Email this guide
Print the full guide-
Athens
- Overview
- Attractions
- Events
- Kids Attractions
- Flights to Athens
- Excursions
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
- Shopping
- Transport
- Airports
- Climate
What to see in Athens
Athens Attractions
Athens is an ancient city in the truest sense, with a history stretching back into antiquity. Popular attractions such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Agora are among the city's dearest and most admired heirlooms.
Visitors can view Athens' history on 'museum mile' along Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, where most of the city's museums are clustered. These include the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Byzantine Museum. The 'mile' starts from Syntagma Square, which is home to the Greek Parliament. Visitors should stick around for the daily changing of the guard.
For the best view of the city, visitors should climb Lycavittos Hill. It offers a spectacular view of the Parthenon, and what feels like the entire Athens. The tranquil National Gardens make a lovely daytime break from the urban rush. Also, urban beaches such as Agios Kosmas, Attica Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza are only a tram-ride away.
Though Athens is busy and occasionally overwhelming, it's exceedingly rewarding for sightseers.
Acropolis
In Athens, first-time visitors generally flock to the Acropolis. Perched on a steep, flat-topped rock above the sprawling…
Ancient Agora
The remains of the Agora lie clustered below the Acropolis. As Ancient Athens' commercial and civic centre, it's where…
Benaki Museum
The Benaki is one of Greece's most famous museums, where visitors can explore Greek culture through artefacts dating…
Kolonaki/Lykavittos Hill
Lykavittos Hill juts a steep 984 feet (300m) right up from the centre of the city of Athens, and is a great vantage point…
National Archaeological Museum
This is the largest and most popular of Athens' many museums, and is usually very crowded. Its vast collection includes…
Piraeus
The port of Piraeus is the chief port in Greece, the largest passenger port in Europe, and the third largest in the world,…
Plaka
Plaka is the old historical neighbourhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis,…
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square, or Constitution Square in English, is named for the Constitution that King Otto was forced to grant…
Our Travel Expert
Gianns was born and raised in Athens and has always felt a strong urge
to travel. He loves discovering new places and cultures and never tires of
exploring Athens.
>Read Gianns's tips on Athens
>Ask Gianns a question
Become our Athens Travel Expert
We are looking for contributors for our Athens travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to Athens or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.
