Athens is a city full of wonders and is the perfect holiday destination for everyone. It has museums, monuments, temples, cultural squares, markets, and beaches. So, if you’ve been planning a vacation, then you must consider Athens as your next destination. The cobbled streets, good food and strong coffee would lure any traveler it’s way! But before you start planning, here is an overview of the places to visit in Athens.
This list is to help you figure out what to see in Athens while you’re on the tour. These are one of the best places to visit in Athens:
10 Best Places To Visit In Athens
Take a look at the best places to visit in Athens that will offer you a heart-warming experience and give you the best holiday experience!
- The Acropolis
- Plaka and Anafiotika
- Syntagma Square
- Temple of Hephaestus
- Benaki Museum
- Piraeus
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Panaghia Kapnikaria Church
- Panathenaic Stadium
- Athens Riviera
1. The Acropolis
The Acropolis is the first name on the list of top 10 places to visit in Athens. The Parthenon temple perched on a sturdy rock overlooking the city is a sight to behold! The now world famous monument was once the cultural spot for Athens. It was one of the biggest temples built in that era. You can spend an entire day here looking at the monument and the nearby sanctuaries.
Location: Areopagitou Street, Athens
Timing: Summers – 8 am to 4 pm (Monday), 8 am to 8 pm (Tuesday to Sunday), 8 am to 10 pm (Friday)
Winters – 9 am to 5 pm (Monday to Thursday), 9 am to 10 pm (Friday), 9 am to 8 pm (Saturday and Sunday).
Entry Fee: € 5
Must Read: Greece In December 2021: A Guide To Explore The Gem Of Aegean Sea During Winters!
2. Plaka and Anafiotika
These neighbourhoods are for those who adore small cafes, cute houses, cobbled streets, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee. The two areas are the best examples of ancient architecture and society. You can also visit the Cine Paris at night for outdoor movie screenings. They’re one of the best places in Athens without any doubt.
Location: between Acropolis and Ermous Street
3. Syntagma Square
One of the many things to see in Athens is the Parliament building and the upscale market nearby. Syntagma Square is only accessible on foot and is a lovely place to visit. It is also the hub of all events hosted on public holidays and festivals. If you’re keen on shopping, you must visit the posh boutiques in the nearby market. Another thing which you must see while you’re at the square is the changing of guards ceremony.
Location: Syntagmatos, Athens
Timing: open the entire day
Entry Fee: Free
Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Mykonos For An Ideal Vacation In The Picturesque Island Of Greece!
4. Temple of Hephaestus
The temple is one of the beautiful places in Athens which have been preserved for decades. Temple of Hephaestus is dedicated to the Greek God of volcanoes, fire, and blacksmiths. It is one of the very few Greek temples which have been entirely preserved till date. While you’re at the temple, you must also visit the Ancient Agora of Athens and Stoa of Attalos.
Location: northwest of Acropolis
Timing: 8 am to 7 pm, open on all days
Entry Fee: Free
5. Benaki Museum
This happens to be one of the top places of interest in Athens. The museum houses art and other collectives from the Greek civilisation. These valuables date back to the prehistoric times. They also have a collection of modern pieces of art. One can easily see the way Greeks transitioned and how their society evolved.
Location: 138 Pireos Street
Timing: 10 am to 6 pm (Thursday and Sunday), 10 am to 10 pm (Friday and Saturday)
Entry Fee: € 7 (adults), € 5 (students and senior citizens)
Suggested Read: 15 Greek Islands That Must Figure In Your Greece Travel Itinerary
Europe Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Explore the most beautiful places to visit in Europe, from Paris to the Venice canals and from the Greek islands to the Swiss alps. Book customized packages by expert agents on TravelTriangle. Inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing and meals. Best holiday experience Guaranteed. Book Now
6. Piraeus
A trip to this beautiful seaside town is nothing less than a dream. The port town of Athens is known for its charming restaurants, Nautical Museum, Piraeus Archaeological Museum, and the seaside taverns. No doubt, it is one of the top places to visit in Athens. If you’re in Athens, you must stop by at Piraeus and spend at least one day relaxing by the shore and treating yourself to some great food.
Location: 16, Akti Koumoundourou 24, Pireas 185 33, Greece
7. Temple of Olympian Zeus
One of the best places in Athens and a star of its time, Temple of Olympian Zeus is as mighty as the God himself. Out of the hundred might columns, only 15 remain intact today but the glory is still as it was. Another major attraction near the temple are the Roman baths and the ruins of Themistokles’ wall.
Location: City Centre, Athens Gate
Timing: Summers – 8 am to 7:30 pm, open on all days
Winters – 8:30 am to 3 pm, open on all days
Entry Fee: € 2
Suggested Read: 12 Best Resorts In Greece That Make You Feel Like Royalty
8. Panaghia Kapnikaria Church
It is one of the most beautiful places to see in Athens. The Church stands tall in Ermous Street. It is one of the very few 11th century churches which are still intact. The walls and ceiling of the Church are adorned with several paintings from various eras. The art pieces are so unique that the Church could qualify as an art museum. If you’re someone who appreciates architecture, you must visit this Church.
Location: Ermou Street
Timing: 7 am till 9 pm, open on all days
Entry Fee: Free
9. Panathenaic Stadium
Every Athens sightseeing is incomplete without a day trip to the Olympic stadium. The present stadium is an updated replica of the original 1896 stadium. The original Panathenaic Stadium was constructed in 335 BC under the reign of Herodes Atticus. Olympics as a competition originated in this land and one shouldn’t miss the opportunity to know more about the grand event.
Location: Ardettos Hill
Timing: 8 am to 7 pm, open on all days
Entry Fee: € 5 (adults), € 2.50 (students and senior citizens)
Suggested Read: 10 Hotels in Greece That Are A Treat For The Senses!
10. Athens Riviera
Athens tourism isn’t just famous for old buildings, temples and a stadium. It is also very famous for its scenic beaches, clear waters and the golden sand. You can easily take a tram or taxi to one of the beaches in Athens and have a day off. The beaches are for people who would like to enjoy sunbathing or have a picnic. You can go swim in the sea as the water currents are usually low. It would be unfair to end this wonderful vacation without spending a day at the beach.
Further Read: A Honeymoon In Greece Is All You Need For A Perfect Beginning Of Your Married Life
This is a concise list to help you decide what places to visit in Athens. So, don’t think too much, plan your trip to Greece and make the most memorable holiday of your life!
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Athens
What should I not miss in Athens?
When in Athens, do not miss visiting these places:
1. Acropolis
2. Panathenaic Stadium
3. Ancient Agora
4. The National Archaeological Museum
What to do in Athens in 2 days?
There are plenty of things to do in Athens in 2 days like you could go street dancing and learn Tango. You could take a rejuvenating bath in hammam. Go shopping at Pandrousso Market. Enjoy watching a movie at open arts cinema in Athens. The list goes on.
Where can I go outside Athens?
There are a lot of places that you can explore outside Athens like:
1. The Romantic City of Nafplio
2. The Islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Poros
3. Delphi
4. Meteora
5. Mycenae
How many days do you need in Athens?
You need at least two days in Athens to explore the major attractions and tourist point in Athens. You could ass more days if you wish to explore in depth the culture and lifestyle of this place.
Is Aegina worth visiting?
Aegina is a small island in Greece located just 27 km away from Athens. The history has it that it was conquered by a pirate Barbarossa in 1537 and all the residents of the island were taken as slaves. The remnants of this island are what makes it worth the visit.
Is Athens safe at night?
Kolononaki is the safest neighbourhood in Athens. It has high-end restaurants, cafes, and galleries that you can explore. Metaxourgio is another neighbourhood that is safe to roam around at night in Athens.
Is Athens expensive to visit?
Athens is relatively cheaper than the surrounding islands but not so cheap. However, you will find attractions that you can visit that don’t cost ore or explore the street food scenes away from the tourist spots. This way, you won’t break your bank.
Can you wear shorts in Greece?
You can wear shorts in Greece unless you are visiting a church, monastery or a religious place. Even at the beach, you should wear proper swimsuit. Bathing in shorts is not allowed.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
People Also Read
Places To Visit In Lisbon Places To Visit In Madrid Places To Visit In Paris
