Amazing Attractions In Athens: Unmissable Landmarks And Experiences

Notably one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens has a history that spans over 3400 years. From being the hometown of great minds such as Plato and Aristotle to being the setting of historic events like the Persian Wars, the attractions in Athens are both blessed and cursed with incredible stories that make the city unmissable for once in a lifetime experiences.

The expansive Greek history and culture is so prevalent that classical buildings and architectural sites are ingrained within the modern metropolitan life of Athens, making it the perfect getaway for history buffs. Imagine walking down a street of designer shops, only to turn the corner and find yourself near the ruins of an ancient temple. It’s a surreal experience. But that’s what I love so much about the attractions in Athens – they are incredibly accessible and can be enjoyed out in the open rather than behind a velvet rope.

However, the downfall to this means that Athens has not been able to fully preserve its rich past, and much of the city is now covered in graffiti. Nevertheless, this hasn’t caused the city to lose its charm and, in several parts, the graffiti has simply become a part of the culture. Besides, the graffiti is irrelevant when you focus on the fact that every step you take connects you with something that is thousands of years old and gives you a. natural lens into humanity’s past. 

Apart from the grand architecture, the attractions in Athens are not limited to marble and stone. One of the best things about the city are the incredibly talented street artists that bring the surrounding beauty to the page, and the delicious cuisine that allows any tourist to be immersed in the local lifestyle. What batter place to indulge in Greek salad and tzatziki anyway?

Travel and Accommodation In Athens

The best time to visit Athens is in the shoulder or off-season. April-June or September-October are the months that bring you summer weather, inexpensive flights and cheaper accommodation – all without the crowds and queues. 

Like many large cities in Europe, the selection of accommodation are endless. You have access to a wide range of both local and international chain hotels. Some of these include:

• Best Western Plus Amazon Hotel
• Royal Olympic
• Elia Ermou Athens Hotel

If you do find yourself here in the peak of summer and want to cool off, check out these hotels with rooftop pools.

Eight Historic Attractions To Explore In Athens 

The Acropolis and the Parthenon

You can’t visit Athens and not see these legendary monuments. Situated on the top of a rocky hill, the Acropolis and the Parthenon are a reminder of a once glorious empire and the incredible creativity and intellect of the Ancient Greeks. Climbing to the top is not difficult and takes less than 30 minutes, but I do advise against it if you are afraid of heights. Start exploring as early in the morning as possible, before it gets too hot and crowded, so you can enjoy the city views and the architecture in peace.

The Acropolis Museum 

This small but important museum is another top attraction in Athens as it contains a large and valuable collection of Greek art and sculptures. I recommend going here at midday to escape the scorching heat and find a peaceful setting while everyone else is out for lunch. 

The National Archaeological Museum 

Athens’ National Archaeological Museum is one of the best antiquity museums in the world – and I say that as someone who gets bored of them easily. With over 11000 exhibits that offer a complete overview of the Greek civilisation, starting from the pre-historic period, your history book almost comes to life inside this building. It is also a great way to learn about Greece from one convenient and interactive space. 

Temple of Olympian Zeus aka the Olympieion

The well-known Greek landmark was the largest temple in Ancient Greece and although is not as well preserved as the Parthenon, the Olympieion is still incredibly striking with its tall marble columns and definitely worth the visit. 

Panathenaic Stadium 

The Panathenaic Stadium was opened in 566 BCE and is the only stadium in the world built entirely out of marble. The classical monument was once used to host the Panathenaic Games and more recently in the modern era, for the 1896 and 2004 Olympics. It draws attraction with architecture lovers and sports fans; imagining the roar of the crowds from millennia past and they merge with the present. Maybe you can work off the feta cheese by a running a lap here!

Diomedes Botanical Garden 

These gardens are a hidden paradise with over 3000 species of plants, and is therefore, dedicated to the maintenance of plant biodiversity in Greece. If you are missing lush environments, head over here to get a taste of greenery and relax in the garden’s tranquility.

Pláka Neighbourhood 

Plaka is a picturesque spot with narrowing pedestrian streets, bougainvillaea-trimmed houses, small restaurants and two important archaeological sites; the Roman Agora and the Library of Hadrian. It is the perfect place for an evening stroll and be surrounded by a calm Greek island vibe in the middle of a busy city.

A Day Trip to Delphi

Lying between two towering rocks of Mt. Parnassus in all its beauty and historical glory, Delphi is a magical island that should make your list of must visit attractions while visiting Athens. Exploring the island brings you face to face with World Heritage Sites like the Temple of Apollo, and on your way back, you have a chance to explore the delightful towns of Arachova and Levadia as well. 

Average Cost For Three Days In Athens Per Person

Transport (flights from London + local travel): £100

Accommodation: £75 (£150 per double)

Attractions: £70 (excluding day trip to Delphi)

Food and amenities: £200

Keep In Mind

Like most busy cities, the underground/subway/metro is filled with pickpockets, so take greater care of your bags and do not keep phones in your open pockets. Read more about how to stop pickpockets by following this link.

TAKE YOUR STUDENT ID. Greece is an amazing place to travel to if you’re a student because every site is either free or is extremely cheap if you have a student ID with you. In fact, I didn’t have to pay at around 50% of the places I visited. 

Practical Information About Athens

Location: Greece, South-eastern Europe 

National Languages: Greek

Currency: Euro

Neighbouring Countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Macedonia