1.

The Acropolis Museum

Visiting the Acropolis Museum is one of the best things to do in Athens.
If you want a better understanding of the context and history of the Acropolis before visiting it, you should definitely go to
The Acropolis Museum first. It displays nearly 4,000 ancient objects and artefacts found on the site!
The museum is very interesting and well designed. From the 3rd floor panoramic
terrace, you will also have a magnificent view on the Acropolis.
To avoid waiting in line, you can directly get a skip-the-line ticket for the Acropolis
Museum

2. The Acropolis of Athens and The Parthenon

Let’s start this list of the 20 best things to do in Athens with The Acropolis, the most emblematic site of the city.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site located on a hill in the capital is one of the most visited Ancient Site of Greece. It’s also
Athens’ main tourist attraction.
At the top, you will find the Parthenon, the most famous monument of the Acropolis. As most of the site, it was
commissioned by Pericles and built during the 5th century B.C. This temple, dedicated to the Goddess Athena, is entirely
made of marble and weighs about 20,000 tons!
The other places to see on the site are:
 The Propylaea, the monumental gateway to the Acropolis
 The Erechtheion (or Erechtheum): a Temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. Its most remarkable element is
the Porch of the Caryatids (or Porch of the Maidens), where 6 statues of young girls are used as columns.
 The Temple of Athena Nike
 The Theatre of Dionysus
 The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone theatre still used for representations during Athens Festival.
The best way to visit The Athens Acropolis is to buy a 30€ combined ticket. The ticket is valid for 5 days, and includes a
skip-the-line entrance to the Acropolis and an access to the 6 others main ancient sites in Athens:
1. The Ancient Agora
2. Hadrian’s Library
3. The Temple of Olympian Zeus
4. The Roman Agora
5. The Aristotle’s Lyceum
6. The Kerameikos.
To get this combined ticket, it’s very simple, you just have to book it

3. The Ancient Agora

Another great place to see in Athens is The Ancient Agora.
The Agora was the main square of ancient Athens. It was considered as the cultural, political, commercial and social center
of the city. Nowadays, the site is mostly in ruins, but still worth a visit, especially for The Temple of Hephaestus. Built
during the Age of Pericles in 449 B.C, it’s one of the best preserved Doric temples in Greece.
You’ll also find a museum exposing objects discovered on the site, some statues and a scale model of the Agora to help you
visualize how it looked like.
The visit of the Ancient Agora is included in the 30€ combined ticket.
4. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens
If you enjoyed the Acropolis Museum, then you should really go to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
The museum has a worldwide reputation for its collection of splendid ancient objects. This impressive building offers
more than 8,000 m² of exhibition space, where you’ll find fantastic collections aged from the Neolithic Era to the end of the
Roman Period. Most of the collections are dedicated to the Greek civilization, but you will also find several rooms with
Egyptian antiquities.
The most remarkable pieces exposed in the museum are:
 The golden Mask of Agamemnon, found in Mycenae
 A bronze statue representing a young horseman and its mount
 The statue of Zeus or Poseidon
 The Varvakeion Athena, a reproduction of the statue which once stood in the Parthenon.
If you plan to visit several museums in Athens, buy the 15€ combined ticket. It’s valid for 3 days, and includes the
Archaeological museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, The Numismatic Museum and The Epigraphic Museum.
5. The National Garden and the Zappeion Park
If you want to enjoy a bit of greenery during your stay in Athens, then you should definitely take a walk in the National
Garden and the Zappeion Park. The 2 are actually one and the same big park, making it the largest public park in Athens!
This is the best place to go if you want to relax and have a break far from the tourist crowd.
The park is located between The Panathenaic Stadium and Syntagma Square.
Don’t miss the neoclassical Zappeion Hall, built in the centre of the park. Take a look at its inner courtyard, it’s quite
impressive! (The entrance is free)

6. Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square, or “Constitution Square” in English, is Athens’ central square.
It’s also the city’s main gathering place, whether it’s for demonstrations or sporting events. The House of Parliament is
located here since 1935, in an ancient royal palace built by the first King of Greece. It’s the center of Greece’s political life.
The Square is a must-see attraction in Athens. There, you’ll see the Changing of the Presidential Guard ceremony. The
soldiers, also called “Evzones”, are guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, right in front of the Parliament House.
Every hour, the changing takes place and you can attend a strange synchronized ballet.
Most of all, you’ll be amazed by the famous traditional uniforms of the Evzones with skirts, tights and pompom shoes
The Soldiers of the Presidential Guard stand in front of the Hellenic Parliament on Syntagma Square 24 hours a day, year-
round. The guards wear traditional costumes complete with pleated skirts, leg tassels, and pompom shoes.
The Changing of the Guards takes place in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument at 11am daily. This
monument honors anonymous soldiers who died fighting for the country. The monument features a marble relief that
imitates a warrior grave stele of ancient times. (Presidential Palace)

7. Ermou street
If you want to go shopping in Athens, it certainly will be on Ermou Street!
This pedestrian street goes from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki district. As it is Athens’ main
commercial street, you’ll find here most of the big international brands (H&M, Zara, Marks &
Spencer…) as well as many bars and restaurants.
Don’t forget to see the picturesque Byzantine Church of Kapnikarea! Located on Ermou Street,
it was built in the 11th century
8. Monastiraki District and Flea Market
To continue this Athens tourist guide, let’s go to Monastiraki district.
It’s located in the centre of Athens, alongside Plaka district. (I will tell you more about Plaka a bit later)
Monastiraki Square, with its Byzantine Church, is the heart of this lively and cosmopolitan neighbourhood. You’ll enjoy
walking in its narrow alleys with lots of small shops of all kind. The atmosphere feels a bit like the souks in arabic
countries! Souvenirs, clothes, shoes or jewellery, you’ll for sure find everything you need.
Every Sunday, the famous Flea Market of Monastiraki takes place on Avissinya Square. Many antique and second-hand
goods dealers are selling ancient books, silverware or leather goods. The negotiations are often tough, but you can find
some nice things, especially if you get up early!

9. Plaka district and Anafiotika Neighbourhoods

Another place you should visit in Athens is Plaka district.
The oldest district of Athens is often nicknamed “Neighborhood of the Gods”, as it’s
located at the foothill of the Acropolis. Even if it’s a really busy and touristic area, Plaka
managed to keep its picturesque charm, with its narrow alleys and pretty houses.
During your tour, you will enjoy Byzantine constructions, as well as neo-classical houses. With its many shops, it’s also a
great place to buy local products or souvenirs.
While you’re there, you should definitely go to the tiny Anaflotika neighborhood. In this peaceful and quiet place with
white houses and blue shutters, you’ll feel like you are in the heart of The Cyclades! Don’t forget to go to the top of
Stratanos Street, to enjoy a superb panorama over Athens.
The area boasts two important archaeological sites on Pepopida Street: the first-century BC Roman Agora and the second-
century Library of Hadrian
10. Mount Lycabettus
If you want to admire a stunning view of the Acropolis, then you have to climb up to Mount Lycabettus!
The 278 meters high Mount Lycabettus is also called “Hill of the Wolves”, and is certainly the best place to enjoy a 360°
panorama of Athens. At the top, don’t miss the charming Orthodox Chapel of St.George.
You can access the top of Mount Lycabettus:
 By foot: A 20-minute stairs path will take you to the top.
 By cable-car: The Lycabettus Funicular takes only 3 minutes to go to the
summit. The round trip ticket cost 7€, and departure point is located at the crossing of
Aristipou and Ploutarchou streets.
If you go to Mount Lycabettus at sunset, you’ll enjoy a fabulous view over the
illuminated city and Acropolis

11. The Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium, or Kallimarmaro is another famous tourist attraction in
Athens.
It’s located in front of Zappeion Park’s Southern entrance.
The stadium was built in the 4th century B.C to host the Panathenaic Games, a sporting event held every year to honor the
Goddess Athena. There, athletes were competing in track and field, wrestling and chariot races.
Originally made out of wood, it has been completely rebuilt in white marble a few centuries later. The stadium had a
capacity of more than 70,000 spectators, and gladiator fights were also organized.
Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the stadium was abandoned, and the stones were reused elsewhere.
Much later, during the 19th century, the stadium was rebuilt to host the 1st Modern Olympic Games.
Nowadays, the stadium isn’t used for competitions anymore, as its dimensions no longer meet the required standards.
You can visit the inside of the stadium for 5€. The entrance fee includes an audio guide and access to the track.
At the crossing of Agras Street and Archimidous Street, you can enter the public park around the stadium. There, follow
the path to go on top of the bleachers, where you’ll have a beautiful view of the Acropolis

12. The Philopappos Hill

If you believe you’re out of things to see in Athens, and if you have visited the main
neighborhoods, why don’t you go up to Philopappos Hill?
Also known as the Hill of the Muses, the site is one of the best viewpoints to see
Athens and the Acropolis. You can walk to the top of this 147 meters high hill using
one of the many pedestrian trails in around 10 minutes.
At the summit, you will have a panoramic view of the entire city, the port of Piraeus and the Attic Peninsula. If you are
lucky enough to have a very clear weather, you’ll even see some of the closest islands! There, you can also admire the
Philopappos monument, a mausoleum dedicated to the Roman senator Philopappos, considered as one of Athens’
benefactors.
On the site, don’t forget to see the church of Agios Dimitrios Lumbardiaris, the prison of
Socrates, and the remains of the Shrine of the Muses. Church of Demetrius Loumbardiaris

13. The Roman Agora

The Roman Agora is another point of interest to visit in Athens. Don’t confuse it with the
Ancient Agora I mentioned earlier!
The Agora, or Roman Forum is located in Plaka district. It was built between 19 and 11 B.C.
There, you could find a large central market, several shops and public latrines.
The most remarkable elements of the Agora are:
 The Gate of Athena Archegetis, with its 4 well preserved columns.
 The recently renovated Fethiye Mosque, where temporary exhibitions are held.
 The Tower of the Winds: a marble tower built by Andronicus of Cyrrhus to be used as a compass, an horologion,
and a weathercock
You can see the entire Agora from the outside of the site. Paying to go inside isn’t really worth
it, but if you bought a 30€ combined ticket, the entrance to the Roman Agora is included.
14. The other Museums in Athens
If you are staying in Athens for a couple of days, you should take the opportunity to visit
some museums.
For the cultural tourism enthusiasts, here are the other museums you should visit in
Athens:
 The Numismatic Museum, exposing more than 500,000 coins and medals. Some of
them are more than 3,000 years old!
 The Museum of Cycladic Art and its collections of objects from the Cyclades islands
 The Benaki Museum, the oldest museum in Greece, with it’s 40,000 pieces of art from the Ancient times to the
beginning of the 20th century
 The National Gallery, with its artworks and sculptures from the post-Byzantine Era.
 Museum of Greek Folk Art, to get a look at Greece’s traditions!
 The Byzantine and Christian Museum
 The National Museum of Contemporary Art
 The war Museum, if you want to learn everything about Greece’s war history.
 The National History Museum

15. Gazi district

Where to go in Athens if you want to party all night?
You should definitely try Gazi district! This former industrial district has been refurbished to become the trendy place to
go out at night in the Greek capital.
There, you can enjoy a drink on a trendy bar terrace, or try one of the many restaurants and night clubs. You’ll for sure
find a place you’ll like in Gazi neighbourhood.
The surroundings of the Kerameikos metro station, and the streets of Dekeleon, Gargition and Voutadon are the busiest.
16. Museum of Cycladic Art (Address: 4 Neophytou Douka Street)
In the Kolonáki quarter, the Museum of Cycladic Art was created in 1986 by the Nicholas
and Dolly Goulandris Foundation
Housed in a sleek modern building with a facade of marble and glass, the museum's
permanent collection includes more than 3,000 objects. The collection represents ancient
Greek art, ancient art of the Cyclades (the islands in the Aegean Sea encircling the Island of
Delos near Mykonos), and Cypriot art (from the island of Cyprus) dating from the fourth
century BC to the sixth century AD.
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

17. Olympieion: Temple of Olympian Zeus

Dedicated to Zeus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, also called the Olympieion, was the largest temple in ancient Greece.
Though the Parthenon is better preserved, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was an even more monumental structure in its
day. The temple dates to the sixth century BC but was not completed until the second century AD by the Emperor Hadrian.
In front of the Olympieion, not far from the entrance, stands Hadrian's Arch at the end of Dionysiou Areopagitou.
Nearby, just north of the Olympieion, is a small park containing the ruins of Themistokles' wall and the ancient Roman
baths. The baths are quite impressive considering they are a free attraction that you can easily work into your walking
tour near the Olympieion. They are located right along the edge of Vassilissis Amalias Avenue, at the side of the road.
Location: City Center near the Athens Gate and Athanasiou Diakou Street,

18. Byzantine Museum

This interesting museum offers fascinating insights into the Byzantine period of Greek history. Housed in a 19th-century
palace originally built for the Duchesse de Plaisance, the wife of Charles-François Lebrun of France, the museum displays a
precious collection of Byzantine art.
The Byzantine Empire was the inheritance of the eastern half of the Roman Empire after it fell. From the third century to
the 15th century, the Byzantine Empire ruled over the land of what is now the Balkans, Greece, and Asia Minor. During
this time, religious art was highly valued. Byzantine artists created masterpieces of detailed, glittering mosaics and gilded
icons.
With more than 25,000 artifacts on display, the Byzantine Museum is a treasury of religious artifacts from the Byzantine
period as well as pieces from the early Christian, medieval, and post-Byzantine eras. The collection includes sculptures,
paintings, icons, textiles, and mosaics.
19. Church of the Holy Apostles
On the site of the ancient Agora, the Church of the Holy Apostles was the only building left
standing when this entire quarter of Athens was demolished to excavate the Agora
archaeological site. Built in the 10th century, the church stands above a nymphaion
(sacred spring).
Typical of Byzantine architecture, the church has a dome supported on four columns, and
the apse and transepts feature semicircular conches. The interior of the dome is adorned
with original frescoes depicting Christ Pantocrator (Ruler of All), John the Baptist,
adorable little cherubim, and archangels. Much of the original 11th-century iconostasis
(wall of icons and religious paintings) has also been well preserved.

20. Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus

The concept of healing in Europe can be traced back to the Sanctuary of Asclepius at
Epidaurus. A sacred place used for ceremonial medical practices as far back as the 2nd
millennium BC, the site was also associated with the cult of Apollo in the 8th century BC.
It made an invaluable contribution to medical evolution and advancement. Over time, its
temples, sporting facilities, banquet halls and theatre shifted in philosophy from prayer
to science in the evolution of medical treatment.

21. Artemis Temple

The Temple of Artemis Brauron in Athens, Greece: Located on the eastern side of Attica, the Sanctuary of Brauronian
Artemis was among the most important sacred sites in the ancient times. Vravrona (or Brauron), about 20 km from
Athens, was one of the 12 towns of Attica that was united to Athens by Theseus.
The ancient temple of Artemis is of Doric style and flourished in the 5th-4th century B.C. According to a myth, this is the
temple where Iphigeneia was brought by her brother Orestes when they met in the land of Tauris, where she served as a
priestess in a local temple of Artemis. Iphigeneia had been transferred to Tauris by goddess Artemis herself when she
saved her from the sacrifice in Aulis. Returning to Greece, Iphigeneia brought with her a wooden statue of Artemis from
Tauris.
22. Prison of Socrates
Controversy surrounds the precise location of Socrates’ prison after he was condemned to death; local tradition places the
prison on Apostolou Pavlou, a pedestrian street near Thisson.
This rock cave, its entrance covered with iron bars, is believed by many to be where Socrates spent his final hours before
drinking the fatal poison.
Other nearby caves make the same claim, the main rival being located at the bottom of the hill below the monument of
Philopappos, opposite the church of Ag. Dimitrios ‘the Bombardier’.
23. The National Library
24. Pnyx