Attractions in Athens || Complete tour guide

Introduction

Athens is not a just ruined town; it is a living story of culture and ancient history. Tourist from all over the world visit to explore unimaginable attractions in Athens. Walking the city feels like returning in Greek culture.

What are the main attractions in Athens?

Athens itself a great attraction for travelers. There are many places which attracts tourists from every corner of the world. Athens is filled with ancient monuments, landmarks and old temples.

Main famous attractions among tourists are:

  1. Acropolis of Athens
  2. Parthenon Temple
  3. Ancient Agora
  4. Temple of Olympian Zeus
  5. Syntagma Square
  6. Plaka District
  7. National Archaeological Museum
  8. Mount Lycabettus

Acropolis of Athens

Acropolis is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Athens, that lies on a rocky hill, high above the Athens city. It is most iconic monument of Greece. It represents glory of ancient Greece and its contribution to art and philosophy.

acropolis on the top of hill

Parthenon temple

Parthenon temple is in the center of the acropolis. It was made in 5th century BC in the honor of protector of Athens called goddess Athena.

temple of athena

Ancient Agora

It is the hub for social and political activities. If you visit agora, you can imagine the daily life of ancient Athenians. It is also most visited attraction in Athens.

ancient agora a land of history

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Construction of this temple started in 6th century but it took many years to build and completed many centuries later. It was dedicated to the king of Greek gods, Zeus.

temple of zeus on top of hill

Syntagma Square

This square is famous for the ceremony of changing guards every hour on tomb of an unknown soldier. It is the core of activities. People decorate syntagma square in events and celebrate.

most crowded place syntagma sqaure

Plaka District

One of the charming and classic neighborhoods of Athens, Plaka is famous for its ancient streets and classical houses inspired by Greek civilization.

district of plaka most beautiful

National Archaeological Museum

It is the biggest museum of Athens, famous for his huge collection of ancient Greek sculptures, pottery, jewelry and gems from prehistoric to late antiquity time.

athens' museum

Mount Lycabettus

It is the highest point of Athens with all directions stunning views of Athens city. Visitors can enjoy the unforgettable moments of sunset from this mount. Climbing Mount Lycabettus is the best thing to do in Athens among photographers. 

Mount lycabettus is highest peak of athens

What is the most visited place in Athens?

Acropolis truly stands out among the attractions in Athens. Tourists from all over the world visit to feel the soul of ancient Greece. climbing the rocky hill is like journey to the Greek history wrapped in culture and magnificent views. This was built to protect the Athens city. Here lies beautiful monuments like Parthenon and temple of Athena Nike.

What is an unusual attraction in Athens?

Plaka neighborhood is one of the most unusual destinations of Athens, known as “Neighborhood of gods”. it is situated right under Acropolis and blends ancient Greek culture and local life. Its ancient narrow streets, charming colorful houses, and small shops make it an unusual gem of this century.

What are the best things to do in Athens, Greece?

This question arises every time you make a plan to go somewhere. There are lot of attractions in Athens to visit, but the Plaka Neighborhood, Syntagma Square, and Acropolis are best choices for travelers and locals alike. You can relish beautiful views from Acropolis. Mount lycabettus is a true venue for you if you enjoy photographing events. It is the highest point in Athens and a favorite spot for photography and sightseeing. Climbing Mount Lycabettus is best thing to do in Athens for snapshotting.

What to do in Athens in one day?

You have to wake up before earlier than sun to explore Athens in one day.

  1. Begin your day with the magical sunrise from Mount Lycabettus.
  2. Afterwards, have a healthy breakfast either in plaka or syntagma Square while listening to the street music that uplifts Athens’ beauty.
  3. Go to Acropolis and National Archaeological Museum. These are among best attractions in Athens. You may visit Temple of Athena Nike at Acropolis. Spend time in meuseum with ancient sculptures, Greek art, and philosophy.
  4. Explroe Syntagma Square in evening and take pleasure in golden lights that surround the square and the ceremony of changing guards.
  5. If you miss the sunrise, head towards Mount Lycabettus for an unimaginable sunset to end your memorable day.

How to visit attractions in Athens in 2 days?

You can create unimaginable memories that will stay in your memory forever even though you have only 2 days in Athens. Enjoy your 1st day of trip exploring ancient Athens:
  • Go to Acropolis and explore check out Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike.
  • Walk through the ancient agora. Explore history and culture.
  • See how ancient Greek and local life mix in Plaka and Anafiotika neighborhoods. Enjoy stunning views of thin streets, lively houses, and small shops.
  • Finish your day at Mount Lycabettus watching the sunset and taking a panoramic cityscape perspective.
Spend your 2nd day of trip focusing on modern Athens and its museums:
  • Begin with the Archaeological Museum to observe ancient art, sculpture, Greek philosophy, and history.
  • Check out the Temple of Zeus and Syntagma Square, and enjoy modern lights surrounding Square.
  • See ceremony of changing guards, and your trip may coincide with a cultural event for you to enjoy.
  • Wrap up your day at a rooftop café looking out on the Acropolis

Final Thought

Athens offers charming experience of culture and history. There are lot of attractions from majestic Acropolis and grand Parthenon to a lively Plaka District and breathtaking mount Lycabettus. Every monument, street and museum blends the ancient Greek and today’s local life. Whether you explore art at the National Archaeological Museum, enjoy vibrant life at Syntagma square, or capture sunset from Mount Lycabettus, Athens makes memories that will stick to your mind forever. it is the destination which mixes up ancient life of Greek with modern lifestyle.