Posted by Since this online travel guide is actually about the Greek islands, here is just a brief overview of the most important sights in the capital Athens. Quite a few island tourists spend the first or last day of their island trip in the capital. This is particularly worthwhile because of the many ancient sights in Athens that are of absolute world class.
Online tickets for Athens (entrance tickets, etc.)Many tourists now buy some tickets for Athens online in advance. The queues on site are often long, tours only take place on certain days. Below we have selected some good and important tickets for you: 1. Good Acropolis tour: More information and booking 2. Acropolis ticket only by email: More information and booking 3. Acropolis Museum entrance tickets for only 7 euros: More information and booking 4. Day tour from Athens to Delphi: More information and booking 5. Hop-on / hop-off bus city tour of Athens: More information and booking |
Acropolis
Image: B.Stefanov – Fotolia.com
The Acropolis is the absolute top attraction in the city of Athens and in all of Greece. Many people think that the Acropolis is even the most important ancient attraction in the world. Acropolis means “upper city”. The ancient city on the mountain actually consists of several attractions such as the Pantheon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Theater of Dionisos and others. There are around 20 buildings in total. The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Pantheon is the central, striking columned structure of the Acropolis of Athens. It has dominated the cityscape of Athens since the 5th century BC. Another large building in the Acropolis of Athens is the Erechtheion Temple. 13 different gods were incorporated into the architecture of the building. Another temple, the Nike Temple, was destroyed in the 17th century and only recently rebuilt (construction completed in 2010).
You can get up to the Acropolis from the center of modern Athens on a steep and, in summer, very hot footpath. A visit to the interior of the Acropolis costs around 12 euros. The opening times are daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (until 5 p.m. in winter). The money and the climb are worth it!
Plaka
The small old town of Athens is called Plaka and is between the modern center and the old Acropolis. Plaka is very touristy, if you want good and cheap Greek food, you will find better offers in other districts of the capital. There are also many souvenir shops, artists and the like. If you want to go further afield on the Greek islands, you will find more interesting and less crowded old towns on many islands than the Plaka in Athens.
Acropolis Museum
If you go left around the mountain with the Acropolis in Plaka, you will quickly come to the Acropolis Museum. The large and very modern museum is one of the most important sights in Greece. The architecturally great new museum building was only opened in 2008. It only exhibits finds from the Athenian Acropolis.
National Archaeological Museum of Greece
Even more important than the Acropolis Museum is the Greek National Museum. It was heavily occupied by an earthquake in 1999 and reopened in 2004. The National Archaeological Museum contains the most important finds from ancient Greece. It is one of the three most important archaeological museums in the world.
National Garden of Greece
For me, one of the most beautiful city parks in the world in the National Garden of Greece. The entrance is less than 100 meters from the central Syntagma Square (behind the parliament). A perfect oasis of calm in a loud and hectic city. The park is very modern and extremely well maintained.
Panathenaic Stadium
The first Olympic Games of the New City were held in the Panathenaic Stadium in the center of Athens in 1896. In 2004, when the Olympics were back in Athens, the archery and marathon events were held here.
Our top 10 sights in Athens
Things you should definitely see in Athens:
1. Acropolis
The landmark of Athens with the famous Parthenon.
The Erechtheion, the Dionysus Theater and the Propylaea are also impressive.
Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and midday heat.
Modern museum with an exceptional collection of ancient artworks from the Acropolis.
The glass floors offer insights into archaeological excavations.
3. Plaka (Old Town)
Picturesque district with narrow streets, traditional taverns, souvenir shops and neoclassical buildings.
Perfect for a relaxed stroll.
4. Ancient Agora
The center of public life in ancient Athens.
Visit the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos, which now houses a museum.
5. Monastiraki
A lively district with flea markets, shops and a mix of ancient and modern architecture.
Monastiraki Square is a perfect starting point for exploring the city.
6. Syntagma Square and Changing of the Guard
The central square of Athens with the Parliament.
Watch the changing of the guard of the Evzones (soldiers in traditional uniform) in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
A green oasis in the heart of the city, ideal for a break from the hustle and bustle.
Located right next to Syntagma Square.
The ancient stadium where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896.
Built entirely of marble and an impressive testimony to sporting history.
The highest point in Athens with a spectacular view of the city.
Accessible on foot or by funicular.
10. National Archaeological Museum
One of the most important museums in the world with an impressive collection of ancient Greek art.
Highlights: The Mask of Agamemnon and the bronze statue of Poseidon.
Do you have feedback, an addition, found an error or a comment? Send us an email to: mail@griechenland-insel.de
Our big articule about sights in Athens