Athens Greece

10 best things to do

1. 1

   Mars Hill

   Acropolis Area

   A massive limestone rock outcropping that served as the homicide court in antiquity. It provides clear sightlines to both the Acropolis and the ancient city below.

   Tip: The marble steps are highly polished and slippery; wear shoes with heavy traction.

   4.8 Google (5,794)MapOfficial site
2. 2

   Temple of Hephaestus

   Thiseio

   This Doric peripteral temple remains largely intact due to its later conversion into a church. It stands on the northwest side of the ancient marketplace.

   Tip: Visit early in the day as the surrounding paths offer little shade.

   4.8 Google (13,250)MapOfficial site
3. 3

   Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora)

   Plaka

   Built during the reign of Augustus, this open courtyard contains the octagonal Tower of the Winds. The site served as the primary commercial center under Roman rule.

   Tip: The Tower of the Winds can be photographed well from the eastern fence if you skip the entry ticket.

   4.5 Google (15,286)MapOfficial site
4. 4

   Stoa of Attalos - Museum of the Ancient Agora

   Monastiraki

   A reconstructed Hellenistic covered walkway housing artifacts recovered from local excavations. The two-story colonnade demonstrates ancient commercial architecture.

   Tip: Use the ground floor water fountain to refill bottles before walking back up to street level.

   4.7 Google (3,922)MapOfficial site
5. 5

   National Museum of Contemporary Art Αthens (ΕΜΣΤ)

   Koukaki

   Housed in a former brewery, this museum focuses on post-war and contemporary Greek and international art. The concrete interior provides wide spaces for large installations.

   Tip: Check the roof terrace for unobstructed views toward the city center.

   4.4 Google (5,588)MapOfficial site
6. 6

   Byzantine & Christian Museum

   Kolonaki

   This complex holds over 25,000 artifacts from the 3rd to 20th century. The collection details the transition from the ancient world to the Byzantine empire.

   Tip: The underground galleries are heavily air-conditioned; bring an extra layer.

   4.6 Google (5,142)MapOfficial site
7. 7

   Lycabettus Hill

   Kolonaki

   The highest point in central Athens stands 277 meters above sea level. The viewing platform looks over the entire Attica basin down to the Saronic Gulf.

   Tip: Take the funicular railway up from Aristippou street to avoid the steep hike.

   4.8 Google (6,496)Map
8. 8

   Odeon of Herodes Atticus

   Acropolis Area

   A stone Roman theater structure completed in 161 AD on the southwest slope of the Acropolis. The steeply pitched cavea seats 5,000 spectators.

   Tip: General access is restricted, but the interior is fully visible from the pedestrian walkway above.

   4.9 Google (18,109)MapOfficial site
9. 9

   Arch of Hadrian

   Plaka

   A monumental marble gateway built to span an ancient road from the center of Athens to the complex of structures on the eastern side.

   Tip: Traffic on the adjacent avenue is heavy; view it from the pedestrian side near the monument.

   4.6 Google (2,048)MapOfficial site
10. 10

    Athens National Garden

    Syntagma

    A 15.5-hectare public park commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838. The grounds contain narrow dirt paths, ancient ruins, and a botanical collection.

    Tip: Enter through the Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias gate to access the central duck pond quickly.

    4.6 Google (44,630)MapOfficial site

5 experiences beyond the obvious

• Philopappos Monument

  Koukaki

  An ancient Greek mausoleum dedicated to a Roman consul, located on Mouseion Hill. The surrounding paved paths weave through dense pine trees.

  Tip: The incline is gradual but unpaved in sections.

  4.7 Google (4,426)MapOfficial site

• Museum of Cycladic Art

  Kolonaki

  This institution displays prehistoric art from the Aegean islands, specifically the marble figurines of the Cyclades. The stark, minimalist displays highlight the geometric shapes of the artifacts.

  Tip: The ground floor cafe operates independently and requires no admission ticket.

  4.7 Google (5,139)MapOfficial site

• Kerameikos Archaeological Site

  Gazi

  The ancient cemetery of Athens contains the remains of the city walls and the Dipylon Gate. The grounds are expansive and frequently overlooked by large tour groups.

  Tip: Look for the boundary stones that divided the burial plots.

  4.4 Google (6,383)MapOfficial site

• Diomidous Botanical Garden

  Chaidari

  Located west of the center, this is the largest botanical garden in Greece. It features distinct sections for medicinal plants, bamboo, and endemic flora.

  Tip: Take Metro Line 3 to Agia Marina, then catch bus 811 to reach the entrance.

  4.6 Google (8,955)MapOfficial site

• Museum of Ancient Greek Technology Kotsanas

  Kolonaki

  A specialized museum displaying working models of ancient inventions, from the Antikythera mechanism to early hydraulic systems. The exhibits demonstrate the engineering capabilities of the period.

  Tip: Scan the QR codes on the exhibits to see animations of the mechanisms in motion.

  4.8 Google (4,318)MapOfficial site

Where to eat

• Souvlaki - pork or chicken skewers wrapped in pita, found at street stalls everywhere
• Spanakopita - spinach and feta pie with phyllo dough, ideal for a bakery breakfast on the go
• Loukoumades - deep-fried dough balls soaked in honey, commonly eaten as an afternoon dessert
• Moussaka - layered eggplant and minced meat casserole, suited for a taverna dinner

• Street Souvlaki

  Syntagma · Budget · $$

  Serves fast, heavily portioned pita wraps directly over the counter.

  4.5 Google (5,731)MapOfficial site

• Karamanlidika

  Monastiraki · Market / food hall · $$$

  A deli and taverna focusing on cured meats and Anatolian recipes.

  4.7 Google (14,503)MapOfficial site

• Soil restaurant

  Pangrati · Splurge · $$$$

  Set in a neoclassical house, featuring a tasting menu built on herbs grown in their own garden.

  4.8 Google (1,521)MapOfficial site

• Takis Bakery

  Koukaki · Café & bakery · $

  Produces dozens of breads and traditional pies, drawing lines out the door each morning.

  4.7 Google (1,838)Map

• Feyrouz

  Monastiraki · Budget · $$

  Counter-service spot handing out lahmajun and vegetarian Middle Eastern street food.

  4.8 Google (6,131)MapOfficial site

• Tavern Klimataria

  Omonoia · Casual · $$$

  Operating since 1927, serving slow-cooked meats and barrel wine in an enclosed courtyard.

  4.4 Google (10,374)MapOfficial site

• Vassilenas

  Ilisia · Splurge · $$$$

  A modern dining room serving refined versions of Greek seafood dishes.

  4.6 Google (1,882)MapOfficial site

• Koukouvaya Desserts

  Syntagma · Café & bakery

  Focuses on oversized, syrup-soaked cakes and thick chocolate desserts.

  4.8 Google (5,143)MapOfficial site

Best neighborhoods

• Plaka

  first-timers

  Historic streets located directly beneath the Acropolis. The area is heavily pedestrianized and filled with restored neoclassical mansions.

• Monastiraki

  shopping

  A dense commercial district running alongside ancient ruins. The streets are packed with flea markets, antique dealers, and hardware stalls.

• Koukaki

  relaxed local feel

  A residential district south of the Acropolis with wide sidewalks. It balances long-standing bakeries with modern cafes.

• Exarchia

  nightlife

  Known for its counterculture history and street art. The area contains independent bookshops, vinyl stores, and late-night bars.

• Omonoia, Athens

  budget stays

  A bustling, gritty commercial junction undergoing rapid redevelopment. It hosts numerous budget hotels and busy wholesale markets.

• Iroon Square

  food

  The center of the Psyrri district, packed tightly with meze restaurants and bakeries. Outdoor tables fill the square continuously throughout the day.

Three-day itinerary

1. Day 1 · Acropolis Area & Plaka

   The Acropolis and South Slope

   Morning

   Ascend the Acropolis of Athens early to view the Parthenon before the heat sets in.

   Lunch

   Stop at Karamanlidika for cured meats and meze.

   Afternoon

   View the original caryatids and excavated neighborhood beneath the Acropolis Museum.

   Evening

   Dine with a direct view of the illuminated monuments at Tudor Hall.

   Getting around

   Walkable. Acropoli Metro station serves the museum.

   Swap in

   Substitute the museum for a walk through Plaka's narrow upper streets.

   Stops: Acropolis of Athens · Parthenon · Acropolis Museum · Tudor Hall · Karamanlidika

2. Day 2 · Monastiraki & Omonoia

   Ancient Markets and National Treasures

   Morning

   Walk through the Ancient Agora of Athens, then navigate the meat and fish stalls at Varvakios Central Municipal Market.

   Lunch

   Grab a quick wrap at Street Souvlaki.

   Afternoon

   Examine the Mycenaean gold and bronze statues at the National Archaeological Museum.

   Evening

   Settle into a refined tasting menu at Aleria Restaurant.

   Getting around

   Metro Line 1 connects Monastiraki to Victoria station near the museum.

   Swap in

   Skip the large archaeological museum and browse the antique shops in Monastiraki.

   Stops: Ancient Agora of Athens · Varvakios Central Municipal Market · National Archaeological Museum · Aleria Restaurant · Street Souvlaki

3. Day 3 · Syntagma & Kolonaki

   Modern History and Institutional Art

   Morning

   Trace the marble tiers of the Panathenaic Stadium before viewing the columns at the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

   Lunch

   Eat a quick lahmajun at Feyrouz.

   Afternoon

   View Greek historical collections at the Benaki Museum and watch the changing of the guard at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.

   Evening

   Have a cocktail and dinner overlooking the square at GB Roof Garden.

   Getting around

   Walkable from Syntagma Square.

   Swap in

   Walk up through the Athens National Garden instead of the main avenue.

   Stops: Panathenaic Stadium · Temple of Olympian Zeus · Benaki Museum · Monument to the Unknown Soldier · GB Roof Garden · Feyrouz

Opening hours and ticketing change — confirm on each official site before you go.