Best Attractions & Activities in Athens

Athens' glorious history dates back more than 3,000 years and makes it an emblem of Western Civilization at its pinnacle. In classical antiquity, the city was thriving and Socrates, Pericles, and Sophocles were all born there. More than just a reminder of its illustrious history, Athens is today's vibrant capital city, housing some of the most significant tourist destinations in the nation.

The Acropolis is one of the most magnificent ancient monuments in the entire world, and the city's world-class museums feature fascinating antiquities found at nearby sites. The sparkling Byzantine churches scattered around the city and the village-like suburbs north of the Acropolis are two further hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Athens might feel frantic and crowded in the summer, offering a very different vacation experience from the lovely Greek islands. Nevertheless, in the spring and fall, the city is still pleasant and there are many fewer visitors.

Use this list of the top tourist attractions in Athens to plan your sightseeing.

1-See the Acropolis of the Ancients.

The Acropolis in Athens, with the Parthenon temple perched high on a rocky crag keeping watch over centuries of civilization, is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The Acropolis was the heart of the ancient city and served as a citadel due to its protected hilltop location. It serves as a reminder of the splendour of ancient Athens.

The Parthenon, the biggest temple from classical antiquity dating from 447 BC to 338 BC, is the most representative structure. The temple is awe-inspiring with its enormous rows of Doric columns and exquisite sculptural decorations. Reliefs on the frieze on the eastern side show the goddess Athena's birth.

The Temple of Athena Nike near the entrance and the Erechtheion, a collection of ancient temples constructed between 421 BC and 395 BC, are two further Acropolis remnants. The Porch of the Caryatids, which has six sculptures of maidens in place of Doric columns, is the most well-known part of the Erechtheion complex.

Go to the north side of the slope for stunning views of the Acropolis from below. Apostolou Pavlou, a pedestrian-only street, is lined with sidewalk eateries that overlook the Acropolis. Some of these eateries also provide rooftop dining, which offers stunning views of the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the grand entrance, all of which are illuminated at night.

2-Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum houses one of the most priceless collections of ancient Greek art in the whole world, making it another one of Athens' top attractions. The former museum on the hill was replaced with the new building, which was finished in 2007 and is located below the Acropolis.

The exhibition space in this enormous facility, which is 25,000 square meters, is 14,000 square meters. A neighborhood from ancient Athens is incorporated into the layout.

When it's hot outside in the middle of the day in Athens, this is one of the nicest things to do. Be advised that there may be a lengthy line to buy tickets at the entry.

3. National Archaeology Museum

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens, founded in the 19th century, is the biggest antiquities museum in the world and the largest in Greece.

An beautiful Neoclassical structure with 8,000 square metres of exhibition space serves as the museum's home. More than 11,000 items from five permanent collections are on display, providing a thorough overview of Greek civilization from early prehistory through the classical era and late antiquity.

The Neolithic, Cycladic, and Mycenaean periods, which span from the sixth millennium BC to 1050 BC, are represented in the Prehistoric Collection, which also includes artefacts from Thera's prehistoric habitation. Ancient Greek sculptures from the sixth to the fifth centuries BC are on display at the Sculpture Collection, including valuable masterpieces. Ancient Greek pottery dating from as early as the eleventh century BC and continuing through the classical Roman era is on display in the Vase and Decorative Items Collection. Little artefacts from numerous historical eras are included in the Stathatos Collection. In the Metallurgy Collection, exquisite miniature statues and figurines made of metal are on show.

4. Wander the Pláka and Anafiotika Neighborhoods.

The scenic Pláka area, located between Ermo Street and the northern slopes of the Acropolis, is a popular destination for tourists. This ancient area's beautiful village atmosphere is its main draw. Beautiful bougainvillea-trimmed buildings, cafés, and stores adorn the Pláka quarter's pedestrian-only, winding streets and cheery tiny squares.

Historic churches like the Church of Kapnikaréa in the north and the Church of Metamórfosis in the southwest are tucked away in quiet areas of the neighbourhood. After visiting all the monuments and museums, take a leisurely stroll through the gorgeous surroundings.

There are several genuine Greek eateries with enticing patio seating in the Plaka neighbourhood and the close by Anafiotika, which are tucked into the slopes north of the Acropolis. Evening exploration of Anafiotika's narrow mediaeval lanes is a treat. The Restaurant Staircase on Mnisikleous Street is a well-known landmark in this neighbourhood. On the hillside nearby are quieter neighbourhoods that are home to adorable tiny eateries and cafés.

On Pepopida Street, two significant archaeological sites may be found: the Hadrianic Library and the Roman Agora from the first century BC.

5. Hadrian's Library and the Roman Agora

The Roman Agora is located close to the Ancient Agora. Although it may appear as though everything is on one site, these buildings were built later, and work eventually relocated to the location of the Ancient Agora. The Tower of the Winds is one of the places in this area that is easily recognised.

The historic Hadrian's Library, established by Emperor Hadrian in AD 132, is located on the edge of the Roman Agora. Three churches were constructed close to the library site even later, during the Byzantine era.

The Roman Agora and Hadrian's Library are visible from the street on one wall, but if you wish to investigate farther, you can purchase a ticket and stroll through the remains.

6. Cycladic Museum

Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris Foundation founded the Museum of Cycladic Art in the Kolonaki neighbourhood in 1986. The well-known art and cultural patron of Athens was the shipowner Nikolas P. Goulandris. The majority of the museum's collection comes from Goulandris' private collection.

The museum's permanent collection consists of more than 3,000 items and is housed in a contemporary structure with a marble and glass front. From the fourth century BC to the sixth century AD, the collection includes works of ancient Greek art, Cycladic art (from the island of Cyprus), and Cypriot art (from the islands in the Aegean Sea that surround the island of Delos near Mykonos).

Many of the artifacts on display date to the sixth century BC. Temporary exhibits are held at the elegant 19th-century Stathatos Mansion, accessible from the main building by a passageway from the atrium.

7.Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Olympieion, also known as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, was the biggest temple in prehistoric Greece and was devoted to Zeus. Even though the Parthenon is in superior condition, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was once a much larger building. The temple was not finished until the second century AD by the Emperor Hadrian, however it dates to the sixth century BC. At the end of Dionysiou Areopagitou, in front of the Olympieion and not far from the entrance, is Hadrian's Arch.

It's simple to see the magnificent impact that this temple would have had in its full grandeur. Once upon a time, the majestic sanctuary was supported by more than a hundred huge marble columns. Although just 15 columns are still standing and one more is on the ground, the ruins' massive size nonetheless exudes a sense of power.

It's simple to see the magnificent impact that this temple would have had in its full grandeur. Once upon a time, the majestic sanctuary was supported by more than a hundred huge marble columns. The colossal presence of the ruins conveys an idea of the enormous grandeur of the original edifice, even though only 15 of the original columns are still standing and one more is lying on the ground. The enormous building served as a fitting temple for Zeus, the King of Gods and the most powerful deity in ancient Greek mythology.

8. Olympic and Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium, the biggest structure in ancient Athens, can hold 60,000 spectators. The Panathenaic Games were held at the venue, which was built in 335 BC during the reign of Herodes Atticus. Runners competed in races around the track. Four double herms were incorporated into the 204-meter-long track's design, which was where competitors would turn.

Herodes Atticus renovated the stadium in the year 140 by adding new marble seats. The building that visitors see now is a copy of the old stadium, which was reconstructed for the 1896 Olympics. With 47 layers of seating and a rounded southeast end, this modern Olympic Stadium was built in the same manner as the Panathenaic Stadium.

The facility hosts concerts and other events during the summer. Attending a show can be a nice way to spend an evening in Athens.

9. Byzantine Museum

This intriguing museum provides remarkable insights into Greek history's Byzantine era. The museum is housed in a 19th-century palace that was initially constructed for the Duchesse de Plaisance, Charles-François Lebrun of France's wife. The collection of Byzantine art on show is priceless.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the eastern part received the Byzantine Empire as its legacy. The Byzantine Empire governed over the region that is now the Balkans, Greece, and Asia Minor from the third century to the fifteenth century. Religious art was highly prized during this time. Byzantium artisans produced magnificent works of gilded icons and intricate, sparkling mosaics.

The Byzantine Museum is a treasure trove of religious artefacts from the Byzantine era as well as items from the early Christian, mediaeval, and post-Byzantine eras, with more than 25,000 items on show. The collection consists of mosaics, linens, icons, paintings, and sculptures. Attractions include replicas of a fountain that once stood at the Monastery of Dafn and architectural remnants from Byzantine and early Christian basilicas. A magnificent portion of a fifth-century mosaic floor may be found in the museum's courtyard.

10.Deals in Monastiraki & the Flea Market

The Athens Flea Market in Monastiraki is a collection of slender lanes lined with stores offering anything from apparel and everyday items to jewellery and curiosities. This area has a really distinctive vibe and is a good location to just unwind at an outdoor patio or roam about. It is one of the neighborhood's primary attractions.

Monastiraki has no shortage of restaurants, and this is a good place to come for lunch if you want to grab a gyros or any type of traditional Greek dish. Unlike the more upscale Plaka district, this area is a bit more casual.

A combination of new and old structures surround the open Monastiraki Plaza. A good spot to get your bearings is here. The route leading to the Flea Market is marked with a sign on one side of the square. You can view the Acropolis in the distance from the square, while Hadrian's Library is only a short distance away.

11.the Guard at Syntagma Square

Seeing the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square is a thrilling and unforgettable event for many travellers. Every day of the year, the Presidential Guard soldiers are stationed in front of the Greek Parliament on Syntagma Square. The guards dress in traditional garb that includes pompom shoes, leg tassels, and pleated skirts.

Every day at 11 a.m., the guards are changed in front of the monument honouring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This memorial honours unnamed warriors who gave their lives while defending the nation. A marble carving on the monument depicts a warrior tomb stele from antiquity.

12. The Holy Apostles Church

When this entire district of Athens was destroyed to explore the Agora archaeological site, the Church of the Holy Apostles was the sole structure that remained standing. The church, which dates to the 10th century, is located over a nymphaion (sacred spring).

The outside is famous for its ornate Kufic (an Arabic writing style) inscriptions and ashlar brickwork. The church, which is typical of Byzantine style, features a dome supported by four columns and semicircular conches on the apse and transepts. Christ Pantocrator is shown in original frescoes that decorate the dome's interior (Ruler of All),

Archangels, John the Baptist, and sweet little cherubim. The ancient iconostasis (wall of religious paintings and icons) from the eleventh century has also been carefully maintained.

13-Dinner and Socialize on Mnisikleous Street Stairs

Go to the Mnisikleous Street steps if you're seeking for things to do in Athens at night. On the upper end of Mnisikleous Street, restaurants flank this flight of steps, which in the nights draws a crowd.

Although some of the restaurants are fairly outstanding, the atmosphere here is hard to surpass. It's quite laid back and easygoing. In reality, when the tables are crowded, individuals start to sit on cushions on the stone steps and small knee-high wooden benches are carried out and set up on the steps to create an impromptu table. It's frequently crowded, which creates an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

14. The National Museum of Contemporary

A trip to Athens can occasionally feel like a history overload. Visit the National Museum of Modern Art to cure that ailment. This building houses a steady stream of transient exhibits displaying the most recent in artistic innovation, serving as Athens' cultural centre.

The museum features an amazing 172-piece permanent collection in addition to travelling exhibitions. These items were produced by 78 various domestic and foreign artists in response to the museum's requests for information on two particular issues.

There are 1,300 objects in the museum's overall collection, the majority of which are paintings and photographs.

15. Varvakios Agora

Set your alarm to get up early and go to the Varvakios Agora if you want to veer off the well-traveled tourist trail in Athens and experience how real Athenians live. This fresh food market, which is situated in the Monastiraki neighbourhood, offers an experience unlike any other in Athens.

The vibrant vendors are marketing their wares to both locals and tourists, showcasing the abundance of the sea and farm. Fruit, vegetables, and of course olives are on sale in an adjacent building. On-site, there are a few small eateries that serve affordable, delectable meals. Bring your camera and spend some time strolling the aisles and taking it all in.