Athens boasts a remarkable history of over 3,000 years. Set between seven hills and surrounded by mountains, the city flourished in classical antiquity and was the birthplace of Socrates, Pericles and Sophocles. The city’s name refers to the goddess of wisdom, Athena, who, according to legend, gave the Greeks the olive tree – a symbol of peace and prosperity.
Greece’s capital is known as the cradle of culture and civilisation and the birthplace of democracy. More than just a relic of its glorious past, Athens today is a bustling modern capital.
Athens is famous for its historical ruins and monuments, but the city has become an important European centre of culture, nightlife and sports activities. Here’s an overview of the main tourist attractions in Athens.
Top 10 sights to see in Athens
1. Acropolis and Parthenon Temple
Few places in the world compare to the Acropolis in Athens, with the Parthenon temple standing watch for centuries from the rock. A reminder of the glory of ancient Athens, the Acropolis was the centre of the ancient city and functioned as a fortress because of its protected location. The Greeks referred to the Acropolis as the ‘sacred rock of Athens’.
An iconic building is the Parthenon, the largest temple of classical antiquity, dating from 447 BC to 338 BC. With its rows of Doric columns and stunning sculptural detail, the temple offers a breathtaking view. In the east frieze, bas-reliefs depict the birth of the goddess Athena.
Other Acropolis ruins include the Erechtheion, a complex of ancient sanctuaries built between 421 BC and 395 BC. The most famous feature of the Erechtheion complex is the caryatid porch, with six statues of maidens in place of Doric columns.
We also recommend a visit to the Acropolis Museum, under the Acropolis Hill, which contains one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world.
Address: 15 Dionysiou Areopagitou Street
2. Ancient Greek Agora
The Agora was the marketplace and centre of social and commercial life in ancient Athens. The Greek word ‘agora’ means ‘gathering where public discourse is held’, indicating that this place was a marketplace where people spoke in public. The agora was also a place of administration and commerce, as well as the meeting place of the Agora tou Dimou, a group whose role was to make civic decisions. Sports events and theatre performances were also held here.
From the Agora, you can take a pleasant walk along the road up the hill (Kolonos Agoraios). Here you will discover an impressive monument: the Temple of Hephaestus. This 5th century BC Doric temple is one of the best preserved ancient Greek temples, thanks to its conversion into a Christian church, which saved it from destruction. The temple was designed on a classical plan with six rows of 13 columns.
Above the Roman Agora, just 16 metres away, is Hadrian’s Ancient Library, a complex of buildings founded by Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD.
Address: 24 Andrianou Street, Athens
3. Theatre of Dionysus
This is the birthplace of European theatre: the first play was staged in 534 BC at the Theatre of Dionysus in Athens. Many of the best-known ancient Greek comedies and tragedies debuted here.
Built in the 6th century BC, the theatre is dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and merriment. Situated at the foot of the Acropolis, the theatre could seat more than 17,000 people in 64 rows. Today, only 20 rows remain intact. The seats for ordinary spectators were made of limestone, while important people were reserved marble thrones.
4. Temple of Zeus
The Temple of Zeus was the largest temple in ancient Greece. Although the Parthenon is better preserved, the Temple of Zeus on Olympus was an impressive structure in its day. The temple dates back to the 6th century BC, but was not completed until the 2nd century AD by Emperor Hadrian.
It’s easy to imagine the grandeur imposed by this temple in its completed form. Over a hundred enormous marble columns supported the magnificent sanctuary. Only 15 columns remain standing, and one other surviving column lies on the ground. Nevertheless, the monumental presence of the ruins gives a sense of the impressive size of the original building. The gigantic structure was a shrine dedicated to Zeus Almighty, known as the King of the Gods. Nearby, just to the north of the Temple of Zeus, is a small park containing the ruins of the wall of Themistokles and the ancient Roman baths.
Address: city centre, near Athens Gate and Athanasiou Diakou Street, Athens
5. National Museum of Archaeology
Founded in the 19th century, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the largest antiquities museums in the world. The museum is housed in an impressive 8,000 square metre neoclassical building. Five permanent collections with over 11,000 exhibits are on display, providing an overview of Greek civilisation from prehistoric and classical times to late antiquity.
The prehistoric collection covers a period from 6,000 BC to 1050 BC. (Neolithic, Cycladic and Mycenaean periods) and presents finds from the prehistoric settlement of Thera.
The sculpture collection features ancient Greek sculptures from the 6th century BC to the 5th century BC, including rare masterpieces. The collection of vases and decorative objects presents ancient Greek ceramics from the 11th century BC to the Classical Romanesque period. The Stathatos Collection presents minor objects from a wide range of historical periods. The Metalwork collection displays small statues and figurines carved from metals.
The National Museum of Archaeology also has a 118-year-old archaeology library, which houses about 20,000 volumes, including rare editions. The museum also has a collection of Egyptian artifacts.
Address: 44 Patission Street
6. Byzantine Museum
This interesting museum offers a fascinating insight into the Byzantine period of Greek history. Housed in a 19th-century palace that was originally built for the Duchess of Plaisance of France, the museum displays a precious collection of Byzantine art.
The Byzantine Empire represents the legacy of the Eastern Roman Empire. From the 3rd to the 15th century, the Byzantine Empire ruled the Balkans, Greece and Asia Minor. During this period, religious art was highly prized. Byzantine artists created masterpieces of detailed mosaics and superb gilded icons.
With over 25,000 exhibits, the Byzantine Museum is a treasure trove of religious artefacts from the Byzantine period, as well as pieces from the Christian, medieval and post-Byzantine eras. The collection includes sculptures, paintings, icons, textiles, mosaics, church vestments and jewellery.
The most important artefacts are architectural fragments from early Christian basilicas and Byzantine churches, as well as a reproduction of a fountain from the Dafnà Monastery. The museum courtyard displays a splendid fragment of a 5th-century mosaic floor.
Address: Vas. Sofias Avenue no. 22
7. Church of the Holy Apostles
The Church of the Holy Apostles is located within the archaeological site of ancient Agoras. Apart from the Temple of Hephaestus, this is the only building left standing when the area was demolished for excavations. Built in the 10th century, the church was built over a sacred spring and a monument to nymphs.
The exterior is remarkable for its carved stonework and ornamental Arabic-style inscriptions. A true masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, the Church of the Holy Apostles is cross-shaped with apses on all four sides, a pronaos on the west side and four columns supporting the dome.
The interior of the dome is adorned with original frescoes depicting Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, cherubs and archangels. Much of the original 11th-century iconostasis (wall of icons and religious paintings) has also been well preserved.
The church was destroyed in 1687 following the battle between the Ottomans and the Venetians, and was restored to its original form between 1954 and 1957.
8. Plaka and Anafiotika districts
Between the northern slopes of the Acropolis and Ermou Street, the picturesque Plaka district has two important archaeological sites on Pepopida Street: the Roman Agora from the 1st century BC and Hadrian’s Library from the 2nd century.
However, the main attraction of this historic area is its charming atmosphere. The narrow pedestrian streets and cheerful little squares of the Plaka district are lined with lovely pastel-painted houses. The Metamorfosis Church and the Kapnikarea Church are both worth a visit. The picturesque setting offers walks through charming narrow streets and relaxing moments at cafes or Greek restaurants.
In Greek literature, Plaka was called the Neighbourhood of the Gods because of the protection offered by the Acropolei Hill.
Anafiotika is another charming neighbourhood with a traditional atmosphere, where tourists can enjoy a tasty Greek-style meal. The winding medieval streets of this neighbourhood are lovely and worth exploring at leisure during a stroll.
9. Panathenaic Stadium (Olympic Stadium)
The largest building in ancient Athens is the Panathenaic Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000 spectators. Built around 335 BC, the stadium hosted the Panathenaic Games, where athletes ran naked on a 204-metre-long track.
This was the venue where male athletes competed in athletic events during the Panathenaia celebrations, the greatest festivities in Athens.
Around 140 AD, the stadium was renovated with new marble seating by order of Herod Atticus. The structure tourists see today is a replica of the original stadium and was rebuilt for the 1896 Olympic Games. This modern-era Olympic stadium was rebuilt identically to the Panathenaic Stadium, with 47 rows of seats and a horseshoe shape.
Nowadays, the stadium is used for the Olympic flame handing-over ceremony every four years, as well as for various sports activities.
Address: Ardettos Hill, Athens
10. National Garden of Athens
In the heart of Athens, the National Garden offers a green oasis for sunny afternoon excursions. Created in the 1840s, the National Garden is located next to the Parliament building, formerly the royal palace. The garden was created by Queen Amalia, who brought over 15,000 species of flowers from Italy.
It is a quiet and cool place away from the bustling city, with lots of beautiful trees and flowers. Impressive marble statues adorn the gardens, along with fountains and some ancient ruins.
In 1878, the Danish architect Theophil Edvard von Hansen designed the Zappeion building, located inside the gardens. Today the building hosts meetings and ceremonies on various themes.
Originally, the garden was called the Royal Garden because it was restricted to tourists and only the royal family had access. After the restoration of democracy in Greece in 1975, the garden was renamed the National Garden and became a public park.
Spread over 16 hectares, the National Garden is the ideal place to stroll and relax on a sunny terrace where you can enjoy a coffee or a cold beer.
Have you visited Athens? Which tourist attraction impressed you?
