Athens is known for its ancient landmarks, whose sheer size alone impresses the viewer, but when they blend with the cityscape of the 21st century... that surreal feeling is something you must experience for yourself!
The ancient landmarks of Athens are located in the heart of the city, but the vibrant metropolis displays something interesing to see and experience all over the city.
Discover Athens' Ancient Sights on Foot
You can explore the most important ancient sights of Athens in a single day, but it's better to save the visit to the Acropolis Hill for another day, unless you have the stamina of an athlete.
If you plan to take a closer look at the sights, it's definitely worth investing in the €30 combination ticket. The ticket can be purchased online: Link to the official ticket shop. You can find the combination ticket via the link by selecting Attica -> Acropolis and slopes. The combination ticket is valid for 5 days and grants access to the Acropolis Hill, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, and the Kerameikos excavations.
In other words, the ticket covers all the major sights of Athens, except for the Panathenaic Stadium. Tickets are, of course, also sold at the entrances to the sights, and the combination ticket can be purchased at a ticket machine at the entrance to the Acropolis. The ticket for the Acropolis Hill costs €20 in the summer season (April 1 - October 31) and €10 in the winter season (November 1 - March 30). Single tickets for other ancient sights cost around €8-10.
Start your walk at Syntagma Square, where the Evzones, the presidential guards, ceremoniously change positions in front of the Parliament building at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every hour on the hour, 24/7. Every Sunday at 11:00 a.m., the guard change takes place in ceremonial uniforms.
Continue your walk to the National Garden next to the Parliament building, where a completely different side of Athens reveals itself. A stroll through the National Garden, filled with palm and pine trees, offers a refreshing change from the noisy and hectic streets. In the middle of the garden, there is a small petting zoo that will surely delight the youngest members of the family.
As you continue to the southeast corner of the garden, you'll arrive at the Panathenaic Stadium (Stadium of all Athenians), which hosted Olympic games even in ancient times. The remnants of the old stadium have been excavated, and a new stadium has been reconstructed on the site, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. There is an entrance fee for the stadium, which includes an audio tour about its history. However, you can get a good view of the beautiful marble stadium from the outside if you don't want to pay for entry. The stadium is also known as Kallimármaro, meaning "beautifully marbled".
Continue your walk from the stadium to Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias Street, along which you will encounter more ancient sights – first the massive Temple of Olympian Zeus and later Hadrian's Arch.
The construction of Greece’s largest temple, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, began around 500 BC but was only completed under the Roman Emperor Hadrian as part of Hadrianopolis. You can already get a good view of the remaining columns of the temple from Hadrian's Arch. The ticket booth is located on Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas Street, which you will come across on your way from the Panathenaic Stadium. Hadrian's Arch was built at the same time, in the 2nd century, in honor of Emperor Hadrian.
From Hadrian’s Arch, continue your way through the Plaka district towards Monastiraki Square, where you will encounter the Roman Agora, a marketplace from Roman times. It was built to replace the old Athenian marketplace. The Roman Agora, completed around 10 BC, is recognizable by the Gate of Athena Archegetis, located on the west side of the square. Further ahead, next to the Monastiraki metro station, lie the remains of Hadrian’s Library, which was a gift from Emperor Hadrian to Athens.
Continue along Adrianou Street towards Thissio metro station until you reach the Ancient Agora, the old marketplace of Athens. In this area, there are many interesting places to discover, including the Temple of Hephaestus, dedicated to the god of fire and craftsmanship, as well as the Stoa of Attalos, a colonnaded hall dedicated to King Attalos II, which now houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
Acropolis — A Symbol of Culture
Athens is famous for the Acropolis Hill, which symbolizes the beginning of European culture. During the summer, the Acropolis is often crowded, so it’s worth planning your visit either right at opening time or in the afternoon when the biggest crowds of tourists have already left. These times are also more pleasant in terms of temperature compared to the hottest part of the day.
The most famous sights of the Acropolis are located at the top of the hill: the Parthenon and Erechtheion temples, as well as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an amphitheater built during Roman times, where unforgettable concerts are still held today.
Other relics found on the Acropolis Hill can be viewed at the Acropolis Museum, located next to the Acropolis metro station. A separate admission ticket is required for the museum, which cannot be combined with the hill visit.
Acropolis-Hill Website & Acropolis-Museum Website
The Most Important Museums in Athens
National Archaeological Museum
The most extensive collection of ancient artifacts is exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, located in the Exarcheia district. You can easily spend several hours exploring the museum and admiring its collection of over 10,000 exhibits.
Website: National Archaeological Museum
Benaki Museum
Named after its founder, Antonis Benakis, the Benaki Museum offers insight into Greek culture throughout history. The museum’s collection includes 6,000 paintings, primarily by European artists.
Website: Benaki Museum
Stroll Through Plaka and Experience the Village Atmosphere in the Heart of Athens
Plaka, located at the foot of the Acropolis, is one of the city's most central neighborhoods. The narrow, flower-adorned streets, surrounded by low residential buildings, exude a village-like charm. Plaka is home to several important landmarks, such as the Roman Agora. Athens is very crowded during the summer, and Plaka’s popular streets are no exception, but in the off-season, you can enjoy the area in peace.
A fun curiosity in Plaka is the neighborhood of Anafiotika, which is almost like a tiny, fairytale-like area with its narrow alleys and low houses clinging to the hillside of Plaka.
Port of Piraeus — The Gateway to Ferry Traffic to the Greek Islands
Athens reveals a different side at Europe’s largest passenger port, the Port of Piraeus. While walking through the city center, it’s easy to forget that Athens is a coastal city, but a 15-minute metro ride from the center to the Port of Piraeus changes this perception. At the port, you can watch the constant hustle of passenger ferries as they maneuver back and forth in the harbor.
In contrast, at the cafes around the Piraeus marina, you can admire smaller yachts.
Admire the Sunset from the hills
Lycabettus Hill
The high limestone hill of Lycabettus offers a breathtaking view over the city, making it a popular spot to enjoy the sunset.
Climbing the 277 meters to the summit is quite a challenge, but the view makes the effort worthwhile. From there, Athens unfolds before you: In the foreground, the columns of the Parthenon rise on the Acropolis Hill, and in the background, you can spot oil tankers and cruise ships heading toward the Port of Piraeus. If you'd rather avoid the hike, you can also take a taxi to Lycabettus. Alternatively, the hill can be reached by a funicular, which departs from the intersection of Ploutarchou and Aristippou streets.
Filopappos Hill
Located right next to the Acropolis, Filopappos Hill also fills with people in the evening who want to watch the sunset. The best views are found by following the forest paths all the way to the top, where the Filopappos Monument stands. The hill also features other attractions, such as the Prison of Socrates, where, according to legend, he awaited his trial in 399 BC.
Activities for Children
Eugenides Foundation – One of the Largest Planetariums in Europe
The Greeks laid the foundation of Western science, and Athens is a fantastic place to visit a science center. Located about five kilometers from Syntagma Square, the center consists of two main areas – the Planetarium and the Science Center.
At the Science Center, visitors can explore various scientific disciplines like mathematics, chemistry, and physics through interactive devices and experiments. In the state-of-the-art Planetarium, which ranks among the most advanced in Europe, the most impressive experience is the 278-seat auditorium where continuous astronomical shows are projected.
Website: Eugenides
Allou Fun Park – Athens’ Own Amusement Park
Athens’ very own amusement park, Allou, offers fun for the whole family. Located just about six kilometers from the city center, Allou offers classic attractions like roller coasters, a free-fall tower, log flume, and much more.
Website: Allou Fun Park
Attica Zoo
Located near the airport, Attica Zoo is open daily throughout the year. With 350 species of animals, the zoo offers exciting sights for everyone, from dolphins to crocodiles.
Website: Attica Zoo
