Read the introduction to Athens attractions
Athens, the capital of Greece, is a dream destination for fans of sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Alongside Paris, London, Rome, and Istanbul, visiting the most populous Greek metropolis is on every must-do list on a trip to Europe. Also, the city is the birthplace of democracy, theater, and western civilization and architecture, brimming with archaeological sites and first-class museums. So, let's see what the top Athens tourist attractions and things to do are.
Top Athens Tourist Attractions Every Traveler Should Visit
Some popular activities among international visitors to Athens, not necessarily in the given order, are:
- Exploring Ancient Acropolis and Agora archaeological sites
- Seeing collections of the National Archaeological, Acropolis, and Benaki museums
- And touring Syntagma Square, National Garden, and Mount Lycabettus
What Are the Most Visited Sites in Athens, Greece?
- The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Europe, even wider. Located atop a limestone rock, it overlooks the Greek capital, surrounding hills, and the Aegean Sea. Last but not least, Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Propylaea are a few ancient structures well worth your time and effort.
- Then, ancient Agora, northwest of the Acropolis, used to be the city center and a gathering spot for the Athenians. Today, the Doric Temple of Hephaestus representing the feats of Theseus and Hercules is the main landmark. Additionally, the rest of the park features ruins of various structures, such as Tholos—the seat of the city-state—and stoae (collonades).
What Are Top Rated Museums of the Greek Capital City?
- Acropolis Museum displays works of art and everyday objects found on the Acropolis's slopes and hilltop. Thus, its artifacts trace different periods, such as Greek Archaic, Roman, and Byzantine. Lastly, Erechtheion's original Caryatides, Alexandre the Great's head, and Gigantomachy —illustrating the battle between Greek Gods and Titans—are a few museum highlights.
- Furthermore, National Archaeological Museum is among the most significant museums of its kind in the world. Its art collection spans different ages (Greek and Roman, for instance) and regions (Cyprus, Egypt, and the Ionian Sea, for example) and displays vases, figures, sculptures, and stelae. Finally, the museum's masterpieces are The Mask of Agamemnon, The Horse and the Jockey, and Bronze Zeus (or Poseidon).
What Are Other Top Tourist Points of Interest in Athens?
- Syntagma Square in downtown Athens is the city's main square. Moreover, you will find the Greek Parliament building, a monument to an unknown soldier, and the historic Grand Bretagne hotel there. In addition, attend changing of the Evzones—the guards wearing old Greek uniforms—and examine archaeological findings in the on-site metro station.
- National Garden, flanking the parliament and Syntagma square, is also one of the top Athens tourist attractions. It is an oasis of tranquility and greenery where you can walk labyrinth paths, admire tropical vegetation, feed ducks, and search for turtles, among other things. What's more, cypresses, palms, pines, and Chinese trees-of-heaven are just a few of the hundreds of plant species you can find there.
