Best Places to Visit in Athens

Acropolis, the most famous landmark of entire Greece, is the eternal symbol of democracy, education and inspiration. It is an ancient fortified town dating back to the bronze age. Acropolis consists of 21 major archaeological remains. Parthenon is in the centre of Acropolis and is the main attraction here.

The Parthenon is an iconic landmark of Acropolis, Greece. This ancient temple is dedicated to Athena, one of the most cherished and famous Greek deities. Built in 447BC, it attracts tourists from around the world because of its perfect symmetry, towering columns, sculptures of Greek art, and more than 2000 years of rich history.

Acropolis museum is an archaeological museum which contains the artefacts found in Acropolis. It has over 4000 objects from the Greek Bronze Age to Byzantine Greece. It lies over the ruins of Roman and Byzantine Athens.

The Ancient Agora is a well-known archaeological site located northwest of the Acropolis in Greece. A Greek agora or marketplace established in the 6th century BC, it is a lush green space that was used for commercial, legal, political and social activities. It is home to several residential and public buildings that are in ruin, including temples of Olympia Gods, altars, fountains, statues, stoas, etc.

Temple of Hephaestus is among the very few structures left in Athens, standing as it was originally built. Hephaestus was the god of metal working, craftsmanship and fire. Around 700 CE, the temple was turned into a church dedicated to Saint George. When Athens became Greece's capital in 1834, the publication of the relevant royal edict was made in this temple.

The temple or columns of Olympian Zeus is a ruined temple in the centre of Athens which was dedicated to Zeus, King of Olympian gods.

National Archaeological Museum consists of artefacts from Greek history. Considered the best museum in the world, it exhibits a rich collection of objects. The museum contains prehistoric collections, and sculptures- most famous being a bronze statue of Zeus, vases, Santorini findings, metallurgy collections, and Egyptian arts. etc.

Plaka is the old historical neighbourhood of Athens, clustered around the Acropolis. Plaka is built on top of the residential areas of the ancient town of Athens. It is also known as the "Neighbourhood of the Gods" due to its proximity to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites.

Hadrian's Library is an architectural wonder with high surrounding walls and a columned facade. Although mostly in ruins, the site was once home to the largest library in Athens. It is located outside Monastiraki metro station, on the northern side of the Acropolis of Athen. Built by Roman Emperor Hadrian, the library complex used to store both important literary works and legal and administrative documents.

Panathenaic Stadium is the place which had the honour of hosting the first modern Olympics in 1896. It is the only stadium in the world built from marble. In ancient times, the Panathenaic stadium was used to host the athletic events of the Panathenaic Games. It is now where the Olympic flame handover ceremony takes place before every Olympic Games.

The Temple of Athena Nike is an ancient Ionic Greek temple dedicated to the Greek Gods, Athena and Nike. It is a small yet impressive structure standing 7m high on the southwest corner of the Acropolis. The nuanced architecture of the temple with white marble and scenic views from all points often gives it the name ‘pearl of the Acropolis’.

The Varvakios Agora or Athens Central Market is a fruit, meat, fish and vegetable market located on Athinas Street. One of the liveliest places is Athens, full of traditional flavours and aromas, it is a paradise for food lovers. Named after a national Greek hero, pirate Ioannis Varvakis, the market also has several popular tavernas and ouzeries where you can enjoy a hot cup of Greek coffee.

Nestled at the Neophytou Douka Street in the heart of Athens, the Museum of Cycladic Art (MCA) is a lively cultural institute. The museum is dedicated specifically to the Cycladic art of the 30th century BC. It also has one of the best private collections of artefacts & sculptures of Cycladic Art. Moreover, the classic Cypriot antiquities in this museum represent one of the largest collections outside Cyprus across the globe.

The Benaki Museum of Islamic Art is the oldest and largest museum in Greece that features Greek artworks from the prehistoric period to the contemporary era. The museum is lodged in a complex of elegant buildings in the historical heart of Athens. It is located at the corner of Agion Asomaton and Dipylou streets in the Kerameikos district.

Philopappos monument is a two-storey structure dedicated to Philopappus, a prince from the Kingdom of Commagene. Philopappos died in 116, and his death caused great grief to the citizens of Athens. As a dedication to honour his memory, people built a tomb structure on Mouseion Hill near the Acropolis. His tomb monument, made of marble is known as the Philopappos Monument.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis. It was built in 161 AD by the Athenian merchant Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla.

Propylaea in Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athens, is the gateway and the monumental entrance to the Acropolis of Athens. The gates take inspiration from the architecture of a temple or religious complex and house the “Agrippa” monument on a pedestal and the Temple of Nike. Even though most of it is in ruins, the white Pentelic marble building is still a beautiful sight.