Travel guide: What to see and do in Athens

What to see in Athens in 1 - 3 days?

When we think of Athens, we imagine a city with great ancient history, Greek gods, Olympic games and paradisiacal beaches. The Greek capital is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe, in it you will visit every corner of the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Syntagma Square or the Roman Agora.

It is a city that attracts its visitors for its tourist offer, its delicious gastronomy and its cultural and monumental heritage.

If you have a stay of more than three days, you can also enjoy taking a route to Meteora, Delphi or its spectacular islands since Athens is very close to the sea due to its geographical location.

In this guide we will tell you everything you need to know before planning your trip to Athens.

How to plan my visit to Athens?

At Yoorney we have local tour guides who offer you the best selection of guided tours, free tours and excursions in Athens and in other cities around the world.

The best way to discover a city! 

Perhaps you don't know where to start creating your travel itinerary to Athens. It is normal, since you still do not know the city. Because going with a professional guide is not the same as doing it on your own, that's why Yoorney's tours will make you feel like one more local.

Hey Yoorner! Do you want to live adventures? Visit the city in a different way with our tours of Athens!

If you have in mind going to the capital of Greece, do you want to know the essential places to visit in Athens?

Over 3.000 years old, Athens has grown into a city with a rich history and an important past. It played a fundamental role in the development of democracy and was the birthplace of great thinkers and philosophers such as Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Anaximenes of Miletus or Anaxagoras of Clazómenas.

It is one of the most important religious centers of ancient Greece with places like the Parthenon or the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

In addition to its fascinating architectural wealth, it is the nerve center of the country's political, economic and cultural life, offering visitors from all over the world unique classical architecture and delicious cuisine.

These are the essential places to see and visit in Athens in 3 days (or a weekend getaway). Take note!

12 essential places to see and do in Athens

1. Acropolis of Athens

• Propylaea: the Propylaea were the entrance gates to the Acropolis and were built by the architect Mnesicles, in Pericles' renovation, although they were never finished.
• Erechtheion and Portico of the Caryatids: this Ionic-style temple owes its name to Erechtheus, a man who according to Greek mythology was king of Athens. It was built by Mnesicles and consecrated to Athena and Poseidon, also in this place were some of the most valuable relics of Athens. The most important part of the Erechtheion is the Portico of the Caryatids, six columns, where women are represented, symbolizing slaves of Karys, a Greek people who were punished for collaborating with the Persians. These caryatids are actually copies, if you want to see the originals you will find five of them in the Acropolis Museum.
• Temple of Athena Nike: this Ionic temple was built in honor of Athena Nike, Goddess of Victory, in commemoration of the victory of the Greek people against the Persians in the battle of Salamis. That is why inside was the image of the goddess with her wings cut so that she could not leave Athens.

 

2. Parthenon

The Parthenon is undoubtedly the highest representation of the classical architecture of ancient Greece, as well as the main building of the Acropolis and the most iconic symbol of Athens.

This imposing monument, about 70 meters long, in a Doric style and with columns about 10 meters high, was the work of the architects Ictinus and Callicrates, with the intention of housing an incredible sculpture of Athena Parthenos.

The Parthenon has suffered a lot of damage over time, during 1687 it was used as a powder magazine by the Turks, which led to an explosion that deteriorated the construction, it also suffered looting by the English or even, in 1894, withstood one of the most important earthquakes that Greece has suffered.

For all this, you have to keep in mind that, despite coming face to face with the Parthenon, if you want to enjoy the large part of its frieze that is preserved, you will have to do so by visiting the Acropolis Museum and the British Museum.

 

3. Ancient Agora

 

This place was in ancient times the center of social, political, religious and economic life. All kinds of events were held here, such as political meetings, where the people gathered to discuss legislative or electoral issues, religious celebrations, since there were different temples in the area, theatrical performances, sports competitions or even markets were also established.

The vast majority of the buildings in the archaeological complex are in ruins. The first excavations that were carried out in the area were between 1859 and 1912, destroying more than 300 houses to try to unearth the complete Agora.

What to see and do in the Ancient Agora?

The two places that are best preserved in the area are:

• Hephaestion: The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best preserved Doric temples. It was built between 460 and 415 B.C. and was used as a church from the 7th to the 18th century, that is probably the reason why it is preserved in good condition today.
• Stoa of Attalus: in this portico of the Hellenistic period that has been rebuilt, it is where the Museum of the Ancient Agora is currently located, although it was formerly a commercial center.

 

4. Temple of Olympian Zeus

 

This temple is also known as Olympion, and was built in honor of the god Zeus Olympian in the year 515 BC. by order of Pisistratus, although it was not completed until 131 AD. roughly thanks to the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Only a few remains of it are preserved, because during the Middle Ages, the temple suffered some damage due to an earthquake.

This temple was built with marble extracted from Mount Pentelicus and originally had dimensions of 96 meters long and 40 meters wide, with 104 Corinthian columns 17 meters high, of which only 15 are preserved. You will find its interior empty , although at first the emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of two gold and ivory statues, one of the god Zeus and another of himself, so that they would shine inside.

If you look at the corner of the northwest side of the temple, you can also see an 18-meter-high arch built in marble, this arch differentiated the city of Theseus or the ancient city, from the city of Hadrian or the modern city. 

  PRICES

  General admission: €12

           Reduced ticket: €6

 

  Schedules

  Winter (November-March). From Monday to Sunday: 08:00 - 15:00.

           Summer (April and October). Monday: 11:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. From Tuesday to Sunday: 08:00 - 19:30.

 

 

5. Theater of Dionysus

 

This theater located on the southern slope of the Acropolis and with a capacity of approximately 17.000 people, was the largest stage built in ancient Greece where the works of the great Greek authors were represented.

The origin of this theater dates back to the time of Pisistratus when mime performances or dances honoring Dionysus, god of wine and theater, were performed and which later evolved into performances of the classical tragedies of Aeschylus, Euripides, Sophocles and Aristophanes. .

 

6. Panathenaic Stadium

The first Olympic Games of our times were held in this stadium and it was built in 1870 in white marble.

Originally, dating back to the 6th century BC, this stadium was the place where the Panatheneas were held, which were religious events to worship Athena, where athletics competitions or chariot races were held, among others.

It is incredible to walk through its stands or its running track, mentally traveling back in time to imagine what it would be like to attend one of these ancient Greek events.

 

  PRICES

  General admission: 5€

           Reduced ticket: 2.50€

 

  Schedules 

  Winter (November-February). From Monday to Sunday: 08:00 - 17:00.

           Summer (March and October). From Monday to Sunday: 08:00 - 19:00.

 

 

7. Odeon of Herod Atticus

 

This place is very close to the Theater of Dionysus, and was built in the year 161 AD, by order of the consul Tiberio Claudio Herodes Atticus, in memory of his wife Aspasia Annia Regilla, who died the previous year.

The theater had a capacity for more than 5,000 people spread over the 31 marble stands, which came to the place to enjoy the musical auditions that took place on its impressive 35-meter-wide white marble stage. The most striking point that the construction originally had was its cedar wood roof. It is a pity that this roof is not preserved today, because it would be wonderful to be able to enjoy it.

 

8. Kerameikos

The Kerameikos or also known as "The ceramic" was the neighborhood where the potters were located in the ancient city of Athens and which also had a direct connection to the main cemetery.

It was in this neighborhood, where in the 19th century, during the construction of a road that leads to Piraeus, the first remains of what was in ancient Greece, the largest and most important necropolis of Athens, were found. This ancient cemetery dates back to 478 BC, when a wall was built that protected the Agora and divided the Kerameikos neighborhood in two. It was then that the outer part of the wall began to be used as a cemetery to bury the deceased. , since the burials were not carried out in the cities, but outside them.

  PRICES

  General admission: 8€

           Reduced ticket: 4€

 

  Schedules

  Winter (November-March). From Monday to Sunday: 08:30 - 15:00.

           Summer (April and October). From Monday to Sunday 08:00 - 20:00.

 

9. Roman agora

 

This place is undoubtedly one of the most iconic that was built during the Roman occupation.

The Roman Agora dates from 11 B.C. approximately, and it was built by order of Emperor Augustus, becoming the old public square of the city, where the population met and the central market was established. 

Currently to carry out the visit of the place, you will access through the remains of the Gate of Athena Arquegetis and once inside the archaeological complex, you will be able to enjoy what is still preserved, such as parts of the ancient columns, or what were public latrines.

10. Hadrian's Library

 

This library also known as "The Library of the Hundred Columns" was built in the year 132 AD. By order of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the objective was to preserve the extensive collection of books that the emperor had, although it was not only used as a library or reading room, but was also the perfect place for meetings or conventions.

The construction in its origins had to be grandiose with its alabaster walls, rooms with decorated ceilings and some 100 marble columns that surrounded the place. Currently, little remains of its most glorious period, as it has undergone several destructions over the years, but during the visit you will be able to see some Corinthian columns and travel back in time to imagine how imposing this library must have been.

  PRICES

 General admission: 6€

          Reduced ticket: 3€

 

  SCHEDULES

  Open from 08:00 - 20:00h.

 

11. Plaka

 

This is one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Athens, it is also known as "The Neighborhood of the Gods" since it is located at the foot of the Acropolis, near Anafiotika and Monastiraki.

Plaka preserves its essence very well, it seems that it tried to stay stuck in time, lose yourself among its network of cobblestone streets, its neoclassical-style buildings and its charming squares, while you walk among the crowds of tourists and Athenians that fill the bars, cafes and shops in the area.

 

12. Museums

There are numerous museums to enjoy in Athens, in which you will find much of the original works that are not displayed in the main monuments. 

Some of the most important museums are:

• Acropolis Museum: the building alone is already a spectacle in itself, this contemporary concrete and glass construction has the same dimensions as the Parthenon, it is also oriented towards the Acropolis, which provides incredible views of the Acropolis. The museum has different exhibitions where pieces and sculptures are shown that once belonged to some of the buildings of the Acropolis, some of the most important pieces are the Propylaea, the Erechtheion or the Temple of Athena Nike. Other rooms of great importance in the museum are the Parthenon room or the Caryatids room, where you can admire the famous columns with female representations.
• Archaeological Museum of Athens: This is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important in the world in the field of archaeology. Although it has suffered some problems over the years, such as World War II, when even many of the museum's works had to be buried for their protection, in its exhibition you will find a large collection, where they are displayed from pots Neolithic or other objects, even treasures such as the "Child of Marathon", the "Kouros de Volomandra" or the "Dipylon Amphora". Of course, the most remarkable piece in the museum is the "Mask of Agamemnon", a funerary mask from the 17th century BC. which was found in the archaeological site of Mycenae.
• Other important museums that you can also visit are: the Benaki Museum, the Byzantine Museum, the Numismatic Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Museum of Folk Art, the National Gallery and the War Museum.

Where to eat in Athens?

4 places to eat in Athens

• Savvas Restaurant: If you are looking for typical dishes with a good quantity and at a good price, this is undoubtedly your restaurant. It has a wide variety on its menu, but the Musaka stands out among other dishes. Also on the top floor it has a terrace where you can enjoy incredible views of the Acropolis!
  

• Maiandros: In the heart of Athens is this restaurant with traditional Greek food at good prices. It has a terrace where you can admire the Acropolis.

• Porto Grill Piraeus: You can taste delicious Greek food whose specialty is meat with salad. It is next to the area where the boats leave so it is very accessible.

• O'Kostas: Located in the center of the city, in this small place you can try one of the best Souvlaki in all of Athens.

4 typical dishes of Athens

• Moussaka: This hot dish is ideal for the winter season. It is a kind of lasagna consisting of minced lamb, eggplant and tomato. It sure makes your mouth water!
• Gyros: One of the most typical dishes of Greek cuisine is this pita bread stuffed with roasted meat, tomato, onion and sauce. The way to cook it is that the meat rotates continuously while it is being cooked, hence its name. You can find it in any restaurant or in the street stalls in the city for about 2 euros.
• Tzatziki: It is an accompaniment in the dishes of Greek cuisine, it is a yogurt sauce with cucumber and garlic.
• Dolmades: Made from vine leaves with a filling of minced meat, rice or vegetables, it is an unmistakable dish with a unique flavor in the world.   

  Athens with children

Ride on the Happy Train

Something very common when traveling with the little ones is fatigue when walking long distances. For this reason, a perfect option to be able to visit the main attractions of Athens without getting tired is to do so on board this fun train.

These trains run routes that allow you to visit the historic center of Athens and the most famous ancient sites and monuments in the city. You can also get off to enjoy each of these places and get on the next train that passes, without causing an additional cost.

Greek Children's Art Museum

This museum, located in the emblematic neighborhood of Plaka, is ideal for a family activity.

In it you will find incredible works of art created by artists with an average age of between 4 and 14 years, which is already quite a show. But if you add to this that each exhibition offers an interactive section where children can enjoy innumerable games and all kinds of books or stories, you will understand that a visit to this museum will be a unique and incomparable experience for the whole family.

Karagiozis Shadow Theater

This is a somewhat peculiar form of folk art that still survives today. These shows are carried out by projecting against a white background, the shadows of the figures cut out in the form of caricatures. All these moving projections are accompanied by music, making the show magical and fun. The little ones will surely love this activity.

National Garden

A perfect way to enjoy nature with children in Athens is to visit the national garden. This garden was originally created for the exclusive use of the royal family of Greece, but today you can all have an entertaining time, walking among the trees, flowers and statues.

In this garden, you will also find different animals, such as turtles, goats, donkeys and many cats that roam the area. There is also a pond with ducks and fish, a cafeteria and children's games. In short, it is a perfect place to spend some time with the little ones in the house.

Pet-friendly Athens

Dog parks in Athens

• The Athens Gate Hotel (4*)
• Hotel Lozenge (4*)
• V1935 Luxurious Apartments
• GK Athens (4*)

Accessible Athens

Adapted tourism is not a pending issue in Athens.

We were able to experience it first hand and here are some of our favorite adapted and accessible sites:

• Attractions: The city has many cobbled areas so you should plan your visit to Athens well. You can travel by metro or take a taxi directly to the tourist spots which, such as the Acropolis, have an elevator. Many of the remains of the Acropolis have been moved to the Acropolis Museum which has better accessibility. Another of the most popular tourist attractions is the Ancient Agora and Monastiraki Square, it is also a fairly flat area where you can enter the shops to buy souvenirs. All these improvements make the city have new opportunities for accessible tourism in Athens.
• Transportation: Athens has a very accessible metro which you can take directly to the airport. Most metro stations have elevators to the platform. Trams, buses and trains that run through the city are also accessible.

Nocturnal Athens

Enjoy the night life of Athens. The city hides a multitude of corners with a special charm to have a good time in good company and where you can walk, have a drink and toast.

These are some of our favorite places to party in R!

You like beer? Then you can't leave Athens without visiting some of the best bars in the city. The beer brands that you will find most often in the Greek capital are Amstel, Heiniken and Mythos.

Some of the bars that you can find in the city are: Athens Beer, where you will find brands from artisan manufacturers; Beer Tales, where Greek, Belgian and the rest of the world beers are sold; James Joyce Pub, where you can get the classic Irish beers like Kilkenny, Guinnes or Fosters; Vini Pub, with the vast majority of Belgian beers.

Cocktails in Athens

For those who prefer cocktails, in this city there are many places where you can have a drink. Some of these places are: 360 Cocktail Bar, The Clumsies, MoMix Molecular Mixology Kerameikos, A for Athens Cocktail Bar, The Gin Joint.

Live music in Athens

Athens undoubtedly has a number of venues where you can enjoy the best live music. These are some places that you will love to visit: Rock n Roll Athens, in this place you will find live music every Tuesday, many of the live events are with rock bands; Booze Cooperativa, a club with hip hop and R&B music; Half Note Jazz Club, the first jazz club in Athens and Folie Club, in this club, the type of music changes depending on the day of the week, from samba, to reggae and live music nights, usually Brazilian musicians.

Athens nightclubs

Athens is the city that never sleeps! If you are looking for a nightclub to party in this city, there are many options depending on the musical style that you like the most. Some of the best nightclubs in the city are: Pixi Athens, with a large space and electronic music; Dirty Blonde-loft, one of the favorites for young Athenians, with commercial music; Six D.O.G.S, the ideal place for lovers of the underground techno scene; Lohan Nightclub, with house and commercial music or Dybbuk, one of the most popular in the city.

How to get to Athens?

How to get to Athens by plane

The most popular way to get to Athens is by plane. It has an airport, Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) which is located in Spata, 40 minutes from the city center by car.

There are different airlines that have daily connections with much of the world, one of them is the Greek airline Aegan Arlines that has flights that connect with London, Madrid, Rome, Barcelona, ​​Paris and Amsterdam in about 2 hours. The companies of Vueling, Easyjet, Ryanair and Iberia also operate.

How to get to Athens by car

The most common option is by plane. Although if you decide to go by car you must take a ferry from Ancona, Venice, Bari or Brindisi (Italy) to the many ports that Greece has and from there drive to Athens.

How to get to Athens by train

How to get to Athens by bus

As well as by car, the fastest option would be to get from Italy to the main ports of Greece such as Patras and from there book a bus whose direction is 2 hours to the city of Athens.

How to get around Athens

 

15 most beautiful towns to visit in Athens

 

 

 

We mark you our favorite towns in Athens!

1. Delfos
2. Calcis
3. Olimpia
4. Meteora 
5. Micenas 
6. Epidauro
7. Corinto
8. Osiou Louka
9. Cabo Sunión
10. Peloponeso
11. Nafplio y Teatro Epidavros
12. Megara
13. Sanorida
14. Hidra, Poros y Egina 
15. Islas: Santorini, Mykonos, Creta, Rodas, Cos, Tinos, Ikaria, Folegandros, Corfú, Milos, Paros, Zakinthos, Naxos, Alónnisos, Cefalonia, Patmos, Scíathos, Samos, Skopelos, Amorgos.

 

 

Athens Overview  

 

GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS FROM ATHENS Pottery from Athens inspired by ancient Greece     Handmade leather sandals     Loofah     Olive wood crafts	WHERE TO GO RUNNING IN ATHENS National Garden     Acropolis Hill     The Pnyx and Filopappos Hills     Ardittos Hill
ATHENS CULTURE DIARY    Athens Agenda     Event Guide - Athens     Events calendar in Athens	WHERE TO SLEEP IN ATHENS Electra metropolis    Hotel Lozenge    Hellenic Hospitality House    The Athens Modern Apartments
SHOPPING IN ATHENS    Monastiraki neighborhood     Plaka district     The central market – Demotiki Agora     Syntagma square	ATHENS TOUR GUIDES Athens Up Close Visual Guide Top 10 Athens Guide Greece, Athens and the Peninsula

 

Athens Transport Map

• Athens metro map
• Athens city bus map

 

Did you like this Athens guide? We hope you find it very useful. We have really enjoyed doing it and visiting all these places. 

The best way to see and visit Athens: Take a free tour