Some of the best things to do in Athens are to experience the historic sites of the city, explore the neighborhoods of the Greek capital and learn about its history.
Whether you want to do a historical retrospective, try the local cuisine, or become one with the locals, there are countless things to do in Athens without wasting time.
But what are the places you shouldn’t miss? You’ll find them in the list below.
The places you have to visit in Athens
Acropolis
The unique Acropolis of Athens, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dates back to 448 BC, is one of the most important ancient sites in the world and should not be missing from your list.
A trip to Athens would not be complete without travelling back in time and taking a tour of this historic place, with the Parthenon being the highlight of the experience.
You can walk from Syntagma Square to the Acropolis, crossing Monastiraki and Thissio, or else you can get off at the ‘Acropolis’ Metro station.
Don’t forget to take a hat, sunscreen and water, as it’s incredibly hot during summer.
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Syntagma Square
The best place to start exploring Athens is undoubtedly Syntagma Square. You can get to the central part of the city by Metro, bus, trolley, tram and of course by car.
Syntagma Square is surrounded by luxury hotels, shops and restaurants while at the top you will find the Greek Parliament and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.
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Parliament of Greece – Monument of the Unknown Soldier
Opposite and higher than Syntagma Square is the imposing building of the Greek Parliament. Built between 1836 and 1847 by the Bavarian architect Friedrich Wilhelm von Gertner, it was originally used as a royal palace and after 1929 the seat of the Greek Parliament was moved here.
The Monument to the Unknown Soldier is located in Syntagma Square, in front of the Greek Parliament building. It was built in the 1930s and, like all monuments of this type, is a cenotaph in honour of those who died in the wars.
Acropolis Museum
After exploring the Acropolis, a visit to the Acropolis Museum is next on your list.
In the museum you’ll find a treasure with more than 4,250 objects and artifacts that have stood the test of time and were found in the rock of the Acropolis archaeological site.
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Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium is the historic Olympic Stadium of Athens. It is the only stadium that has been constructed entirely of marble. It hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and is considered the birthplace of the Games.
The stadium is open to visitors, and for a fee you can explore the entire site, including the entrance to the “vaulted passage”. You’ll find it behind the Zappeion.
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National Garden
The National Garden is a green oasis in the heart of Athens. It is located next to the Hellenic Parliament and extends to the south where the Zappeion Hall is located opposite the Panathinaikos Stadium. It is open to the public from sunrise to sunset.
In the National Garden one can find almost all kinds of vegetation, trees, bushes, flowers etc. but also small animals such as turtles, ducks and parrots.
A special attraction is the famous sundial located at the main entrance. The shadow of the hand, depending on the position of the sun, shows the relative time and everyone gets into the adventure of guessing the exact time without looking at their watch or mobile phone.
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Zappeion
The Zappeion Palace, or simply Zappeion, is one of the most important buildings in Athens. It is located south of the National Garden and the old Palace and west of the Panathenaic Stadium.
The neoclassical mansion is intertwined with the history of modern Greece. Today it serves as a conference and exhibition centre.
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Monastiraki
Monastiraki is a famous neighborhood with an open-air market and plenty of shops, bakeries and traditional taverns to eat. It’s one of the most touristy places in Athens, it’s ideal for wandering around and enjoying the city’s atmosphere.
In Monastiraki there are also several rooftop bars, offering excellent views of the Acropolis.
Plaka
In the shadow of the Acropolis, built on a hill, you will find Plaka, which gives the feeling of a village.
Post-war, the buildings of Plaka were deemed to be preserved in their entirety, making Plaka the only district in Athens where, in such an area, one can see the city as it was 100 years ago. Museums, taverns, restaurants, cafes and tourist shops operate in the area, while buildings of famous citizens of old Athens have been preserved.
On the part of Plaka towards the Acropolis there is Anafiotika. This is a Cycladic-style district, built by Anafiotic builders, which takes you back to the Greek islands.
It should definitely be on your bucket list.
Lycabettus
Lycabettus is the highest of the 7 hills of Athens and it is worth the trip to the top to enjoy the panoramic view of the city.
You can walk to the top of the hill, otherwise there is the cable car option. At the top, you’ll find the 19th century chapel of St. George, an open-air theatre and even a seafood restaurant. The views are breathtaking, and the best time to go is in the early afternoon to catch the sunset.
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Thissio
Thissio is a historic area with winding streets surrounded by neoclassical buildings, as well as open-air cafes, welcoming wine bars and rooftop restaurants with views of the Acropolis.
The cobbled pedestrian street of Apostolou Pavlos has stalls selling handmade goods, while the Herakleidon Museum, home to historical exhibits, is a short distance away. You can visit the National Observatory of Athens at the top of the Hill of the Nymphs, while you can also climb the rocks called “vraxakia” to enjoy a magical sunset overlooking Athens and of course the Acropolis.
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