The city of Athens is spread out across seven historic hills and is bordered by impressive mountains. Athens has been continuously inhabited for almost three thousand years, earning it the reputation as the origin of Western civilisation and democracy.
Athens is a complex mix of ancient and contemporary, with a big city core, an urban district, and a metropolitan area.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Athens
The historical landmarks and archaeological sites in this city are world renowned. But, there is more to Athens than its historic monuments. This busy metropolis also serves as a significant cultural, social, and athletic hub. An outline of the best sights to see in Athens.
1. Acropolis
The Acropolis, the highest point in Athens, must be seen by those who come to the Greek city. Given the abundance of significant Greek ruins here, including a historic citadel, visitors would be remiss to skip this attraction.
The Acropolis is merely 156 metres (511 feet) in height, but it represents the pinnacle of ancient Greek ideals. Visitors to the Parthenon at the top of the Acropolis can take in views of ancient and modern Athens below them. These structures on this hill are examples of excellent environmental architecture.
Read Also:
- Top 10 Places to Visit in Greece
- Top 10 Most Visited Places in Finland
- Top 10 Most Visited Places in New Zealand
2. Plaka
The Plaka District, which begins at the base of the Acropolis and extends all the way to Syntagma, is one of the most visited areas of Athens. If you want to get a taste of real Greece, a visit to this island-like town is a great place to start.
The region is secluded and beautiful, with quaint eateries, towering trees, verdant canopies, and cobblestone pathways. This district is famous for its restaurants, chic stores, and cosy cafes. Saita Taverna, serving superb bakalairo and other grilled meats, is located on Kydathineon Street, not far from the Jewish Museum and the Folk-Art Museum.
3. Erechtheum
The temple of Erechtheus, also known as the Erechtheion, was constructed with Pentelic marble. It is one of the most famous examples of Greek architecture, and it can be found atop the Acropolis. When the earlier Athena temple was destroyed by the Persian invasion, construction on this one began around 421 and 405.
Originally, worshippers of Athena Polias, Erechtheus, and Poseidon would make their way to the Erechtheum. The Athena Temple is easily accessible via the eastern portico. The westernmost cella can be reached via the northern portico.
The southern portico leads to the Porch of the Caryatids. The Erechtheum’s entablature is supported by six draped female figures, which may be seen here.
4. Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Olympian Zeus Temple is the largest Greek temple. It took approximately seven centuries to finish the enormous ancient complex. Construction of the temple began in 515 BC at Peisistratos’ behest, but was halted because the Athenian people viewed it as an oppressive symbol of the tyrannical rule of Peisistratos and his son.
The death of the Roman architect Cossutius ten years after work had resumed in 175 BC slowed progress once more. The temple was finished and consecrated to Zeus Olympios during the reign of Emperor Hardian (132 BC).
Only 15 of the original temple’s 104 enormous columns survive today, yet it serves as a powerful reminder of Greece’s past all the same. The soaring columns stand at an individual height of 17 metres (57 feet) and previously encircled a cella that housed two enormous statues.
5. Syntagma Square
The Syntagma Plaza is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The Evzones’ ritual of changing the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the most well-known part of Syntagma. Here you’ll find a number of bus, tram, and tram stops, as well as the Hellenic Parliament Building.
There are two vast grassy spaces, an ancient statue fountain, and it looks like something out of a postcard. Syntagma Square is where most of Greece’s main celebrations take place.
In 1974, the Military Junta administration was toppled in this square. It also hosts a number of political events. The Hellenic Parliament building and the old hotels Grande Bretagne and George II are among popular attractions.
6. Mount Lycabettus
Mount Lycabettus is a great journey for romantic evenings, beautiful sunsets, and a breathtaking panorama of Athens. Since it is the city’s highest point, tourists may take in sweeping views of the Attica basin and the Aegean Sea. From its pinnacle, visitors have a clear view of St. George’s Chapel.
A romantic dinner for two can be had at a nearby cafe. Hikers should head up the trail that can be found at the end of Aristippou Street in Kolonaki to begin their ascent.
The trail gradually climbs higher as it circles the peak. The funicular is another option for tourists, and it leaves at the corner of Ploutarchou and Aristippou Street.
7. New Acropolis Museum
The New Acropolis Museum, located at the foot of the famous hill in Athens, is a must-see for any visitor. The statue of Athena and the “Kritios Child” are only two of the many ancient Greek sculptures on display.
The museum’s completion was supposed to coincide with the 2004 Summer Olympics, however legal disputes caused construction to be pushed back. The museum features five stories and 4,000 exhibits.
The Parthenon Frieze, the Athena statue, the Color the Peplos Kore, the Parthenon Gallery, and the Athena Nike are all on display here permanently.
8. Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Music lovers have frequented the Odeon at Herodes Atticus since ancient times. The amphitheatre at the foot of the Acropolis was constructed in 161 CE by Herodes Atticus in honour of his late wife and featured seating for about 6,000 people on sloping stages. However, invaders destroyed it a century later, and it wasn’t rebuilt until the 1950s.
The city is home to the yearly Athens Festival, a celebration that features performances by artists from all over the world. The odeon was a popular venue for watching classical Greek plays. The theatre used to have a roof, but now performances take place under the open sky.
9. Panathenaic Stadium
Panathenaic Stadium has a significant part in sports history despite being an older structure. The first Olympic Games were held in this stadium, which dates back to roughly 300 BC and was restored in the year 144.
More importantly, the stadium marks the point of departure for the Olympic flame as it makes its way to the country that will be hosting the games.
A religious festival honouring the goddess Athena was held at the stadium once every four years. After being abandoned for decades, the existing edifice was renovated for the first modern Olympic Games in the 19th century.
The Panathenaic Stadium is the world’s largest marble stadium, with a capacity of 50,000 spectators. The stadium is one of Athens’ top tourist destinations.
Read Also:
- Top 10 Most Visited Places in Singapore
- Top 10 Most Visited Places in Netherlands
- Top 10 Most Visited Places in United Kingdom
10. Theatre of Dionysus
The Theatre of Dionysus is Greece’s oldest theatre and a must-see for any theatre buff visiting the country. The ancient Greek comedies and tragedies that became classics were first performed here. The theatre was originally a shrine to Dionysus, the god of revelry and wine, and was constructed in the sixth century BC.
The Acropolis’s cliffside theatre has enough seats for 17,000 people. Over the years, it has undergone numerous renovations. The Acropolis provides the ideal vantage point for seeing the Theatre of Dionysus, widely recognised as the cradle of European theatre.
