Athens is an amazing city that attracts curious travelers from all over the world. Tourists have an amazing opportunity to enjoy its splendor. Don’t know what to see in Athens? We have compiled a list of the most interesting places of this ancient city. You should not deny yourself the pleasure of seeing the sights of Athens, of which there are many.
What to see in Athens first of all
Carefully study the descriptions to make the best route. And remember – a visit to the ancient city will be unforgettable in any case, but the guides in Athens will make it informative and well-organized, saving you from having to think about how to get to the next attraction.
1. The Acropolis of Athens
Acropolis in Athens
The Acropolis is rightfully called the most ancient architectural monument of the city and one of the most recognizable sights of Greece. It has the appearance of a hill rising to 156 m. It has a gentle peak, on which various sights of historical significance are scattered.
For the first time, the hill was occupied in the 5th century BC. A few decades later, temples appeared on it. Most of the antiquities that have survived since then had to be moved to the Louvre and the British Museum. However, there are still exhibits that continue to be stored in the Acropolis. Modern statues now stand on the hill itself, closely observing the life of the city.
On the hill, tourists can see the Parthenon, Niki Apteros and the Erechtheion. Other equally famous temples have also become part of the Acropolis, where those who do not know what to visit in Athens should definitely go.
Official website: https://odysseus.culture.gr
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2. The New Acropolis Museum
Acropolis Museum – Ancient Statues – Athens
When traveling around Athens, you should definitely take a look at the New Acropolis Museum. It holds more than 14 thousand unique exhibits. This structure was built on the site of important archaeological excavations. A view of them opens to every visitor of this Athens landmark, since the floors (as well as ceilings) in the museum are completely made of durable glass.
All the found antiquities are left in the New Museum. Its most interesting exposition is the Parthenon Hall. Here, visitors can see not only copies, but also originals of sculptures, which at one time were considered the main decorations of the Acropolis.
The only thing that can upset tourists who managed to get into the New Museum is the ban on photographing exhibits. This opportunity is not provided even for money.
Official website: https://issuu.com
3. The Athenian Agora
Roman Agora in Athens
The ancient Agora is easy to find if you turn northwest from the Acropolis. Once this place played the role of a market square. It was also considered the political and cultural center of the city. More than 10 hectares of land have been allocated for the development of this Athens landmark. Today, fairs are regularly held here. Even if the traveler has already outlined a plan for what to see in Athens, it is worth including the Agora in it, where tourists can diversify their leisure time.
Little has survived on the Agora. Only the foundations of the old buildings remain here. Archaeologists often work in these parts in the hope of finding something interesting.
The remains of the colonnade, which belonged to King Attalus, have been preserved on the territory. Also here you can see another interesting monument, namely the temple of Hephaestus. On the south side, near the Agora, there is the Areopagus rock.
Official website: https://odysseus.culture.gr
4. Olympic Temple of Olympic Zeus
Olympic Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens
A lot of attention is focused on this landmark of Athens. The temple of Olympian Zeus, although not preserved in its original form to the present day, still continues to be admired by residents and visitors of the city. The ruins that once were the Olympeion still lie majestically on a vast territory.
The temple was revered by the peoples who believed in Zeus as the supreme god. This place fell into disrepair after the active spread of Christianity. The building began to collapse quickly, many people pulled it apart.
At the moment, 15 indestructible columns remain from the temple. The sixteenth lies nearby. She could not resist the strongest hurricane that covered the city in 1852.
5. Panathenaic Stadium
Panathenaic Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Athens
Not all tourists know what to visit in Athens. Fortunately, there are so many interesting places in the city, so this problem is solved by itself. Among the main decorations of Athens is the Panathinaikos Stadium. It is located in the very center of the Greek capital, next to the National Garden. This place is the oldest stadium in the world. The structure is built of white marble. In 1896, the Olympic Games were held here for the first time, which have become part of modern history.
In ancient times, the Panathenaic Games were held at the stadium. It was also a venue for religious celebrations. It was decided to carry out a major reconstruction of the stadium immediately after its discovery during excavations. All the work was carried out at the expense of Evangelis Zappas, a well-known philanthropist. With his support, Greek competitions were held at the stadium.
Panathinaikos is used not only for sports competitions. It also often hosts various exhibitions dedicated to the culture of Greece.
Official website: https://www.panathenaicstadium.gr
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Athens!
6. The Byzantine Museum
The Byzantine Museum in Athens
Tourists are asking questions about what to visit in Athens so that pleasant memories of the city remain for a long time. The Byzantine Museum is ideal for these purposes. It is located on the territory of the villa of the Duchesse de Plaisance. There was a place for a unique museum collection in the building itself. Its decoration is the icons of the Cretan school of icon painting. Most of the exhibits presented in the museum have been preserved in good condition.
Orange trees and many flowers grow in front of the building, which houses the Byzantine Museum. The courtyard of the villa is decorated with a fountain, which is recreated from a mosaic painting from the monastery of Daphnia.
Official website: https://www.byzantinemuseum.gr
7. The Temple of Hephaestus or Hephaesteion
The Temple of Hephaestus in Athens
Those who do not know what to see in Athens should definitely go to Hephaesteion. It can be found in the northwest of the Ancient Agora. For many centuries, the temple had the appearance of an Orthodox church. After it was recognized as a national historical monument, and a museum was built in it. It was only in the last century that the sanctuary managed to regain its original appearance.
The temple of Hephaestus has been preserved better than the rest. It is built of durable marble. For a long time, archaeologists and historians were sure that the Hephaesteion was built in honor of Theseus. That’s because his images were on the walls of this Athens landmark. But when the statues of Hephaestus and Athena were found inside the building, the experts changed their minds.
There is a souvenir shop near the temple, where travelers can buy themselves a funny thing to remember visiting this majestic place.
8. National Archaeological Museum of Athens
National Archaeological Museum in Athens
The National Archaeological Museum is the largest in Greece. It was specially created to store valuable artifacts that were discovered by archaeologists during excavations two centuries ago. After a while, other equally important exhibits brought from different cities of Greece began to be stored in this landmark of Athens.
The museum has more than 11 thousand unique exhibits that belong from the prehistoric period to late Antiquity. The building itself is divided into five main expositions, differing from each other in the antiquity of the exhibits and the theme. Each of them is available for viewing by all interested tourists.
Official website: https://www.namuseum.gr
9. The Church of the Holy Apostles
The Church of the Holy Apostles in Athens
The Church of the Holy Apostles of Solakis is located in the Agora. It was built back in the X century. This church was rightfully recognized as the oldest among the existing Christian churches in Athens.
This place has a special significance for the locals. This is because it is the only monument in the Agora that has managed to remain in its original form until today. This can be considered, if you do not take into account the temple of Hephaestus.
The church is distinguished by its original construction. It looks like a cruciform structure with four massive columns supporting a huge dome. This Athens landmark still has porches (pronaos). One of them had to be expanded over time to accommodate a sarcophagus in the building. There is an opinion that the shrine of the temple was built specifically for the patron who sponsored the construction.
10. Syntagma or Constitution Square
Constitution Square in Athens
Syntagma is often called Constitution Square. Tourists who have not figured out what to see in Athens come here first of all. All travelers get to this place, as it is located in the very heart of the city.
The square has its own attraction. On its territory there is a unique monument dedicated to the unknown soldier. Here you can also see the guards of the National Guard, who perform the duties of sentries. All of them are dressed in the national military uniform of Greece. Every hour there is a changing of the guard – this event is very popular with tourists, as it has the appearance of a colorful performance.
The monument to the Unknown soldier on Syntagma was opened in 1932. This event took place during the celebration of Greek Independence Day. The monument was decorated with winged words that were once said by Pericles.
Athens Attractions: what else to visit while in Athens
For those who are not visiting the Greek capital for the first time, and for tourists who have more than a couple of days to explore the city, we offer options where else to go. Excursions in Athens can be booked on site or in advance, based on your financial capabilities and requirements for a guide and route.
11. Nicholas P. Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art
Cycladic Art Museum in Athens Shadowgate
One of the largest buildings housing ancient exhibits is the Nicholas P. Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art. The museum was opened in 1986, thanks to the collection of ancient Greek art, which for a long time belonged to one of the most influential families in Greece.
The collection began to be collected back in the 1960s. Nicholas and Dolly, the owners of the expensive exhibits, received permission from the Greek government for this. The collection included very rare relics, which quickly attracted the attention of scientists. After Nicholas’s death, it was handed over to the government. Then it was decided to create a museum based on these exhibits.
The main collection of Athens attractions is divided into three parts, which differ from each other in their direction. The museum was created with the aim of introducing people to the ancient culture of Cyprus and the Aegean Sea. Today, lectures and seminars are held within the walls of this building. People come here to take part in exciting projects and research.
Official website: https://www.cycladic.gr
12. National Garden in Athens
The National Garden in Athens Sjaak Kempe
In the city center, you can see a luxurious park, which is marked in the guidebooks as a National Garden. Many people call it Royal. That’s because the garden was planted in honor of Queen Amalia. This event took place in 1939. The attention of travelers in this park is attracted not only by the picturesque nature and dozens of amazing plants. Among them, ancient columns and mosaics are successfully located, which have slightly lost their original appearance. In the south of this Athens landmark there are busts of talented poets who glorified Greece.
Luxurious trees and bushes of the garden surround the Parliament building from almost all sides. Guards are constantly on duty next to him.
The National Garden boasts that it has planted more than 15 thousand different species of plants. The park is constantly being cared for, so that it does not lose its attractive appearance. There is even a living area in the garden. Visitors to this place can freely observe birds and animals through a mesh fence.
Official website: https://www.cityofathens.gr
13. Kesariani Monastery
Kesariani Monastery in Athens RolandStuehmer
The Kesariani Monastery is located to the east of the city, hidden from outsiders by a high stone fence. This ancient Orthodox shrine is included in the list of places recommended for those who have not yet decided what to see in Athens.
The exact date of the monastery’s foundation is unknown to anyone. Archaeologists suggest that it could have been built in the XI century. The shrine now remains in the ownership of the Orthodox Church. For a long time, the monastery was considered the most important cultural and religious center for the Greeks. In the modern world, it has also been awarded the title of the most interesting architectural monument belonging to the Middle Ages.
The structure has the appearance of a cross temple, the dome of which is supported by four Ionic columns. They are left over from the sanctuary that existed in this place in antiquity.
Official website: https://odysseus.culture.gr
14. Adrian’s Library
The walls of Hadrian’s Library in Athens
In 132 BC, Emperor Hadrian issued a decree to build a library, which today is an important historical monument of Greece. It is located in the north of the Acropolis.
After Hadrian’s library was completely built, it became known as one of the most beautiful buildings in Athens. The building had a courtyard, which housed a luxurious swimming pool. The library was surrounded by a huge number of columns around the perimeter.
Thousands of valuable books were stored in this Athens landmark. Also, special rooms were built in advance in the library, which served as reading rooms and classrooms for teaching lectures. There was a market square next to the library during the heyday of the Ottoman Empire. There were several churches on its territory that have not survived to the present day.
Official website: https://odysseus.culture.gr
15. Standing (stoa) Attala
Stoa Attalos in Athens
There is another interesting attraction on the Athenian Agora – the Attala Stand. The structure was built and presented as a dear gift to the inhabitants of Athens on behalf of King Attalom, who received his education here. This building was named in his honor.
The landmark differs significantly in its huge size from other buildings that are located on the territory of Athens. It covers an area of 115×20 m. Limestone and marble were used as building materials.
When creating the monument, different architectural orders were applied. The colonnade, located outside, is made in the Doric order, but the inner one is in the Ionic order.
The Herul tribe destroyed the structure in 267. Its reconstruction was started only in 1950. The Rockefeller family paid all the expenses for these works. Since that time, the building has served as the museum of the Agora.
16. The Parthenon
View of the Acropolis hill, crowned with the Parthenon in honor of the goddess Athena
The Parthenon is an ancient temple, which can be safely assigned the status of the main symbol of Athens and Greece as a whole. Along with other structures included in the Acropolis of Athens, this monument adds to the World Heritage list. Proudly towering at the very top of the Acropolis, the Parthenon is perfectly visible from anywhere in the city. The idea of erecting a sanctuary came about 2.5 millennia ago to the Athenian reformer Pericles, who commissioned the famous craftsmen of that time to design and erect a monumental structure. For the construction of the Parthenon, only the best materials were brought from all over the country — snow-white marble, ivory, gold, cypress wood, and many thousands of slaves participated in the construction. Only the western wall remains of the original structure today, but even these ruins are now the pride of the Athenians and testify to the former greatness of the magnificent temple.
Official website: https://odysseus.culture.gr
17. Erechtheion
The famous portico of the Caryatids on the southern facade of the Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens
You can say that you have not seen Ancient Greece unless you have visited the ruins of at least one of the ancient monuments of Athens. A striking example of ancient Greek architecture is the Erechtheion, one of the main temples in ancient Athens. It was built in the 5th century BC and is considered one of the most valuable architectural monuments of the Greek capital. But unlike other ancient buildings, the Erechtheion has an unusual architecture for those times — it is relatively small and looks more like an apartment building than a sanctuary. The asymmetry of its facade is primarily due to the relief of the soil, as well as the abundance of sanctuaries that were located here in the old days. The temple is made in the Ionic style, its eastern part is dedicated to the goddess Athena, the western part is dedicated to the god Poseidon. During the Byzantine rule, a Christian chapel was located within these walls, but in the 17th century the temple was severely damaged by the attack of Venetian troops. The remains of the wreckage can now be seen in the Acropolis Museum.
Official website: https://odysseus.culture.gr
18. Odeon of Herod Atticus
Top view of the Odeon of Herod Attica on the southern slope of the Acropolis Carole Raddato
Another striking monument of antiquity in Athens is located on the southern slope of the Acropolis — the Odeon of Herod Atticus, which was built by a noble Athenian in the 2nd century AD. In fact, this is an ancient theater, and the most amazing thing is that this building is still used for its intended purpose — large-scale concerts, performances and other theatrical productions are regularly held on the open-air stage. The most famous artists take it as an honor to perform on the stage of the Odeon! The Odeon was originally dedicated to the deceased wife of Herod Atticus and was intended for music-related events. Its huge auditorium for almost 5,000 people was cut right into the rock of the Acropolis, the building itself was large and luxurious, and sculptures of members of the royal court of Herod towered on both sides of the stage. Nowadays, an annual music festival is held on the stage of the Odeon, and in the evenings magnificent lighting is projected on the walls and stage of the theater, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Official website: https://odysseus.culture.gr
19. Dionysus Theatre
The current state of the Theater of Dionysus of the 5th century BC in the southeastern part of the Acropolis
The ancient capital of Greece attracts lovers of antiquity with its archaeological sites and unique cultural sites. In order to get a complete picture of the country’s national heritage during the trip, it is worth choosing the most famous cultural monuments of Athens, one of which is the Dionysus Theater, the oldest building that appeared in the 5th century BC. The entire world history of theatrical art originated once on these stages – it was here that the works of the greatest representatives of ancient Greek drama and literature — Sophocles, Aeschylus, Aristophanes, etc. were presented to the audience. The ancient theater once housed more than 17 thousand spectators, and the stage performances unfolded directly in the open air, since the size of the structure did not allow the roof to be erected. Excavations around the theater are still underway today, and more and more new details of ancient buildings are regularly discovered.
20. The Tower of the Winds
Octagonal Tower of Winds made of Pendelian marble on the territory of the Roman Agora
At the very foot of the Acropolis there is an elegant octagonal structure of the 1st century BC — an ancient weather station, or Tower of the Winds. Its main purpose for many centuries has been to determine the direction of the wind and time. The 12-meter marble tower is crowned by a conical ceramic roof, and at the top there was once a weather vane in the form of a triton – a mythical creature in whose hand there was a wand indicating the direction of the wind. All corners of the tower are oriented strictly to the cardinal directions, and inside it used to be a clepsydra — a water clock, where time intervals were measured by drops flowing from a special vessel. For sunny days, other clocks worked on the tower, which allowed you to know the time by the position of the shadow falling on them. To this day, 8 tower bas—reliefs depicting allegories of the winds have been preserved – by looking at them, it was possible to determine what kind of wind was blowing and what to expect from the weather.
21. Kerameikos
Archaeological excavations of the ancient city cemetery of Kerameikos in Athens
A week in Athens is already enough time to move away from the center and go beyond the ancient city walls surrounding old Athens. What to see in 7 days from the monuments of antiquity? Right behind the Long Walls is the ancient Kerameikos district, where the best masters of pottery once settled. There was also an ancient cemetery, where burials were carried out until the 16th century. The early burials were huge monuments and entire complexes of underground tombs equipped under the hills. Over time, these mournful hills stretched out in a string, forming a Holy Path. And on the north side of Keramikos, the Dromos road led to Plato’s Academy — local soldiers, heroes and great statesmen were buried here. Excavations of the ancient cemetery and pottery settlement began in the 19th century, and most of the objects found today can be viewed at the National Archaeological Museum.
22. Benaki Museum
The exhibition hall of the Benaki Museum in the Benakis family mansion in Athens Wolf Gang
Some lovers of tranquility prefer to go to Athens in the “low season”, free from the influx of tourists — for example, in early spring. What to see in Athens in March, when rainy and cool weather does not yet allow you to take a walk in the open air? One of the best solutions is to visit the Benaki Museum, where the richest collection of Antonis Benakis is located. The museum presents a huge number of unique, interesting things, most of which are archaeological finds dating back to the Paleolithic period. Exhibitions are devoted not only to Greek but also to some other cultures — sculptures, icons, jewelry, paintings, dishes and other exhibits are on display here. The building of the complex itself can also be called a landmark — it is a luxurious 19th-century house in neoclassical style, once owned by the famous entrepreneur Benakis.
Official website: https://www.benaki.org
23. Numismatic Museum
Numismatic Museum in the former mansion of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in Athens Dimboukas
One of the most famous museums in the Greek capital is the numismatic Museum, which has a valuable collection of ancient medals, coins, scales, valuable stones found as a result of excavations. It houses more than half a million exhibits, dating from the 14th century BC to the present day. The museum building is a beautiful mansion that once belonged to a German archaeologist named Schliemann. The collection, which in terms of the number of exhibits allows the museum to occupy the first places in the world ranking, has been accumulating within these walls since 1834. The main hall of the museum is named after the former owner of the mansion — there are beautiful tapestries dedicated to the private life of the archaeologist. On the second floor there is an exposition dedicated to research in the field of numismatics — highlights the moments of how valuable coins are made and forged. In the other halls, coins, medals and other similar items are displayed directly.
24. Military Museum
A collection of weapons on display at the Military Museum in Athens Tilemahos Efthimiadis
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Airplanes are part of the Open-air Military Museum in Athens hdaniel
Greece is a great civilization with a rich military history. Therefore, a large museum in Athens is dedicated to the art of war, which allows you to get acquainted with weapons, uniforms and other attributes that have been used in military operations for centuries, from antiquity to the present day. The very idea of creating such a museum appeared in the 60s of the last century, when it was decided to perpetuate the memory of all the brave soldiers who laid down their lives for the independence of their country. A site in the center of Athens was chosen to accommodate the museum complex, ideally suited for these purposes — a former military camp was once located here. Within the walls of the museum, you can see legendary weapons, study the places of the most important battles on maps, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of uniforms from different times. In a separate exhibition, located in the open air, you can see guns, shells and military equipment.
Official website: https://www.warmuseum.gr
25. The armored cruiser Georgios Averof
The Georgios Averof Cruiser Museum is permanently parked in the harbor of Palio Faliro in the suburbs of Athens
The armored cruiser Georgios Averof, which once glorified the history of the Greek navy, is now a museum on the water, moored in one of the Athens harbors. The construction of the ship in 1911 cost a cosmic sum, but a modern and powerful vessel appeared at that time, armored, fast and well equipped, developing speeds of up to 23 knots. The ship took part in many military operations. During the First Balkan War, the cruiser fought the first battles with Turkey, and being the most equipped ship in her squadron, she played a crucial role in the battles off Cape Elli. During the First World War, Averof was part of the Allied squadron and took part in military operations against Germany. In World War II, he defended Allied convoys in the Indian Ocean. He retired in 1952, and in the 80s he was subject to restoration repairs, after which he was put on permanent parking as a museum.
26. Athens Academy of Sciences
Statues of ancient Greek gods – Athena and Apollo in front of the Athenian Academy of Sciences Dimboukas
Contrary to popular belief, the best sights of Athens are not only the remains of the former greatness of ancient buildings, but also modern institutions, including the Athens Academy of Sciences, the largest scientific and research institution in the whole country. Its origin occurred on the basis of the oldest academy, founded by Plato himself in the 4th century BC. The new institution was organized in 1926, and its charter divided the work of the Academy into several main areas: natural sciences, political sciences, art and morality. Today, dozens of research centers and research departments operate under the leadership of the Academy, and in 2002, at the initiative of the Academy, the Biomedical Research Foundation was established. Every year, the Academy graduates specialists who have been creating and creating works within these walls for almost a hundred years.
Official website: https://www.academyofathens.gr
27. Guard of honor at the grave of the Unknown Soldier
Guard of honor at the grave of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square in Athens Andy Hay
In the heart of Athens there is the Grave of the Unknown Soldier — a monument to all the fighters who once fell in battles for their country. On one of the walls of the stele are inscribed the names of the states with which Greece has been at war for three millennia. This memorial is guarded day and night by evzones — soldiers of the Presidential Guard, symbolizing the courage and bravery of the Greek nation. I must say, high demands are placed on evzones — they must have excellent physical shape, height of at least 1.87 m and, in general, attractive appearance. Evzones are distinguished by both a unique shape and a special step. Every hour, a guard change takes place at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier, and on Sundays a special ceremony is held — the entire regiment of 120 guards marches along the parade ground in full dress uniforms to the sound of the orchestra.
28. Church of Panagia Kapnikarei
Panagia Kapnikarea Church on the most commercial and expensive Ermou street in the center of Athens Dimorsitanos
The temple of Kapnikarei is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in Athens. It is also one of the most colorful, especially against the background of modern structures surrounding it from different sides. It is located on Ermu, a busy city street where there is noise and bustle, but once you get inside the church, you get a feeling of being in a completely different dimension — an atmosphere of silence and solitude reigns here. Despite its small size, Kapnikarea is one of the largest Byzantine sanctuaries in the capital. The church was built back in the 11th century on the foundation of another ancient temple dedicated to the goddess, but it is no longer known which one. Architecturally, it is a cross-domed temple consisting of 3 main parts. It is worth paying attention to the masonry of its walls, made in the “cloisonne” technique, when stones and bricks, alternating, were laid out in the form of a cross.
29. Daphne Monastery
The Byzantine monastery of Daphne in the picturesque laurel grove in Greece
11 kilometers northwest of Athens is another ancient temple, which can be seen directly from the Elefsis highway. The monastery of Dafni can be called the most impressive Byzantine monastery, a true pearl of Byzantine art. Since ancient times, an altar to Apollo of Daphnia has been located here, and the name itself once came from the lavishly growing laurels here — in Greek, this plant sounds like “daphne”. The main temple of the monastery, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is decorated with wonderful Byzantine mosaics of the 11th-12th centuries. In antiquity, the monastery also passed by the Sacred Road from Athens to the ancient city of Elefsis, where spring and harvest festivals were regularly held. The monastery itself was built in the 6th century, and the stones of the ancient pagan sanctuary, which was once located on this site, were used in the construction.
Official website: https://odysseus.culture.gr
30. Lycabettus
A steep, rocky, conical hill rises above the city blocks of Athens
The low 300-meter Lycabettus hill in the northeastern part of Athens, although not distinguished by its impressive height, is still the best observation deck, which offers a wonderful panorama of the entire city – here from a height you can see the majestic Acropolis, the Parthenon and even the more distant port of Piraeus. People come here to admire the sunset, see the ceremony of lowering the national flag, relax in local restaurants and cafes with excellent views. Lycabettus has not one, but two peaks — a temple stands on the upper peak, and a theater on the lower one. By the way, many prominent world celebrities have performed on the stage of the theater for decades. And the temple is the chapel of St. George, built at the junction of the 11th and 12th centuries. No less interesting is the way up the hill — you can make it on a funicular that transports passengers not above ground, but through an underground tunnel.
31. Filopappa Hill
Monument to Philopappus on the hill of the Muses (Philopappos hill) in Athens Wolfgang Moroder.
If the format of standard excursions to well—known places is already pretty boring, and the tourist crowd is not to your liking, then it’s time to visit other secret places in Athens – secluded corners of the city where you rarely meet visitors. One of these places is the observation deck on Philopappa Hill, which offers views of the Acropolis, the Argolis Mountains, the Saronic Gulf, Lycabettus Hill, the sea, urban neighborhoods and even the island of Salamis. This is a picturesque hill covered with coniferous vegetation, where the air itself is filled with the aromas of fragrant resin. There are no restaurants or any signs of civilization here. At the foot of Philopappus there is a small cave, which in the popular consciousness has long been known as the prison of Socrates — it is believed that it was here that the famous philosopher spent his last days after the verdict. And the hill owes its name to the great benefactor Philopappus, whose monument crowns the top of the hill.
32. Plaka
The area of Plaka at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens Stephanie Costa
A walk through the central part of Athens near the Acropolis gives you the opportunity to see the Temple of Zeus, or rather the remains of the once snow-white colonnade of the temple, which have survived to the present day. The oldest district of Plaka stretches along the eastern slope of the Acropolis, most of the streets of which are pedestrian, closed to automobile traffic, and most of the centuries—old buildings are built on the foundations of earlier, ancient structures. A few decades ago, nightlife was in full swing here, discos and bars worked, and not so long ago the Greek authorities decided to close entertainment establishments and make Plaka a quiet fashionable area, and today luxury jewelry stores, expensive boutiques and souvenir shops get along here. The proximity to the Acropolis makes Plaka a real tourist Mecca, and walking along its narrow streets in the evening allows you to see the area transformed in the light of a fascinating illumination.
33. Monastiraki Market
The streets of Monastiraki Flea Market are popular among tourists in Athens Brian Jeffery Beggerly
A place popular with shopping enthusiasts is located next to Plaka and is called Monastiraki. It will not be difficult to find this market — life is bustling here at any time of the day or night, but Sunday is considered the best day, when the shopping malls are filled with art and antiques from private collections, jewelry, medals and other valuable things. The rest of the time, there are invariably small shops selling furs, board games, Byzantine icons, valuable figurines and various souvenir paraphernalia. It is not difficult to guess that the very name of the market comes from the word “monastery” and there must be sacred historical sites somewhere nearby. There is indeed a temple in the vicinity, which was both a Catholic and an Orthodox church, and now a retail space is equipped within these walls.
34. Attica Zoo
A show featuring dolphins and sea lions at the Attica Zoo in Greece Dimitris Kamaras
Athens Attica Zoo, located in the suburbs, has been recognized by the public since its opening in 2000. Initially, it was a large poultry farm, which contained about 350 species of birds. Later, the park began to expand, aviaries with livestock appeared — goats, pigs, sheep, horses, a year later reptiles, African animals, primates and large representatives of the feline family were brought in. So the zoo has grown to a huge territory of 20 hectares, which is inhabited by about 2 thousand individuals of various animals. Today, in addition to the above—mentioned animals, you can find a rare species of wild donkeys – Somali, as well as camels, deer, zebras, anteaters, lemurs, macaques and gibbons. There are even marine mammals — seals and dolphins. Guests of the zoo can relax in the cafe located here, and buy a souvenir at a local shop.
Official website: https://www.atticapark.com
35. Flisvos Marina Harbor
Panorama of the famous Marina of Flisvos with luxury yachts and sailing boats in Athens
The largest, well-equipped harbor of Flisvos Marina has been the hallmark of the city for more than one year. Today it boasts 3 hundred newest berths, most of which are designed for large yachts longer than 30 meters. Located just 6 kilometers from the center, this place is very popular for leisurely walks along the coast and a measured rest in local restaurants and entertainment complexes. There are a number of shops, walking alleys, and parking for hundreds of cars. And the Flisvos harbor also plays the role of a starting point for traveling to many historical sites, cultural sites and events, because a variety of tourist transport starts from here. Among other things, it is a starting point for sea travelers setting off to explore the nearby Greek islands — there are thousands of them here!
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