Top Experiences in Athens, Greece
As the birthplace of modern Western civilization, sprawling Athens has enough neoclassical buildings to keep you busy for a week. Go beyond the Parthenon, though, and you’ll discover a more youthful side to the city with new art galleries, languid cafe culture, and outdoor cinemas. The Athens of today offers way more than relics of antiquity and quick routes to the Greek Islands — though we wouldn’t cross those off the to-do list just yet.
1. Ascend the Steps of the Acropolis to the Parthenon
The greatest symbol of the glory of Ancient Greece, the Acropolis rises spectacularly in the center of Athens. In the reign of Pericles, in the 5th century BCE, the hilltop was deemed a religious sanctuary. Just as pilgrims of millennia past made their way to worship here, you can ascend the marble steps on the west side to find yourself dwarfed by the towering columns of the magnificent Parthenon.
Detour: Complete your experience by seeing a concert or play at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
2. Gaze Over the City from Filopappou Hill at Sunset
The mythical battleground of Theseus and the Amazons is one of Athens’ best parks, studded with small ruins connected by beautiful stone paths that are themselves a minor architectural marvel. Make time in your schedule to come here around sundown one evening to watch the lights on the Acropolis switch on and glow gold against the blue sky.
Detour: To the north, the Hill of the Pnyx offers equally compelling views and is almost always empty.
3. Shop at Monastiraki Flea Market
On Saturdays, central Athens throngs with shoppers looking for a bargain at the huge Monastiraki Flea Market, which takes place between the Monastiraki and Thisseio neighborhoods. Here, traders open up their secondhand stores to offer a jumble of flea-market finds, vintage clothing, and oddities. Look hard enough, and you’ll find some buried treasure, providing insight into how modern Greeks have furnished their homes for the past 60 years.
4. See the Birthplace of Democracy in Ancient Agora
Follow in the footsteps of Socrates and his various political and philosophical cohorts at the Agora, the heart of ancient Athens’ civic life and the birthplace of democracy. The Agora Museum displays unusual finds from ancient daily life, and the Temple of Hephaistos is exquisite and well-preserved. Challenge yourself to identify the Labors of Hercules depicted on the frieze.
5. Journey Through History at the National Archaeological Museum
Athens’ preeminent museum houses the world’s largest and finest collection of Greek antiquities. Priceless items date from the Neolithic Era to the Cycladic, Mycenaean, and Classical periods. Discover iconic sculptures of Western art history, including the bronze figure of a bearded god and the disputed hammered gold death mask of Agamemnon.
6. See a Show at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
A contemporary Athenian wonder, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is home to both the Greek National Opera and the main branch of the National Library. Seeing a performance here will be a highlight of your trip, but there are plenty of free things to enjoy, including exploring the beautifully designed Stavros Niarchos Park.
7. Walk Among Ruins at the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Greece’s largest temple was seven centuries in the making. Today, only a handful of its colossal columns remain. The temple was dedicated to Zeus and, unofficially, to the Roman emperor Hadrian, who completed its construction and erected a statue of himself. Note Hadrian’s Arch while you’re here and seek out a sanctuary to Pan on the far side of this site.
8. Learn the Story of Greece at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture
If you have time for only one museum, make it this one. This impeccable private collection shows the spectrum of Greece from ancient times to the mid-20th century. The Benaki collection tells the story of how Greece has absorbed foreign influences to create its uniquely syncretic culture.
9. Enter Ancient Athens at Kerameikos
The city’s ancient necropolis is home to the Street of Tombs, where classical VIPs were interred. Explore replicas of famous grave markers in the small, on-site museum. This area was also the ceremonial entrance into ancient Athens, making it an interesting spot to pause and reflect on its rich history.
10. Join in with the Local Coffee Culture
Athenians enjoy their coffee culture daily, spending hours under the shade of orange trees conversing with friends. The leafy central neighborhoods are packed with locals spilling out from kafeneia (Greek cafes) philosophizing, playing backgammon, and sipping slowly on their favorite drinks.
11. Admire Treasures in the Acropolis Museum
Natural light cascades through the spacious galleries of the modern Acropolis Museum, illuminating priceless treasures. The pinnacle of the museum is the top-floor glass atrium, showcasing the 161m-long frieze from the Parthenon at eye level, allowing visitors to appreciate details of this marble masterpiece.
12. Check Out the Art Scene
Athens is gaining a reputation for its vibrant art scene. From not-for-profit galleries to well-established commercial venues, the city’s creative side is thriving. A flurry of international artists has settled in Athens, establishing new spaces for creativity.
13. Watch the Changing of the Guard in Syntagma Square
In the very heart of Athens stands the rose-toned Hellenic Parliament building on Syntagma Square. Try and catch its ceremonious changing of the guard. Two guards in traditional Evzones costume stand sentinel, performing their highly choreographed routine on the hour.
14. Hit the Beaches of the Apollo Coast
Escaping the heat of the city is easy in Athens; simply head to the beach. The palm tree-lined promenade in the Palaio Faliro neighborhood offers a soft, sandy beach. For those seeking luxury, the upmarket southern suburbs provide beach clubs perfect for relaxation.
15. Snap a Shot on the Winner’s Pedestal at the Panathenaic Stadium
This ancient-turned-modern stadium, built in 4th century BCE, is a draw for lovers of classical architecture and sports fans. A ticket grants you access to the stadium’s history, including an audio tour, exhibit on the modern Olympics, and a chance to take a photo on a winners’ pedestal.
16. Visit the Miraculous Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris
This 16th-century church may not be the oldest in Athens, but it is certainly one of the loveliest. The churchyard with a wooden gate invokes a serene atmosphere. According to local lore, it stands as a testament to a miraculous event that saved worshippers from cannon fire in the 17th century.
