The local take
Temple ruins, old marketplaces and archaeology museums sit within walking distance of one another around Plaka, Thissio and Monastiraki, so a single morning can cover centuries. Climb one of the rocky hills at sunset for a view over the rooftops, or find shade in the city's gardens. Summer brings music, dance and theater staged in open-air ancient theaters, and on weekends the flea markets fill the lanes with antiques and secondhand finds.
Athens also makes an easy base for day trips: a short ferry ride to nearby islands, or a drive to mainland sites tied to oracles and myths. Our local guides chose every stop and added a note on why it is worth your time, and the chips narrow the list to museums, landmarks, viewpoints or day trips.
MuseumsAcropolis Museum
Aptly situated two minutes from the actual Acropolis site, visitors can see and learn more about the world-famous archeological site at the Acropolis Museum.
Athens, MakrygianniRecommended by Jenny M.
Historic LandmarkAcropolis of Athens
Representing freedom of thought and the progression of art as we know it, the UNESCO-listed Acropolis is not just one of the most famous things to see in Greece but is one of the…
Athens, AcropolisRecommended by Jenny M.
On the WaterDay TripsAegina
Whilst the country may be renowned for using pistachios in its cuisine, it's the historic island of Aegina that is most famous for the production of these.
AthensRecommended by Jenny M.
Historic LandmarkAncient Agora of Athens
From a pre-historic cemetary to the center of the Athenian government, Ancient Agora is steeped in history, from social to political.
Athens, ThissioRecommended by Jenny M.
Historic LandmarkArch of Hadrian
If you’re exploring the most important sites of Ancient Greece on foot, start at the symbolic Hadrian’s Arch (resembling the Roman Empire’s conquering of Greece in the 2nd…
Athens, ZappeioRecommended by Jenny M.
ViewpointsAreopagus Hill
Sitting below the ancient Acropolis, the rocky Areopagus Hill viewpoint dates back to around the same time, i.e., the 5th century BCE.
Athens, AcropolisRecommended by Jenny M.
Day TripsArgolis
A rich olive and oranges-producing landscape, the Argolis region is an hour and 45 minutes from Athens.
AthensRecommended by Jenny M.
Seasonal Events/FestivalsAthens Epidaurus Festival
Running between June and August, lap up all sorts of theatrical performances, ranging from theater to dance to music, during the summer Athens Epidaurus Festival.
AthensRecommended by Jenny M.
ParksAthens National Garden
Located between the iconic Panathenaic Stadium and the central Syntagma Square, the National Garden is a tranquil oasis.
Athens, SyntagmaRecommended by Jenny M.
MarketsAvissinias Square Antiques Market
From Avissinias Square, start walking down an alleyway and uncover a world of antiques, as well as small shops selling all sorts of classic Greek trinkets.
Athens, ThissioRecommended by Jenny M.
MuseumsBenaki Museum
The Benaki Museum is one of Athens’ most important cultural institutions, founded in 1930 and housed in a neoclassical mansion.
Athens, SyntagmaRecommended by Jenny M.
MuseumsByzantine and Christian Museum
From 19th-century crucifixes to 16th-century paintings, the Byzantine and Christian Museum houses religious antiquities, artwork, and items relating to Early Christianity and the…
Athens, EvangelismosRecommended by Jenny M.
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