Athens Attractions

Moseying around Athens, you come across historical sites, bustling markets, and cute, peaceful corners decorated by mordant street artists.

A photo showing the rock of acropolis and the Monastiraki Square in central Athens.
photo: dronepicr / CC BY 2.0

Athens Attractions

The portico of Athens' academy and two columns are topped with statues.
photo: Vanessa Linzenbold
hidden gem
#1

Academy of Athens

Athens' Academy is housed in an impressive neo-classic building, the entrance of which is modelled after ancient Greek temple. Very central. Good for pics.

An aerial view of the Acropolis Hill and Plaka in the midst of a densely populated modern Athens.
photo: Public Domain
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must visit
#2

Acropolis of Athens

A natural fortress, this hill is home to Athena's Temple, the Parthenon. It is the symbol of classical Greece and Western civilization.

The front part and the entrance of Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens.
photo: Georgios Liakopoulos / CC BY-SA 2.0
must visit
#3

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

This cultural center hosts a series of interesting events, the National Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera, and has a massive park.

Stones from ancient columns and Hephaestus temple (Thiseion) in a park with trees.
photo: Jebulon
#4

Ancient Agora of Athens

At Athens ancient marketplace you also find Hephaestus temple, an odeum, altars and statues. Best take a tour guide to know what you are looking at.

The Greek Monument to the Unknown Soldier depicts a hoplite fallen by his shield.
photo: Jebulon
#5

Monument to the Unknown Soldier

On Sundays, it's worth to watch the ceremonial change of guard at 11am. Otherwise, guards change with less pompous proceedings every hour.

An overview of the interior of the Panathenaic (Kallimarmaro) Stadium of Athens.
photo: Badseed / CC BY-SA 3.0
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#6

Panathenaic (Kallimarmaro) Stadium

The Ancient reconstructed stadium hosted sport competitions of the First Modern Olympic Games in 1896 and welcomed the UEFA Euro Champions in 2004.

The impressive entrance of St. Dionysius Catholic Cathedral.
photo: GeorgeKokkos / CC BY-SA 4.0
#7

Catholic Cathedral of St. Dionysius the Areopagite

Athens' Catholic Cathedral is a piece of neo-renaissance architecture. It first opened its doors in 1865. English Mass on Sundays at 6:30 or check online.

The Panagia Kapnikarea old church of brown shades in front of taller buildings.
photo: George E. Koronaios
#8

Panagia Kapnikarea Church

The 1050 Byzantine Kapnikarea Church is today amidst a busy commercial Ermou street. Notice how, over time, the city has grown higher around it.

An overview depicting Syntagma Square of Athens situated in front of the Greek Parliament.
photo: C messier / CC BY-SA 4.0
#9

Syntagma Square

The central Square of Athens is a transportation hub. Don't miss taking pictures of the Presidential Guard in front of the Parliament.

A picture showing white columns and other remains of the Roman Agora of Athens spread around on grassy grounds.
photo: Sekundenschlaf~commonswiki / CC BY-SA 3.0
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#10

Roman Agora of Athens

The Agora was founded around 11 BC under the Roman administration. It was a bazaar, meeting place, and a hub of social life in Roman Athens.

A dozen of columns, part of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, in a park with trees.
photo: Chrisfl (Retouched by AM) / CC BY-SA 2.5
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#11

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Founded in the 6th BC, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was among the largest in ancient Greece. An open-air walk through photogenic ruins.

Ruins of a wall and columns at Hadrian's Library, Athens.
photo: George E. Koronaios
#12

Hadrian's Library

Walking through the ruins of a Roman library is thrilling, but the place is even better lit at night. Enjoy it on your way to dinner.

The Greek Parliament's three-story neo-classical building and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
photo: Gary Todd
#13

Hellenic Parliament

Built as the Palace for Greece's King, this grandiose building was turned into the Greek Parliament in 1935. Worth a visit also for its paintings.

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