Are you also daydreaming of getting away from the daily grind and going to another country with a rich, diverse and active culture? Consider a country where the stones of the buildings tell the history of the world; where cobbled streets turn into live music; and where every dinner is a feast. If you fancy this as your type of way out, allow us to present to you beautiful Athens, the city in Greece and various other places to see in Athens.
Just imagine strolling around the famous Acropolis area and admiring the temple for Greek gods or enjoying coffee in narrow streets surrounded by the marvellous archaeological structures. When you begin exploring the city, it can feel more like a whole experience rather than just visiting a city. Athens promises to fulfill every traveler’s fantasy: wonderful sights of famous buildings, crowded districts, and beautiful sunsets that are worth seeing. Therefore, put on your traveling clothes, forget about everyday routine and let Capture a Trip lead you to the very center of Greece to explore the places to see in Athens!
Top 10 Places To See In Athens
Athens is one of the places that tourists will always find fascinating mainly due to its ancient allure. In this guide, you’ll explore:
- The historical sites marking Athens have been found to be the most prominent among the most visited places.
- Tourist zones with a strong Greek atmosphere and crowds of people around.
- Rest and quality spots for taking photographs.
- The climate is reviewed in order to determine what is the best time to visit Greece, Athens to enhance the tour.
1. The Acropolis Of Athens: A Timeless Marvel
Located at the very center of the capital, the Acropolis remains the major sight of interest in Athens, making it one of the most famous places to see in Athens. Apart from offering captivating views of the area, its ancient temples including the Parthenon, tells an enriching story of Greeces rich past.
- Why Visit: Trips of an archaeologist to the birthplace of Western civilization.
- Best Time to Visit: In the late afternoon to avoid the direct sunlight also for a better view of the sunset.
- Insider Tip: There is so much history surrounding the ruins that it is advised that one hires a guided tour in order to understand all the facts.
2. Plaka: The Neighborhood Of Charm
Tucked under the shadow of the Acropolis, the Plaka area may as well be placed on a postcard. Lively with amazing shops and small inviting cafes, this place offers a great setting for those who want to discover Athens. You can definitely consider it as one of the best places to see in Athens.
- Why Visit: Ideal for living and traveling as real Greek citizens with marvelous Greek hospitality.
- Best Time to Visit: The vibrant activities that take place when the streets illuminate during the evening time.
- Pro Tip: When you are in Athens, be sure to check out Cycladic-style houses in the Anafiotika neighborhood!
3. Ancient Agora: The Birthplace Of Ideas
Used to be a central market and public gatherings’ place thus, it was referred to as the pulse of ancient Athens and among the must visit places to see in Athens. Its ruins are quite serene along with telling the place’s rich history.
- Why Visit: Actually step on the ancient ground where Socrates crossed swords with Aristotle.
- Best Time to Visit: Early bird catches the worm and so early morning is best time to get less crowd and more time to explore.
- Highlight: The beautiful and intact ancient Temple of Hephaestus.
4. National Archaeological Museum: A Window To The Past
This globally renowned museum contains more than five millennia of archaeological treasures starting from prehistoric times to late antiquity.
- Why Visit: It has great collections including the Mask of Agamemnon and excellent sculpture.
- Best Time to Visit: Wednesday mornings for less busy galleries.
- Pro Tip: Take at least 3 hours in order to be able to view the exhibits properly.
5. Mount Lycabettus: Athens From The Top
If you fancy getting an eagle-eye view of Athens then this will suit your needs. Visit the Lycabettus area, the highest point of Athens seen either from the funicular or by walking, hence making it one of the best places to visit in Greece, Athens.
- Why Visit: Get your eyes on mind sweeping views of the Acropolis, and the sea among other features.
- Best Time to Visit: Each place was chosen for a magical golden-hour photographic masterpiece, ending with the sunset.
- Activities: Have coffee or dinner at the summit café.
6. Syntagma Square: Where Modern Athens Meets Tradition
The colourful Syntagma Square is the cultural and political center of Athens. It is for the purpose of the Changing of the Guards ceremony which takes place at the Hellenic Parliament building.
- Why Visit: This is why you need to immerse yourself into the city’s business environment and watch tradition.
- Best Time to Visit: Sundays for the ceremonial type of the changing of the guards.
- Nearby Spots: To go shopping one can visit Ermou street, and for a leisurely walk, one should visit the National Garden.
7. Temple Of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus was the largest temple in Greece, which is, actually, the marvellous ruin of ancient Athens.
- Why Visit: These are some of the largest Corinthian style columns you are ever likely to witness.
- Best Time to Visit: Morning light that paints the temple so wonderfully early in the morning.
- Fun Fact: This is a construction that started in the 6th century BCE and did not finish until the Romans got into the picture.
8. Monastiraki: The Soul Of Athens
The place demonstrates the combination of its history and present of a modern city, which is unbreakable and has a lot of flair. This is a shopping hub with good business of flea markets, antique centres, and modern fashion stores. Therefore, it is one of the best places to see in Athens if you are a shopaholic.
- Why Visit: Buy local gifts and gifts and taste popular Greek Fast Food.
- Best Time to Visit: In particular, on weekends, when markets are actively functioning.
- Pro Tip: Bargain to get good discounts on homewares, accessories and clothing that is locally designed and made.
9. The Panathenaic Stadium: A Celebration Of Sports
The recently constructed all-marble stadium of Athens, the Panathenaic Stadium was the venue of the first Olympic Games of the modern era in 1896, making it a historic gem among other places to see in Athens.
- Why Visit: Capture the Olympic spirit in one of the biggest cities in the world.
- Best Time to Visit: During the afternoon, especially not in the hottest time of the day which is from 12 pm to 4 pm.
- Don’t Miss: Somebody doing a race on the track for a memorable experience.
10. Psiri: Athens’ Creative Side
Psiri is an artsy neighborhood that opens the opportunity to see the Athenian night, street art and taste Greek food. You can certainly add this in your list of places to visit in Athens.
Why Visit: Experience quality tavernas and witness the vibrant performances in streets.
Best Time to Visit: The interesting time when many people illuminate streets and play music with the help of sound systems.
Highlight: Visit the vibrant painted walls and the live music performance.
Best Time To Visit Athens
Athens is beautiful year-round, but the best times to visit are:
- Spring (March to May): Ideal for good weather, when flowers are in bloom and there are fewer tourists around.
- Autumn (September to November): Perfect for days which are hot, evenings that are chilly or beautiful as they are and with cheap prices as well.
- Winter (December to February): For those visitors, who do not want to meet many tourists and feel winter cold.
Conclusion
There are numerous places to see in Athens which impress with great history, culture and temper of people and one of them is Athens. Athens is rich with history and beauty; be it standing in front of one of the seven wonders, or simply enjoying the simplicity of walking through the streets of Plaka. Ready to explore? Let Capture a Trip create the best Athenian itinerary for you. Your perfect vacation is only a phone call or an email away!
Tour the best attractions in Athens, starting from famous Ancient sites, Colourful neighbourhoods and Beautiful views. Book your dream Athenian holiday with Capture a Trip right now!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the must see sights in Athens for a first timer?
Acropolis, Plaka and Ancient Agora are places every first-time traveler visiting the country should under no circumstances miss.
2. Is Athens family-friendly?
Indeed, there are, for example, the National Garden, the Panathenaic Stadium, and the Tourist Police Headquarters, and the picturesque neighborhood of Plaka.
3. When is the best time to visit Athens?
The ideal time is during springtime and autumn; this is the time when the weather is good and there aren’t many tourists.
4. How many days does it take for one to visit the whole of Athens?
Athens must-visit tourist attractions can be visited in 3-4 days with an emphasis on duration for a more comfortable stay.
5. Can I explore Athens on foot?
Yes! To our surprise, most of the major attractions of Athens are in this area, and getting around is easy as most sites are simply within walking distance from one another.