Athens, birthplace of democracy, philosophy and the Olympic Games, carries more than 3,400 years of history within its walls. The Greek capital offers a singular mix of ancient ruins and modern urban pulse: street-art galleries open at the foot of the Acropolis, and trendy cafés line up next to the ancient agora. Whether you're a history buff or simply seeking a Mediterranean vibe, Athens won't disappoint.
1. Acropolis and the Parthenon
The Acropolis of Athens is the most significant archaeological site of all of Western civilisation, and the Parthenon atop it is the pinnacle of ancient Greek architecture. Built in the 5th century BC in the age of Pericles, the temple complex was originally a sanctuary to the goddess Athena. Walking among the 2,500-year-old marble columns, history is almost tangible, and the panorama reaches across the whole city all the way to the sea. It's best to go up early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the blazing sun.
2. Plaka district
At the foot of the Acropolis, Plaka is Athens's oldest and most charming district, often called "the neighbourhood of the gods". Narrow alleys wind between the neoclassical buildings, draped in bougainvillea, and you'll stumble upon traditional tavernas at every turn. Along Kydathineon and Adrianou streets, souvenir shops, craft galleries and little churches alternate. In the evenings, live Greek music plays on the restaurant terraces, while the surrounding streets host the favourite bars of Athens's young crowd.
3. Syntagma Square and the Changing of the Guard
Syntagma (Constitution) Square, in front of the Greek Parliament building, is the heart of Athens and its main transport hub. At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier a ceremonial changing of the guard takes place every hour, performed by the Evzones guards in traditional uniform, white kilts and pom-pom shoes. The Sunday noon ceremony is the most spectacular, when the entire guard parades with a military band. Cafés and hotels line the square, and the entrance to the National Garden is here too.
4. Acropolis Museum
Opened in 2009, this ultramodern museum showcases the finds and sculptures from the Acropolis in a world-class exhibition space. Ancient excavation remains are visible beneath the glass floor, and the top level houses the original pieces of the Parthenon frieze, the building was designed so the frieze faces the same direction as in its original location. The museum displays around 4,000 objects, including caryatids and Archaic-era sculptures. It's open until 22:00 on Fridays, and its rooftop terrace offers a wonderful view of the Acropolis.
5. Monastiraki flea market
The market and bazaar around one of Athens's liveliest squares is a real treasure trove for lovers of antiques, curiosities and unusual souvenirs. Sunday brings the biggest bustle, when the crowd of vendors spills into the surrounding streets, here you'll find everything from old vinyl records to hand-painted icons and leather bags. The everyday shops are interesting too: you can buy spices, olive oil and Greek sweets. At the centre of the square, the Tzistarakis Mosque is now home to the Ceramics Museum.
6. Lycabettus Hill
At 277 metres, Lycabettus is the highest point in Athens, offering a 360-degree panorama of the city, the Acropolis and, on a clear day, all the way to the Saronic Gulf. You can reach the summit by funicular (€7) or on foot (about 30–45 minutes) from the Kolonaki district. At the top, the white chapel of Saint George and a panoramic restaurant await visitors. The view is especially stunning at sunset, bring water and comfortable shoes, as the path is steep.
7. National Archaeological Museum
The Greek capital's largest and most important museum holds the most comprehensive collection of ancient Greek civilisation in the world. The gold death mask of Agamemnon, the bronze statue of Poseidon and the Theran (Santorini) frescoes can all be seen here. Across 11,000 square metres, the museum displays more than 11,000 objects from the Neolithic to the Roman era. Count on at least 2–3 hours, and it's worth arriving early in the morning on any day except Monday.
8. Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora)
Operating since 1886, this covered market is the gastronomic heart of Athens, where locals buy fresh fish, meat, vegetables, spices and olives. The sight and smell of the fish and meat halls are an intense experience, here you'll taste the real, tourist-free Athens. The little restaurants around the market open from early morning and serve fantastically fresh fish soup, grilled octopus and other Greek dishes at ridiculously low prices. It's worth going between 07:00 and 08:00, when the produce is freshest and the crowds smallest.
9. Arch of Hadrian
This 18-metre triumphal arch, built of Pentelic marble, was erected in AD 131–132 in honour of the Roman emperor Hadrian, on the boundary between the ancient and the "new" Athens. Inscriptions can be read on either side of the arch: one reads "This is the city of Theseus", the other "This is the city of Hadrian", marking the boundary between the old and new parts of the city. Right next to it stand the 15 surviving columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, well worth visiting together. The arch is especially striking illuminated at night, and can be approached free of charge.
10. Anafiotika
Tucked onto the northern slope of the Acropolis, Anafiotika is Athens's most hidden gem: a tiny Cycladic-style village right in the middle of the big city. The whitewashed little houses were built in the 19th century by masons who came from the island of Anafi, bringing the atmosphere of their homeland with them. The bougainvillea-draped narrow lanes, the cats and the silence form a sharp contrast with the noise of the city below. Few people know about this spot, so it's almost always peaceful, a perfect place for some unusual photos and a quiet walk.
Practical tips
- Combined ticket: the combined ticket for the Acropolis + 6 further archaeological sites is €30 and valid for 5 days, worth it if you see at least 2–3 sites.
- Water and sun protection: in summer Athens can see heat above 40 °C, and there's practically no shade on the Acropolis. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water and sunscreen.
- Choosing a restaurant: you can easily avoid the tourist traps, if you head to the Psyri or Koukaki districts instead of Plaka, you'll get authentic Greek dishes for half the price.
- Archaeology in the metro: at the Syntagma and Acropolis metro stations, ancient finds uncovered during construction are on display, it's worth stopping to look.
- Free walking tours: several companies offer free (tip-based) walking tours in English, a great way to get to know the city from a local perspective.