Best things to do in Athens
Find out more about those top places in Athens
Athens: Where Ancient Gods Party with Modern Hipsters (and the Acropolis Still Has the Best Views in Town!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide!
Opa! Welcome to Athens, a city that's basically a historical superhero with a seriously cool modern sidekick. Get ready for some epic juxtapositions, folks! We're talking awe-inspiring ancient monuments that have been flexing their architectural muscles for millennia, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with… well, let's just say some "interesting" post-war architecture. You might find a graceful opera house that looks like it belongs on a wedding cake just a stone's throw from an anarchist squat that probably has better Wi-Fi than your first apartment, and Ottoman-era mosques that have somehow become symbols of Greek nationhood (history is weird, right?).
Now, let's not beat around the olive bush. The ever-impressive Acropolis, that 5th-century BC hilltop wonder, is undoubtedly the rock star legacy of Ancient Greece. It's the one you see on all the postcards, the one that makes you go "whoa," and rightly so. But Athens is like a historical Easter egg hunt; it's peppered with other incredible relics of antiquity just waiting to be discovered. From the Agora, the ancient city's bustling marketplace where democracy (and probably some pretty intense haggling) was born, to the towering Corinthian columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which look like they're still trying to reach Mount Olympus, history buffs will be in ancient heaven!
But hold your horses, toga enthusiasts! Despite its fascinating past, Athens is very much a city rooted in the present. Beyond the majestic ruins, the hidden gem neighborhoods of Pláka, Monastiráki, and Psyrri are buzzing hotbeds of local creativity, passionate political discussion (Greeks love a good debate!), and a nightlife scene that kicks off when the ancient stones start to cool down. Think trendy rooftop bars with Acropolis views, traditional tavernas serving up mouthwatering souvlaki, and grungy dive bars where the ouzo flows freely and the conversations get… interesting.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this captivating Greek capital. Get ready for some unforgettable sightseeing, from iconic ancient wonders to the vibrant modern neighborhoods, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Athens a city where the gods of the past still party with the hipsters of the present.
Top Attractions: From Ancient Icons to Modern Hotspots!
Athens is a city where every corner seems to whisper tales of the past while buzzing with contemporary energy. Here are some of the top places to visit you absolutely shouldn't miss:
The Acropolis: Where Ancient Glory Still Reigns Supreme
This iconic hilltop citadel, crowned by the majestic Parthenon, is a must-see. Wander through its ancient temples and marvel at the architectural genius of the ancient Greeks while soaking in breathtaking panoramic views of the city. It's the ultimate Athens sightseeing experience.
The Ancient Agora: The Heartbeat of Ancient Athens
Explore the ruins of the Ancient Agora, the former marketplace and civic center of ancient Athens. Imagine Socrates strolling through its colonnades and citizens debating democracy. It's a fascinating place to visit to connect with the city's ancient past.
Pláka: Athens' Charming Old Town
Get wonderfully lost in the labyrinthine streets of Pláka, Athens' oldest neighborhood. Discover charming tavernas, souvenir shops, and neoclassical architecture. It's a delightful place to visit for a taste of old-world Athens and offers plenty of picturesque sightseeing opportunities.
Monastiráki: Markets, Views, and a Whole Lotta Buzz
This lively square is a hub of activity, famous for its bustling flea market where you can find everything from ancient coins to quirky souvenirs. Climb Lycabettus Hill from here for stunning panoramic views of the city, especially at sunset. Monastiráki is a vibrant place to visit for shopping, eating, and soaking in the Athenian energy.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks: Rooftop Revelry, Island Escapes, and Culinary Delights!
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Athens vibe:
- Embrace the Rooftop Bar Scene: Athens boasts an incredible array of rooftop bars offering stunning views of the Acropolis and the city skyline. Sip a cocktail and soak in the magical atmosphere, especially at night.
- Take a Day Trip to the Saronic Islands: Escape the city bustle with a ferry trip to the nearby Saronic Islands like Hydra, Poros, or Aegina, each offering its own unique charm and beautiful scenery.
- Indulge in Delicious Greek Food: From mouthwatering souvlaki and gyros to fresh seafood and flavorful mezes, Athenian cuisine is a delight. Explore the traditional tavernas in Pláka and Psyrri.
- Explore the Street Art in Psyrri: Discover the vibrant and often politically charged street art scene in the trendy neighborhood of Psyrri.
- Visit the Acropolis Museum: This modern museum houses the incredible artifacts unearthed from the Acropolis, offering a deeper understanding of its history and significance.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant modern life, and a healthy dose of Greek charm, Athens is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an adventure filled with unforgettable sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to be awestruck by the past and energized by the present – and maybe learn a few Greek phrases to impress the locals! Yiasas! (Cheers!)
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Acropolis of Athens
Towering over downtown Athens is the Acropolis, one of the world’s most evocative remnants of antiquity. Capping the rocky plateau is the iconic colonnaded Parthenon, which was built around 400 BC and has undergone decades of restoration work after centuries of neglect and damage inflicted by Ottoman Turks, Venetians and Germans. Beyond the Parthenon, the Acropolis also plays host to a series of smaller marble clad temples and monuments that are equally enchanting.
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Acropolis Museum
After exploring the Acropolis, a visit to the futuristic Acropolis Museum is a must. The museum showcases artifacts found during archaeological digs in and around the ancient ruins, including the Parthenon’s original 160 meter long frieze that once dominated the Athenian skyline. The museum is made all the more remarkable by the glass floors that allow you to gaze down into an ancient Athenian neighborhood that was discovered during construction.
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Temple of Olympian Zeus
Jutting out of the vibrant and modern neighborhoods of Syntagma and Plaka, the colonnaded Temple of Olympian Zeus is the most impressive ancient attraction in Athens beyond the Acropolis. Despite being begun in the 6th century BC, the temple was not completed until the 2nd century AD and once finished the structure had over 100 Corinthian columns and two gargantuan statues of Zeus and Hadrian. Only a handful of gigantic columns remain upright but audio guide tours allow visitors to imagine the vast scale of the original complex.
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Ancient Agora of Athens
First developed as a public site in the 6th century BC, the Agora quickly developed into the beating commercial heart of ancient Athens. Spread over a vast area west of Monastiraki, the ruins encompass the standout Temple of Hephaistos, an excellent museum and even an ornate 10th century Byzantine Church. To make the most of the Agora guides are highly recommended, as they will help you walk in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks who once lived and worked in the area, including Socrates and Plato.
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Plaka
With its narrow cobbled lanes that climb precipitously towards the Acropolis and colorful traditional window shutters, Plaka is undoubtedly Athens’ most immediately charming neighborhood. Although lacking in major attractions beyond the Roman Forum, the district is packed with traditional Greek tavernas where visitors can sample some of the city’s best spanakopita, dolmades, moussaka and more.
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Erechtheion
In the heyday of ancient Athens, the Erechtheion was the city’s busiest temple. Built on the steep hillside of the Acropolis, the temple was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon and is spread over multiple levels that are bedecked in an amazing array of ancient statuary. Sadly, besides the much smaller Temple of Rome and Augustus, the Erechtheion was the last building erected on the Acropolis in the ancient period.
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Monastiraki
With a clutch of blockbuster ancient attractions ranging from the Agora to Hadrian’s Library and the rebuilt Stoa of Attalos, Monastiraki is one of Athens’ most popular neighborhoods. While the area’s history is thrillingly palpable, the district is also one of the city’s most vibrant areas with a flea market selling everything from antiques to artisanal olive soap and souvenirs. The surrounding streets are jammed with converted Ottoman mosques, traditional tavernas and lively bars, especially in the sub-district of Psyrri.
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Theatre of Dionysus
In the 6th century BC the Athenian ruler Peisistratos inaugurated the annual Festival of the Dionysia by opening the world’s very first theater beneath the Acropolis. While the original theater was made of wood, it was reconstructed in marble in the 3rd century BC with much of the elegant tiered seating remaining intact until now.
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Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon
Standing on the precipitous Cape Sounion high above the sparkling Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon is one of Greece’s most iconic sites. Just a one-hour drive from downtown Athens, this remote spot makes an ideal tour from the nearby metropolis where visitors can marvel at the gleaming white 4th century BC columns, visit the nearby Temple of Athena and sample delicious Greek cuisine at beachside tavernas.
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Ancient Corinth
In the center of modern Corinth are the ruins of what was once one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient world. Most of what can be seen today dates from the Roman era with visitors free to explore the enigmatic ruins of the Agora and the theater. The exception to the Roman rule is the startlingly large Temple of Apollo, which dates from the 6th century BC.
