Lonely PlanetOct 7
17 Best Things to Do in Athens
Athens offers unparalleled encounters with ancient history – and is a thriving 21st-century metropolis, too. Here are 16 ways to explore the city.
Heart of ancient Athens, birthplace of Western democracy
25 things in this story
- AcropolisAttractionSacred hilltop established as religious sanctuary in 5th century BCE
- ParthenonAttractionMagnificent Doric temple, largest ever constructed in Greece
- Ancient AgoraMuseumHeart of ancient Athens, birthplace of Western democracy
- Filopappou HillParkOffers sunset views of the Acropolis glowing gold
- Odeon of Herodes AtticusTheatreReconstructed amphitheater for concerts and plays
- ExarhiaNeighborhoodFamed for its student scene, anarchist politics and graffiti
- National Archaeological MuseumMuseumWorld's largest and finest collection of Greek antiquities
- Apollo CoastNeighborhoodBeaches perfect for summer visits
- The BreederGalleryWell-established commercial space for contemporary art
- Kypseli Print StudioPlacePrint-screening space hosting workshops for all abilities
- Haus NPlaceCreative hub for new installations and young Greek artists
- KerameikosParkAncient necropolis with the famous "Street of Tombs"
- Museum of Islamic ArtMuseumCollection of Islamic art and rooftop cafe views
- Monastiraki Flea MarketMarketSaturdays market for secondhand finds and vintage clothing
- Varvakios AgoraMarketBusy fish and meat market hall with tavernas
- Temple of HephaistosSightExquisite, well-preserved temple with Hercules frieze
- Church of the Holy ApostlesSight11th-century Byzantine addition commemorating St Paul's sermons
- Hellenic ParliamentSightRose-toned building on Plateia Syntagmatos, symbol of democracy
- Grande Bretagne hotelHotelPrestigious hotel with the Winter Garden cafe
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural CenterParkHome to Greek National Opera and National Library
- Stavros Niarchos ParkParkGently sloping gardens with city and sea views
- DeltaRestaurantTwo Michelin stars for contemporary Greek gastronomy
- National Museum of Contemporary ArtMuseum
- CheapArt AthensMuseum
- Basil and Elise Goulandris FoundationMuseum
