Top 20 Must-See Attractions in Athens Including Map

An impressive structure dominates a hill overlooking the city. Temples dedicated to Greek gods and other remnants from antiquity adorn the entire city. Historical theaters have witnessed the writing of history. In Athens, one sight follows another - no sightseeing tour here is dull!

Capitals have a particularly strong allure for travelers. This is true for Athens, the capital of Greece. It's no wonder that the largest city in the country acts as a major magnet for tourists: there are numerous historical landmarks in Athens! They leave visitors in awe, narrating stories from antiquity to the present, and taking you on a journey through time. We present to you the top 20 attractions in Athens that you shouldn't miss on your city trip. To prepare perfectly, you'll find opening hours, ticket prices, important information, and tips for each attraction here. This way, you save time, which you can use for exciting sightseeing tours in Athens.

If you are visiting the Greek metropolis for the first time, the Acropolis should be your first stop when it comes to attractions in Athens. Powerful, impressive, and a masterpiece of antiquity - the Acropolis is one of the most important buildings from ancient times. It was built between 464 and 406 BC and thus serves as a significant witness to history. Acropolis literally means 'the upper city' and refers to the hill where the fortified complex of a city is situated.

Initially, the Acropolis in Athens served as a fortress before it became a temple complex to honor the Greek gods. Significant structures within the Acropolis include the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea. The Parthenon, a massive temple made of marble, was said to have housed a powerful statue of the goddess Athena according to legends. The Erechtheion honored not only the goddess Athena but also other deities and practiced rituals. The Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of Victory, has been reconstructed and restored several times. The Propylaea forms the remarkable gate to the Acropolis. This gateway was built between 437 and 432 BC. With all the structures that now exist only as ruins, the Acropolis towers over Athens and should be at the very top of your sightseeing list during a city trip to the capital of Greece. You can learn more about this impressive landmark of the city in a dedicated article about the Acropolis in Athens.

Vacation Guru Tip: If you're in Athens during the summer, it's best to visit the Acropolis and its impressive structures in the morning hours when it's not too hot. You should also view the city's landmark from a distance, for example, from Mount Filopappou - it provides a clearer view of the entire structure.

Athens 105 58, Greece

Tickets for the Acropolis start at €12.90.

The opening hours of the Acropolis in Athens vary by season based on daylight conditions:

Important Info: When visiting the Acropolis in Athens, smoking and consuming food and beverages are prohibited. You are on sacred ground.

All theater enthusiasts must make a visit to Athens, as the Theater of Dionysus is the birthplace of drama and tragedy. The most important theater in Greece is located near the Acropolis, on the southern slope of the Acropolis hill. For those who wish to delve into the beginnings and history of dramas and much more, the Theater of Dionysus should not just be viewed from the Acropolis. Head into the seating area and feel what it must have been like during the world premieres of many dramas that took place here. Writers like Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles showcased their tragedies here.

The theater is named after Dionysus, the god of wine, ecstasy, joy, and madness. In his honor, the Dionysia, a grand theater festival, was held annually. Performances of plays, songs, and dances, along with sacrifices, provided plenty of entertainment for the audience. The Theater of Dionysus dates back to the 5th century BC and initially served as a sacred building. Today, you can only see the ruins of the theater, which also hosted bloody gladiatorial battles in ancient times. Step into the footsteps of ancient Greek theater and experience the atmosphere that these ruins exude.

Vacation Guru Tip: On certain days of the year, you can visit the Theater of Dionysus for free: March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend in September, October 28, and every first Sunday of the month from November to March.

Mitseon 25, Athina 117 42, Greece

Admission to the Theater of Dionysus is included with the Acropolis ticket.

The Theater of Dionysus is open from April to October from 8 AM to 7 PM and from November to March from 8:30 AM to 3 PM.

The Acropolis itself is among the must-see attractions in Athens and all of Greece. If you want to see what the city hill looked like eons ago, what was there, and why it was so important, you cannot miss the Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis Museum is now housed in a new building that opened on June 20, 2009. All exhibits and displays from the old museum had to move to this building, which beautifully merges antiquity and modernity. The new Acropolis Museum is equipped with the necessary technology to illuminate its exhibits and artifacts perfectly. The building features four stories, each dedicated to different periods and exhibits.

At the Acropolis Museum, you can also see the well-known buildings of the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea, and the Erechtheion. On the third floor, a film about the Parthenon plays on a loop, allowing you to soak up a wealth of new knowledge. Particularly fascinating are the glass panels in the floor outside the building showcasing excavations and revealing what was once at that location. The Acropolis Museum is located at the foot of the Acropolis and is easily accessible by public transportation. If you take Metro Line 2, you can ride to the Acropolis station and find yourself right at the new museum building.

Vacation Guru Tip: The Athens City Pass includes admission to the Acropolis Museum (and many other attractions in Athens).

Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece

Admission costs €20, reduced €10.

The opening hours of the Acropolis Museum vary depending on the summer or winter season.

Important Info: Closed on January 1, Orthodox Easter Sunday, May 1, December 25, and December 26.

In the heart of the city, you find one of Athens' most important landmarks: Syntagma Square. There's always something happening here, as the city's most significant square is popular among both locals and tourists. The current parliament building, which was once a royal palace, is situated here. Syntagma Square was established in 1837 and declared Syntagma Square (meaning Constitution Square) in 1843 when former King Otto agreed to a constitutional monarchy after an uprising. However, not only due to this revolution has history been written here in the square. When the financial crisis hit Greece, many demonstrations and uprisings took place here, attracting global media attention.

Much of the life in Athens unfolds at Syntagma Square, making it a popular event venue. For instance, the annual Athens Christmas Market takes place here, creating a wonderful atmosphere that holiday fans must experience. But even when no events are taking place, the square is a must-visit. The two green spaces with their trees create a lovely oasis in this historic square. After soaking it all in, you can head to the famous shopping street of Ermou, which begins at Syntagma Square. Alternatively, you might explore other attractions in Athens, as the historic square serves as a hub for buses, metro, and trams.

Vacation Guru Tip: If you find yourself in Athens on a Sunday, make sure to be at Syntagma Square by 11 AM. Every Sunday at this time, you can witness the parade of the former royal guards.

Pl. Sintagmatos, Athina 105 63, Greece

If you want to see one of the most historically significant neighborhoods in Athens, your path leads directly to Plaka, the old town of Athens. This district has a unique charm, bringing the ancient past back to life and giving you a sense of what life was like here long ago.

During the day, you can stroll through the narrow and romantic streets and simply soak in the enchantment. Be sure to check out the restored parts of the city, where Athenians also enjoy going to savor life. Find a cozy restaurant with a view of the Acropolis towering over the neighborhood and indulge in delicious Greek delights. In Plaka, you'll find great souvenir shops where you can buy mementos for those back home. There are also boutiques where you can pick up some new clothes. In the evening, Plaka gets lively. Locals and vacationers come here to enjoy a glass of Greek wine on warm summer nights.

Vacation Guru Tip: Every Sunday, the Monastiraki Flea Market takes place in Plaka. Here, you can find trinkets, as well as art and antiques.

Athens 105 58, Greece

In the 2,000-year-old marketplace of the city, the Agora, Athenian life unfolded. It served as a place for commerce, discussions, and elections, as well as a social hub to meet, connect, and meet new people.

You can delve even deeper into ancient Greece by viewing the well-preserved structures. These include the Temple of Hephaestus, which is considered one of the best-preserved temples in all of Greece. The Orchestra was the city's venue at the time until this role was taken over by the Theater of Dionysus. Today, you can see competitive monuments there. Among the excavations, you'll also find the Altar of the Twelve Gods, remains of the Temple of Ares, which didn't always stand in the Agora, and many other historical witnesses.

Vacation Guru Tip: If you want to save on admission fees while sightseeing in Athens, be sure to visit the Athenian Agora on days with free entry. These are the following days: March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend in September, and October 28.

Adrianou 24, Athina 105 55, Greece

Admission to the Agora typically costs €10; reduced €5.

The opening hours are daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The last admission is at 4:40 PM. The Athenian Agora is closed on January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25, and 26.

Near the Acropolis is the Olympeion, also known as the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It was one of the largest and most important temples of ancient Greece. At the excavation site, you can see 15 columns of imposing size: they stand 17 meters tall! The construction of the Olympeion began as early as 550 BC but was not completed until the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. Pentelic marble, a historically significant type of marble from which many other ancient buildings in Athens are made, was used as construction material. Follow the traces of antiquity and be impressed by the majestic structure.

Vacation Guru Tip: If you want to enjoy an extraordinary view of the Temple of Zeus and the surrounding districts, head to Lycabettus, the city hill of Athens.

Athens 105 57, Greece

Admission costs €6, reduced €3.

The opening hours are daily from 8 AM to 3 PM.

Info: Admission to the Olympeion is included in the Athens City Pass.

About a kilometer away from Syntagma Square is Monastiraki. If you enjoy vibrant scenes, this is the right place for you. Right in the heart of Athens, with a view of the impressive Acropolis, you can shop to your heart's content. Monastiraki is one of the most popular shopping districts in Athens. From the large Monastiraki Square, many narrow alleys branch off.

You'll find boutiques with designer brands as well as shops offering affordable fashion. Additionally, there are souvenir shops filled with keepsakes of every kind. Nearby, a lively flea market takes place every Sunday. But there's also something interesting to see. Check out the Pantanassa Church with its beautiful interior decorations and the Tzistarakis Mosque. The ruins of Hadrian's Library, built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, are also worth a visit. After exploring the former commercial center of Athens, you can sit in a bar or restaurant in Monastiraki and watch the colorful hustle and bustle in peace.

Athens 105 55, Greece

Museums are always a popular must-see on a city trip, and the National Archaeological Museum in Athens is no exception. Here, Greek antiquity is the focus, and thousands of exhibits take you on a journey into the past. There is a permanent exhibition as well as special exhibitions throughout the year, for which three rooms in the building are reserved.

The permanent exhibition features a total of 49 rooms where you can admire numerous objects from various periods and regions of Greece. The most visited museum in Athens includes the following departments: Prehistoric Collection, Sculpture, Bronze, Vases and Minor Arts, Jewelry, Glass Collection, and many other collections of historical artifacts. A small section of the National Archaeological Museum even dedicates itself to Egyptian art. In this wonderful museum, you can spend a lot of time, and even those who are not art enthusiasts or familiar with Greek antiquity should take a look at the collections. It's worth it.

Vacation Guru Tip: On special days, you will not need to pay admission to the National Archaeological Museum. Free admission applies on March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend in September, October 28, and every first Sunday of the month (November to March).

28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece

In the peak season from April to October, admission costs €12; during the off-season from November to March, it's €6.

The opening hours vary by season. The museum is closed on December 25-26, February 1, March 25, Orthodox Easter Sunday, and May 1.

To fully capture a city in all its facets, size, and beauty, many travelers seek the perfect viewpoint. In Athens, this is undoubtedly Lycabettus. From here, you enjoy not only an impressive view of the Olympeion but also a 360-degree panoramic view of Athens.

Lycabettus is the city's home mountain and is even slightly higher than the Acropolis at 277 meters. If you are physically fit, we recommend climbing Lycabettus on foot. The ascent can be somewhat strenuous, but you will be rewarded with beautiful views. Alternatively, you can take the funicular, which takes you up and back down again. The ride takes about three minutes. Once at the top, besides the stunning view, you'll find the small chapel of Saint George. If you feel hungry after your climb, you can sit on the terrace of the restaurant next to the church. Definitely visit Lycabettus when the skies are clear and sunny. The view is far more impressive than when the sky is cloudy and visibility is limited.

Vacation Guru Tip: If you want the ultimate view of Athens, visit Lycabettus at sunrise or sunset. It's an unforgettable experience!

277 meters high in Kolonaki, Athens

The funicular operates year-round from 9 AM to 1:30 AM. It departs at least every 30 minutes, and during peak times, every 10 minutes. A round trip costs €12, a one-way ticket €9. You can purchase tickets on-site at one of the machines (cash only). The starting point is at the intersection of Ploutarchou and Aristippou streets in Kolonaki.

At the Acropolis, besides the Theater of Dionysus, there is another theater that is considered an important landmark in Athens: the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It is located at the foot of the Acropolis and is considered the oldest odeon in the world. An odeon is a building constructed in antiquity for musical events and other functions. Even today, regular music events take place in this ancient amphitheater.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is the venue for the Athens Festival, also known as the Athens & Epidavros Festival. It is the largest festival in the city - culture, music, and dance take center stage here from June to September. The well-preserved amphitheater can seat nearly 5,000 spectators. It was once donated by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla.

You can view the Odeon of Herodes Atticus for free from the outside. However, a visit inside the ancient amphitheater is definitely worthwhile. Buy the ticket for the Acropolis that includes admission to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Alternatively, before your trip to Athens, check if concerts or the Athens Festival will take place during your visit. Book your tickets and experience a concert in an unparalleled atmosphere.

Areopagitou Dionisiou, Athina 105 55, Greece

Admission to the theater is included in the tickets for the Acropolis.

If you want to journey through the various epochs of Greece's history and culture, you should visit the Benaki Museum. The largest private museum in the country is located near Syntagma Square and across from the National Garden. The museum is housed in the old villa of the Benaki family, and its exterior is a visual delight. Inside, you will discover a wide array of exhibits from antiquity to modern Greece. In addition to this permanent exhibition at the Benaki Museum, there are often changing exhibits from various artists. So, when you visit the Benaki Museum, be sure to check out which temporary exhibitions are on display. There's sure to be something that piques your interest.

The museum has many other annexes, some located in different streets of Athens. This includes the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art near the Athenian Agora, the Toy Museum in Villa Kouloura on Poseidon Street, and the Historical Archives in the Delta House in the suburb of Kifissia.

Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74, Greece

Admission tickets for the museum cost €12, reduced €9. Additional ticket prices for temporary exhibitions range from €8 to €10.

The opening hours for the Benaki Museum and its numerous annexes vary. Here you can find the current opening hours.

There are Hadrian's arches all over the world, and one stands in Athens as well. When you visit the Olympeion in Athens, you will also pass by Hadrian's Gate. This monumental arch, made of exquisite Pentelic marble, serves as a monument in honor of Emperor Hadrian and remains well preserved as one of the most important landmarks in Athens.

The construction began in 131 AD, and the gate was inaugurated in 132 AD. Why was it built in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian? Hadrian was a great friend and supporter of Greece, especially Athens. He expanded the city, and the Hadrian's Gate, built in Roman style, served as the gateway from the old city founded by Theseus to the new city established by Hadrian. This is also the basis of the two inscriptions on Hadrian's Gate. To the direction of the Acropolis, it reads: 'This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus.' In the other direction towards the temple, it states: 'This is the city of Hadrian, not of Theseus.' If you want to capture one of the most popular photo motifs in Athens, you simply cannot miss Hadrian's Gate. The 18-meter-high arch was already an important city landmark in ancient times.

Important Info: You can only access Hadrian's Gate through the Olympeion.

Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias, Athina 105 57, Greece

For those who are familiar with the Olympic Games and have a general interest in sports, the following sight in Athens is perfect: the Panathenaic Stadium. But even for all other travelers, the stadium is a highlight of the city trip. It was the venue for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

The horseshoe-shaped structure shines entirely in white marble and was built on the site of an earlier Greek stadium. The Panathenaic Stadium isn't just one of the largest structures in Athens, but it also ranks among the oldest stadiums in the world. Today, very few sports events or occasional concerts are held here. However, every year, the athletes of the Athens Marathon cross the finish line here. Ascend the steep and numerous seating areas - the stadium can hold around 50,000 spectators! Let the atmosphere wash over you and imagine the sporting competitions that took place here - you'll feel right in the midst of it. You can access a museum through the stands that holds many more details about the modern Olympic Games.

Vacation Guru Tip: Definitely take the audio guide. You'll learn all the major and minor stories about this impressive stadium.

Vasileos Konstantinou, Athina 116 35, Greece

€5, reduced €2.50; free admission for people with disabilities and children under 6 years of age. Admission includes the audio guide, which you should definitely use.

The opening hours vary by season.

If you want to add some impressive nature to your city trip, visit the National Garden. The Ethnikos Kipos is located near Syntagma Square and offers you the chance to take a deep breath and gather new experiences.

The former royal garden has been open to the public since 1923 and was renamed the National Garden in 1974. In the nearly 16-hectare park, a green oasis awaits with a rich plant world. Besides flowers, trees, palms, and more greenery, the National Garden also features a small botanical museum that tells you the history of the former palace garden and public park. Additionally, the Attica Zoological Park is located within Athens' National Garden. Approximately 2,000 animals from 400 species live here. Young travelers will surely be particularly excited about a visit to the zoo.

Vacation Guru Tip: Every June, the Athens Garden Festival takes place in the National Garden. This music festival lasts three days and admission is free.

Amalias 1, Athina 105 57, Greece

Admission is free, and you can visit the National Garden every day from sunrise to sunset.

Greece's past features a wealth of epochs through which the country has changed. A crucial period is the time when Greece belonged to the Byzantine Empire. During this time, the Christian Orthodox Church had a substantial influence, which you can recognize in the various exhibits of the Byzantine Museum. The permanent exhibition of Byzantine art is located at Villa Ilissia, where a French duchess once resided. The permanent exhibition showcases ancient icons and many other impressive artifacts. A highlight is the treasure from Lesbos, which was buried in the 7th century to protect the islanders from pirates. Additionally, the museum regularly hosts various special exhibitions. Many visitors recommend setting aside enough time for the museum visit, as there's truly a lot to see and learn. There are approximately 25,000 exhibits waiting for you.

Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias 22, Athina 106 75, Greece

€8, free admission for visitors under 18.

The Byzantine Museum is open daily from 9 AM to 4 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays and on the following dates: January 1, March 25, Easter, May 1, December 25-26.

After so much history and culture, you can indulge in a little change of pace in Athens. From Syntagma Square, you can head to pure shopping pleasure: Ermou Street. It is one of the main shopping streets of Athens. Worldwide, it ranks tenth among the most expensive shopping streets. So, be prepared for plenty of designer and luxury goods. If the vacation budget doesn't stretch to designer fashion, no problem. Many international fashion brands and chains have settled on Ermou Street, ensuring no one leaves without shopping bags. The total length of the Odos Ermou is three kilometers, and besides fashion stores and boutiques, you will also find home goods stores, jewelers, restaurants, bars, and everything else you wish for an unforgettable shopping experience in the pedestrian zone of Athens. You should also visit the neighboring Kolokotroni Street and Perikleaous Street, where you'll find many other shops, stores, and boutiques. Enjoy this unique sightseeing tour on Ermou Street!

Vacation Guru Tip: Try to avoid going shopping on a Saturday on Ermou Street. The crowds become denser during the Christmas season!

An indescribable atmosphere and history that couldn't be more vivid - Kerameikos must absolutely be on your list of top attractions in Athens. It is a historic cemetery that has immense significance for the city of Athens. Kerameikos is the name of the neighborhood where the so-called Kerameikos Cemetery is located. Head northwest of the Acropolis to find the most peaceful spot in Athens. This district was the former center of ceramic production, hence the name. Excavations, which have been taking place since 1923, are far from concluded, so you'll keep discovering finds from long ago. Many of these finds are housed in the National Museum, and some are exhibited in the Kerameikos Museum. Informative plaques throughout the area provide you with plenty of information about the site, the buried individuals, and burial culture. For animal lovers, Kerameikos is home to some Greek tortoises.

Vacation Guru Tip: On certain days, you can visit Kerameikos for free. This applies to the following days: March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend in September, October 28, and every first Sunday of the month from November to March.

148 Ermou, Athina 125, Greece

Admission typically costs €8, reduced €4.

In the off-season, you can visit Kerameikos daily from 8 AM to 3 PM (last entry at 2:30 PM), and in peak season from 8 AM to 7 PM (last entry at 6:30 PM).

Athens' Central Market is the ideal attraction for all you foodies out there. Also known as Varvakeios, the market takes place daily except Sundays in the market halls on Athina Street. Here, you'll experience a unique shopping vibe. If you love Greek products, you'll be in for a treat.

You might not buy any meat or fish to prepare for your Greece vacation, but you should still take a look at the offerings. The fish section has been freshly renovated and is regarded as the highlight of the Central Market. For vegetarians and vegans, the selection of fruits, vegetables, and legumes is far more appealing. You can sample delicious olives, cheese, nuts, or whatever else catches your eye. The Central Market in Athens also houses several restaurants serving Greek specialties. A visit to the Central Market is definitely worthwhile.

Vacation Guru Tip: If you want to take some photos without many other tourists in the frame, it's best to arrive early at the Central Market. The special vibe and vibrant activity develop as the hours go by.

Athinas, Athina 105 51, Greece

Admission to the Central Market is free, and the opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 6 PM.

Among the hills in Athens, the Areopagus must not be missing alongside the Acropolis and Lycabettus. The hill, standing at 115 meters, is located in the city, northwest of the Acropolis. It belongs to the list of the 20 most important sights in Athens, as it served as the meeting place for the highest council, also called Areopagus, in antiquity. The hill and the court are named after Ares. The Areopagus is now the supreme court of Greece, which no longer sits on the rock but in the palace of justice. You can visit the rock before or after your trip to the Acropolis. However, be careful climbing up the smooth and sometimes slippery rocks. Once at the top, you will overlook vast parts of the city and get a stunning impression of Athens. It's a real hidden gem in Athens for a beautiful sunset.

Vacation Guru Tip: For breathtaking sunsets, you might want to find another spot in Athens. However, if you don't mind watching a sunset with many others, the view from the Areopagus will amaze you.

Athens has a lot to offer, not only numerous noteworthy buildings and other sights but also various activities. Our favorite activities are always those that combine both.

In addition to these top 20 attractions, there are many other highlights waiting for you in Athens. However, the selection presented here should definitely find a place in your sightseeing tours during your first visit to Athens. Since the attractions in Athens are all relatively close to one another, you can take your time at each location and completely immerse yourself in Greek history. Have the top 20 attractions in Athens sparked your interest for more? We've also provided the Top 15 Attractions in Greece for you, along with suitable offers for your trip to the historic capital of Greece.

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