Athens Sights

The Acropolis, also known as the Sacred Rock, is the symbol of Greece and the Greek culture and the most famous sightseeing in Athens. This ancient site stands on a huge rock and buildings of high historical significance, like the Parthenon, can be found on it. The new Acropolis Museum has been constructed in close proximity.
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The New Acropolis Museum was inaugurated in June 2009 and it is housed in a modern building right opposite the site of the Acropolis. It is one of the jewels of the city and a sight not to miss. The items displayed in the New Acropolis Museum were all found on excavations on the Acropolis. The most famous display is the frieze of Parthenon Temple. Some pieces of this frieze are missing, as they are housed in the British Museum in London.

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is the largest and most important museum in Greece, and its exhibits are between the finest collections of prehistoric items, sculptures, pottery, and minor art, bronzes and Egyptian art, everything followed by detailed explanations in English. It is located near Omonoia square and it is a sight to not miss.

The changing of the guards is made by the military unit whose members stand proudly in perfect stillness in front of the Hellenic Parliament. It takes place every hour. But every Sunday morning at 11 am, people gather to watch the official changing of the guards with the original costumes.

The Theatre of Herodes Atticus, or else Herodeion, is one of the most impressive monuments / sights of Athens. Located on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, the theatre was built in 161 BC by Herodes Atticus, a wealthy Roman general in memory of his wife, Regilla. It has exceptional acoustic capacities and can sit up to 5,000 spectators. Performances of the Athens-Epidaurus Festival are held there in summer.

The Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion, the southernmost spot of Attica, was built in the 5th century B.C. and a part of it survives till today. This is one of the most famous ancient sites in Athens and gives an amazing view of the sea and the sunset.

The Roman Agora lays between Monastiraki and Plaka. In this area, the Romans used to trade their goods, so it was used as a marketplace.

The Ancient Agora was the social and political center of ancient Athens. This is where the people of Athens used to meet to talk about social issues. The temple of Hephaestus is the most distinctive spot of Ancient Agora, which is located between Thissio and Monastiraki. It is one of the most impressive sightseeings in Athens.

The Temple of Hephaestus is the most well-preserved Ancient temple in Greece and a sight not to miss! It was dedicated to Hephaestus and Athena. The Temple of Hephaestus is located in Thissio, within a short distance from the Acropolis and Monastiraki, just above the Ancient Agora and the Stoa of Attalos.

In south Athens, summer lasts all year long! Just 30 minutes away from Athens city center, Athens Riviera will make you feel as if you are in some Greek island.

The paved street Dionysiou Areopagitou is one of the best places in Athens to go for a walk, as it offers one of the best views of the Acropolis and the ancient temples.

The Panathenaic Stadium stands next to the National Garden and Zappeion Megaron. It was originally constructed in the Roman times and it is entirely re-made of marble. Excavated in 1870, this stadium was renovated to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It is also known as Panathenaic or Kallimarmaro Stadium and it is one of the most popular sightseeings of Athens.

The temple of Olympian Zeus took 700 years to be built. The work was completed by Emperor Hadrian in 131 AD. The huge Temple was composed of 104 columns of Corinthian style, 17 m high each. Today only 17 columns have survived and it is one of the most beautiful sightseeings of Athens.

This impressive arch was built by Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD to mark the limit between Ancient Athens and his new city. It is located at the end of Amalias Avenue, right next to the temple of Olympian Zeus.

The rocky Hill of Arios Pagos is located on the northwestern side of the Acropolis. The top of a steep rock is one of the most popular places where the locals gather in groups to watch the sunset and the impressive views of the urban landscape of Athens.

The Greek Capital is not only home to significant monuments of the Ancient Greek civilization but is also a vibrant city with a fascinating and emerging street art scene. Over the past years and especially during and after the decade of the big economic crisis (2008-2018), the art scene in Athens flourished.

The charming neighborhood of Anafiotika is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Athens! Anafiotika is part of the historic area known as Plaka, close to the center of Athens and the Acropolis hill. It is one of the most popular places to go for a stroll in Athens and in this area you will discover a few cafes and restaurants with a warm and traditional atmosphere.

This museum is located in Ancient Agora, inside the famous Stoa of Attalos. The collection of the museum is very interesting and diverse. It includes findings from the wells, deposits, burials, workshops, and sanctuaries of the area.

The Tower of Wind stands in the quarter of Plaka, outside the Roman Agora. It was constructed in the 1st century BC by the astronomer Andronicus. Outside of the tower, there was a solar clock and in the interior, there was a hydraulic clock.

This theatre is the most important and oldest theatre in Athens. It is located on the southeastern slopes of the Acropolis. This is the site where the Festival of Great Dionysia used to take place. This festival was of great cultural importance and welcomed great play writers, such as Sophocles or Euripides. The theatre was later renovated with marble and had a capacity of 17.000 seats. Very little of the theatre survives today.

Pnyx Hill is located right beneath the Acropolis, close to the quarter of Thissio. This is where the Athenians would gather to talk about political issues.

The Hellenic Parliament is housed in an austere Neoclassical building on the top of Syntagma Square. It was originally constructed in the 1830s as the Palace of King Otto, the first king of Greece, but a century later it was dedicated to house the Greek Parliament.
Not to miss: Changing of Guards

(Expected opening June 2021) The National Gallery of Athens is located right next to the Hilton Hotel, within walking distance from Syntagma. It hosts permanent and periodical exhibitions.

Zappeion Megaron is an impressive Neoclassical building right next to the National Garden, Syntagma. It frequently hosts meetings and exhibitions today.

Located right next to the Parliament, Syntagma Square, the National Garden is a lush area with trees, fountains and a small zoo. Although it is right in the heart of the town, this garden offers a nice spot to relax, away from the noise.

Seen from every spot of Athens center, the hill of Lycabettus can be reached on foot or by funicular train from Kolonaki. A white church stands on top of the hill, which gives a nice view to the busy town.

Philopappos Hill is also called the Muses Hill. It is located between the Acropolis and Thissio and offers a great view of the town. The funeral monument of a Roman general is located there.

The flea market is located in the neighborhood of Monastiraki, in the old town of Athens. The alleys are home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, furniture and antique stores, books and disk stands, and more.

The central market is an interesting place to visit, full of life all day long. You can find meat, fish, olives, nuts, herbs, spices and more.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is located in Palaio Faliro, a civic and old-school neighborhood of Athens. Its grounds host three different projects; the National Library, the Greek National Opera and the Stavros Niarchos Park.