The City of Athens: The First European Capital of Culture
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The Best of Athens
Athens, Greece's capital and largest city, has long been regarded as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. The city was named after Athena, the Olympian goddess of war and wisdom, and is thought to be the birthplace of the first known democracy!
As one of the world's oldest cities - Athens has been continuously inhabited for over 4,000 years - this lovely city has a plethora of unique architectural structures packed with exciting history and mythologies!
Athens is a fantastic place to visit, and the best way to make the most of each moment of your trip is to learn about Greek culture and traditions. Not sure where to start? We recommend this Culture Smart book, an essential guide to the country's customs and culture that will help you gain a thorough understanding of the country's history and modern culture.
Whether you're planning an Athens private tour, a romantic honeymoon, or a relaxing vacation you'll find Athens to be a truly unforgettable destination.
Start planning your trip with our list of the best things to do in Athens!
Anafiotika and Plaka
Plaka is a beautiful old neighbourhood of Athens located on the northeast slope of the Acropolis. Due to its short distance to the Acropolis, Plaka Athens is also known as the “Neighbourhood of the Gods.”
Take a stroll around the narrow winding streets to see traditional houses dating back to the 19th century. There are also cute cafes and shops that sell paintings, carvings, and souvenirs. You can find the magnificent Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in this neighborhood and visit a couple of museums, such as the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments and the Pandora Art Gallery.
Check out our recommendation for an exciting walking tour and picnic in Plaka - the Hills of Athens - with unforgettable experiences around every corner.
Wander around the settlement of Anafiotika while you're here. This beautiful part of Plaka has a peaceful ambience where you can see adorable cats lounging beneath the sun. Plus, some of the best viewpoints in Athens are found here. It is best to visit during sunset as the view of the orange sky combined with the old white-washed houses will leave you in awe!
Anafiotika is also the home to the Church of Agios Georgios tou Vounou - an old Byzantine church built in the 17th century.
National Garden & The Monument of the Unknown Soldier
Located right next to the National Parliament and just a short walking distance from the Syntagma Metro Station is Greece’s beautiful National Garden. This 18th-century garden is known as “The Garden of Amalia” as Queen Amalia was the one who created and took care of this majestic garden. Plus, she was the one who planted the iconic 25-meter palm tree!
This 38-acre garden is home to 519 species of plants - about 7,000 trees, 40,000 bushes, and many colourful flowers. You can also find a wide variety of Greek trees, such as the Judas and Carob trees!
Stroll around the garden and admire the cute ducks playing in the lake, or visit the children’s library which has two reading rooms - the fairy tale room as well as a music and film room.
What’s best is that the National Garden is free!
Remember to stop by the magnificent Zappeion Hall as well. This 18th-century structure is standing proudly in the heart of the garden - it even has a sophisticated Corinthian portico! While the Zappeion has been here for over 130 years, today it mainly functions as a conference and exhibition center.
Learn more about the Greek Mythology in these cultural and historical attractions with the Athens Mythology Highlights Tour, and explore the Acropolis Museum, Athens Trilogy and more.
Another highlight of Athens is the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, a cenotaph dedicated to the fallen Greek soldiers. Located in Syntagma Square, you will notice an immense relief on its wall that depicts a dying hoplite - a heavily armed foot soldier during ancient Greece.
For a purely Greek cultural immersion, the Acropolis walking tour includes Syntagma Square and Historical City Center with an opportunity to delve into the history of ancient Greece. It is quite fascinating and you will love it.
The tomb is also guarded by Evzones, the well-dressed members of the Presidential Guard. At 11 AM every Sunday, you can watch The Changing of the Guards, where the Evzones will march out from their barracks to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in their unique uniforms.
Want to learn more about ancient Greek history? We suggest reading this book - The Rise of Athens: The Story of the World’s Greatest Civilization, it’s quite captivating and enlightening.
Monastiraki
Monastiraki is one of the most charming neighbourhoods that you can find in Athens. Located on the north side of the Acropolis, Monastiraki (the “Little Monastery”) is a favorite spot for shopaholics! The Monastiraki Flea market is a bazaar filled with various stalls selling handmade pieces of jewelery, clothing, and relics.
You’ll have an opportunity to explore the local Monastiraki Flea market stalls on the Athens Old Town Walking Tour of Monastiraki, Acropolis and Plaka - the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs!
Monastiraki has a number of great restaurants that serve the best national dishes. Additionally you'll find a few cultural sites in this area, such as the Tzistarakis Mosque – an Ottoman Mosque built in the 18th century, and Hadrian’s Library – which is an enormous bibliotheca that dates back to AD 132!
If you plan to stay around this lively neighborhood, one of the best Monastiraki hotels is the 360 Degrees Hotel, situated on Monastiraki Square. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the Acropolis while enjoying a meal or drink at the rooftop bar.
Ancient Agora of Athens
Agora, which translates to the marketplace in English, is an important archaeological site situated between the Acropolis and Monastiraki. Thousands of years ago, this specific part of Athens was full of stalls and notable monuments such as the Altar of Zeus Agoraios, the Temple of Ares, the Odeon of Agrippa, and the Middle Stoa, which was the most extensive monument built in the era of 100 BC. Most of what remains today are the ruins and foundational walls.
Even though there are only bits and pieces scattered throughout the Ancient Agora site, this vast green land is still an excellent spot for a visit. You can still find the Church of the Holy Apostles in the area. The restored Byzantine church was built in 1000 AD and is one of the two buildings still intact today. The other is the Temple of Hephaestus.
The Ancient Agora of Athens tickets cost around 4 Euros and it opens every day from 8 am to 8 pm. If you want to explore these ancient Greek sites, then skip the line and get your Ancient Agora of Athens entrance ticket here.
Temple of Hephaestus
Hephaestus is an ancient god of blacksmiths and fire. He was the son of the god of lightning, Zeus and Hera, the goddess of marriage and births. Unlike the other Olympian gods, Hephaestus was an unattractive god with a deformed foot. Despite his deformity, he was also the husband to Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty herself.
If you love enchanting Greek tales like us, you should probably read the book about the Greek Gods—The Olympians of Greek Mythology (the Gods, Heroes and the Legends).
The Temple of Hephaestus is on the northwest side of the Ancient Agora. This temple was built around 450 BC, and it was designed by Iktinus, the architect who also worked on the magnificent Parthenon. The temple has 38 exquisite marble columns - six columns on each end and 13 of them on each side. Since it is dedicated to both Hephaestus and Athena, it is believed that there were bronze statues of the two gods inside the temple. Sadly, all of the decorations, including the friezes, have been destroyed by earthquakes and invasions throughout the centuries.
FunFact: Due to his deformity, Hephaestus was hated by his mother, Hera, who then threw him out. However, the god of fire did get his revenge by locking her on a special golden throne that he created!
This temple is one of the most well-preserved and significant ancient monuments in Greece. To gain entry, the Temple of Hephaestus price will cost you around 8 Euros for a one-day ticket.
Areopagus Hill
The Areopagus Hill, also known as the Hill of Ares, is located northwest of the Acropolis. From the Thissio Metro station, you can find the Apostolou Pavlou Walkway and walk for about 1km until you can see the hill on your right.
It is believed that the hill was named after Ares, the god of war. According to Greek mythology, the first-ever trial in history took place on this hill - Ares was tried in a court by the gods for killing his daughter’s rapist, Hallirhotius, the son of Poseidon – the god of the sea.
You won’t find any ruins of temples or other structures on this rocky hill. However, a climb up this hill will offer you a spectacular view of the stunning Acropolis. You can also see the Ancient Agora from here and spot the legendary Hephaestus Temple. Since this hill is also the place where Saint Paul delivered the Areopagus Sermon, you can find an engraved bronze plaque at the base of the hill that contains the sermon.
There is no entrance fee for Areopagus Hill. Also, be careful if you plan on climbing up this hill as the rocks have become very slippery.
Looking for ways to experience Aeopagus? Check out Athens Riverside: A Journey in Mythical Athens tour and the Ancient Greece Mythology Exploration Game tour.
Monument of Philopappos Hike
The monument of Philopappos is situated on the summit of Philopappos Hill. This ancient monument is dedicated to an exiled prince from the Kingdom of Commagene, Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappos. It is said that after his exile, he became an Athenian citizen and was highly regarded by the locals. This tomb was built to honor him after he died in 116 AD.
To get to this monument, first find the Park of Philopappos Hill, located about 500 meters away from the Acropolis Metro Station. Then you'll have to hike up the stone pathway to the top. Philopappos Hill is free, and it is open to the public 24/7, so don't worry about a cost! From the park, you can walk the well-maintained trail up to the summit.
Aside from the monument, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city surrounded by the Aegean Sea! It is also recommended to hike up the hill at sunrise or sunset to see the magical view of the Acropolis illuminated. We went just before sunrise and it was a peaceful way to start the day.
Other notable sights in the park are
the tomb of the Battle of Marathon's victor, Kimon,
the Dora Stratou Greek Dances Theatre that hosts daily performances of Greek traditional dances, and
the ruined rock building with iron bars that folks believe to be the Prison of Socrates!
For history or culture aficionados, an Athens Mythological Tour would give you an opportunity to gain valuable insight into the culture of ancient and contemporary Greece.
Acropolis of Athens
The iconic Acropolis is an ancient citadel in Athens built on top of a rocky hill that rises about 150 meters above sea level. It is also the site where you can find the remains of the most important ancient structures of Athens.
We recommend getting this book if you opt not to have a guide - The Acropolis of Athens, as you'll learn deep insights on the history of Greece's most famous landmark.
In addition to the glorious Parthenon, one of the structures that you shouldn’t miss is the Erechtheion, named after the mythical king of Athens, Erechtheus. This 5th century structure is located on the north side of the citadel. Its most iconic part is the six caryatids - giant female statues serving as supporting columns.
You won’t want to miss seeing the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus to honor his wife. This stunning ancient stone theater is nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. While it has been undergoing a restoration process ever since it was first discovered, it now holds various cultural events and music performances!
The ancient citadel is the home to many other monuments such as the Old Temple of Athena, Propylaia, and the Chalkotheke. The Acropolis is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm, and the entrance tickets will cost you around 20 Euros.
To get the best Acropolis tour experience, be sure to visit the site early in the morning, especially during summer, as it can be super hot due to the lack of shaded areas. You can take a walking tour of the Acropolis of Athens and also explore the new Acropolis museum to get a deep understanding of the history.
Parthenon
A trip to the city of Athens wouldn’t be complete without crossing out the “Parthenon tour” from your itinerary. This impressive temple was built in the 5th century BC, the Golden Age of Greece, as a dedication to Athens’ patron and goddess, Athena.
Since the structure has been perched on top of the hill for thousands of years, it was used for various purposes, such as a Christian church during the Byzantine Empire. Later, it was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in the 15th century.
The Parthenon still stands today, however it has taken a significant amount of damage from attacks and explosions caused by wars. Since 1975, it has been undergoing an extensive renovation, explaining why you might see scaffolding around the temple during your visit.
#FunFact: The word Parthenon actually translates to “an unmarried women’s apartment!”
Many writers have been inspired by Parthenon and have written books and articles that capture the essence of Greece and the famous temple. One of these enthralling books is Charles Rivers' The Parthenon: The History of Ancient Athens' Most Famous Temple, which explains how the temple became one of Western Civilization's most outstanding achievements. Don't forget to get a copy!
Old Temple of Athena
Located in between Parthenon and Erechtheion on the Acropolis are the remains of the Old Temple of Athena, which was built to honor Athens' patron and deity, Athena. However, the temple was destroyed in 480 BC by the Persians during the Destruction of Athens. It is also believed that this temple was where the ancient Xoanon, a statue of Athena in a peplos, made out of olive wood that fell from the sky, was stored.
Want to know more about the Greek goddess Athena and her role in the ancient Greek civilization? We recommend reading this book — Athena: Goddess of Wisdom, War and Crafts (Greek Mythology). You will discover how she helped heroes such as Hercules and Odysseus in the art of war.
Even though this majestic temple was destroyed a long time ago, visitors can still spot the temple's altar on the bedrock. Today, what's left of the temple is only the foundation, along with its two stone column bases. Thus, it is helpful to have a guide that can describe it in such a way that you'll be able to imagine the temple's structure when it was still intact thousands of years ago.
While it’s almost hard to explore all of Athens’s historical highlights in a day, there’s an opportunity for you to have a full-day Athens Highlights & Ancient Corinth Private tour. You can visit and explore the most impressive landmarks the city offers, including the Old Temple of Athena on this tour. Plus, you’ll have plenty of photo ops to make your friends jealous back at home.
Michal Huniewicz, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis museum is located in the heart of the city and on top of Makrigianni Hill, an important archaeological site in Athens. Founded in 2003, this museum has large glass panels that allow visitors to get a great view of the Acropolis nearby.
Whether you’re an architectural geek, or a culture or history buff, a private guided tour of the Acropolis & New Acropolis Museum is a great way to spend a day in Athens.
A visit to this museum is a must for anyone interested in learning more about Athens' history and fascinating mythology!
All three levels of the museum house extensive collections of artifacts and objects. The Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis is located on the ground floor and houses all of the objects discovered on the citadel's slopes.
On the next floor is the naturally lit Archaic Gallery. Here, you can get a close view of the exquisite sculptures from the temples on the Acropolis. There are also displays of the offering items used by ancient worshipers as well as stunning archaic kore - Greek sculptures that depicts female figures.
On the top floor, you will find the glass-encased Parthenon Gallery. In this part of the museum, you will learn more about the Parthenon and the goddess that the temple was dedicated to, Athena. Some sections depict the birth of the goddess and the battle between Athena and the god of the sea, Poseidon, over the land of Attica.
An Acropolis Museum ticket will cost you around 5 Euros during the winter season and 10 Euros during summer. The opening hours vary depending on the day and season. For more information, visit the official website here.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is located southeast of the Acropolis. This colossal temple was built as a dedication to the Olympian king of the gods, Zeus. It was first constructed during the rule of the Athenian tyrants in the 6th century BC. However, the construction stopped halfway and was not completed until 638 years later, under the reign of the Roman Emperor, Hadrian.
After its completion, the temple was named the largest temple in Greece - 362 feet long and 144 feet wide - where it became the home to enormous gold and ivory statues of Zeus and Hadrian. There were also 104 colossal Corinthian columns at the temple, but unfortunately, only 16 survived through the centuries, with one lying on the ground. Most parts of the structure were destroyed when it was quarried to provide building materials during the medieval period.
However, a visit to this temple today will still impress you as you get to see the gigantic Corinthian columns up close! You'll also notice the beautifully intricate carvings and the remains of a Roman bathhouse aged more than 2,000 years old. Temple of Olympian Zeus tickets will cost you about 6 Euros, and it is open daily.
Alternatively you could take a 6-Hour Athens Sightseeing Private Tour that includes a visit to the Temple Of Olympian Zeus and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city.
Photo by Lazarescu Alexandra on Unsplash
Mount Lycabettus
Even though Athens is packed with historical monuments, this beautiful city also offers a great experience for those who love the outdoors. Mount Lycabettus is the tallest hill that you can find in Athens - just like the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus is also visible from everywhere in the city! Rising at about 300 meters above sea level, legend has it that this mountain was once home to the wolves - or “Lycos” in Greek - which is believed to be the origin of its name.
If you’re up for an adventure, you can follow the routes up to the top. However, do keep in mind that the routes do involve quite a lot of steep stretches - so it’s best if you have proper hiking shoes. Also, pack a hat and some water - while the lower part of the hill is covered with pine trees, the upper area is exposed to the scorching sun!
The journey might take around 30-60 minutes, but if you don’t feel like walking up the hill, you can also take the unique Lycabettus Hill cable car that will cost you 7 Euros for a round trip!
As soon as you reach the top, you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of Athens and the Aegean Sea! You’ll spot the Acropolis right away as well as a collection of houses with red ceramic roofs in Plaka.
At the summit is the 19th century Chapel of St. George, and just a few steps away is a seafood restaurant that offers one of the best views from the mountain. Don't forget to check out the Theater of Lycabettus which has held a number of events including concerts that featured Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, and Black Sabbath!
After all the exploring during the day, you should probably enjoy a romantic dinner on the top of Lycabettus Hill with your loved one and soak in the stunning view of the city.
Taverna tou Oikonomou
Having a table full of authentic Greek dishes is a must! Taverna tou Oikonomou is undoubtedly one of the best taverns in Athens that specializes in home-style cooking. Operating since 1930, their menu features 15 to 20 delectable Greek dishes such as beef stews, braised veal, and roasted lamb.
Each dish is prepared fresh! They even have a great choice of wine and ouzo, a dry anise-flavoured aperitif that will compliment your meal choice. What’s best about this tavern is that they donate all of the leftover food to people in need!
When the sun sets, take a panoramic night walk around the city of Athens before tucking yourself into Taverna tou Oikonomou for delicious Greek dishes. The Panoramic Tour of Athens and Tavern by Night offers this and more!
To Lokali - “Το λοκάλι”
If you wish to have a relaxing day just hanging out with a couple of drinks served with a mouth-watering modern Greek meal in front of you, To Lokali is the right place for you. Located about 400 meters away from the Ancient Agora of Athens, this hidden gem offers a cozy atmosphere, exceptional decorations, a pretty garden, and great music!
If you wish to include this in your itinerary, don’t forget to try out their ‘keftedakia’ - Juicy Greek meatballs full of flavor and generally cooked with red wine vinegar, ouzo, and olive oil.
Fun Fact: Did you know that both Athena and Poseidon competed with each other to become the patron of this beautiful city? Of course, Athena won by gifting the residents an olive tree with food, oil, and wood.
Must See Places in Athens
If you’re a fan of Greek mythology and history, you'll have to visit the beautiful city of Athens at least once in your lifetime.
One Day in Athens
If you only have a single day to visit Athens, we would recommend the following itinerary to make the most of your stay:
Take the walking tour of the Acropolis of Athens which includes the new Acropolis museum (and optional Ancient Agora) - or opt for the 6-Hour Athens Sightseeing Private Tour.
Relax with some authentic Greek food at Το λοκάλι (To Lokali) in Monastiraki,
Then grab the 5:30 PM walking tour and white wine picnic in Plaka for an unforgettable experience!
Planning to visit Athens with your family? A Private Gods, Myths and Tales of Athens Tour would be an experience of a lifetime for all of you.
Feeling more adventurous?
Once you've checked out the ancient sites, change your pace and opt for an amazing sailing experience from Athens to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina, where you can swim and snorkel right off the boat and indulge in a tasty Greek lunch onboard.
Venture off to some Greek islands, where breathtaking sights and memorable experiences await you at every turn. We continued our trip with an adventure to Mykonos and Santorini - but these are some other great ideas to consider:
● A 1-Day Aegina Island Guided Tour,
● An Overnight On Mykonos Island from Athens
● Santorini Island 3-days from Athens
With these tips in mind, your next trip to Athens will be an unforgettable experience; the city will leave you with a twinkle in your eyes. Have a good time!
Our articles on the islands:
FAQ’s
Why was Athens chosen as the first European Capital of Culture in 1985?
Athens was chosen as the first European Capital of Culture because it is considered the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and arts². The city has a rich cultural heritage that spans over 3,000 years and includes iconic monuments such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus³. The initiative aimed to highlight the diversity and unity of European cultures and to promote cultural exchange and cooperation.
What are some of the best places to eat and drink in Athens?
Athens offers a variety of culinary options, from traditional Greek tavernas and street food to modern fusion and international cuisine. Some of the best places to eat and drink in Athens are:
- Karamanlidika: A deli and restaurant that specializes in cured meats and cheeses from the Karamanli region of Turkey. Try their pastirma (spicy beef), soutzouki (sausage), and kaymak (clotted cream) with bread and wine.
- Lukumades: A dessert shop that serves fresh and hot loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) with various toppings, such as honey, chocolate, ice cream, and nuts. A sweet treat for any time of the day.
- O Kostas: A legendary souvlaki joint that has been operating since 1950. They serve simple but delicious grilled meat skewers with pita bread, tomato, onion, and parsley. A must-try for any meat lover.
- Brettos: The oldest distillery and bar in Athens, dating back to 1909. They produce and sell their own liqueurs, ouzo, and brandy, in a colorful and cozy setting. A great place to enjoy a drink and chat with the friendly staff and locals.
What are some of the best day trips from Athens?
Athens is a great base to explore some of the nearby attractions and destinations, such as:
- Delphi: The ancient site of the oracle of Apollo, where the Greeks consulted the god for advice and prophecy. You can admire the ruins of the temple, the theater, the stadium, and the museum, as well as the stunning views of the mountains and the valley.
- Meteora: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a complex of monasteries perched on top of towering rock formations. You can visit some of the monasteries, learn about their history and culture, and marvel at the natural beauty and serenity of the place.
- Hydra: A picturesque island in the Saronic Gulf that has preserved its traditional charm and character. The island has no cars or motorbikes, only donkeys and boats. You can explore the quaint harbor, the stone houses, the museums, and the beaches, and enjoy the relaxed and authentic atmosphere.
(1) The City of Athens: The First European Capital of Culture. https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/the-city-of-athens-the-first-european-capital-of-culture.
(2) REmotiFIRE by EatWanderExplore Remote Lifestyle & Online Coding Bootcamp. https://eatwanderexplore.com/.
(3) The best travel blogs on the internet all in one place - REmotiFIRE by .... https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/.
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