Athens: An In-Depth Guide to the Best Places to See

Athens, the capital of Greece and one of the most ancient cities in the world, is a veritable playground for travelers. Boasting a wealth of historical sites, natural beauty, nightlife, and shopping, it’s no wonder Athens is one of Europe’s most visited cities. For a first-time visitor to Athens, the sheer number of places to see and things to do can be overwhelming. So, to help you make the most of your time in the city, here is an in-depth guide to the best places to see in Athens.

Athens History

Athens is believed to have been inhabited since the Neolithic period, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. It was an important cultural, political, and economic center in Ancient Greece and was the home of many renowned philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. In 1834, Athens became the capital of modern Greece and in 1996 it hosted the Summer Olympic Games.

Located on the Attica peninsula in southeastern Greece, Athens is a sprawling city with a population of over 3 million. It covers an area of around 412 square kilometers and is home to important archaeological sites such as the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Parthenon and Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Athens is a vibrant city with a lively arts scene, numerous museums and galleries, excellent restaurants, and plenty of shopping opportunities. It’s known for its historic ruins, charming neighborhoods, sunny climate and stunning night views. It’s also an important religious center, home to numerous churches and monasteries.

Places to Visit in Athens

When visiting Athens, there’s no shortage of places to explore. Here are some of the city’s must-see attractions:

The Acropolis

The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most famous ancient sites in the world. Located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the city, this impressive complex was dedicated to Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare. Within its walls are several iconic monuments including the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaea and Erechtheion. Visitors can explore the site on foot or take a guided tour around its most important monuments.

The Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora of Athens was the center of public life in ancient Athens. Located just a few minutes’ walk away from the Acropolis, this archaeological site is home to several well-preserved ruins including the Temple of Hephaestus, Stoa of Attalos, Tholos and the Monument of the Eponymous Heroes. It’s also home to a small museum filled with artifacts from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

The Acropolis Museum

Located at the foot of the Acropolis hill is the Acropolis Museum, which showcases artifacts from the Acropolis site and its monuments. This modern museum is home to over 4,000 archaeological artifacts from different periods in Greek history. Highlights include sculptures from the Parthenon, votive offerings left by worshippers of Athena, and various coins and jewelry.

The National Archaeological Museum

One of Europe’s best archaeological museums is located in Athens. The National Archaeological Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts dating back to antiquity and up until modern times. Its impressive collection includes sculptures, statues, pottery and jewelry from all over Greece and other parts of the Mediterranean region. It also features an extensive library with books on Greek history and archaeology.

Mount Lycabettus

A visit to Mount Lycabettus is an absolute must when visiting Athens. This iconic hill stands at 277 meters high and offers stunning views over the city. Visitors can take a cable car for an easy ascent or hike up the steep path for a more adventurous experience. Atop the hill is an open-air theater where concerts and outdoor events are held throughout the year.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is one of Athens’ most iconic squares and serves as its main hub for transportation. Located at the heart of the city, it’s surrounded by important landmarks such as the Parliament Building, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, hotels and cafes. It’s also home to a large public park with lush green lawns and plenty of benches for people watching.

Monastiraki

Monastiraki is one of Athens’ most popular neighborhoods and a great place for shopping. Located in central Athens close to Syntagma Square and Ermou Street, this lively district is filled with vintage shops and boutiques selling everything from clothes and accessories to antiques and souvenirs. Monastiraki also has plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars where visitors can enjoy traditional Greek dishes or sample local wines.

Popular Tours in Athens

When visiting any major city, taking a guided tour is a great way to get an overview of its main attractions and learn more about its history. Here are two popular tours in Athens that let you explore some of its best sights:

Athens City Sightseeing Tour

The City Sightseeing Tour is one of the best ways to get an overview of Athens’ most famous sights in one day. The tour includes stops at iconic sites such as the Acropolis, Parthenon and Temple of Olympian Zeus as well as visits to lesser-known spots like Anafiotika neighborhood, Greek National Theatre and Panathenaic Stadium. Along the way you’ll learn about Ancient Greek history from knowledgeable guides and have plenty of time for picturesque photo opportunities. You can book this tour online in advance for a hassle-free experience.

Athens Shore Excursion Tour

The Athens Shore Excursion Tour is ideal for cruise passengers with limited time in port. This comprehensive tour takes you on a journey through some of Athens’ most popular attractions such as Syntagma Square, Monastiraki Market, Acropolis Hill and Ancient Agora before ending at Cape Sounio – the legendary place where Poseidon’s Temple stands. Along the way you’ll learn about ancient Greek history from knowledgeable guides while enjoying breathtaking views over the city. You can book this tour online before your cruise embarkation for an unforgettable experience.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are countless places to see and things to do in Athens. Whether you’re interested in exploring its ancient ruins or soaking up its culture by shopping in Monastiraki or dining at its many restaurants, you’re sure to find something that will suit your tastes. For a hassle-free experience, consider booking popular tours such as the City Sightseeing Tour or Shore Excursion Tour which will let you explore some of its most iconic sights with ease.