Wonderful Tourist Places to See and Things to Do in Athens

January 10, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 3264 Views

Athens is the capital of Greece and also its largest city. It is one of the most important historical cities in the world. The best places to visit in Athens have been the foundation of modern civilization. Many of the concepts we know today in science, philosophy, architecture, design, art, politics, economics and so on come from the city Athens and its flourishing civilization. Many of the top things to see in Athens reflect the magnitude of this civilization. This city has been home to myriad of historical figures in all fields. One of the top things to do in Athens, Greece is trace back the lives of great historical personalities like Socrates, Aristotle, Plato, Sophocles, Isocrates and many more. At its peak, Athens was regarded as the city of genius and creativity. The Athens attractions on the Acropolis alone are a testament of the same.

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world with over 3,400 years of recorded history. When you visit Athens tourist attractions, you should admire the great historical events which took birth here and spread across the world. In a way, Athens sightseeing is like taking a peek in some of the most important moments in history like the birth of democracy, advancement of science, exploration in philosophy and more. Many people embark on Athens travel just for this reason. The city today offers much more than historical artifacts and archaeological ruins, though those are still considered the best things to do in Athens, Greece. It is also a modern city with a happening lifestyle. You can enjoy shopping, nightlife and great dining when you visit Athens.

The places to see in Athens are spread across the city and even beyond the city. As there are ruins of several civilizations including Greek, Roman and Byzantine; you would be exploring the city quite a bit. We have an itinerary of places to go in Athens to make your trip more convenient. You can check it out in the section below. It covers some of Athens top attractions based on their locations. If you want to explore adventure and outdoor activities in Athens, you will have to travel a little outside the city for hiking, camping, mountain climbing and so on. There are also beaches not too far from the city, so you can include that as well among best things to see in Athens. But you would have to stretch your schedule if you want to cover it all.

While exploring so many Athens points of interest which are historical in nature, such as archaeological ruins and museums; people sometimes miss out on art and culture of the city. The food, dance, clothing, performances and art are all fun things to do in Athens. You should explore the art galleries and cultural centers as well when you visit Athens. Most of these are close to popular Athens tourist spots, so you won’t have to worry about distance either.

Athens is a greatly significant city. When you explore the places to visit in Athens, you will see back in time to the evolution of modern civilization. It is an exploration of human cultural identity and maybe even our own. It is a city of great gravitas. Enjoy exploring it.

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Table of Contents

A Complete 4 Days Trip Itinerary of Athens Tourist Attractions

There are numerous cultural and historical places to see in Athens, but there only so much you can visit in a day. We have created an itinerary based on relevance, popularity and locations of Athens attractions so that you can make the most of your trip.

Day 1

1. Acropolis

This is the most iconic structure among all the best places to visit in Athens, it is also a UNESCO world heritage site. The acropolis is one of the greatest architectural treasures from ancient greece. You will need about an hour to explore the Acropolis.

I suggest you should book a Guided Tour of Acropolis with Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket in advance.

2. Parthenon

The Parthenon is the center of attraction at Acropolis. It is one of the most recognizable places among Athens points of interest. This temple was built to honor the greek goddess Athena, after whom the city is named. You will need about an hour and a half to explore the ruins of Parthenon.

3. Theatre of Dionysos & Odeion of Herodes Atticus

These two amphitheaters tell of the grander of performing arts during the ancient period. Both of these theaters are well preserved and looks daunting in their size and expanse. You would need an hour to explore these.

4. Plaka

This is the old town district of the city and offers some of the top things to do in Athens, Greece in terms of shopping, cafe, dining and sightseeing. The colorful houses make for a beautiful sight as you stroll the streets. You would need about 2 hours of Athens sightseeing in this neighbourhood.

5. Acropolis Museum

This museum not only tells the story of Acropolis, but of ancient Greece as well. There are numerous archeological findings and artifacts exhibited here. It is among the most important historical places to visit in Athens. You would need 2 to 3 hours to explore this grand museum.

I suggest you should get a Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket of Acropolis Museum in advance.

6. Hadrian’s Arch

This arch of Triumph was built in honor of 2nd century Roman Emporer Hadrian. You only need 30 to 45 minutes to admire this structure among things to see in Athens.

7. Temple of Olympian Zeus

This used to be the largest temple of its time. This temple honors the greek god of thunder Zeus. It is an architectural inspiration for many buildings across the world. This temple is also one of the biggest Athens attractions on Acropolis. You would need about an hour to explore it this mighty temple of Zeus.

I suggest you should book your Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket of Temple of Olympian Zeus in advance.

8. Panathenaic Stadium

This stadium was built to host Panathenaic games between 330 to 321 BCE. This was a festival held in honor of Goddess Athena. It was top among Athens tourist attractions back then and is still popular today. You will need about an hour to explore it.

You should get your admission ticket of Panathenaic Stadium in advance.

Day 2

1. National Historical Museum of Athens

This palace used to be the home of King Otto. It now exhibits an extensive collection of art, sculpture, paintings, books and artifacts. There are myriad of top things to see in Athens which can only be found in this museum. You will need about 2 hours to explore it.

2. Monastiraki

This flea market is one of the best places to visit in Athens for shopping for all kinds of stuff. You would need about an hour to explore it.

3. Roman Agora

There are archaeological remains of various structures and cultural centers which can be found here. The Roman Agora is one of the most important places for Athens sightseeing. The expanse of these archaeological ruins is so wide that you would need at least 2 hours to explore them.

You should get your Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket of Roman Agora in advance.

4. Ancient Agora

This public gathering place predates the Roman Agora. Once upon a time, this place used to be the heart of the city. Now they are archeological ruins among places to see in Athens. You will need an hour to explore the history and story of this place.

I suggest you should get Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket of Ancient Agora in advance.

5. Herakleidon Museum

This is an art museum close to Acropolis and a prominent one in the city. It is among the most popular places to go in Athens for artists and art admirers. The exhibits in this museum keep changing, so do check their calendar. You will need about an hour to explore this art museum.

I suggest you should get your Admission Ticket of Herakleidon Museum in advance.

6. Kerameikos

This archaeological site has the ruins of ancient city walls and several other items associated with Athens. It may not be among Athens top attractions, but it gives deep insight into the life of the people during that time. You will need an hour to explore here.

You should get your E-Ticket of Kerameikos in advance.

Day 3

1. Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art

This museum exhibits pieces of art hailing form the Cycladic people. This culture developed on a small group of islands in the Aegean Sea. This museum is among the best places to visit in Athens to learn about Cycladic culture. You will need 2 hours to explore this museum.

I suggest you should get your Ticket of Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art in advance.

2. Benaki Museum

This museum was founded by Antonis Benakis in honor of his father. This museum boasts an impressive art collection from various periods and regions. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum. It is one of the few places to see in Athens exhibiting Islamic and Asian works of art.

I suggest you should get your admission ticket of Benaki Museum in advance.

3. Syntagma Square

This historic square is among the most popular places to go in Athens. It is located just outside Greek Parliament Building. You will need about an hour here.

4. Athens City Museum

This museum tells the story of the city. It is among Athens top attractions and there is a good reason to it. You can’t truly understand a city without exploring its history. You will need an hour and a half for this museum.

5. National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is among the best things to see in Athens especially to get a historical perspective on the city as well as its culture. You will need at least 2 hours to explore the vast variety of exhibits in this museum.

I suggest you should Book your Admission Ticket of National Archaeological Museum in advance.

Day 4

1. Numismatic Museum Athens

This is the museum of coins. It tells the story of currency in Greece. It is a major museum among Athens points of interest. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

2. Byzantine & Christian Museum

This museum is established inside Villa Illissia and exhibits various paintings and artifacts from the Byzantine era. It is among Athens tourist spots telling story of the city post Roman period. You will need an hour to explore this museum.

3. Mount Lycabettus

This mountain is one of the best places to visit in Athens for hiking and trekking. It also offers a great view of the city. You will need about 2 hours to explore this mountain.

I suggest you should go for Walking Tour of Mount Lycabettus.

4. National Gallery (National Glyptotheque)

This illustrious gallery tells the history of Greek and European art from post byzantine all the way to the 20th century. There are only few other Athens tourist attractions bearing richness of collection as the National Gallery. You will need about 2 hours to explore this museum.

If you plan to visit Athens for more than 4 days, you can check out the list of attractions below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of all the fun things to do in Athens. The section below covers all kinds of places and activities in Athens which you can enjoy as tourists and explorers. Have fun!

Things to do in Athens

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Athens

Acropolis of Athens
Parthenon
Acropolis Museum
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Ancient Agora of Athens
National Archeological Museum
Old Temple of Athena
National Garden
Theatre of Dionysus
Temple of Hephaestus
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Benaki Museum
Panathenaic Stadium
Byzantine & Christian Museum
Temple of Athena
Archeological Site of Kerameikos
Museum of Cycladic Art
Hadrian’s Arch
Propylaea
Areopagus
Hadrian’s Library
Stoa of Attalos
Monument of Philopappos
Pnyx Hill
Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes
Athens War Museum
Numismatic Museum of Athens
Roman Agora
Statue of Athena
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Byzantine Monastery of Daphni
Archeological Museum of Piraeus
Hellenic Motor Museum
National Library of Greece
Technopolis
Metropolitan Church of Annunciation
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Goulandris Natural History Museum
Monument of the Unknown Soldier
Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art
National Art Gallery
Athens Concert Hall
Ilias Lalounis Jewelry Museum
Choragic Monument of Lysicrates
Museum of Greek Popular Musical Instruments
Archeological Site of Lyceum of Aristotle
Tzisdarakis Mosque
First Cemetery of Athens
Museum of Modern Greek Culture
Archeological Museum of Kerameikos
Old Parliament
Museum Ship Averof
Museum of the City of Athens
Museum of Illusions
Adrianou Roman Ruins
Church of Virgin Mary Gorgoepekoos and Saint Eleutherius
National Observatory of Athens
Municipal Gallery of Athens
Herakleidon Museum
National Historical Museum
Epigraphic Museum
Monastery of Kaisariani
Hellenic Maritime Museum
Hellenic Cosmos Theatre
Church of Holy Apostles
Vorres Museum of Folk and Contemporary Art
Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos Museum
Frissiras Museum
The Prison of Socrates
Jewish Museum of Greece
Museum of Islamic Art

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Athens

Mount Lycabettus
Mount Hymettus
Filopappou Hill
Cephissus River
Aeropagus Hill
Strefi Hill
Vouliagmeni Lake

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Athens

Stravros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Allou Fun Park
Little Kook
Stravos Niarchos Park
Onassis Stegi
Theatre Train at Rouf
Gazarte
Eugenides Foundation Planetarium
Diomidous Botanical Gardens

Shopping in Athens

Monastiraki Flea Market
Patriarchou Ioakim Market
Central Municipal Market
Protogenous Street
Varvakios Central Market
Ermou Street
Athinas Street
Aeolou Market
Agios Markos Market
Abysinia Square
Adrianou Street
Agios Theklas Market

Beaches & Island in Athens

Voula Beach
Moraitis Beach
Vravrona Beach
Loutsa Beach
Erotospilla Beach
Thalassea Beach
Anavissos Beach
Varkiza Beach
Kavouri Beach
Legrena Beach
Kokkino Beach
Vouliagmeni Beach
Schinias Beach
Porto Rafti Beach
Alimos Beach
Lagonisi Beach
Cape Sounion Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventure in Athens

Surfings
Kayaking
Hiking
Boat Cruise
Water Sports
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Mountain Climbing
Windsurfing
Stand up Paddling
Sailing
Cycling Tours

Sightseeing in Athens

Syntagma Square
Piraeus Harbour
Omonia Square
Marina Zeas
Dionysiou Areopagitou Street
Kotzia Square
Metropolitan Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Athens

Tzitzikas Kai Mermigas
Atlantikos
Filippou
Skoubri
Couleur Cafe
Varoulko
Galaxy Restaurant
Orizontes
Nancy’s Sweet Home
Hytra
Tis Theatrou to Steki
Lukumades
To Paradosiako
O Kostas
Avli
To Katti Allo
Diporto
Strofi
Klimataria
Aster
Esperides
Ama Lachei Stis Nefelis
Barbounaki
Dionysios
Athiniakon
Feyrouz

Where to Stay in Athens?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Athens. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Athens.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Athens

How to Reach Athens?

By Air

Your best option for Athens travel is the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. The airport is located about 27 kms towards the east of the city. You can get direct flights to visit Athens from several major European cities. You can also get direct flights from North American, Asian and African cities. Once you reach the airport, you can use either a bus, metro or a cab to reach any of the places to visit in Athens. If you are looking to reach the city center, the metro is the best option. You can also catch a bus to reach Athens tourist attractions directly from the airport. There are regular public buses as well as expresses buses to take you around. You would also be able to catch day tour buses for top things to do in Athens, Greece. Finally, you can take a cab directly to where you want to go. But, cabs are expensive, unless your destination is close to the airport, it is advisable to stick to public transport. Most of Athens points of interest can be reached by buses.

By Road

You can catch a train to visit Athens from several cities in Greece. You can also catch seasonal trains from neighboring countries for Athens travel. As the schedules of these trains tend to change quite a bit, you should always make inquiries and advance bookings. The same is true for international buses connecting to the city. You can also get international bus tours from neighboring countries for top things to see in Athens. These are usually day trips and do not cover all the attractions.

If you are planning to reach Athens by road, look for routes E75 or route 56, 91, 83 or 54. Routes 56 and 91 also connect you to several beaches near the city as well as adventure activities in Athens.

By Water

The port Piraeus of the city receives ferries and cruise ships for Athens travel from several European cities.

Image Reference

The Acropolis – Christo Anestev / PixaBay
Parthenon – timeflies1955 / PixaBay
Theater of Dionysos & Odeion of Herodes Atticus – Brook Ward / Flickr
Plaka – Christos Vassiliou / Flickr
The Acropolis Museum – Andy Hay / Flickr
Hadrian’s Arch – Dan Lundberg / Flickr
Temple of Olympian Zeus – Ava Βabili / Wikimedia Commons
Panathenaic Stadium – George E. Koronaios / Wikimedia Commons
National Historical Museum Athens – Joyofmuseums / Wikimedia Commons
Monastiraki – George E. Koronaios / Wikimedia Commons
Roman Agora – Suicasmo / Wikimedia Commons
Ancient Agora – Tony Fernandez / Flickr
Herakleidon Museum –
Kerameikos – George E. Koronaios / Wikimedia Commons
Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art – Zde / Wikimedia Commons
Benaki Museum – Gary Todd / Flickr
Syntagma Square – dronepicr / Flickr
Athens City Museum – Dimitris Kamaras / Flickr
National Archaeological Museum – Thomas Wolf / Wikimedia Commons
Numismatic Museum Athens – Xuan Che / Flickr
Byzantine and Christian Museum – Joyofmuseums / Wikimedia Commons
Mount Lycabettus – Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons
National Gallery (National Glyptotheque) – Sp!ros / Wikimedia Commons