The capital city of Greece is Athens. It was the heart of the ancient empire that this proud nation once was and today throughout this most remarkable of places are countless landmarks from a time when it was arguably the most powerful civilization on earth. Visiting Athens can be overwhelming. There’s so much to see and do and around every corner you’ll find a ruin or monument dating back centuries. So we’ve created a list of must see sites to help make things a little bit simpler for you.
The Acropolis
Perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the city, the Acropolis is a 5th century citadel where you’ll find one of the most well known manmade structures on the planet, the Parthenon. Plan a morning visit before it gets too warm and too busy!
Mount Lycabettus
This small hill stands out prominently against the flat terrain of Athens. It’s a green space amidst an urban expanse and from the top there are incredible views across the city. There’s a funicular to the top or you can hike up.
Panatheniac Stadium
Built entirely of marble, a stadium has stood on this site since 330BC. Amongst other things, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Monastiraki
Located in the old town of Athens, this flea market neighbourhood is now a popular shopping area for locals and tourists alike. It’s a great spot for an afternoon stroll and buying some mementos or gifts.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
This cluster of towering columns was once an imposing temple, said to be one of the largest such buildings in the ancient world. Its origins date back as early as the 6th century BC but completion of it took some 600 or more years.
Plaka
Sitting on the slopes of the Acropolis, Plaka is an historical neighbourhood that’s like a village within the city of Athens. Here you’ll find plenty of tourist shops, restaurants, bars and museums, so it’s a busy part of the city, but one of the best places to spend a few hours and then have dinner.
Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis is a remarkable site and the best place to learn about it, and the many archaeological findings unearthed there, is at the museum. It should be the first stop on any visit to Athens, but make sure you dedicate an entire day to it, because there’s a lot to see!