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Athens Uncovered: Must-See Gems in the Greek Capital
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items Athens is a must-see. Explore iconic landmarks, hidden gems and the best spots this historic city has to offer.
Map
Sections
6
History Landmarks
Museums/Galleries
Hidden Gems
Food & Drinks
Shopping/Souvenirs
Day Trips From Athens
History Landmarks
Step back in time and explore Athens' rich history through its world-famous landmarks.
The Acropolis is a must-visit in Athens! Dominated by the iconic Parthenon, it offers breathtaking views of the city. It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in ancient Greek culture.
Acropolis Athens
It was the heart of ancient Athenian life, serving as a marketplace and meeting place for philosophers and citizens.
Ancient Agora
Key highlights include the impressive Gate of Athena Archegetis and the Tower of the Winds, an ancient clocktower and weather vane.
Roman Agora
Though the statue no longer stands, the remains of the temple still reflect its grandeur. Visitors can admire the impressive ruins, including the massive columns and the surrounding archaeological site.
Zeus Temple Tickets
It is a stunning ancient theater located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis. It was originally used for musical performances and is renowned for its excellent acoustics.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
It stands as a symbol of peace and victory, overlooking the Athenian Agora and offering stunning views of the city. The temple is one of the best-preserved structures on the Acropolis.
Temple of Athena Nike
The arch was constructed to celebrate Hadrian's contributions to the city. The arch features two inscriptions, one referencing the ancient city of Athens and the other the Roman city.
Hadrian’s Arch
It is the highest point in the city, providing panoramic views of the Acropolis, the Athenian skyline and the surrounding islands. At the top, you’ll find the Chapel of St. George, a picturesque spot perfect for photos.
Lycabettus Hill
It is an important archaeological site, once home to the school where the great philosopher Aristotle taught his students. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the gymnasium, covered walkways and various buildings.
Aristotle's Lyceum
It is an iconic ancient stadium in Athens, famous for being the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Visitors can walk around the stadium, sit in the stands and experience a piece of Olympic history.
Panathenaic Stadium
Museums/Galleries
Athens boasts an impressive collection of museums and galleries, where ancient artifacts and contemporary art come together.
It houses an incredible collection of artifacts from the Acropolis. Visitors can view the Parthenon sculptures up close, including the famous Elgin Marbles.
Acropolis Museum
It is one of the world’s top museums with exhibits ranging from prehistoric to late antiquity. Highlights include the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera Mechanism and sculptures from the Parthenon.
National Archaeological Museum
It offers a diverse collection that spans ancient Greek, Byzantine, Islamic and modern Greek art. It's located in a beautiful neoclassical building.
Benaki Museum
It is dedicated to the ancient art and culture of the Aegean Islands, particularly the Cycladic civilization. It is renowned for its collection of stunning marble figurines, pottery and sculptures that date back to the Bronze Age.
Museum of Cycladic Art
It is home to an impressive collection of Greek art, spanning from the 19th century to contemporary works. The museum offers a deep dive into Greece's artistic development, with both classical and modern pieces on display.
National Gallery Alexandros Soutsos Museum
Hidden Gems
Take a detour to the Byzantine Museum, find quiet moments in National Garden of Athens, or visit Anafiotika, a charming neighborhood that feels like a little island in the heart of the city.
It is a peaceful green oasis in the city center, perfect for a relaxing stroll. It features lush landscapes, winding paths, ancient ruins and even a small zoo.
National Garden
It is a charming, hidden neighborhood nestled at the base of the Acropolis. Its narrow, cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses give it the feel of a Greek island village.
Anafiotika
It is located at the summit of Lycabettus Hill, offering one of the best panoramic views of Athens. This small, whitewashed chapel is a peaceful spot with stunning views of the Acropolis.
Chapel of St. George
It is one of the city’s most beautiful neoclassical buildings, located on Panepistimiou Street. Inside, visitors can admire grand interiors with intricate details.
Academy Of Athens
It is the heart of Athens, located in front of the Greek Parliament building. The ceremony, performed by the elite Evzones, is a fascinating display of precision and tradition, with the guards wearing distinctive uniforms and performing an elaborate ...
Syntagma Square Athens - Changing Of Guards
It is a beautiful, relaxing spot located on the Athenian Riviera, just a short drive from the city center. The beach offers plenty of amenities, including sunbeds, cafes and beach bars.
Vouliagmeni Beach
It is Athens' charming old neighborhood, nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Known for its narrow, winding streets, traditional Greek tavernas and vibrant shops. It's filled with neoclassical houses, ancient ruins and small squares.
Plaka
Food & Drinks
No visit to Athens is complete without indulging in the delicious Greek cuisine. Try the famous Souvlaki or Moussaka in a traditional taverna or grab a quick bite from a street food vendor.
The bar offers stunning panoramic views of the Acropolis, especially at sunset. The vibe is laid-back yet trendy, with cozy seating and a great mix of locals and tourists. The cocktails were delicious and the staff was friendly and attentive.
360 Cocktail Bar Monastiraki
Known for serving the best loukoumades (Greek honey donuts), the place offers these bite-sized, golden, crispy delights drizzled with honey, cinnamon and sometimes topped with nuts or chocolate.
Lukumades
It's is a perfect blend of modern style and local charm, offering a great selection of specialty coffee and delicious pastries. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming.
oZé Athens
I tried a few dishes and everything was fresh, flavorful and beautifully presented. The vibe is casual and welcoming.
Comet
The vibe was trendy and relaxed, perfect for a night out. The cocktails were top-notch, with unique flavors and impressive presentations. I had pork knee with smashed potatoes and Dijon sauce and everything was fresh and flavorful.
Bounty
This cozy yet chic restaurant has a modern twist on traditional Greek flavors. I tried their viral pancakes and they lived up to the hype. The ambiance is stylish, with a relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for a laid-back dinner or special occasion.
Lunu
They specialize in burgers, and let me tell you, they’ve perfected the art. I tried their signature Big Nick Burger and it was juicy and packed with flavor. The fries were crispy and delicious.
Big Nick Street Food
This elegant restaurant specializes in truffle-based dishes. The truffle risotto was rich and creamy, with the perfect hint of truffle flavor. The atmosphere was chic and cozy. The wine selection complemented the food perfectly.
Tartufo Cucina Italiana
This traditional taverna serves up classic Greek dishes and everything was fresh and flavorful. The moussaka was delicious, just like grandma would make. The atmosphere is cozy and warm, with live music that adds to the charm.
Tavern Klimataria
This cozy spot specializes in Italian cuisine with a modern twist and the food was absolutely delicious. The tiramisu for dessert was a perfect ending – rich and perfectly balanced. The staff was friendly and attentive, making the whole experience ev...
Gallina
This wine bar offers an incredible selection of wines, with a focus on Greek varieties. I tried a few of their local wines and each one had unique, rich flavors. The food menu is equally impressive, featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes that perfec...
Malvazia
This iconic bar, located in the charming Plaka neighborhood, perfect for a night out. The interior is lined with colorful bottles of ouzo, raki, and various Greek spirits, making it a visual treat. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with a mix of locals...
Brettos Bar
Shopping/Souvenirs
Visit the Monastiraki Flea Market for unique antiques, jewelry, and handmade goods. Don’t forget to grab authentic Greek souvenirs, such as olive oil products, traditional pottery, and handwoven textiles.
The market is full of life, with narrow streets lined with stalls selling everything from antiques and vintage clothes to handmade jewelry and quirky souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to find unique Greek leather goods, traditional textiles and littl...
Monastiraki Flea Market
The atmosphere is vibrant, with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, meats, seafood and traditional Greek ingredients like olives and feta cheese. It’s a fantastic spot to pick up authentic food souvenirs or just soak in the energy of the place.
Athens Central Market The Dimotiki Agora
It’s one of the city’s main shopping avenues, lined with a mix of international brands and trendy Greek boutiques. The vibe is lively and the street itself is quite beautiful, with a mix of modern stores and neoclassical buildings.
Ermou Street
You’ll find popular names and many more, all with great deals. Plus, the center has cafes and restaurants, so it’s a nice place to relax after a shopping spree.
Designer Outlet
Day Trips From Athens
Athens is the perfect starting point for unforgettable day trips. Head to Cape Sounion to visit the stunning Temple of Poseidon and enjoy breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Alternatively, take a ferry to the nearby Saronic Islands, like Hydra or P...
The ruins are breathtaking, especially the Temple of Apollo and the ancient theatre with views of the mountains. I also visited the Archaeological Museum, which had amazing artifacts. Afterward, I stopped by the charming village of Arachova for a del...
Delphi Trip
The Temple of Poseidon itself is perched on a cliff. Watching the sunset there is an unforgettable experience, the golden light casting over the temple is magical.
Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple Sunset
I explored a couple of the active monasteries, learning about their fascinating history and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The views are absolutely stunning, perfect for photography or just soaking in the natural beauty.
Meteora Day Trip
First, I explored the ancient ruins of Corinth, including the Temple of Apollo and the Acrocorinth. Afterward, we headed to Nafplion, a charming seaside town with narrow streets, beautiful neoclassical buildings and the impressive Palamidi Fortress.
Peloponnese Tour
We sailed through the beautiful Saronic Gulf, stopping at each charming island. Hydra was a highlight with its car-free streets, picturesque harbor and traditional stone houses. Poros had a lovely, relaxed vibe. Aegina was fantastic for its ancient s...
Hydra, Poros and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch