Athens! Top 10 Best Things to do in the Amazing Capital of Greece

Awesome Sights to See in the Heart of Ancient Greece

Athens is the capital of Greece and the historical capital of Europe. It is regarded as the cradle of western civilization and considered the birthplace of democracy, the Olympics, and modern philosophy. Greece is colloquially referred to as Hellas, and the city of Athens was named after the Greek goddess Athena; the goddess of courage & wisdom. Athens is a vibrant city that seamlessly weaves together the past and the present, offering travelers ancient history, fascinating culture, and captivating experiences at every turn. The city has amazing restaurants, world famous ruins, and an epic nightlife scene. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore the top 10 best things to do in Athens, where ancient wonders and modern marvels blend harmoniously.

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10. Athens National Gardens

The Athens National Gardens is a 37 acre park located in the center of the city, free to the public since 1923. This lush green oasis offers a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle of the city. Take a couple of hours to stroll through tree-lined pathways, discover charming ponds, and marvel at the beauty of this tranquil sanctuary. There’s not much greenery in Athens, so this verdant Eden offers a vastly different scenery from downtown.

9. Panathenaic Stadium

This ancient stadium was built by the Athenians over 2,000 years ago! It is the world’s only stadium built entirely of marble and marks the revival of the modern-day Olympics with its reconstruction for the 1896 Olympic Games. The venue can can accommodate up to 50,000 spectators and showcases a look into the past where athletes competed for glory. Tickets for general admission can be purchased at the onsite ticket office for about $10.

8. Monument to the Unknown Soldier

Similar to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington D.C., the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Athens stands as a solemn tribute to the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for their country. Located in Syntagma Square, this symbolic memorial invites visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made in the name of freedom. You can witness Evzones (the elite Presidential Guard) changing of the guard every hour on the hour, but the official ceremony is held on Sundays at 11am.

7. The Acropolis Museum

Visiting the Acropolis Museum is a captivating journey through time to admire the ancient wonders of Greece. Located at the foot of the Acropolis, this modern architectural marvel houses a remarkable collection of sculptures, artifacts, and archaeological treasures all sourced directly from the citadel. Immerse yourself in the rich history and artistry of the Acropolis as you explore the museum’s galleries, marvel at the intricate details of the Parthenon sculptures, and gain a deeper understanding of the profound cultural legacy of ancient Athens. You can purchase tickets onsite or as a guided combo tour if you’re looking for a more immersive learning experience.

6. Philopappos Monument

Perched atop Philopappos Hill, the Philopappos Monument in Athens offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. The monolith which is dedicated to an ancient Roman senator boasts stunning architectural features and a tranquil atmosphere. Head up to the hill’s summit at sunset to get amazing views of Athens and the ubiquitous Acropolis that is visible across the city. The hike is very easy and can be done with minimal effort in around 30mins.

5. Wander Around Monastiraki District

Monastiraki is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood that captivates visitors with its energetic atmosphere and rich cultural tapestry. This eclectic district is a treasure trove of experiences, from exploring the lively Monastiraki Flea Market, overflowing with unique souvenirs and vintage treasures, to a plethora of mouthwatering street food and traditional tavernas. The artisanal crafts adorned with the ever-present evil eye will make for a great gift. Monastiraki square is a central plaza that is always buzzing with activity and has great views of the Acropolis. The roof top bar, A for Athens, is located directly above the square and was one of the best restaurants we ate at during our trip. You can also find the charming Kapnikarea church in the area, which is one of the oldest churches in the city.

4. Visit Plaka & Psyri, Athens Most Prominent Neighborhoods

Nestled at the foot of the Acropolis is the enchanting Plaka neighborhood, saturated with lavishly decorated restaurants and bars. This picturesque district beckons with its narrow cobblestoned streets lined with traditional tavernas and family-run shops. Psyri is another energetic neighborhood known for its crazy nightlife with nightclubs and live music blasting until the early morning. Sign-up an insane bar crawl if you want to explore the party scene with some new friends! It also has the eccentric Little Kook café, with some of the most intricate floral décor I’ve ever seen. Stay tuned for our Greek food tour for more recommendations on some of the best food in the country!

3. Ride the Funicular to the Top of Lycabettus Hill

Rising 277 meters above sea level is Lycabettus Hill, the tallest point in Athens. The steep inclined path to the summit is pretty difficult, but fortunately you can ride the funicular to the top. For about $5 (each way) you’ll be rewarded with the most stunning views of the city below, rising almost twice as high as the Acropolis. The hilltop is crowned by the picturesque Chapel of St. George, adding a touch of serenity to the experience. Whether you come for a romantic sunset or a tranquil retreat, Lycabettus Hill is a must-visit destination for those seeking stunning vistas and a peaceful respite amidst nature.

2. Ancient Agora of Athens

Uncover the heart of ancient Athens by exploring the ruins of the Ancient Agora. This bustling assembly ground/marketplace once served as the social and political hub of the city where Athenians met to exchange ideas and beliefs amongst the community. Despite many of the buildings being completely destroyed by the Persians, the ruins contain ornate vestiges of the radiant life that once filled these historic grounds. The Temple of Hephaestus is an architectural wonder and is the most well preserved temple in the country. Countless other relics lay scattered around the premises including the Stoa of Attalos and Temple of Ares. Explore the ancient site on your own for around $10 or sign up for a guided tour for more insights into the Greek past.

1. The Acropolis of Athens

No trip to Greece is complete without a visit to the world famous Acropolis. This omnipresent hill top citadel boasts unbelievable marvels of the ancient world including ruins of the iconic Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theatre of Dionysus. This conglomerate of antiquated constructions instantly transports you back in time to the pinnacle of ancient civilization. The magnificent Parthenon was dedicated to the goddess Athena and stands as a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the Greek’s architectural genius. Marvel at the breathtaking views of Athens below and feel the weight of history as you walk in the footsteps of ancient philosophers, poets, and warriors. The marvelous architecture even rivals the enormous ancient ruins in Rome. Since it is the most popular landmark in Athens, expect heavy crowds and long lines around the hill top. I highly recommend reserving a guided tour to get the most out of this quintessential experience. Our tour provided incredible insights from an expert into the fascinating Greek history, round trip transportation, and access to the Acropolis Museum.

* A special bonus item and honorable mention to this list would be the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. While there are countless relics scattered throughout the city, this one was once of of the most impressive. It almost made the list but the temple lays completely in ruins except for the colossal stone columns in an empty field. Since you can peek at the columns thru the fence and there’s not much else around, I don’t know if it’s worth the entry price but perhaps on a revisit.

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Athens is a city that effortlessly blends its rich historical heritage with a vibrant modern energy. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, a foodie, a party animal or simply seeking to immerse yourself in a captivating ambiance, the city has something for everyone. It has quickly become one of my favorite countries in Europe and I can see why its such a popular destination. Fortunately most landmarks are within close proximity so 2 to 3 days is enough to get a good feel for the city. So pack your bags for an epic journey to Athens, and let yourself be enchanted by its timeless beauty and the sense of awe that comes from the divine providence of ancient Greece. For more details on planning the perfect trip to Greece, check out our travel guide. Stay tuned for more Greek adventures to the marvelous islands of Santorini & Mykonos! Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!

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Here are the best things to do while exploring Athens in our travel vlog!

Check out our experience of the Acropolis of Athens guided tour!

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