Things to do in Athens: the must-sees and our tips

In short: climb the Acropolis early in the morning, then discover its treasures at the Acropolis Museum. Continue to the Ancient Agora, wander through Plaka and Anafiotika, browse Monastiraki and end the day at sunset on Lycabettus or Philopappos Hill. Add Cape Sounion or Delphi as a day trip.

The Acropolis

On its rock, the Acropolis has overlooked the city for more than two thousand years: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and its Caryatids, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike. Book a time slot on the official website and come at opening time: it is very hot in summer, and shade is scarce. Comfortable shoes and water are essential.

The Acropolis Museum

At the foot of the rock, this modern museum displays the original sculptures of the Acropolis, including the Caryatids, and a glass gallery facing the Parthenon. The remains of an ancient neighbourhood are visible beneath the glass floor at the entrance.

The Ancient Agora and nearby sites

• The Ancient Agora, the heart of the ancient city, with the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best preserved in Greece.
• The Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds, and Hadrian’s Library.
• The Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch.
• The Panathenaic Stadium, built entirely of marble, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games.

Plaka, Anafiotika and Monastiraki

At the foot of the Acropolis, Plaka is the city’s oldest neighbourhood, with lanes, tavernas and neoclassical houses. Just above, Anafiotika looks like a small Cycladic village, with whitewashed houses. Below, the Monastiraki flea market and the lively Psyrri area, full of bars and restaurants.

Syntagma and the changing of the guard

In front of Parliament, on Syntagma Square, the evzones, guards in traditional dress, perform the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; the Sunday morning ceremony is the most formal. Right next door, the National Garden offers a shady break.

The National Archaeological Museum

One of the world’s richest museums of ancient Greek art: the Mask of Agamemnon, bronzes, sculptures and the Antikythera mechanism.

The hills at sunset

• Lycabettus, the city’s highest point, on foot or by funicular.
• Philopappos Hill, for a view of the Acropolis.

Day trips from Athens

• Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, at sunset.
• Delphi, the sanctuary of Apollo, in a superb mountain setting.
• The Saronic islands (Aegina, Hydra), by ferry from Piraeus.

Getting around

The metro links the airport, the centre and the port of Piraeus. The historic centre is best explored on foot. From the airport, a private transfer takes you straight to your hotel.

Where to stay in Athens

Plaka and Koukaki put the Acropolis within walking distance: every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Athens. For the islands and the rest of the country, see our guide Travel in Greece.