Best Things To See In Athens

Athens is a city of ancient history and modern-day culture. It has been inhabited for thousands of years, and is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. From ancient ruins to stunning city views, there’s something for everyone to explore in the vibrant city of Athens.

Athens is the capital of Greece and the largest city in the country. It has a population of over three million people, making it the second-largest city in the European Union. It’s also one of the oldest cities in the world, with a recorded history dating back to the 5th century BC.

Athens is a city steeped in history and culture, and is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Greece. Visitors to Athens will find a wealth of historic monuments, architectural wonders, and iconic landmarks to explore. Here are some of the best things to see in Athens for your next visit.

The Acropolis

The Acropolis is one of the most iconic landmarks in Athens, and is a must-see for any visitor. Located on a rocky hilltop, the Acropolis is home to several ancient monuments and ruins, most notably the Parthenon temple. Built in the 5th century BC, the Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena and has become an emblem of Athenian culture.

The Acropolis is also home to the Erechtheion temple, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea entrance gate. These ancient monuments are some of the most visited attractions in Athens and are well worth exploring.

The National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Athens. It houses a vast collection of ancient artifacts, including Greek sculptures, jewelry, pottery, coins, and more. The museum is renowned for its collection of artwork from the ancient Greek civilization, including sculptures from the Parthenon and other monuments on the Acropolis.

Visitors to the museum can explore its many galleries and learn about the history and culture of ancient Greece. The museum also has an impressive collection of artifacts from other civilizations, including Egypt and Mesopotamia.

The Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora is an archaeological site located near the Acropolis in Athens. It was once the commercial and political center of Athens during ancient times, and is now home to ruins of temples and other monuments. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn more about the history and culture of ancient Greece.

The Agora was also the site of Socrates’ famous philosophical debates, which have been immortalized in Plato’s dialogues. Visitors can take a guided tour of this ancient site to learn more about its history and significance to Athenian society.

Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square is one of Athens’ most popular attractions, and is a great place to spend an afternoon exploring. Located near the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki Square has become a bustling center of activity for both locals and tourists alike. The square is home to many shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it the perfect spot for a night out or an afternoon stroll.

Monastiraki Square also hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, including concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals. Its narrow streets are filled with vendors selling souvenirs and other items, making it a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs from your visit to Athens.

Lycabettus Hill

Located just north of Monastiraki Square is Lycabettus Hill, an iconic landmark that offers stunning views of Athens. The hill is home to a small chapel dedicated to St. George, as well as several cafes and restaurants that offer delicious food and drinks with panoramic views of the city below.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll up the hill or ride the funicular railway to reach its peak. From here you can get a spectacular view of Athens and its many monuments, as well as views of the surrounding mountains and Aegean Sea. Lycabettus Hill is a great spot for photography or simply taking in the views of this beautiful city.

Plaka

Plaka is one of Athens’ most charming neighborhoods and is located at the foot of the Acropolis. It’s known for its narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Greek tavernas, cafes, shops and boutiques. Plaka is also home to many historic buildings, including churches, Byzantine monuments, and Ottoman-era houses.

Visitors can explore Plaka’s many winding streets and explore its many shops, restaurants, tavernas and cafes. This area offers a unique look at local life in Athens and is a great place to purchase souvenirs such as traditional Greek jewelry or local produce. Plaka is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Athens.

The National Gardens

The National Gardens are located just south of Plaka and are one of Athens’ most beautiful green spaces. The gardens were opened in 1836 and span over 18 hectares (45 acres) of lush greenery that provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

The gardens are home to a variety of trees and plants, as well as several ponds that are home to ducks and other wildlife. Visitors can also explore several monuments located within the gardens, including statues dedicated to famous poets such as Homer and Sophocles.

Popular Tours

If you’re looking for an easy way to explore all that Athens has to offer, you may want to consider booking one of two popular tours: 1) an Acropolis Tour or 2) an Ancient City Tour. Here’s more information on each tour:

Acropolis Tour

An Acropolis Tour takes visitors on a journey through some of Athens’ most iconic landmarks, including the Parthenon temple on top of the Acropolis Hill. The tour starts off at the Acropolis Museum before proceeding up to the hill for an in-depth exploration of its monuments and ruins.

Along the way visitors will learn about the history and significance of each site from knowledgeable tour guides who will provide insight into their cultural importance. At the end of the tour visitors will have had a comprehensive look at some of Athens’ most iconic attractions such as Propylaea entrance gate or Temple of Athena Nike. You can book an Acropolis Tour here.

Ancient City Tour

An Ancient City Tour takes visitors back in time on a journey through some of Athens’ oldest sites such as Ancient Agora or Lycabettus Hill. The tour starts off in Plaka before continuing on to these ancient landmarks where visitors will have an opportunity to explore their ruins and learn about their history from knowledgeable tour guides who will provide insight into their cultural importance.

At the end of this tour visitors will have had a comprehensive look at some of Athens’ oldest sites such as Ancient Agora or Lycabettus Hill as well as learning about its rich history from antiquity to present day. You can book an Ancient City Tour here.

Conclusion

Athens is a vibrant city full of history and culture that offers something for everyone. From ancient ruins to stunning city views, there’s something for everyone to explore in this beautiful city. Whether you’re looking to explore some of Athens’ iconic landmarks or take part in unique cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in this amazing city.