Athens Attractions - Top 10 Most Popular Sights

When thinking of Athens, most visitors immediately associate it with Ancient Greece. And rightly so: In Athens, you are surrounded by history everywhere, as the Greek capital is considered the cradle of democracy. Moreover, Athens also boasts many modern aspects. Whether old or new, Athens presents itself with a vibrant spirit and vitality that radiates from every corner of this extraordinary city.

To ensure that your city trip becomes a truly special experience, we have summarized the 10 most beautiful sights of Athens for you.

Of course, Athens' landmark deserves to take the top spot on our list. The former fortress looms high above the city and is a must-see for every visitor to Athens. The site has been present since ancient Greece. It was destroyed by the Persians in the 5th century BC and subsequently completely redesigned. It includes:

The most famous building of the Acropolis is the Parthenon, which can be seen from afar. After the victory over the aforementioned Persians, the Athenians built it in gratitude for their city goddess Pallas Athena Parthenos.

Aside from its temple status, the Parthenon has been used for several other purposes throughout its 2500-year history. It has served as a church, a mosque, and for a time, even a munitions depot. Perhaps it is due to these diverse uses that the temple is still largely preserved in its original form today.

This museum is completely dedicated to showcasing finds from the Acropolis. This purpose is already apparent in the architecture: The third floor of the building matches the dimensions and alignments of the Parthenon, allowing for the frieze to be displayed in its original size. The museum is the perfect complement to a visit to the Acropolis itself.

The museum was established in 2009 to address the space issues of the old Acropolis museum. Now thousands of exhibits are presented to the public, dating from the archaic period through classical antiquity to late antiquity. This includes a large number of exhibits that simply had no space in the old museum.

Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athens 117 42

The heart of Athens. The spacious square is lined with many excellent restaurants and cafés, making it ideal for simply soaking in the atmosphere of the city. The most prominent structure is the Greek Parliament building, a former palace from the early 19th century, built during the time of King Otto. Directly in front is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

During the construction of the subway, ancient finds were discovered underground. Promptly, the Athenians built an underground museum in the subway station, where ceramics and art treasures found are displayed. Additionally, there is a light shaft in the metro station that reveals a cross-section of the old building layers.

Tip: Every Sunday morning, a ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of the soldiers, including a brass band and the Evzones, soldiers of the former royal Greek guard.

Address: Pl. Sintagmatos, Athens 105 63

The focus of the National Museum, not surprisingly, is on ancient Greece. With around 11,000 exhibits, you won't find a more impressive collection of objects from this period anywhere else. In addition to this permanent exhibition, the National Museum also hosts regular temporary exhibitions.

The collection includes many different types of finds from ancient Greece, ranging from works of art to everyday objects. The collections of sculptures and vases, as well as minor arts, are particularly comprehensive. Some of the most famous exhibits are:

Make sure to allocate generous time for your visit in order to properly appreciate the many exhibits.

Address: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athens 106 82

Not far from Syntagma Square and the Parliament building, you can immerse yourself in the green lung of Athens. The approximately 15-hectare park is beautifully landscaped. A variety of paths lead you through the lovely gardens, popular with both locals and tourists.

The National Garden, just like the Parliament building, dates back to the early 19th century. At that time, it was still called the Palace Garden and belonged to the monarch's residence. It also contained a scientifically laid out botanical garden. After the abolition of the monarchy in the 1970s, it was renamed National Garden to align more with the times.

Address: Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athens 105 57

The birthplace of drama is worth seeing even for those who aren't fans of theater. The theater of ancient Greece, with its tragedies and comedies, is considered a precursor to modern theater. This is where it all began.

Originally, the Theater of Dionysus was planned as a flat sacred building in the 5th century BC. Over the next 200 years, it was continually remodeled and expanded until it became an amphitheater that could accommodate about 17,000 people. This made it impressively large even by Greek standards.

Address: Mitseon 25, Athens 117 42

The Agora can almost be described as an ancient shopping center. The forum housed the marketplace, and the ancient Greeks used it for gatherings of all kinds, whether military, judicial, or general public assemblies. The site of the Agora is home to a number of impressive buildings.

One of the most important structures within the Agora is the Temple of Hephaestus, which remains in excellent condition despite its proud age of 2500 years. It is dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of metalworkers and blacksmiths. The Byzantines, on the other hand, referred to it as Theseion, as they believed that the bones of the hero Theseus were buried here.

Tip: If you're interested in the excavation history of the Agora, make sure to visit the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, which now houses a museum.

Address: Adrianou 24, Athens 105 55

For souvenir shopping or simply window shopping, there is no better place than Athens' so-called 'flea market' area. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the metropolis and browse the small shops and boutiques for extraordinary keepsakes.

In addition to shopping, you can also enjoy excellent dining in Monastiraki. Numerous restaurants await to serve you Greek specialties. These are just as beloved by locals as by tourists, a sure sign of their authenticity and quality.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was once the largest temple in the whole country. Its construction took a staggering 400 years, from the 6th to the 2nd century BC. However, only ruins remain today. An earthquake in the Middle Ages is believed to be the cause of its destruction; subsequently, the damaged temple complex was used as a quarry and further dismantled. Archaeological work didn't begin until the late 19th century.

At the entrance to the Olympeion stands a triumphal arch, which was once built as a monument to the Roman Emperor Hadrian. He was the one who finally completed the construction of the Olympeion. From here, you can also enjoy another highlight of this location: the unobstructed view of the Acropolis.

Did you know? Greek tortoises live on the grounds of the Olympeion. Try to see if you can spot any!

In the heart of Athens lies a 277-meter-high summit that offers you a wonderful panoramic view of the entire metropolis. And don't worry: If walking up is too strenuous for you, you can also take the cable car.

In addition to the fantastic view, you can treat yourself to a meal at the summit restaurant when you reach the top. Additionally, there is a small church, St. Isidore, and some exhibits are presented up there.

Tip: Regular events of various kinds are held in the open-air theater slightly below the summit during the summer. Check to see if there's something for you!

With a city that boasts thousands of years of fascinating history yet is richly infused with modern influences, Athens will quickly captivate you. And if you are now pondering a vacation in Greece, take a look at more city trips in Europe.