from one of many many good taverns, cafés, and rooftop bars.
Tip: From the stylish Resort 360 Levels you possibly can take pleasure in a wonderful view of Monastiraki Sq. in addition to the Acropolis within the background.
Monastiraki Sq.
The Historical Agora
A go to to the Historical Agora is unquestionably among the finest issues to do in Athens and ought to be positively excessive up on any bucket record. In historic instances, the Agora was the central assembly and market of Athens, with 30 constructions as soon as adorning town sq.. Amongst them have been additionally quite a few sacred websites. Throughout a tour of the in depth space, one is amazed by a number of traditionally important points of interest, such because the imposing temple of Hephaestus from the fifth century BC or the Stoa of Attalus from 150 BC, which was reconstructed in 1955 and the place can be a museum to go to.
The Historical Agora
Plaka
The enchanting Plaka neighborhood is completely value seeing and a well-liked assembly place in Athens. It’s positioned on the sting of the Acropolis and is due to this fact typically known as the district of the gods. Throughout a strolling tour, you’ll benefit from the Greek metropolis from certainly one of its most lovely sides. Among the colourful buildings have their basis partitions from historic instances, and many of the townhouses nonetheless date again to the 18th century. Cute are the many small cafés and eating places that invite you to linger. Attention-grabbing and a must-do is a go to to the Anafiotika quarter on the outskirts of Plaka, the place the snow-white homes unfold a singular allure.
Tip: In Plaka you will discover many good lodging for a trip in Athens, akin to the attractive IPELHOME – Boutique Flats, in an amazing location!
Plaka
The Roman Agora
Proper within the coronary heart of Athens, there may be the Roman Agora, a lovely historic sight that shouldn’t be missed on any metropolis journey. It was constructed as early as the first century by Emperor Augustus and was town’s main market and assembly place on the time. There are a number of attention-grabbing points of interest positioned right here. Price seeing is the Tower of the Winds, a well-preserved marble tower that served as a compass, sundial, observatory and climate station and in addition the Gate of Athena Archegetis with the 4 Doric columns is value a go to. Behind it’s the Fetiye Djami Mosque, which along with the Agora varieties a wide ranging backdrop.
Tip: The Roman Agora will also be seen from exterior! A path leads round this sight and a few vantage factors present a wonderful view of the realm.
The Roman Agora
Hadrian’s Library
The Hadrian’s Library is among the most lovely points of interest within the heart of Athens. Because of its central location, there may be really no approach round this historic attraction. The library was in-built 132 A.D. in response to the plans of Emperor Hadrian and a few years later, relying on the ruler, it additionally served as a customs home, bazaar, barracks, and jail. Notably spectacular are the completely preserved Corinthian columns of Hadrian’s library, which give an attention-grabbing impression of the constructing at the moment. With a combo-ticket, the doorway to this attraction is often included, however you can even have a free have a look at the realm from the surface.
Hadrian’s Library
Syntagma Sq. & Ermou Avenue
A very powerful sq. in Athens is Syntagma Sq., the so-called Structure Sq.. The historical past of this so essential assembly place dates again to 1837, when the Royal Palace, i.e. at present’s Parliament, was constructed. Even at present, the attractive Syntagma Sq. is a well-liked assembly place, however the place demonstrations additionally happen recurrently. From Syntagma Sq. you proceed to Ermou Avenue, the well-known 1.5 kilometer lengthy procuring avenue, the place quite a few boutiques invite for procuring. A stroll is all the time worthwhile as a result of on the way in which you’ll all the time meet avenue artists and in addition one of the vital essential sights of Athens, the Kapnikarea Church, is positioned instantly in Ermou Avenue.
Syntagma Sq.
Church of Panagia Kapnikarea
The Byzantine Church of Panagia Kapnikarea is positioned proper on Ermou procuring avenue and is definitely one of many oldest church buildings in Athens. This well-known landmark was in all probability constructed as early as 1052 on the foundations of a temple advanced. It’s attention-grabbing to notice that with the development of the procuring avenue in 1837, many historic buildings had been destroyed. Nevertheless, the Kapnikarea Church was preserved regardless of a number of makes an attempt to demolish it. It additionally miraculously survived the incendiary bombs of the Turks in 1689. At this time, the small church is one of the vital lovely buildings to admire whereas strolling alongside Ermou Avenue.
Church of Panagia Kapnikarea
Monastiraki Flea Market & Bazaar
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Athens is procuring on the energetic Monastiraki Flea Market. The market stretches from Monastiraki Sq. to the gorgeous Avissinia Sq.. This lengthy bazaar avenue is a real paradise for many who love to buy souvenirs, kitsch, and bric-a-brac. From Greek sandals and work of the Acropolis to olive oil, cellphone circumstances and handmade soaps, you’ll discover all of it right here. This improbable procuring mile will be visited on daily basis, however on Sunday additionally opens a massive flea market at Avissinia Sq., the place you can even discover many attention-grabbing antiques. An actual spotlight for all collectors!
Monastiraki Flea Market
Philopappos Hill & Monument
A go to to Philopappos Hill is an actual insider tip on the subject of the very best issues to do in Athens. Right here you will see that a lovely park in the midst of town, away from the standard vacationer paths. The monument Philopappos is enthroned main a 147-meter-high hill and gives a magnificent view of Athens right down to the port of Piraeus and the blue sea. Particularly, locals come right here at sundown to marvel on the magical ambiance from Philopappos Hill. Attention-grabbing can be the funerary monument, which was constructed broadly within the 2nd century AD.
Philopappos Hill & Monument
The Olympieion
The Olympieion, often known as the Temple of Zeus, was as soon as one of many largest temples of the traditional world and is due to this fact additionally one of the vital essential historic monuments in Athens. Constructed between the sixth—2nd centuries BC, this huge temple advanced was fabricated from Pentelic marble, with the Roman ruler Hadrian finishing the advanced in 132 AD. Apparently, the temple advanced was 110 meters lengthy and 43 meters broad, nearly twice the dimensions of the most important temple on the Acropolis. The annex had 104 Corinthian columns with a top of 17 meters, and at present you possibly can nonetheless go to 15 of those columns.
The Olympieion
Nationwide Archaeological Museum
The Nationwide Archaeological Museum is the most important archaeological museum in Greece. Throughout a tour, one is amazed by an in depth assortment of over 11,000 Greek reveals, from Neolithic instances to late antiquity. There are 49 totally different exhibition rooms to find on an space of 8,000 sq. meters, and so it’s value planning somewhat extra time for a go to. Among the many most well-known reveals are the “Masks of Agamemnon”, the frescoes of Santorini, the “Horseman of Cape Artemision”, the bronze statue of Zeus and the mechanism of Antikythera.
Tip: An insider tip is the museum café, the place extra works by artists are exhibited and which invitations you to chill out and revel in in a fairly backyard.
Nationwide Archaeological Museum
Nationwide Backyard of Athens
The Nationwide Backyard in Athens is the most important park within the metropolis, and an exquisite place to flee the hustle and bustle of the massive metropolis. This park is positioned within the heart of Athens, close to the Parliament and is a well-liked assembly place for locals, but in addition for vacationers who take a sightseeing break within the so-called Inexperienced Lung of Athens. The gorgeous park, adorned with palm timber and flowers, was as soon as the royal palace backyard and even at present you possibly can marvel at many issues value seeing right here. There’s a botanical museum, a small zoo, a kids’s playground, some excavation websites and with some luck, you possibly can even see parrots that dwell freely within the park.
Nationwide Backyard of Athens
Dionysus Theater
On the southern slope of the Acropolis is the Dionysus Theater, an essential archaeological web site that shouldn’t be missed on any journey to Athens. Actually, this traditionally attention-grabbing attraction dates again to the fifth century BC, making it the oldest theater in Historical Greece and in addition the oldest theater on the earth! It takes its identify from Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy in addition to insanity! As much as 17,000 guests might match into this venue, with the primary rows furnished with ornate throne chairs. At this time, you possibly can go to the Dionysus Theater and grounds for a small entrance payment.
Dionysus Theater
The Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium is among the most attention-grabbing sights in Athens and is often known as Kallimarmaro, “lovely marble”, due to its look. This traditionally essential Olympic stadium is the first of the Olympic Video games in trendy instances. It was opened in 1896 and as much as 50,000 spectators can match within the stadium. Even at present, sports activities occasions and concert events happen there, and the stadium will also be visited for a payment. For sports activities lovers, the related museum is actually attention-grabbing, the place quite a few Olympic torches of the final 100 years are exhibited.
Tip: Admission to the stadium will not be low cost. In the event you simply need to have a look inside, go to the park subsequent to it and revel in a lovely view from up there, fully freed from cost!
The Panathenaic Stadium
Psyri Quarter
A go to to the Psyri Quarter is an absolute insider tip for a visit to Athens as a result of right here you will see that one of many coolest neighborhoods of the Greek metropolis. The ambiance is all the time relaxed and there may be good music, a number of avenue artwork and a younger hip crowd. As well as, you will see that a large gastronomic provide, with actually stylish eating places, fashionable bars and good cafés. Additionally within the night, this place is simply good for having fun with the nightlife and for having a celebration till the early morning hours. Notably well-known within the Psyri district is Little Kook, a café impressed by fairy tales, which makes visitors rave about its huge desserts and authentic desserts.
Tip: There are some actually hip accommodations in Psyri! Just like the MiraMe Athens Boutique Resort-Home, from whose roof terrace you possibly can take pleasure in a improbable view of the Acropolis.
Psyri
Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation
The Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation is the seat of the Orthodox Archbishop of Athens. This magnificent place of worship is among the most essential Byzantine church buildings within the metropolis and was as soon as constructed by order of King Otto of Bavaria between 1842 and 1862. It’s additionally splendidly positioned proper on Mitropoleos Sq., an ideal place to take a sightseeing break. Across the sq. you will see that many glorious eating places and cafés that invite you to linger and revel in. Additionally, value seeing is the small church Panagia Gorgoepikoos, proper subsequent to the cathedral, which dates again to the thirteenth century.
Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation
Lycabettus Hill
One of the vital lovely viewpoints of Athens is unquestionably loved at Mount Lycabettus within the east of town. With a top of 278 meters, this imposing metropolis mountain is the best level within the heart of Athens, and for this very motive, it is usually known as the Hill of Wolves. The viewing platform from Mount Lycabettus will be reached both on foot through a 20-minute stroll or by taking the Lycabettus funicular. Price seeing on the mountain are additionally the small chapel of St. George and the chapel of San Gerasimo. Top-of-the-line issues to do in Athens is come right here at sundown to benefit from the magical atmosphere within the night.
Lycabettus Hill
The Byzantine Museum
A real must-see for historical past and artwork lovers is the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens, often recognized merely because the Byzantine Museum. It’s positioned in a lovely Florentine palazzo in-built 1848 and thrills with a big assortment of 30,000 early Christian, Byzantine and medieval reveals. Right here you possibly can admire wall work, manuscripts and works on paper, valuable ceramics, textiles, imposing work and mosaics. These artifacts date from between the third and twentieth centuries AD, and attention-grabbing non permanent exhibitions are additionally held.
Byzantine and Christian Museum
Piraeus
An actual spotlight simply close by Athens is the port of Piraeus. It’s the largest seaport in Greece and a go to to this neighborhood is extremely really helpful. Many come to this port solely to journey from there by ferry to the islands of Greece. Nevertheless, the Piraeus district in itself, due to its 3,000-year historical past, has many attention-grabbing issues to do to supply. The Museum of the Electrical Railway, the Municipal Theater of Piraeus, the Archaeological Museum and, in fact, the charming little port Microlímano with its many terrific fish eating places are value a go to!
Piraeus
Athens: Metropolis Walks, Tickets & Day Excursions!
In the event you would fairly not discover Athens by yourself, you could have the choice of becoming a member of a guided tour. On the platform GetYourGuide you will discover not solely really helpful metropolis excursions, but in addition low cost entrance tickets, cooking lessons, excursions to the area round Athens and way more.
The opinions are additionally fabulous, and you may examine them earlier than reserving.
The place to Keep in Athens
There’s a big vary of locations for the place to remain in Athens. From low cost hostels, to trip leases or boutique accommodations, the whole lot is right here, so everyone seems to be assured to seek out their good lodge. If you’re nonetheless looking for a improbable place to remain in Athens, then we can provide you these lodging tips about the way in which…It’s value a glance!
- Cool Design Resort: The Gem Society Resort is a classy 4-star lodge proper within the heart of Athens. The breakfast and the fabulous location are additionally actually nice right here.
- Reasonably priced Boutique Resort: The Moon & Stars Boutique Resort is an actual insider tip. The lovingly designed lodge conjures up with a roof terrace overlooking the Acropolis!
- 5-star Resort with Pool: The Electra Metropolis is a superb alternative for an distinctive go to to Athens. Visitors love the amenities, the breakfast, and the rooftop bar!
- Stylish Hostel: The Mosaikon is a extremely cool hostel within the heart of Athens. The rooftop terrace can be actually cool, the place you possibly can take pleasure in an amazing view with cool drinks.
Discover the very best lodging in Athens:
Extra about Greece:
Extra Wonderful Metropolis Journeys:
Disclosure: Among the hyperlinks under are affiliate hyperlinks. That means that when you click on on sure hyperlinks, after which subsequently buy a product, I’ll obtain a small fee at no additional value to you.