Athens sightseeing

At first sight Athens might not be the most beautiful city that you have seen, but do not walk away. Do not allow the nasty, four- to six-story concrete buildings, lacking charm fool you but look beyond and you will discover some magnificent places. Close to the Acropolis, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio you can find several areas with amazing neoclassical buildings, trendy and traditional cafes, small meandering streets, and astonishing views of the Acropolis.

When you least expect it, you come across little Greek Orthodox churches beautifully decorated with icons and brass fixtures inside. Note that you have to be dressed appropriately, you have to show respect, so no mini skirts and short sleeves are allowed!

One of the main tourist attractions is the ancient Acropolis. Dating back to the Late Bronze Age today is the place where you can find some of the most magnificent buildings of the Greek Classical age. Visit the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, Roman Agora, and the Theatre of Dionysus, and you will surly have and unforgettable day! Do not skip the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the expectacular Panathianiko Olympic Stadium and Hadrian’s Arch located near by.

Furthermore check out the Ancient Agora, where you can get closer to Greek mythology, visiting the Temple of Hephaestus, the best preserved ancient Greek temple, the Attalos Stoa Museum located in a reconstructed ancient building. On Syntagma Square try to be in time for the changing of the guards in front of the Parliament ever hour, it is fun to see and it makes a great photo. Walk around in the ancient cementer of Athens, the Kerameikos housing the Dipylon Gate and go up to Lycabettus Hill to enjoy a breath taking view of the whole city!

Due to its vast history, Athens is full of museums and galleries that are an absolute ‘must see’! Starting with the National Archaeological Museum, with impressive exhibitions, including the earliest known Greek figurines (around 2000 BC) ending with the Greek National Gallery of Art with amazing collection of Greek art, there are several museums to check out. For instance, the Acropolis Museum, the Benaki Museum located in a gorgeous neoclassical building with an interesting collection of Greek art; the National Historical Museum, containing the first constitution of Greek, among many interesting things, and the Numismatic Museum located in one of the most amazing building in Athens, with a remarkable coin collection.

Athens highlights