Best Sights and Landmarks in Athens

The Acropolis, also known as the Sacred Rock, is the top symbol of Greece and Greek culture and the most famous landmark in Athens. This ancient site stands on a huge rock and monuments of high historical significance, like the Parthenon, stand on it. The new Acropolis Museum has been constructed in proximity.
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The New Acropolis Museum was established in 2009 and is housed in a modern building right opposite the Acropolis. The items displayed were all found on excavations on the Acropolis. The most famous display is the frieze of the Parthenon, even though some parts are missing since they are exhibited in the British Museum.

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is the largest and most important museum in Greece, and its exhibits are among the finest collections of prehistoric items, sculptures, pottery, and minor art, bronzes and Egyptian art, everything followed by detailed explanations in English. It is located near Omonoia Square and it is a sight to not miss.

The Changing of the Guard is made by the military unit whose members stand proudly in perfect stillness in front of the Hellenic Parliament. It takes place every hour. Every Sunday morning at 11 a.m., people gather to watch the official changing of the guards with the original costumes.

The Theatre of Herodes Atticus is one of the most impressive sights of Athens. Located on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, the theatre was built in 161 BC by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Regilla. It has exceptional acoustics and can host up to 5,000 spectators. Performances of the Athens-Epidaurus Festival are held there during summer.

The Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion, the southernmost spot of Attica, was erected in the 5th century BC. A part of it has survived until this day and is one of the most famous ancient sites in Athens. Its location allows visitors to gaze at amazing views of the sea and sunset.

The Roman Agora expands between Monastiraki and Plaka. It was used as a marketplace as the Romans used to trade their goods in this area.

The Ancient Agora was the social and political center of Athens in antiquity. This is where the people of Athens used to meet to talk about social issues. The temple of Hephaestus is the most distinctive spot of the Ancient Agora, located between Thissio and Monastiraki. 

The Temple of Hephaestus is among the most well-preserved Ancient temples in Greece. It was dedicated to Hephaestus and Athena. The Temple is located in Thissio, within a short distance from the Acropolis and Monastiraki, just above the Ancient Agora and the Stoa of Attalos.

In south Athens, summer lasts all year long! Just 30 minutes away from Athens city center, the coastal Athens Riviera will make you feel as if you are on some Greek island.

The paved Dionysiou Areopagitou Street is one of the best places in Athens to go for a walk, as it offers an ideal view of the Acropolis and the ancient temples.

The Panathenaic Stadium stands next to the National Garden and Zappeion Megaron. It was originally constructed in the Roman times and is entirely re-made of marble. Excavated in 1870, this stadium was renovated to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. It is also known as Kallimarmaro Stadium and it is one of the most popular monuments in Athens.

It took 700 years for the Temple of Olympian Zeus to be built. The work was completed by Emperor Hadrian in 131 AD. The huge Temple had 104 columns of Corinthian style, 17 meters high each. Today only 17 columns have survived and it is one of the most beautiful ancient sites in Athens.

This impressive arch was built by Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD to mark the limit between Ancient Athens and his new city. It is located at the end of Amalias Avenue, right next to the temple of Olympian Zeus.

The rocky Areopagus Hill is located on the northwestern side of the Acropolis. The top of a steep rock is one of the most popular places where the locals gather in groups to watch the sunset and the impressive views of the urban landscape of Athens, especially during summer nights.

The Greek capital is not only home to significant monuments of the ancient Greek civilization but is also a vibrant city with a fascinating and emerging street art scene. The art scene in Athens has been flourishing for years, especially during and after the decade of the big economic crisis (2008-2018).

The neighborhood of Anafiotika is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Athens! It is located in Plaka, close to the center of Athens and the Acropolis Hill. It is one of the most popular places to go for a stroll in Athens and it hosts charming cafes and restaurants with a warm and traditional atmosphere.

The glorious Stoa of Attalos in Ancient Agora hosts a museum with a very interesting and diverse collection. It includes findings from the wells, deposits, burials, workshops, and sanctuaries of the area.

The Tower of the Winds stands on the edge of the Roman Agora. It was constructed in the 1st century BC by the astronomer Andronicus. A solar clock was located outside the tower, while a hydraulic clock used to be on its interior, too. 

The Theatre of Dionysus is the most important theater in Athens and the oldest in the world. It is located on the southeastern slopes of the Acropolis. This is where the Festival of Great Dionysia used to take place. This institution was of major cultural importance and welcomed great playwrights, such as Sophocles or Euripides. Very little of the theatre survives today.

Pnyx Hill is located right beneath the Acropolis, close to the district of Thissio. This is where the Athenians would gather to discuss political issues.