Location: Athens
Top Things to do in Athens
7 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. Acropolis Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Modern, uptodate building on the foot of the Acropolis housing important ancient Greek statues and much more
Reviewed By MadeInLondon82 - London
Various people had said that I must see the Museum & honestly I was a bit underwhelmed. There are some spectacular exhibits to see, but unfortunately the majority of the quality works have been pillaged centuries ago. Obviously, The Parthenon Marbles are in The British Museum, along with many other pieces around the world that were stolen/given/bequeathed etc. from The Acropolis.
It's only €5, very reasonable. If you want to check it out there's some great works to see, but I wouldn't say that it's essential to visit in Athens.
2. Parthenon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
The majestic ruins of an ancient Greek building, known for its dignified white marble columns and perfect sense of proportion.
Reviewed By Reslysten54 - Vienna, Virginia
Restaurations continue of this remarkable tempel, and scaffolding covers one of the short sides. Nevertheless, the impression is striking when you get up close and the magnitude of this building becomes obvious. Severely damaged by ear and vandalism, it remains majestic.
You can get an even better understanding of it's history by visiting the nearby Acropolis Museum.
3. Acropolis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
The most famous site in all of Athens, this large hill lies in the center of the city and contains a cluster of ancient ruins.
4. Plaka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Historic neighborhood located at the base of the hill topped by the Acropolis.
Reviewed By Monica C - Bucharest, Romania
I’d say this is a good lace to go to when coming back from the Acropolis - you can either sit at a nice Terrace or go shopping. The streets are narrow with pretty historical buildings and the shops have a good offer of souvenirs, traditional produce, clothes and others.
5. Temple of Hephaestus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
This ancient Greek temple, located on the Acropolis and dedicated to Hephaistos, god of the forge, is one of the few temples to be almost entirely preserved.
Reviewed By Ruth K - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
As part of the Ancient Agora, this is not a temple to miss. It's in excellent condition and also provides some great views. Not to be missed.
6. Museum of Cycladic Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 966 reviews
The Museum of Cycladic Art is a private living cultural institution in the heart of Athens. More than 3.000 objects of Cycladic, Ancient Greek and Cypriot art (dating from the 5th millennium BC to the 6th century AD) are displayed in the galleries of the four floors of the Museum of Cycladic Art. This summer the museum also hosts two contemporary art Exhibitions by artists Jannis Kounelis and Ugo Rondinone. The museum can be accessed either from the entrance from the Stathatos Mansion (1 Irodotou Str & Vasilissis Sofias Avenue) or from the entrance at 4 Neofytou Douka Str & Vasilissis Sofias Avenue.
Reviewed By Manuela L - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
This museum is locatedon Douka Neofitou, near Syntagma Square; here we find the largest Collection of Cycladic Art in the world, most all in marble; in Geometric forms, from Mycenaen, and Classical eras to modern times.
7. Erechtheion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The second largest temple on the Acropolis has a complex and unique structure, including its famous Porch of the Caraytis with statues of six graceful maidens on the south side and a four-pillared porch with six Ionic columns on the north side.
Reviewed By Bowmanator22 - Charlotte, North Carolina
One of the lesser known attractions on the Acropolis, and drastically less reputable than the Parthenon is the Erechtheion. However, it’s certainly worthy of a photo or two, and while you’re on top, you may as well see this classic architectural wonder.
