Top 16 Must-See Attractions in Athens

As the cradle of modern Western civilization, sprawling Athens boasts an array of neoclassical structures that can occupy visitors for an entire week.

However, moving beyond the Parthenon reveals a more vibrant aspect of the city, characterized by contemporary art galleries, an unhurried café culture, and outdoor film screenings. Today’s Athens presents much more than just historical relics and quick access to the Greek Islands—although those are certainly worthwhile entries on your itinerary.

Below are Athens’ top experiences.

1. Ascend the steps of the Acropolis to the Parthenon

The most significant emblem of the glory of Ancient Greece, the Acropolis majestically dominates the center of Athens. During the rule of Pericles in the 5th century BCE, the hilltop was considered a religious sanctuary.

Just as pilgrims of the ancient world ascended to offer their reverence, visitors today may traverse the marble steps on the western side, only to find themselves dwarfed by the imposing columns of the stunning Parthenon.

Detour: Enhance your experience by attending a concert or theatrical performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

2. Gaze over the city from Filopappou Hill at sunset

The fabled battleground of Theseus and the Amazons is recognized as one of Athens’ finest parks, adorned with small ruins interconnected by picturesque stone paths. Allocate time in your itinerary to visit during sunset one evening to witness the lights illuminating the Acropolis, creating a stunning golden glow against the twilight sky.

Detour: To the north, the Hill of the Pnyx provides equally captivating views and is frequently devoid of crowds.

3. Shop at Monastiraki Flea Market

On Saturdays, central Athens becomes vibrant with shoppers seeking bargains at the expansive Monastiraki Flea Market, which extends across the Monastiraki and Thisseio neighborhoods.

Here, vendors open their second-hand shops to sell a variety of flea-market treasures, vintage apparel, and an assortment of curiosities, from old newspapers adorned with bold Greek typography to mid-century furnishings and eclectic bric-a-brac. With vigilant searching, one may uncover hidden gems or gain insight into how contemporary Greeks have decorated their homes for decades.

4. See the birthplace of democracy in ancient Agora

Walk in the footsteps of Socrates and his philosophical circles at the Agora, the core of ancient Athens’ civic engagement and the birthplace of democracy. Within the dignified Stoa of Attalos—an architectural model for shopping arcades recognized in current Athens—the Agora Museum exhibits remarkable artifacts from everyday ancient life.

The Temple of Hephaistos is exquisite and exceptionally preserved; see how many of the Labors of Hercules you can recognize on its frieze.

5. Journey through history at the National Archaeological Museum

Athens’ premier museum houses the most extensive and highest quality collection of Greek antiquities worldwide. Valued artifacts trace back to the Neolithic Era (6800 BCE) through Cycladic, Mycenaean, and Classical epochs.

Visitors relish the opportunity to see iconic sculptures from the annals of Western art history, such as the bronze depiction of a bearded deity and the contentious gold death mask of Agamemnon, while exploring the various galleries. Additional surprises include frescoes sourced from Santorini on the upper floor.

6. See a show at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

A contemporary marvel of Athens, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, designed by Renzo Piano, is home to both the Greek National Opera and the primary branch of the National Library.

Attending a performance at this venue will undoubtedly be among the highlights of your visit, but there are numerous complimentary activities available, including wandering through the beautifully designed Stavros Niarchos Park. Created to showcase Mediterranean vegetation, the gently sloping gardens are perfect for relaxation while enjoying scenic vistas and refreshing sea breezes.

7. Walk among ruins at the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Greece’s largest temple took seven centuries to be constructed. More accurately, it marks what once was Greece’s largest temple—today, only a few of its monumental columns remain, as the remainder were dismantled and repurposed for other edifices. This temple was dedicated to Zeus and, informally, to the Roman emperor Hadrian, who ultimately completed the construction and erected a statue of himself.

Planning tip: While in the vicinity, observe Hadrian’s Arch in acknowledgment of his accomplishments. Adventurous visitors can also seek out a sanctuary dedicated to Pan at this site.

8. Learn the story of Greece at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture

If time is limited to visit only one museum, ensure it is this one. This remarkable private collection illustrates the history of Greece from ancient times until the mid-20th century. It is housed in a beautiful neoclassical mansion, showcasing fine art along with everyday objects—each equally captivating—presented in chronological order.

As a contrast to the pure classicism esteemed in other archaeological sites across the city, the Benaki collection narrates how Greece has integrated foreign influences and philosophies to forge its distinctive syncretic culture.

9. Enter ancient Athens at Kerameikos

The city’s ancient necropolis features the Street of Tombs, where esteemed individuals from classical times were interred. Although many grave markers are replicas, the originals are showcased in a charming on-site museum.

This area also served as the ceremonial entryway into ancient Athens; while the gates have long ceased to exist and the path is now a modern street, it remains a compelling location to pause and envision the bustling activities that would have taken place.

10. Join in with the local coffee culture

Athenians prefer not to limit their socializing to weekends; instead, they spend their day beneath the shade of orange trees enjoying coffee and engaging in prolonged conversations.

During daylight hours, the leafy central neighborhoods of Pangrati and Exarhia burst with locals spilling out from kafeneia (Greek cafés) into the streets, indulging in philosophical discussions (a favored pastime), playing backgammon on marble tabletops, and savoring their beverages.

11. Admire treasures in the Acropolis Museum

Natural light floods through the expansive galleries of the modern Acropolis Museum, highlighting the invaluable artifacts that have been carefully extracted from the hill and housed here for preservation.

The crowning jewel of the museum is the top-floor glass atrium, where the 161-meter-long frieze that once adorned the Parthenon (excluding the portion still held in the British Museum) is displayed at eye level, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate details of this monumental masterpiece and to gain a true sense of its grand scale.

12. Check out the art scene

Athens is becoming increasingly recognized for its vibrant art ecosystem. From non-profit galleries like CheapArt Athens to established commercial galleries such as The Breeder and the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation, alongside the National Museum of Contemporary Art, which opened in 2020, the city’s creative landscape is flourishing.

Moreover, the influx of international artists relocating to Athens has resulted in the establishment of venues such as Kypseli Print Studio—a printmaking studio offering workshops for individuals of all skill levels—and Haus N, a creative hub for innovative installations and works by emerging Greek artists, clearly signals a positive transformation in the cultural milieu.

13. Watch the changing of the guard in Syntagma Square

At the epicenter of Athens stands the rose-hued Hellenic Parliament building located in Syntagma Square. Make an effort to witness the ceremonial changing of the guard, wherein two guards are perpetually stationed, attired in traditional Evzones costume, including a tasseled fez hat, a thick kilt, and stockings that culminate in pom-pom shoes.

During the summer months, the customary attire can become unbearably warm, necessitating that these guards be discreetly dabbed with tissues, for they remain immobile while guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Only on the hour are they permitted to perform a choreographed routine, executing high kicks in perfect rhythm as they change shifts.

14. Hit the beaches of the Apollo Coast

Fleeing the heat of the city is effortless in Athens: simply proceed to the beach. During the intensely hot summer months, take the A1 tram to the Palaio Faliro area, which boasts a shaded promenade lined with palm trees and a soft sandy beach.

Continuing along the Apollo Coast leads to the more upscale southern suburbs of Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, where luxury beach clubs abound if you desire a respite from the rigorous pace of sightseeing. Off-season, Vouliagmeni also features a burgeoning surf scene.

Planning tip: For those willing to journey a bit further for beach leisure, consider a day trip to Aegina.

15. Snap a shot on the winner’s pedestal at the Panathenaic Stadium

Featuring rows of white Pentelic marble seating arranged within a ravine adjacent to Ardettos Hill, this ancient-turned-modern stadium attracts both enthusiasts of classical architecture and sports lovers, who can almost hear the echoes of past crowds. A ticket grants access to an audio tour, admission to a small exhibit on the modern Olympics (predominantly showcasing visually striking posters of past games), and the chance to capture a photo on the winner’s pedestal.

Constructed in the 4th century BCE and refurbished for the inaugural modern Olympic games in 1896, the stadium was initially used as a venue for the Panathenaic athletic competitions. It’s reported that during Hadrian’s inauguration in CE 120, a thousand wild animals were sacrificed here. Later, Herodes Atticus rebuilt the seating in marble.

16. Visit the miraculous Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris

Sitting at the base of Filopappou Hill, this 16th-century church may not hold the title of the oldest in Athens, but it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, characterized by a heavy timber roof, marble flooring, and a pervasive aroma of incense. A stunning fresco from 1732 depicts St. Dimitrios astride his horse, mirroring ancient representations of Alexander the Great.

The courtyard, complete with a wooden gate and bells, evokes a Japanese ambiance—a touch from modernist architect Dimitris Pikionis, responsible for restoring the rear exterior wall, a delightful display of stone craftsmanship. It’s noted that this church was the site of a miraculous event in 1648 when a gunner, poised to fire at congregants from the Acropolis, was struck down by lightning, thereby sparing the gathered worshippers, leading to the church’s name Loumbardiaris, translating to “of the cannon.”

This article was initially published on March 10, 2020, and revised on December 7, 2023.