Location: Athens
Top Things to do in Athens
10 Free Things to do 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. Chapel of St. George
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
A lovely 19th century Greek Orthodox Church.
Reviewed By permia
There are a number of marvellous aspects to atop Mount Lycabettus and this Chapel is one. Seeing it on a Sunday afternoon framed against the deep azure of the sky, we though it looked its best. Stepping to the interior is to admire a proliferation of frescoes and icons. All silver St. George on his horse slaying the dragon is dramatic. A fine iconostasis separates the holy sanctum from the worshippers. The dome was infused with light, adding a celestial feel.
2. Mount Lycabettus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,125 reviews
Walk or take the funicular tramway to the top of this hill for the best views of Athens
Reviewed By 37SueFo - Swanley, United Kingdom
Get a taxi to the funicular railway, and when you get out at the top, a couple of flights of steps will bring you out to the church and terrace, with 360° views of the city, looking down on the Olympic stadium and the Acropolis and across to Piraeus. There are a couple of bar/restaurants so you can have a drink and take in the views
3. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,254 reviews
Reviewed By 116enjoyit - Rome, United States
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Greek: Μνημείο του Αγνώστου Στρατιώτη, romanized: Mnimío tou Agnóstou Stratióti) is a war memorial located in Syntagma Square in Athens, in front of the Old Royal Palace. It is a cenotaph dedicated to the Greek soldiers killed during war. It was sculpted between 1930 and 1932 by sculptor Fokion Rok. The decision to build a monument was taken by army general and “constitutional dictator” Theodoros Pangalos. In his capacity as Army Minister, an advertisement was placed in the Espera newspaper, requesting a "submission for a study of the construction of a tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of the Old Royal Palace, suitable for this purpose". On 9 October 1926, the Army Ministry approved and granted by majority the study made by architect Emmanuel Lazaridis. The location of the monument at the Old Palace was suggested both by the architect himself and by Pangalos, who wish for the Army Ministry to be housed in the building. However in 1929, after fervent reaction and continuous meetings, Eleftherios Venizelos, setting aside his disagreements with Pangalos, decided that the best location would be the original one in Syntagma Square, reasoning that the Monument ought to be in the city centre, much like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The construction committee had given all responsibility for the construction to Lazaridis. Initially, he had worked with sculptor Thomas Thomopoulos who had proposed as a central sculpture a representation of the Gigantomachy with an angel (representing Greece) lovingly receiving the dead soldier. Despite Lazaridis initially agreeing to this design, Thomopoulos's sculpture was never built due to lack of funds. In 1930, Lazaridis instead assigned Fokion Rok as sculptor with a unanimous decision of the construction committee. The committee then approved a new proposal for the sculpture, a gunner lying on the ground. This design was deemed appropriate owing to its calmness and simplicity. For the construction, a large-scale excavation and levelling of terrain took place. The Tomb was unveiled on 25 March 1932 by then Prime Minister Andreas Michalakopoulos, with the participation of many foreign delegations, followed by a parade of the monument guard. At the same time, a torch was brought from the monastery of Agia Lavra to light the eternal flame in the centre of the cenotaph.
4. Plaka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,134 reviews
Historic neighborhood located at the base of the hill topped by the Acropolis.
Reviewed By megan-woodruff - Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine
This area of town came highly recommended from friends that have visited Athens multiple times. It is full of delicious restaurants, great shopping (touristy stuff and clothes/shoes), and has a very young and hipster-ish vibe. There is plenty to do and see, but it gets pretty crowded and busy, so steer clear if that isn't your scene.
5. Philopappos Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,391 reviews
This hill is a favorite for weekending Athenians who come here to picnic and admire the breathaking views.
Reviewed By MontherYASEEN - Amman, Jordan
As a part of our plans, we made up our minds to go for a walk during the sunset, the walk was lovely , the view over ancient Athens was spectacular and lucky us we had some sun to enjoy the romantic sunset, go and enjoy the peace and the charming view
6. Anafiotika
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,233 reviews
Reviewed By MargieD300 - York, United States
I had read about this group of island-like houses and it was a highlight for me to not only find it but explore this small area of only about 45 homes. Part of the Plaka neighborhood set at the "back" side of the Acropolis, it is picturesque! Built in the 18th century by workers from the island of Anafi, there are small, narrow walkways, steep steps, and worth the climb to the top for a beautiful view of Lycabettus Hill, one of the highest points in Athens!
7. Agios Dionysios Areopagitis Catholic Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By permia
In a Boulevard of marvellous buildings, this place of worship is magnificent. A Neo-Renaissance façade in gorgeous hued marble comprises an array of columns and arches atop a series of steps in the same stone. Inside is beautiful. From the entrance is an awe-inspiring vision of columns and arches leading to the high altar. This is crowned with a glorious semi-dome which is resplendent with a frescoed Apotheosis of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite. Throughout, holy images in paintings and sculpture are splendid. One in particular shows Christ Pantocrator with the bible in one hand.
8. Pnyx
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By GILL2323 - New York City, United States
Must visit and step on the same ground where Athenians assembly took place 2500years ago and see the stone speaker’s platform. Not many tourists know about this place, I learned all about it during the Hellas Revival democracy workshop. The place is calm and peaceful with an amazing view of Athens and Acropolis. I took wonderful photos. Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, and bring water with you.
9. Areopagus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 684 reviews
Reviewed By sweettea4me2016 - Cairo, Egypt
This is Mars Hill where Paul preached. The Romans called this hill, Mars Hill, after Mars, the Roman God of War. Its free. Open 24 hrs. Its just a few hundred meters from the Acropolis. The Athenian altar to the Unknown God was here or close by and Paul preached the sermon that can be found in Acts 17:19-34. We had a nice view overlooking the Greek Agora and the Roman Agora. Its better to wear athletic shoes here. I wore flip flops and I thought I could fall at any time.
10. 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.
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