The Ultimate Top 10 Must Do’s in Athens, Greece
We have compiled the ultimate top 10 must do’s when visiting Athens. Some of these might be shocking, while others… not so much. Not everything in Athens is ranked on this list, but that doesn’t mean it is not worth checking out - it just didn’t make the very best on our top 10 list. With so much to explore, Athens is the perfect vacation, as it truly has something to fit everyone’s taste: history, architecture, kid-friendly activities, culture, night life, romance, food, views… everyone in your group will find something they are interested in within the city. It is a beautiful city with wonderful opportunities for exploring!
#10
The Monument of the Unknown Soldier at Syntagma Square
This stunning war memorial stands just in front of the Presidential Mansion within Syntagma Square. You’ll see the skilled Evzones stand perfectly still, protecting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Catch them as they march in unison every hour, or watch the official Changing of the Guard ceremony that happens every Sunday promptly at 11:00 a.m. If you are lucky enough to see them on Sunday, you will notice them wearing their traditional white-tasseled uniforms that only occurs once a week.
#9
The Temple of Olympian Zeus
Although not as elaborate as other archeological sites in Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is a unique site to visit. Construction began on the temple in 6th century BC, but it wasn’t completed until more than 600 years later. The temple was used as a place to worship the god Zeus, head of the Olympian gods. Although it no longer holds 104 columns as it did previously, it was acclaimed as the largest temple in Greece at one time and resided one of the largest cult statues in Ancient Greece. You will not find much left, but you will be in awe as you walk through the remains of this once mighty temple.
Pro tip: if you do not care to walk through the temple, you can get a great view from the fence without paying for the attraction.
Winter Hours (November to March): 8 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Summer Hours (April to October): 8 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Average cost: 6€
#8
Hadrian’s Library
Hadrian’s Library was created by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. If you have traveled to Rome before, you will notice some similarities between the architecture here and what you may find in Rome. In its time, it housed a courtyard, pool, lecture and reading rooms, and yes, a library filled with papyrus (comparable to thick paper used for writings). Unfortunately, the library was critically damaged by the Herulian Invasion of 286 AD, but it was repaired between 407-412 AD. While there, you will also see 3 churches behind of the library that have varying periods they were each constructed.
Pro tip: if you do not care to walk through the library, you can also get a great view from the fence without paying for the attraction.
Winter Hours (November to March): 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Summer Hours (April to October) 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Average cost: 6€
#7
Athens National Garden
Located directly behind the Greek Parliament building is the Athens National Garden. Originally called the Royal Gardens, the Athens National Garden was commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838 and completed in 1840. It was later opened to the public in 1920 and renamed the National Garden. Take part in over 38 acres of land with more than 7,000 trees and 40,000 bushes and plants, making up approximately 520 species. Relax by the man-made water features and bridges, as well as take a look at memorials of celebrated Greek politicians and poets. Pack a lunch or grab a coffee and unwind from the busyness of Athens.
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Average cost: FREE
#6
The Acropolis Museum
Here’s where the attractions begin to get very interesting. The Acropolis Museum, located directly on the southeastern side below the Acropolis, holds the archeological remains of the renowned hilltop. There, you will find artifacts from the Greek Bronze Age in addition to Byzantine and Roman eras. This museum has everything, from statues, to mosaics, to pottery and more. We won’t spoil much for you, but you will be amazed by how much time you will spend in this beautifully constructed museum.
Pro tip: check out the museum BEFORE entering the Acropolis. You will gain a better understanding and appreciation when you make the trek up the hilltop.
Winter Hours (November to March): 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Summer Hours (April to October): 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(closes at 5:00 p.m. on Mondays)
Average Cost: 10€ (Winter) 15€ (Summer)
#5
The National Archeological Museum
What could top the Acropolis Museum? Well, I think the National Archeological Museum has a good shot. Often labeled as one of the most important and greatest archeological museums in the world, it houses prehistoric civilizations to late antiquities from Greece. Not only will you find artifacts from the ancient Greece you know, but you will also get the chance to see artifacts from the Neolithic, Cycladic, and Mycenae societies. There, you will see The Jockey of Artemision, a bronze statue of the Emperor Augustis, The Mask of Agamemnon, in addition to statues of sphinxes, sirens, and gods/godesses. Although the museum is smaller than one would expect, it’ll take you several hours to get through everything.
Winter Hours (November to March): 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
(1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays)
Summer Hours (April to October): 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
(1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays)
Average Cost: Winter 6€, Summer 12€
#4
Plaka
Plaka is the main shopping and restaurant district of Athens, and my gosh, is this place beautiful, especially at night! You will find good deals on local handmade goods (and some rip-offs on manufactured goods), incredible food and drink, and, most importantly, get a chance to speak with the locals of Athens. It is the perfect spot to unwind and grab a couple souvenirs. Our personal favourite shop was ROKA, a professional artist who sells her artwork for a reasonable price. We personally bought our artwork from her for 35€ (she charges more if you pay by card, so have your cash ready). She takes great care and effort with each painting, often taking 10 hours for each one she sells. But a perk you get from purchasing one of her pieces is to have it signed and have your written names spelled in Greek within the back of each canvas. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll get candy and make a friend along the way! Definitely worth a visit!
Pro tip: try and get to Plaka earlier in the morning. Some of the streets can get very crowded, even during the winter months. Also, watch your step – there are a lot of uneven pathways and cobblestone… and motorcyclists.
#3
The Ancient Agora of Athens
The Ancient Agora of Athens is not something to miss. It was the “city centre” of ancient Athens and was used as the gathering, residential, and commercial place for the area. You will spend several hours visiting the Agora, so make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen and water, as this area is mostly outside. When you need to catch a break from the sun, walk inside the Stoa of Attalos, which was reconstructed in the 1950s and houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora. There, you will get a clearer picture of what life looked like for these Athenians so many centuries ago. If you’re ready for a short hike, climb up to the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the few intact Greek temples to survive. And, if you’re not one to read more history or climb another hill, there are several benches and places to sit and relax whilst enjoying the natural vegetation in the Agora. There is something for everyone!
Winter Hours (November to March): 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Summer Hours (April to October): 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Average Cost: 10€
#2
The Panathenaic Stadium
Definitely the highlight of our trip! The Panathenaic Stadium is the crown jewel of the Olympics. Why? Because this stadium kicked off the very first modern Olympics over 120 years ago, and it’s still in phenomenal condition. You will have the chance to walk up the entire stadium, run around the tracks just like the Olympians did more than a century ago, and be stunned at the incredible landscape and architecture of this gorgeous stadium. Not only that, but if you walk through the tunnel within the stadium (left side in the back as you walk in), you will get more history of the humble beginnings of the Olympics we watch today. My jaw dropped when I saw the Olympic torches from nearly every modern Olympic Games displayed along with their original posters. If you’re an athletic junkie and Olympics fan like I am, you will easily spend hours here (like I did… no shame).
Pro tip: if you are traveling with friends or family, make a friendly competition on the track and then walk the podium to show off your greatness!
Winter Hours (November to March): 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Summer Hours (April to October): 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Average Cost: 10€
#1
The Acropolis
Come on, did you really think this wouldn’t be #1? You cannot go to Athens and not take the hike up the Acropolis.
Dating from the 5th century BC, Pericles, a Greek politician and general, coordinated the construction of the buildings you will find on the top of the Acropolis. There, you will see the prominent Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike (all of these are included with your ticket). You will marvel at the architecture as you walk through the entrance (Propylaea) just as the ancient Athenians did all those years ago. Observe the details and look up at the edges of the ruins. You’ll be sure to find some interesting sculptures and unique images. Once you have finished, make your way to the back of the Parthenon to sit and enjoy the scenery from up top. The views are stunning, and you will begin to realise just how large the city of Athens truly is from the Acropolis.
Pro tip: to get better and less crowded photos of the Acropolis and the city, climb the small rock formation just off the main entrance of the Acropolis. Getting up to the top is quite safe, as it has stairs. However, if you want to step directly onto the rocks, be careful as they are slippery. Pack a lunch for a break as you take in the beauty that is Athens…. It’s free, so why not?
Winter Hours (November to March): 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Summer Hours (April to October): 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Average Cost: Winter 10€, Summer 20€
Even though we covered our top 10 must do’s of Athens, there is still much more to discover if you have time. There are other exceptional places to visit, such as The Roman Forum, The National Museum of Contemporary Art, The National Gallery, and so much more. Athens is a stunning city with incredible scenery, food, and people. It will be a trip of a lifetime, and we hope this list helps you on your next visit!
