Things to do in Athens: attractions & sights

1. Visit the Acropolis & Parthenon

The Acropolis is the most visited attraction in Athens that you cannot miss. This hill of 156 meters high is located in the middle of the city and is easily visible from most neighborhoods. At the top of this landmark you have a beautiful view. You will also find the famous Parthenon here. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Temple of Erechtheion and the Nike Temple are also located on the Acropolis. There are plenty of places to explore on and around the Acropolis! Warning: During high season always book your Acropolis tickets online to avoid huge queues! More about 'How to book tickets for the Acropolis'.

📌 Athens City Pass: Would you like to visit several archaeological areas such as the Acropolis? Then make sure you have purchased the popular Athens City Pass in advance. This saves you a lot of money on your entrance tickets.

2. Acropolis Museum

When you visit the Acropolis, you should also visit the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the mountain. In this museum you can view many finds excavated at the Acropolis, as well as archaeological remains of the buildings and temples on the Acropolis. Here you will find some of the sculptures of the Parthenon. In this museum you can find a lot of information about the history of the Acropolis in order to get a better idea of this area. More info on 'How to visit the Acropolis Museum'.

3. Ancient Agora

Near the Acropolis you will find the Ancient Agora. This area used to be the center of the city. Important buildings, shops and markets were located here. It was a gathering place for the people and also the government. The Temple of Hephaistos is also located on the ancient Agora. Unlike many other buildings, this building has remained fairly intact. This temple was used as a church for a time and is decorated with images and inscriptions. The Stoa of Attalus now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora. More info 'Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaistos'.

4. Explore 5 archaeological sites

In addition to the Acropolis and Ancient Agora, there are 5 other archaeological landmarks that are well worth visiting. This includes the Roman Agora where you can visit the Tower of the Winds. Then follow your route to Hadrian's Library, which in the past was not only used as a library, but also as a meeting place. The next location is Olympieion. This was the largest temple in Athens, dedicated to Zeus. Furthermore, Kerameikos is an old town with a well-known cemetery where many archaeological finds are located today. Finally, you can visit Aristotle's Lyceum. In this article you can read more about how to explore these 5 archaeological sites.

📌 Tip: Would you like to visit several archaeological areas such as the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora? Then you should check this combination ticket for 6 archaeological areas in advance. This saves you a lot on your entry tickets.

5. Pláka

If you are in Athens, you should definitely visit the Plaka district. This is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Athens with terraces and souvenir shops. Despite the fact that this district is very touristy, it does have an authentic atmosphere and colorful appearance. In this district there are several monuments to visit, but of course you can also walk through the small streets and absorb the atmosphere. It is always busy here and there is always something going on. Read more about 'What to do in Plaka?'.

6. Anafiótika

Would you like to find some peace and quiet in the busy city? Then you should visit the Anafiótika district, near Plaka. This neighborhood is a hidden gem full of white houses and it looks like you are on one of the Greek islands. You won't encounter as many tourists here as in Plaka. The neighborhood is also significantly quieter and many locals live here. In this district you can also visit a viewpoint where you can take beautiful pictures. More info about sightseeing in 'Anafiótika'.

7. Landmarks: Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium is a stadium that once hosted the Panathenaic Games. The stadium was rebuilt in 1896 and the first modern Olympic games were held here. The Athens Olympic Stadium can accommodate 80,000 people. This landmark has been used for various sports ceremonies over the years, but is now only a famous landmark where you can learn more about the Olympics.

8. Monastiráki

Monastiráki Square is one of the central places in Athens. This square is located in the middle of the busy Monastiráki district and is extremely popular. Near this square are several churches and museums. You can also shop here in the large shopping street Ermou. On the square itself there is a cozy atmosphere and you can enjoy a snack and a drink. There is also a flea market every Sunday. More info about places to visit in 'Monastiráki'.

9. National Archaeological Museum

Athens has a lot of museums, but the National Archaeological Museum has one of the largest and most comprehensive collections in all of Greece. If you want to visit one archaeological museum, it is best to choose this one. You will find a collection of Greek art here and a few well-known and rare objects. For example, you will find the mechanism of Antikythera and the mask of Agamemnon here. More info 'Athens National Archaeological Museum'.

10. Fun activity: View from Lykavíttós

For one of the best panoramic views of the entire city, head to Lykavíttós Hill. At 277 meters, it is the highest hill in all of Athens. From the top you have a beautiful view over the entire city and the Athens landmarks. You can climb the hill yourself or go up with a funicular. On Lykavíttós Hill you will find a chapel, an open-air theater and a luxury restaurant. Especially during sunset this location is phenomenal. More info 'Lykavíttós'.

11. Syntagma Square (Changing of the Guard)

Syntagma Square is located in the modern part of Athens. This square is known as a busy thoroughfare. You will also find the parliament building here as a famous Athens landmark. Many tourists come here to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is guarded by soldiers and every hour there is a changing of the guard. Every Sunday there is an extensive changing of the guard with a whole ceremony. If you are in this Syntagma Square, you can also check out the metro station. It is the most beautiful in all of Athens where you can also view several archaeological finds.

12. Central market

Near Monastiráki you will find the Varvakeios market halls. At this large market you can buy everything, such as vegetables, meat, fish, fruit and wine. You can taste and buy authentic Greek delicacies here. It is a busy market with a lively atmosphere. You can also buy food and other items from many different cultures. Even if you don't want to buy anything, it’s even worth a visit.

📌 Personal favorite: A very fun activity is this original Greek food tour, where you will spend four hours tasting typical Greek products such as koulóuria and loukoumades. During the tour you will also visit the central market (more info and bookings).

13. Things to do: Athens sightseeing by bike

During your trip to Athens, you'll naturally want to see as many sights as possible. My favourite and most relaxing way to do this is by bicycle. You can map out a cycling route yourself or even better, join this guided bike tour. Within half a day you will see all the important landmarks, hidden gems and sight and you will hear beautiful stories by a local guide (more info and booking bike tours).

14. National Garden of Athens

The National Garden of Athens (Zappeion Park) is a large park right in the center. This park is located near the parliament building and some museums. In the gardens you can view various objects and ruins. It is also a perfect place to walk around and enjoy nature. It is a very green and wooded area to relax in the busy city. On the other side of the park you arrive at the old Panathenaic stadium. If you want to have a break, one of the perfect places to visit in Athens Greece.

15. Nightlife in the districts of Gázi or Psyri

Things to do in Athens at night? For the best nightlife in Athens, head to the Gázi district. This Gázi district is known for its busy nightlife. During the day there is not much to do in this district, but at night the district is transformed into one of the nicest districts of the city. Another nice neighborhood is Psirri (Psyri). This alternative neighborhood is popular among young people and hipsters. You will also find alternative shops here and above all a very cozy atmosphere. During the day you can walk around endlessly or enjoy the many street art works with this Guided Urban Street-Art Tour.

16. What to do: climb Philopappos hill

At 147 meters, Philopappos Hill is certainly not the highest hill in Athens Greece. However, you do have a beautiful view at the Acropolis and it is often less crowded than on other well-known hills. Because this hill is a bit lower, it is also easier to walk up. Besides the beautiful view from Philopappos hill you will also find the Philopappos Philopappos monument and the prison of Socrates. Socrates is said to have been locked up here before being convicted. During my visits to Athens I found Philopappos Hill to offer the best free Acropolis viewpoint.

17. Sightseeing: Day trips from Athens

Would you like to see more of Greece during your trip to Athens? Then it is best to book a day trip to one of the many sights nearby. You will then visit various sights with a group accompanied by a guide. For example, you can book this Meteora monasteries day trip, visit excavations with Delphi day trip, visit the Temple of Poseidon or book this boat trip to the Saronic Islands. With an excursion you get even more out of your holiday, especially if you are going to stay in Athens for more than two days. In this article an overview of the '5 Best excursions from Athens'

18. To do: Visit a Greek Orthodox Church

The Metropolis Cathedral (Great Metropolis) is the largest and most famous Greek Orthodox church in Athens. This church was built in the 19th century by three different architects. The church therefore has a distinct appearance where different styles come together. This church is still used as a meeting place for many Greek Orthodox people from the area. Another well-known Greek Orthodox church is Kapnikaréa (photo). This is one of the oldest churches in Athens and located in the middle of the busy Ermou shopping street.

19. Places to visit: Piraeus

Piraeus is a port city that is part of Athens. Here you will find one of the most important passenger ports in all of Europe. In this harbor you will see many ferries that take passengers to the various islands in the area. Piraeus is definitely a must for boat lovers. You can visit an exclusive marina to admire the yachts. In this town you will also find two museums that are dedicated to the history of the port. This city is also very pleasant to walk through or grab a drink on a terrace. More info 'What to do in Piraeus?'.

20. Eat with locals

One of the my favourite authentic activities you can do in Athens is 'Eat with locals'. Through the website of Eat With you can check various culinary activities organized by a local food lover. Such as a Greek dinner prepared by someone at their own roof terrace with a view of the Acropolis, a 10-course dinner with Greek dishes and Greek wines, cooking classes or discovering hidden gems on a Greek street food tour. The best way to get to know the city is with a local. View the options on 'Eat with locals' (book on time because unfortunately there are only limited places available!)

Extra. Visit more Museums in Athens

Athens has many different museums that you can visit. Many museums focus on one part of Greek art or history. For example, the Byzantine museum has a large collection of Byzantine art and the Cycladic museum contains art from the area around the Cyclades. Do you want a more general impression of Greek art? Then it is best to visit the National Archaeological Museum or the Benaki Museum. In addition, there is the Numismatic museum with a large coin collection or the Hellenic Motor museum which exhibits cars. In this article an overview of '12x Museums to visit in Athens'.