Things to do in Athens

Acropolis & the Parthenon

The Parthenon is one of those posts on European tourist pilgrimage route. It has to be visited. Yes, it’s quite a climb but the views are spectacular and you’ll probably spend a couple of hours up there admiring the distant Mediterranean and the backdrop of the mountains over the city. The rest of the Acropolis is pretty impressive too. The Parthenon was built in 478BC making it the oldest surviving building of classical Greece.  You can see the Elgin Marbles at the British Museum in London, which came from the Parthenon - an issue of bitter debate. 

The Plaka

Known as “the neighbourhood of the Gods” owing to its position at the foot of the Acropolis with its archaeological sites, the Plaka is the oldest part of Athens with a labyrinth of little streets and neo-classical architecture. The greatest benefit is the complete absence of cars – the streets are just too small, making walking around particularly enjoyable thus it attracts thousands of tourists every day.

Enjoy the numerous bars and restaurants playing live music along the hill, and the great food on offer. You will walk through the Plaka to reach the Acropolis so take some extra time to visit a few of the museums in the Plaka like the new Jewish Museum, the Music of Greek Folk Art, and the Athens University Museum. 

Herodes Atticus Odeon

Another must-see on the hill of the Acropolis. It can be enjoyed in the evenings by booking a ticket for a theatrical, classical music or operatic performance which happens on often in the summer. You can visit it during the day, but to be there on a balmy evening with the lights and the atmosphere of a full house is something else. There are no bad seats, but there are only 5000 which sell out quickly so buy them at the box office. 

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The Greek National Archaeological Museum

See some of the most important artefacts from the classical Greek period making it one of the world’s most important museums. It is in the Exarcheia district, about 45 minutes walk from Syntagma Square. Entry is 7 Euro, concessions 3 Euro, EU Students under 19 are allowed in for free. Opening times are 08:30 – 15:00 in the week (Tuesday – Sunday) but it opens late on Monday to close at 20:00. For full details of the museum with news of galleries visit the website at www.namuseum.gr

Mount Lycabettus

Now that you’ve visited the Acropolis to get a taste of cityscapes, try Mount Lycabettus to get even higher. This time use the funicular railway from Kolonaki. As an added incentive there’s an open-air theatre at the top. You’ll find yourself at 908 feet (233m) above sea level.

The Temple of Poseidon at Sounion

This temple is at least an hour away from Athens so the only realistic way of reaching it is by a hired car or by joining a coach tour. You’ll see why it was chosen to worship the sea – its elevation over the Mediterranean is simply perfect, its sunsets really breathtaking. Lord Byron wrote some graffiti (a Greek word, by the way) here when he visited, see if you can find it. Try visiting this link for more details on how to get out there. 

Piraeus

It is highly likely you’ll go through Piraeus en route to the Islands but visiting for the day is educational. It has a great atmosphere, making it feel like another town separate from Athens itself. The best view of Piraeus though is from the back of the ferry heading towards the next stage of your holiday. 

The Agora-Athens Central Market

Most European cities have a large market but this one is really special. Really atmospheric, it also serves as a gateway to the Athens Chinatown and the main pedestrian shopping district of Eolou Street. You’ll find the prices and the quality of the produce here impressive, not to mention the neo-classical building it's housed in. If you’re into markets, you can also visit the Monastiraki Flea Market. There’s a real buzz but also lots of pickpockets so beware.