The Top10 of Athens
19/Apr/2024
1. The Acropolis
What is it? This 2,500-year-old rocky outcrop perched in Athens’ modern metropolis is the sight you’ve only dreamed about. The Acropolis finds itself at the very top of our list because if you do one thing in Athens, it has to be this.
Why go? The monuments here are considered the greatest architectural feats of Greek antiquity. The Parthenon temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is perfectly proportioned and considered the world’s finest Doric masterpiece. Round the corner is the Acropolis Museum, which is well worth checking out – since 2009 it has accommodated all the artifacts found in the area that were previously exhibited on top of the ancient hill.
2. Temple of Poseidon
What is it? Athens isn’t short on treats for fans of Greek mythology. This temple at Sounion, which is dedicated to the mighty Poseidon, should be one of the first temples on your checklist.
Why go? He may be the god of oceans, but Poseidon's palace stands 60 metres above sea level on Cape Sounio. This marble temple was first built by ancient Athenians to honour Poseidon and guide sailors safely home. All that remains now is a series of towering columns that don’t half look beautiful against a glorious Greek sunset. Bear in mind the temple is a bit of a way from the city center, so if you don’t drive, you might need to take a bus or two to reach it (but it's definitely worth it).
3. Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre
What is it? On the foot of the Acropolis hill sits the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone Roman conservatory that was built in the 2nd century AD. The conservatory was destroyed in 267 AD and restored in the early 50s. Today, it is considered one of the best-preserved sites in the country, and it still operates as a venue for concerts and other performances.
Why go? Since 1957 it has held various cultural and artistic events as part of the Athens Epidaurous Festival. If you’re planning a trip to Athens, be sure not to miss the opportunity to attend a performance at this historic venue, especially during the summer months when the weather is ideal for an outdoor show. It has a total capacity of 5,000 people and is the best place in the city to enjoy a night of ancient Greek drama theater.
4. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
What is it? One of the most important sites in the Greek capital, the monument of the Unknown Soldier, is basically a cenotaph dedicated to the Greek soldiers who died in war. Located near the main Syntagma Square and attached to the external wall of the Greek parliament, the tomb is accompanied by a wall relief depicting a fallen soldier, surrounded by quotations in Greek from the famous Pericles' Funeral Oration.
Why go? The monument is guarded 24/7 by two Evzones, who are members of the Presidential Guard in full traditional costume, considered as the elite of the Greek military. The guards stand still –without even blinking!– and they change every hour in a beautiful coordinated ceremony. Do not miss the “longer version” of this ceremony on Sundays at 11’ o’clock in the morning, which usually attracts lots of tourists.
5. The National Gardens
What is it? Tucked away in the heart of Athens, the National Gardens offer a beautiful retreat from the bustle of the concrete capital.
Why go? This grandiose park was commissioned by Queen Amalia, the first queen of Greece, in 1838 and completed two years later. The Gardens cover 16 hectares of narrow gravel paths and ponds and a small zoo with wild goats, peacocks and chickens.
6. Varvakios Agora
What is it? The Monastiraki area’s indoor and outdoor food market delights the senses. Starting in the wee hours, Greek vendors bellow out their best deals in an attempt to sell fresh meat, fish, fruit, spices and products from around the country.
Why go? The atmosphere is unlike any other as travellers and locals traverse the narrow aisles lined with hanging meat carcasses, stalls of Greek deli delights and fresh seafood iced down in vibrant displays.
7. Monastiraki Neighbourhood
What is it? Monastiraki is one of the oldest and busiest areas of the capital, packed with rooftop bars, ancient sights and huge markets.
Why go? The Monastiraki metro station is right off the picturesque main square (which also has brilliant views of the Acropolis). Go shopping at the Monastiraki flea market, squeeze through thronging pedestrian alleys, and peruse shops filled with antiques, handmade jewellery and Greek handicrafts.
8. Plaka Neighbourhood
What is it? Stretching out under the shadow of the Acropolis, Plaka is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited neighbourhoods.
Why go? Duck into the side streets here and explore the charmingly narrow old lanes. They’re lined with a hotchpotch of crumbling buildings from various eras and beautiful restored buildings-turned-stately homes. Plaka boasts a wealth of ancient sites, small museums, historic churches and picturesque small squares buzzing with restaurants and cafés. Don't miss the Anafiotika area, where blooming bougainvilleas spill out of colourful balconies. It's quite the picture.
9. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC)
What is it? An oasis of Mediterranean greenery, plus opera, books and an architecturally-acclaimed main building, the SNFCC is a must visit.
Why go? For 170,000 square metres of parkland, complete with playgrounds, gardens, cafés, a striking eco-friendly glass complex (also home to the Greek National Opera), a manmade river, and the National Library of Greece. Plus, there’s a great view of the Acropolis.
10. Lycabettus Hill
What is it? Lycabettus Hill is one of the highest peaks in Athens. You can get to it by hiking up a forested slope – only briefly, mind – or, if you’re feeling lazy, there’s a cable car to the top.
Why go? At the peak, you’ll find one of the most sweeping views of the city. There’s also a pretty whitewashed church called St George, a café and Orizontes, a gourmet Greek restaurant with surely the capital’s most scenic terrace. Concerts are held at the Lycabettus open-air theatre, built on another part of the hill, in the summertime. The theatre has been shut since 2008 but is set to finally reopen in late summer 2023.
What is it? This 2,500-year-old rocky outcrop perched in Athens’ modern metropolis is the sight you’ve only dreamed about. The Acropolis finds itself at the very top of our list because if you do one thing in Athens, it has to be this.
Why go? The monuments here are considered the greatest architectural feats of Greek antiquity. The Parthenon temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, is perfectly proportioned and considered the world’s finest Doric masterpiece. Round the corner is the Acropolis Museum, which is well worth checking out – since 2009 it has accommodated all the artifacts found in the area that were previously exhibited on top of the ancient hill.
2. Temple of Poseidon
What is it? Athens isn’t short on treats for fans of Greek mythology. This temple at Sounion, which is dedicated to the mighty Poseidon, should be one of the first temples on your checklist.
Why go? He may be the god of oceans, but Poseidon's palace stands 60 metres above sea level on Cape Sounio. This marble temple was first built by ancient Athenians to honour Poseidon and guide sailors safely home. All that remains now is a series of towering columns that don’t half look beautiful against a glorious Greek sunset. Bear in mind the temple is a bit of a way from the city center, so if you don’t drive, you might need to take a bus or two to reach it (but it's definitely worth it).
3. Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre
What is it? On the foot of the Acropolis hill sits the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone Roman conservatory that was built in the 2nd century AD. The conservatory was destroyed in 267 AD and restored in the early 50s. Today, it is considered one of the best-preserved sites in the country, and it still operates as a venue for concerts and other performances.
Why go? Since 1957 it has held various cultural and artistic events as part of the Athens Epidaurous Festival. If you’re planning a trip to Athens, be sure not to miss the opportunity to attend a performance at this historic venue, especially during the summer months when the weather is ideal for an outdoor show. It has a total capacity of 5,000 people and is the best place in the city to enjoy a night of ancient Greek drama theater.
4. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
What is it? One of the most important sites in the Greek capital, the monument of the Unknown Soldier, is basically a cenotaph dedicated to the Greek soldiers who died in war. Located near the main Syntagma Square and attached to the external wall of the Greek parliament, the tomb is accompanied by a wall relief depicting a fallen soldier, surrounded by quotations in Greek from the famous Pericles' Funeral Oration.
Why go? The monument is guarded 24/7 by two Evzones, who are members of the Presidential Guard in full traditional costume, considered as the elite of the Greek military. The guards stand still –without even blinking!– and they change every hour in a beautiful coordinated ceremony. Do not miss the “longer version” of this ceremony on Sundays at 11’ o’clock in the morning, which usually attracts lots of tourists.
5. The National Gardens
What is it? Tucked away in the heart of Athens, the National Gardens offer a beautiful retreat from the bustle of the concrete capital.
Why go? This grandiose park was commissioned by Queen Amalia, the first queen of Greece, in 1838 and completed two years later. The Gardens cover 16 hectares of narrow gravel paths and ponds and a small zoo with wild goats, peacocks and chickens.
6. Varvakios Agora
What is it? The Monastiraki area’s indoor and outdoor food market delights the senses. Starting in the wee hours, Greek vendors bellow out their best deals in an attempt to sell fresh meat, fish, fruit, spices and products from around the country.
Why go? The atmosphere is unlike any other as travellers and locals traverse the narrow aisles lined with hanging meat carcasses, stalls of Greek deli delights and fresh seafood iced down in vibrant displays.
7. Monastiraki Neighbourhood
What is it? Monastiraki is one of the oldest and busiest areas of the capital, packed with rooftop bars, ancient sights and huge markets.
Why go? The Monastiraki metro station is right off the picturesque main square (which also has brilliant views of the Acropolis). Go shopping at the Monastiraki flea market, squeeze through thronging pedestrian alleys, and peruse shops filled with antiques, handmade jewellery and Greek handicrafts.
8. Plaka Neighbourhood
What is it? Stretching out under the shadow of the Acropolis, Plaka is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited neighbourhoods.
Why go? Duck into the side streets here and explore the charmingly narrow old lanes. They’re lined with a hotchpotch of crumbling buildings from various eras and beautiful restored buildings-turned-stately homes. Plaka boasts a wealth of ancient sites, small museums, historic churches and picturesque small squares buzzing with restaurants and cafés. Don't miss the Anafiotika area, where blooming bougainvilleas spill out of colourful balconies. It's quite the picture.
9. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC)
What is it? An oasis of Mediterranean greenery, plus opera, books and an architecturally-acclaimed main building, the SNFCC is a must visit.
Why go? For 170,000 square metres of parkland, complete with playgrounds, gardens, cafés, a striking eco-friendly glass complex (also home to the Greek National Opera), a manmade river, and the National Library of Greece. Plus, there’s a great view of the Acropolis.
10. Lycabettus Hill
What is it? Lycabettus Hill is one of the highest peaks in Athens. You can get to it by hiking up a forested slope – only briefly, mind – or, if you’re feeling lazy, there’s a cable car to the top.
Why go? At the peak, you’ll find one of the most sweeping views of the city. There’s also a pretty whitewashed church called St George, a café and Orizontes, a gourmet Greek restaurant with surely the capital’s most scenic terrace. Concerts are held at the Lycabettus open-air theatre, built on another part of the hill, in the summertime. The theatre has been shut since 2008 but is set to finally reopen in late summer 2023.
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