Top 10 Things To Do In Athens
Though Athens sometimes gets negative reviews from those who travel there, I have nothing but good things say about this city after my visit. The city is chock full of ancient ruins, world class museums, good shopping, and great food. Keep reading to discover my top 10 favorite things to do in Athens, from the checking out the Acropolis ruins to an awesome beach day trip.
1. Check out the Acropolis ruins
Take a step back in time by heading to the Athens Acropolis, where you can visit the 5th century BC temple to Athena, the goddess after which Athens was named. This incredible site houses the ruins of the Parthenon, Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and features some pretty incredible views of Athens. The Acropolis is one of Athens’ most popular sites, so be sure to check out these tips before you go to avoid the crowds and plan a great visit!
2. Brush up on history at the Acropolis Museum
What better way to follow up your Acropolis visit than a stop at the Acropolis Museum? The museum houses over 4,000 objects that were discovered on the hill and does a fantastic job of explaining the history and significance of the Parthenon to those of us who don’t have a PHD in Greek history. Best of all? The museum only costs €5 and is free for students!
3. Wander Around Plaka
While the rest of Athens may not be your favorite, visitors cannot deny that the historic neighborhood of Plaka is quite charming. Take some time to explore this quaint area and maybe even do some shopping! I really enjoyed checking out the Athens flea markets, just a few minutes walk from Monastiraki square.
4. Visit the Ancient Agora
If you have a few days in Athens and couldn’t get enough of ruins after a visit to the Parthenon, be sure to grab a combo ticket and head next door to the ancient Agora. If you didn’t feel like you had stepped back in time at the Parthenon, then you certainly will here. There are tons of ruins to explore and fewer tourists, making the visit perfect for history lovers.
5. Hit a Rooftop Bar
There are several rooftop bars in Athens, but the Athens 360 Cocktail Bar is my favorite. The drinks are great, atmosphere is welcoming and fun, and the views of the Acropolis are amazing. Make a reservation in advance for a dinner and to ensure a view, or just drop by to be seated in the bar section. Pro tip: Go around sunset so you can enjoy the view during the say and at night!
6. Head to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens
If you thought the ruins at the Acropolis museum were impressive, prepare to be wowed by the stunning collection at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. As an art history major, visiting was a dream come true. The museum houses one of the most important collections of Greek art in the world. If you love history, this museum is a MUST.
7. Enjoy an Afternoon in the National Gardens
Take a break from the museums and head outdoors! The national gardens are free to enter and are a great spot for a picnic. You’ll quickly forget that you are in the center of a bustling city. I was surprised to discover that there is even a tiny zoo with birds, goats, rabbits, and turtles wandering about.
8. Visit the Panathenaic Staduim
Near one of the National Gardens exists lies the Panathenaic Stadium. The stadium dates back to 330 BC, and is the only stadium in the world built entirely by marble. It was excavated and renovated in the 1800s, and hosted the first modern Olympic games in 1896, and again hosted the 2004 Olympics. You do have to pay to enter, but I enjoyed taking the site in (for free!) from the entrance.
9. See…more ruins!
If you aren’t burnt out on seeing the ruins of Athens, you are in luck, there are still quite a few sights to see in Athens! The Temple of Zeus, Arch of Hadrian, Philopappos Monument, and many others await. The cool thing about Athens is that sometimes you turn a corner and find yourself standing directly in front of a piece of history without even trying. Enjoy!
10. Take a Day Trip to Sounion
Does spending an afternoon at the beach and watching the sun set behind the ancient seaside Temple of Poseidon sound like a great day to you? If it does, check out my post all about the Athens Sounion Day Trip: Visiting the Seaside Temple of Poseidon for a sample itinerary and information on how to get there!
There you have it! My top 10 things to do in Athens, although I must confess that my favorite were the Acropolis, rooftop bar, and the National Archaeological Museum. What are your Athens must sees? Let me know in the comments!
For more helpful Greece posts, try reading these links!
- 8 Great Tips For Visiting The Acropolis
- Athens Sounion Day Trip: Visiting the Seaside Temple of Poseidon
- How I Spent 1 Month In Greece (Almost) For Free!
- The Ultimate Budget Guide To Santorini
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