Top Attractions in Athens
If you're interested in classical cultures, Athens is like an open-air museum where you'll find archaeological ruins around every corner. Let's take a look at the main tourist attractions in Athens.
History lovers, welcome to Athens! Who hasn’t dreamed of traveling here at least once in their lifetime? We’re talking about one of the oldest cities in the world, with a legacy dating back more than 3,000 years. The cradle of Western civilization and democracy has so much to offer, from exquisite cuisine to a monumental heritage that impresses everyone.
The city reached its peak around the 5th century B.C., when many of its most iconic monuments were built. In addition to its architecture and culture, Classical Greece was marked by major advances in philosophy, with influential thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
The Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Lycabettus Hill, and the Plaka neighborhood are just a few of the must-see sites in Athens. But there are many more. In any case, for a first introduction to this region, there’s nothing better than joining a free walking tour of Athens.
How to Visit the Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites and a true symbol of Athens. The complex was once the heart of Ancient Greece, serving as its major religious center. Today, it's one of the city’s top attractions and, of course, a must-see in Athens.
The Parthenon, built between 447 and 438 B.C., is one of its most famous structures. However, you shouldn’t miss a visit to the Erechtheion, which stands out for its caryatid columns shaped like female figures, or to the Temple of Athena Nike, which was the first fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis.
To access the site, Civitatis offers different types of tickets and guided tours. This way, you can explore the area accompanied by a guide or on your own, whichever you prefer:
- Acropolis of Athens Ticket Without an Audio Guide or With an Audio Guide
- Acropolis & Museum Without an Audio Guide or With an Audio Guide
- Acropolis Guided Tour
- Tour of Athens & Acropolis Tour
- Tour of Athens + Acropolis & Museum
Other Must-See Monuments
In addition to the Acropolis, there are many other iconic landmarks worth visiting. For example, the ruins of Hadrian’s Library stand out for their enormous 26.2 ft (8 m) high colonnades. Did you know that they remained hidden for hundreds of years and weren’t discovered until 1885? Also worth mentioning are the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which took nearly seven centuries to build, and the Agora, the political, commercial, and social center of Classical Antiquity.
Additionally, be sure to visit the Panathenaic Stadium, built to host the 1896 Olympic Games, and stroll through Syntagma Square, home to the Greek Parliament. There’s so much to discover!
Exploring the Museums of Greece's Capital
Athens is home to some of the world's most important museums. Beyond the well-known Acropolis Museum, it’s worth highlighting the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, the biggest in the country. Its galleries house an extensive collection of archaeological artifacts found in Greece, spanning from Prehistory to Antiquity. Vessels, sculptures, funerary masks, jewelry... Ready to book your ticket to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens?
Meanwhile, a ticket to the Museum of Cycladic Art will open the doors to a world of secrets and curiosities, particularly related to the Cyclades archipelago and the civilization that thrived there over 3,000 years ago. Likewise, for those traveling to Athens with children, a visit to the Museum of Illusions or the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology can be an especially exciting experience.
A travel tip: You should know that many of the tickets to these exhibitions are included in the iVenture Card Athens. If you’re planning to visit several attractions and monuments, this tourist pass can help you save a significant amount of money.
What to See Near Athens?
As a general rule, it’s usually recommended to spend at least 2 days in Athens. A shorter trip may not be enough time to see its main iconic landmarks. On the other hand, if you have more time in the city, you can use it to continue exploring other parts of this fascinating destination or take a day trip to see the area around Athens.
Some of the best options are as follows:
- Meteora 1 or 2-Day Trip: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this group of Eastern Orthodox monasteries stands out for both its history and its breathtaking location atop towering rock formations.
- Delphi Guided Day Trip: Another UNESCO-listed site, Delphi was one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Ancient Greece. Visitors were drawn by the prophecies of the famous Oracle of Delphi.
- Corinth Canal, Mycenae, & Epidaurus Day Trip: A true journey through Classical Greece, where you’ll explore iconic archaeological sites, including what is believed to be the birthplace of Apollo and one of the most famous ancient theaters in the Peloponnese.
- Mykonos Day Trip: An unforgettable trip to one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Its windmills, narrow streets, beaches, and whitewashed houses are simply enchanting.
