Top Things to Do in Athens

The Acropolis and the Parthenon

No visit to Athens is complete without ascending the rocky outcrop of the Acropolis. The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, remains the most significant architectural achievement of the ancient world. To make the most of your visit, aim to arrive as soon as the site opens. This allows you to experience the marble columns in the soft morning light while avoiding the peak heat and the largest tour groups. Walking up the path through the Propylaea, the monumental gateway, offers a sense of the scale and ambition that defined the golden age of Athens.

The Acropolis Museum

Located just a short walk from the base of the Acropolis, this modern museum is essential for understanding the history of the site. Its design is a marvel in itself, featuring a glass floor that allows visitors to look down upon an excavated ancient Athenian neighbourhood. The top floor is specifically oriented to provide a direct, unobstructed view of the Parthenon, creating a powerful connection between the original structure and the friezes displayed inside.

Exploring Plaka and Anafiotika

Plaka is the oldest neighbourhood in Athens, characterized by its winding, narrow streets and neoclassical architecture. It is a place to wander without a rigid agenda, discovering small shops, traditional tavernas, and quiet squares. Tucked away on the northern slope of the Acropolis is Anafiotika, a tiny area that feels like an island village transplanted into the city. Its whitewashed houses and narrow lanes were built by craftsmen from the island of Anafi, and it remains one of the most charming pockets of the capital.

The Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus

The Ancient Agora served as the heart of public life in ancient Athens, functioning as a marketplace, a political centre, and a site for philosophical discussion. Today, it is a sprawling archaeological park that offers a peaceful escape from the city noise. The Temple of Hephaestus stands on a low hill within the site and is arguably the best-preserved ancient Greek temple in the country. Its sturdy columns and intact roof provide a clear picture of how these structures looked in antiquity.

National Archaeological Museum

For those interested in the depth of Greek history, this museum is a treasure trove. It houses some of the most important artefacts from across Greece, including the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera mechanism, and intricate bronze statues recovered from the sea. The sheer volume of history contained within these halls is immense, so it is worth setting aside several hours to explore the collections thoroughly.

Sunsets and Panoramic Views

Athens is a city of hills, and watching the sunset is a local ritual. Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in the city, offering a panoramic view that stretches all the way to the Aegean Sea. For a more central experience, the rooftop terraces around Monastiraki and Psirri provide an excellent vantage point to watch the Parthenon illuminate as the sky turns orange and purple. It is a perfect way to transition from a day of sightseeing to an evening of dining.

A Day Trip to Cape Sounion

A journey to the southern tip of the Attica peninsula brings you to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, this temple was a vital landmark for ancient sailors. The site is particularly stunning at sunset, as the white columns glow against the backdrop of the Saronic Gulf. It is a manageable day trip that provides a scenic look at the coastline surrounding the capital.

Practical Tips for Travellers

• Getting Around: Athens is well-connected by an efficient metro system. Most of the major archaeological sites are located within a walkable historic centre.
• Airport Transfers: Athens International Airport is linked to the city centre by metro line 3, the suburban railway, and express buses, such as the X95 to Syntagma Square.
• Ferry Travel: Piraeus is the main port for most ferry routes to the Cyclades, Crete, and the Saronic islands, and is easily accessible by metro lines 1 and 3. Some routes also depart from the ports of Rafina and Lavrio.
• Check Locally: Always verify specific opening hours, ticket prices, and transport schedules locally, as these can change depending on the season and public holidays.
• Footwear: The ancient sites involve walking on uneven, slippery marble surfaces; ensure you wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with good grip.