Location: Athens
Top Things to do in Athens
10 Architectural Buildings in Athens That You Shouldn't Miss
Once known for smog, traffic and tacky architecture, Athens is a city reformed thanks to fortunes brought by the 2004 Summer Olympics. Spotless parks and streets, an ultra-modern subway, new freeways, an accessible airport and all signs in perfect English make the city easily negotiable. Meriting more than a stopover en route to the islands, sophisticated Athens sites include many pillars of Western history, from the Acropolis to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as treasures in the National Archaeological Museum.
Restaurants in Athens
1. Trianon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Cine Trianon was inaugurated in August 1961 with the premiere of Jules Dassin’s film "Never on Sunday" and since then continues to be one of the most active movie halls of Athens. Trianon operates all year long, both as a classic winter cinema and a traditional open-air cinema. During the summer organizes free screenings for visitors with the aim of promoting the Greek filming heritage.
2. Old Municipal Gallery
3. National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
4. Parthenon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,764 reviews
The majestic ruins of an ancient Greek building, known for its dignified white marble columns and perfect sense of proportion.
Reviewed By 223ravik - Bangalore District, India
We visited Acropolis today. It is amazing to see Parthenon with its rectangular structure consisting of 17 columns in length by 8 columns in width- a huge structure dedicated to mythological goddess Athena. It takes you back 2500 years and makes you wonder about the life of folks then and the events that unfolded later on! Do not miss out the story of the Flag - when the nazis came in 1941, a young Greek soldier refused to change the Greek flag, instead wrapped it around himself and leapt to his death. He is remembered and honored even today. There is so much to see in Acropolis- be sure you have at least 2.5 hours! I also loved the story regarding the competition between Athena and Poseidon, and how she won!!
5. The Academy of Athens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Reviewed By KPR1955 - Crewe, United Kingdom
Situated on next to Panepistimio metro station this is an amazing example of the Classical Greek architecture, and it is in wonderful condition given the pollution in the city along with the frequency of student unrest etc and political unease. The buildings are in excellent condition, devoid of graffiti and you can appreciate the columns and edifice in their glory. Externally the building can be reached from Eleftheriou Venizelou through orange trees and you are initially greeted with seated statues of Plato and Socrates before climbing a few steps and seeing the main entrance in front of you flanked by Athena and Apollo atop very high columns. The exterior decoration is superb and one wonders how the Parthenon may have looked if in a similar condition. Inside you are able to see at least the main chamber and once more it is superbly decorated and in great condition. Entrance is free and you will not be disappointed.
6. First Cemetery of Athens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By permia
Through the imposing modern entrance we strolled around for about an hour, admiring the wonderful monuments to the departed. That of Heinrich Schliemann, one of the most famous ever archaeologists, is aptly in the form of a Greek Temple. We recognised many of the names with thoughtful memorials dedicated. Melina Mercouri's reflects the adoration she remains held in by her country. George Averoff, renowned philanthropist and businessman, has one of the most impressive dedications. Portrayed seated atop a multi-level creation in marble, it is a superb monument to such a life. Three Churches are here. At the entrance is the one of Saint Theodore, the largest. Greek Orthodox, it has a lovely façade in pale light azure hues.
7. Agios Pavlos Church
8. Syntagma Station
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 609 reviews
Reviewed By KPR1955 - Crewe, United Kingdom
How many hundreds of thousands of people pass through this station and never notice the history in front of their eyes. You will find a full strata of what was found during excavation for the metro, with ancient burials etc. In addition you will see other artefacts unearthed during the project. At the same time Syntagma station provides the most central of the metro transport links for Athens with connections to other lines running all the way to the airport at Spata, and also local tram connections. It is really a very busy hub. Plus when the heat is too much outside, cool down in the air conditioned interior!
9. St. Sophia’s Church of Acropolis
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By 827martinob - Chelmsford, United Kingdom
This is a small little church in front of the hill where the Acropolis is . This church is a typical Greek place even the colours make it special . A must visit when you walk up the hill past it .
