Greece is amazing and so very different depending on which part of the country you visit. If you’re planning a visit soon, here’s 8 things to see and do in Athens, Greece.
1. Be amazed at the Acropolis
The Acropolis is the ancient site you must visit in Greece if you don’t have time to see anything else. It’s so fascinating an archaeological wonder that will have you mesmerised.
This well-known ancient citadel was home to Athena, the goddess of the city, and is visited by hundreds of tourists daily. It towers above you as you wander the historical buildings it contains like the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike.
2. Learn the history at Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is the only place to house artefacts from the Acropolis and historical buildings that are located on this famous landmark.
The building itself is a cool structure and has been built on ruins. It’s a great place to explore and wander around the exhibition areas and see beautiful artefacts.
3. Take in the views from Areopagus Hill
Areopagus Hill, the Rock of Ares, is just across from the Acropolis. It offers an amazing vista over the city and of the Acropolis itself.
It’s a historical landmark that was known as the high court for civil and criminal cases during Ancient Greece.
It’s a bit of a walk up but it’s well worth it. You’ll find it located between Ancient Agora and the Acropolis.
For other views from above across the country, read my post on 6 places to get sky high views in Greece.
4. Ancient Agora
Once a meeting place and main area for community activities and meetings of minds, Ancient Agora is a place to add to your list of ancient sites.
It’s beautiful temple, the Temple of Hephaestus, stands magnificently, up on a hill with its Doric-style, marble columns. It was once a place of worship.
The other building that sits grandly in this space is the Stoa of Attalos — the main area for meetings in Ancient Greek times. It’s now home to a museum.
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5. Capture the sunset at Poseidon Temple, Cape Sounion
This is one of my most favourite monuments in Athens and I visited at sunset — a bonus for me.
The temple itself is in Cape Sounion at the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. It is known as the place where sailors would go to ask for calm against the storms believed to be from the wrath of the sea god, Poseidon.
Stunning
I just couldn’t get enough of its Doric-style and columns and a shot of it is worth the visit! I was there for quite a while taking as many photos as possible, capturing every angle I could.
The Temple of Poseidon is not in the city centre itself but it’s not too far away. Depending on where you’re staying in Athens, the drive to Cape Sounion will take just over an hour. If you’re going via public transport, it will likely take a little longer.
You could take half a day out of your schedule in the city to visit this beautiful ancient monument.
6. Watch the changing of the guards, Syntagma Square
If you’re anywhere near Syntagma Square, in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, you may see crowds watching the ceremonial changing of the guards.
It’s great to watch and you can see the guards change every hour, daily. If you time it well, you could watch the bigger ceremonial sequence that takes place at 11 am on Sundays.
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7. Night views at Mount Lybecticus
The view from Mount Lybecticus is beautiful and it’s the highest spot within the centre of the city. It’s great to be there during the day but is fantastic at night watching the city lit up below.
From there, you can also see the Acropolis when it’s lit up. There’s a bar and restaurant there but it can get crowded as the view is popular.
8. Temple of Olympian Zeus
Located in the heart of Athens is where you’ll find the Temple of Olympian Zeus. With its columns towering the area it resides in, with views of the Acropolis in the background, the temple is now ruins originally completed by Hadrian.
Some of the columns are lying fallen in places at the once sanctuary which was for Zeus himself,
I found it one of the most striking ancient sites due to how it still has a grand vibe about it.
It’s not one to be missed!
Make sure you add these 8 things to do in Athens to your list. Let me know which is your favourite of the bunch once you’re back or if you’ve already been.
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