Welcome to the capital of sunny Greece – Athens! Where the modern and lively part of the city mixes with the ancient part in a smooth way. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and the place where democracy was born, full of history and ancient buildings.

But Athens is not only the ruins of ancient Greece, it is also a place where you will have a cup of good coffee, eat delicious Greek food, and where you will buy unique souvenirs, clothes and accessories.

Discover 12 places worth visiting in Athens and have a wonderful time in the capitol.

Athens was one of those destinations where we went without any expectations, and already after the first walk around the city, we knew that we would like this place. We spent two days in the capitol, before our further trip to the Greek island of Crete, and we feel it was certainly not our last time in Athens.

In addition to the wonderful historical part of the city, we also liked Athens for its more modern side, with many unique restaurants, souvenir stores and colorful streets.

#1 Acropolis

One of the most popular attractions and a place everyone associates Athens with is the Acropolis. Located on a hill, the citadel is visible from many places in the city center. This archeological site made it to the UNESCO world heritage list for a reason, it is a unique place full of history. But not everyone know that there are several magnificent temples on the summit to take a closer look at.

– Parthenon

This is the main, largest and most important temple, which many probably remember from Athens postcards. Dedicated to Athena Parthenos (Athena the Virgin), it was built in the middle of the fifth century BC. The eastern facade, where the entrance was located, is characterized by eight columns, which still stand proudly despite the passage of years.

– Temple of Athena Nike

Built in the fifth century BC, the Temple of Athena Nike is often referred to as the Temple of Nike the Wingless, standing right at the gates leading to the Acropolis. The statue of Athena Nike that once stood in the center of the temple would have been wingless, according to legend it was the Athenians who tore off the goddess’ wings so that she would remain in the city forever.

– Erechteum

This four-level temple is dedicated to Poseidon and Athena, but was erected in honor of Erechtheus, one of the first Athenian rulers.

Legend has it that on the spot where the temple now stands there was a dispute between Athena and Poseidon over who of them would be the city’s guardian. Athens was not yet a developed city, and it was up to the citizens to decide who would be the guardian, based on the gifts offered to them by the gods. Poseidon donated a salt spring to the city, while Athena donated an olive. The residents considered the olive a more valuable gift than water.

– Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Built a little lower on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens – Odeon of Herodes Atticus, is considered as the largest and most magnificent of the ancient odeons. It was built by Herod Atticus, who thus honored the memory of his beloved Aspasia Regilla.

The place could seat five to six thousand spectators, where musical competitions and performances were held in ancient times. The acoustics of the venue are still so wonderful that it is used also till today for the annual Athens Festival.

#2 Areopag Hill

Located right at the foot of the Acropolis, the Areopag is a small hill that you can reach in just a minute, and the climb is really easy.  From the top you’ll be able to enjoy incredible views of the Acropolis. The ascent is facilitated by stairs, but remember that the stones on the Areopag can be slippery. To get to the Areopag, simply walk down from the Acropolis through the main gate and head to the right.

Entrance to the hill is completely free.

#3 Philopappos Hill

Surrounded by lush greenery, Philopappos Hill is a 147-meter-high hill with incredible views of the greenery, the city and even the Acropolis. At the top is the Philopappos Monument named after Prince Philopappos, who lived in Athens and was beloved by residents.

In addition to the monument, the hill is also home to the Socrates Prison – the prison where probably the famous philosopher Socrates was imprisoned before he was sentenced to death by poisoning for his innovative ideas that did not agree with those of the ancient Greeks.

#4 The Acropolis Museum

A modern building, perfectly fitted into the ancient city – The Acropolis Museum is a place full of amazing finds from the Acropolis slope. It opened in 2009 and has 4,250 objects in its collection. The museum is often called an architectural gem. And for good reason, it’s modern and huge, with an area of as much as 14,000 square meters.

Entering the museum and admiring the numerous sculptural elements and objects should be on your “must do in Athens” list.

#5 Ancient Agora of Athens

In modern language “agora” means as much as “market” , so Ancient Agora was the central public space where sports, art, business, social, spiritual and political life took place. Later, the agora served as a marketspace, where stalls were filled with things for sale, including such things as fruit, clothing, ceramics, wreaths, and even luxury goods like perfume and ribbons, and incense.

Today, the Ancient Agora is a marble ruin, with such exceptions as the “Temple of Hephaestus”, or “The entrance to the Odeon of Agrippa”. Stroll among the ruins and admire the remains of the Ancient Agora of Athens.

#6 Hadrian’s Library

Created by a Roman Emperor Hadrian – Hadrians Library was the largest structure erected by Hadrian. It was once a place where a rolls of papyrus were kept, which were ancient books. In addition to the library, the place also had reading and music rooms, and lecture halls.

Today, unfortunately, it is largely in ruins, but the west wall of main building still stands, reminding us of its former great days.

#7 Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus

Separating the old part of Athens from the new one, Hadrian’s Arch is an ancient Roman triumphal arch. It was erected by the citizens of Athens in thanksgiving to Hadrian for his services to the city.

The arch stands on the site where Emperor Hadrian built a new district of Athens, during a city expansion project. That’s why the archbears two inscriptions, on the side of the Acropolis it is saying: “Here is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus,” while on the other side  you can read: “Here is the city of Hadrian, not of Theseus.”

The arch can be admired completely free of charge.

Hadrian also completed the construction of the temple of Zeus Olympius, which was once the largest Greek temple supported by as many as 108 columns.

Today, unfortunately, it is only ruins, in fact, eighteen columns, some of which are still standing, while others, unfortunately, are already lying on the ground. Although in total it is difficult to count the number of columns, as they are in perpetual renovation.

#8 Kerameikos Cementary

The name Kerameikos may be associated with an English word – “ceramic“, and that’s because long time ago the place was rich in clay, making the district famous for its potters and vase painters. In later times, the district was divided by a wall (to defend the city form invasion) and while the area inside the walls was still famous for pottery, on the side outside the walls a cementary was establish.

Nowadays it is a unique archeological site. In addition to the open-air archaeological park, the site boasts a several-room museum where you can admire the tombstones and remains of ancient civilization that have been found here on the site.

#9 Monastiraki flea market

The Sunday flea market will please anyone looking for antiques, vintage clothing, or unique trinkets. On the other hand, during the week this market is loved by tourists looking for souvenirs for their loved ones.

And although you can find here replicas of well-known brands, you can also buy here unique souvenirs such as leather, hand-sewn and perfectly fitted to your foot shoes.

#10 National Garden

The National Garden, full of greenery, trees and flowers, is the perfect place to take a walk or relax in the shade of the trees. Palm trees, statues and fountains add a special charm to the place.

Walk along the paths among the trees and watch carefully underfoot, as the National Garden, is home to many turtles which walk slowly among the shrubs.

#11 Plaka Neighborhood

One of the most charming and colorful neighborhoods – Palaka, is full of small streets filled with stores, cafes and restaurants. If you’re looking for the charm of the Greek islands, you’re sure to find it in this neighborhood, which is right in the center of Athens.

A stroll through these streets is something you should not miss during your tour of the capital. Take a walk, admire colorful doors, and windows shutters, sip a coffee, and enjoy this picture prefect neighborhood.

#12 Greek National Library

The first foundation stone of the Greek National Library was laid in 1888, but the building was not completed until 1902. Since then it has been the largest library in Greece, with over 2,000,000 items in its collection, among them 5,200 manuscripts that include over 300 Greek New Testament manuscripts and hand-written renditions of works by Aristotle, Plato and Homer.

The building consists of three buildings, with as many as two pairs of huge marble stairs, leading to the entrance. Reading rooms, in addition to rows of bookcases filled with books, have also simple wooden desks and chairs, on which stand green lamps. There are also pillars supporting a glass roof.

In 2018 the National Library has moved to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. The building of National Library is now a reading room and it is open to the public.

Athens got many beautiful and delicious restaurants all over the city, you will find delicious menus without any problems, as the Greek food is simply amazing and loved by many.

If you are looking for a snack in between, you should try some amazing food in „Street Souvlaki“. The place got not only amazing food, but is also supporting a good deed. While buying food for yourself, you can also buy souvlaki for the needy at a slightly lower price. You pay for the food at the cash register, and the waitress writes down on the board how much food is “suspended” for the needy, so that the hungry passing by can check it and ask for food.

This is a wonderful form of support for the needy, which is worth supporting and promoting.

Athens has an airport serving both domestic and international flights, making it very easy to get to the Greek capital by air. Check your flights to Athens now .

However if you are traveling from one of the Athens islands, and you prefer this kind of transportation, you can also take a ferry to the capitol. Check your Greece ferry connections now .

In the center of Athens, everything is within reach of your feet, and walking around the city and admiring the life going on around is definitely a good activity to get to know the capital better.

If you want to get somewhere further afield like airport, use public transportation such as the metro. It is a fast and cheap way to get around the city and beyond, the metro will get you from the center to the airport in almost 40 minutes, and it cost only about $10 (€9).

While summer in Greece can be a tempting option, the best time to visit Athens is before the summer season, from end of April, May to early June, or after the season in September till the middle of October. Temperatures are not as high then, and the city is simply much more pleasant to visit. Also the accommodation prices are a bit lower, allowing you to save a bit for other activities.

Athens, like other popular tourist destinations throughout Europe, has a rich hotel base to offer. As in most cases as well, the center itself is the most expensive accomodation option. A bit beyond the center (in the region of up to a twenty-minute walk from the center) the accommodation options are cheaper, and the area is still very lively.

If you are looking for a nice apartment, at a good price, in a good location, and with breakfast, book Interni apartment to have a great experience in Athens.

Athens is incredibly rich in monuments, museums and places to visit. So it’s worth booking at least two full days to explore the city.

The prices are per person, except for the accommodation and taxi, which we rent for 2 people.

Accommodation: $59 / night

Snack: $3 – $7 / meal

Pleasure: $6 / event

Metro (City – Airport): $9 / ride

Activity: $1.30 – $5.50 / event