Top 10 Things to do in Athens

Things to do in Athens

Welcome to Athens – the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and Western civilization! This vibrant city is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, historic landmarks, and cultural attractions that are sure to leave you spellbound. Whether you’re an avid history buff or simply looking to soak up some Mediterranean sunshine, there’s something for everyone in Athens.

1. Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens, also known as the Sacred Rock, is a symbol of ancient Greece’s power and architectural ingenuity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is perched on a hill overlooking the city and has been an important centre for worship and political activity since the 5th century BCE.

The most famous building on the Acropolis is undoubtedly the Parthenon – an imposing temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos, goddess of wisdom. Its iconic columns have stood tall for centuries despite numerous invasions and natural disasters.

But there’s more to see than just the Parthenon – other notable structures include The Propylaea (the grand entrance), The Erechtheion (with its Caryatids statues), and The Temple of Athena Nike (dedicated to victory).

Visitors can tour this historic site with an expert guide or explore at their own pace while taking in stunning views from every angle. A visit to Athens without visiting Acropolis would be incomplete!

2. Temple of Hephaestus

The Temple of Hephaestus is a well-preserved ancient Greek temple located on the western side of the Agora, Athens’ central market. It was built in the 5th century BC and dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of metalworking and fire.

The temple’s design is considered one of the best examples of ancient Greek architecture. Its columns are made from Pentelic marble and feature intricate fluting designs. The frieze depicts scenes from Greek mythology, including Theseus battling centaurs.

Despite being over two thousand years old, visitors can still appreciate its grandeur and attention to detail up close. While it may not be as famous as some other sites in Athens like Acropolis or Parthenon, it is an absolute must-see for those interested in history or architecture.

After exploring the temple’s outer structure, visitors can also take a peek inside where they will find various displays showcasing artifacts excavated from the surrounding area during archaeological digs.

Visiting this historical site offers a unique opportunity to step back into time while admiring an impressive example of ancient Greek engineering that has stood strong through centuries!

3. Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus is a hill located in the heart of Athens, towering over the city at about 277 meters high. It offers stunning panoramic views of the entire city and is one of the best spots to watch the sunset or sunrise.

To reach the top, visitors can either hike or take a funicular railway that runs from Kolonaki district. The ride itself is an experience as it takes you through lush greenery and past beautiful mansions.

At the summit, there’s a small chapel dedicated to Saint George and several cafes where visitors can grab a bite while enjoying breath-taking views.

Aside from its scenic beauty, Mount Lycabettus also has historical significance. According to legend, goddess Athena dropped a limestone mountain she had been carrying on her way back from building Acropolis which later became Mount Lycabettus.

Visiting Mount Lycabettus should be on everyone’s list when exploring Athens because it provides an unforgettable view of this ancient city with modern life buzzing below.

4. Philopappos Monument

Philopappos Monument is one of the most impressive and iconic landmarks in the city of Athens. This ancient monument was built in honour of a Syrian prince named Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, who became an Athenian citizen and contributed greatly to the city’s cultural heritage.

The monument is located on top of a hill called Mouseion Hill, which offers breath-taking views over Athens’ skyline. Visitors can climb up to reach the base of the statue and enjoy panoramic views over the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, and other famous landmarks.

The monument itself consists of a grand marble structure with three arches that support a large bronze statue representing Philopappos himself. The statue depicts him wearing traditional Greek clothing while holding a scepter in his hand.

Aside from its historical significance, Philopappos Monument has become a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning architecture and location. Many visitors choose to watch the sunset from this vantage point as it provides some truly unforgettable views over Athens.

If you’re visiting Athens anytime soon then make sure that you add Philopappos Monument to your list of things to do!

5. Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is the perfect place to explore the history of Athens. The museum showcases a wide collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell stories about ancient Greece.

One notable feature of the museum is its glass floor, which allows visitors to look down into an excavation site below. Here, you can see ruins from ancient Athen’s right beneath your feet!

Inside the museum, you’ll find sculptures and friezes that once adorned the Parthenon temple on top of the Acropolis hill. These artworks provide insight into Greek mythology and ancient society.

Some highlights include The Caryatids – six female figures that served as columns in one of the temples on the Acropolis. There’s also a replica of Athena Parthenos – a colossal statue made entirely out of gold and ivory.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for something interesting to do in Athens, make sure to visit this incredible museum!

6. Athens National Garden

The Athens National Garden is a lush and verdant oasis located in the heart of Athens. Covering an area of 38 acres, it is home to thousands of trees, plants, and flowers from all over Greece.

Established in 1838 by Queen Amalia as part of the Royal Palace grounds, the garden was opened to the public after World War II. Today, visitors can stroll among its winding paths and admire its beautiful fountains, ponds, and sculptures.

One of the highlights of the garden is its small zoo which houses animals such as peacocks and turtles. Another must-see attraction is the Botanical Museum housed inside a neoclassical building that dates back to 1842.

Throughout the year various cultural events take place within the garden’s premises including concerts and theatrical performances. Additionally, there are several cafes where you can relax with coffee or refreshments while enjoying nature’s tranquillity.

In short: The Athens National Garden offers visitors a peaceful escape from busy city life with its stunning flora and fauna displays set amidst scenic walking trails.

7. Plaka

Plaka is the oldest and most picturesque neighbourhood in Athens, located at the foot of the Acropolis. It’s a maze of narrow streets, lined with colourful neoclassical buildings that house shops, tavernas, and cafes.

Walking through Plaka feels like stepping back in time to ancient Greece, as it has managed to preserve its traditional character despite being a popular tourist destination. The vibe here is relaxed and charming.

One of the main attractions in Plaka is Anafiotika – a tiny neighbourhood within Plaka that was built by workers from the island of Anafi who came to Athens to build King Otto’s palace in 1834. Today you can wander through this secluded area and admire its whitewashed houses adorned with flowers.

There are plenty of souvenir shops selling everything from handmade jewellery to leather sandals in Plaka. You’ll also find lots of little food spots serving Greek delicacies such as souvlaki or moussaka.

If you’re interested in history and culture, be sure not to miss out on visiting some landmarks such as Museum Of Greek Folk Art or The Roman Agora while exploring this fascinating district!

8. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument located in Syntagma Square, Athens. It was built to honour Greek soldiers who died during wars and remain unidentified. The tomb is guarded by the Evzones, members of an elite infantry unit that serves as a presidential guard.

The changing of the guards takes place every hour on the hour and draws large crowds of tourists. Visitors can watch as the guards perform their intricate choreographed moves wearing traditional uniforms with pom-pom shoes.

The ceremony itself is steeped in tradition and symbolism. The guards represent bravery, patriotism, and respect for those who have sacrificed their lives for Greece’s freedom.

Apart from its historical significance, the site also offers panoramic views of Athens’ bustling city center. If you’re interested in seeing this iconic attraction up close while immersing yourself in Greek culture, be sure to include it on your list of must-see places in Athens!

9. Parthenon

The Parthenon is an ancient temple located on top of the Acropolis hill in Athens, Greece. This magnificent structure was built between 447 and 438 BC to honour the goddess Athena.

The Parthenon is a true masterpiece of classical Greek architecture and engineering. It features eight columns on its east and west facades, and seventeen columns on its north and south sides.

One of the most interesting features of the Parthenon is its use of optical illusions. The columns are slightly curved inwards towards the centre, which makes them appear straight from afar.

Another interesting fact about the Parthenon is that it has survived for over two millennia despite numerous wars, earthquakes, fires, and even intentional destruction by invading armies.

Nowadays, visitors can admire this iconic landmark up close while learning about its fascinating history at one of the many guided tours available at the site.

Visiting the Parthenon should definitely be included in anyone’s list of top things to do in Athens!

10. Panathenaic Stadium

As our final destination on this list, we have the Panathenaic Stadium. This stadium has been around since ancient times and was rebuilt in marble by Herodes Atticus during Roman rule. It hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and still serves as a venue for various events today.

Athens is a city that has something to offer for everyone. From history buffs to foodies, nature lovers to sports enthusiasts, Athens is a destination that will satisfy all your travel cravings. The top 10 things to do in Athens include the iconic Acropolis of Athens and its museum, exploring the charming streets of Plaka, visiting Mount Lycabettus for breath-taking views, paying respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and many more.

The atmosphere within this stadium is electric; you can almost feel the energy of past athletes who competed here. Take a tour through its halls and imagine yourself running across its tracks or even winning an Olympic gold medal!

In conclusion (oops!), there’s so much more to see and experience in Athens than what we’ve covered here but these top 10 things are definitely worth checking out! So, pack your bags, book your tickets, grab some sunscreen because Greece’s capital awaits you with open arms!