Athens is not only certainly one of Greece’s most historic locations, however simply rivals among the different cities in Europe, too. Actually, when you’re a eager historical past lover, then you definitely’re going to like exploring Athens. Although, and it’s an enormous although, that’s not all that the town has; there’s an enormous quantity of unbelievable and greatest issues to do in Athens that go far past its historical past, too.
That is precisely why I needed to share a few of our favorite spots that dotted all throughout the town.
Now, clearly, you’ll be able to’t actually go to Athens with out seeing all of the unbelievable historical past (and why would you not). So, I’ve tried to make use of among the unbelievable historic sights as anchors of the place to spend your time exploring. This fashion, you’ll get to see the principle sights, while additionally strolling by way of the little nooks and hidden gems all throughout Athens.
Oh yeah, and don’t overlook that Greece is a lot greater than Athens, too. From the town, you’ll be able to truly pop to among the attractive areas in mainland Greece and even pop over to among the prettiest Greek islands which can be too gorgeous to overlook.
No matter you determine, have one of the best time in Greece and exploring all of Athens.
1.) Theatre of Dionysus
Being the oldest theatre in all of Greece, seeing the Theatre of Dionysus is definitely the most effective issues to do in Athens once you go to. perched on Akropolis Hill, it was truly created to be a part of the sanctuary of Dionysos (who was the god of merriment and wine).
It’s completely price visiting and even higher when you go together with a information to elucidate all of the differing histories of this unbelievable place. Not solely that, it’s a stone throw away from the Acropolis and Hadrian’s Arch.
Additionally, when you can, try to go to the Acropolis very first thing within the morning (ideally, earlier than 10 am). This fashion, you’ll miss nearly all of the crowds and likewise be capable to pop over to the Theatre of Dionysus good and simply.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in mainland Greece
2.) Philopappos Hill
Philopappos Hill will not be as well-known because the Acropolis however when it comes to historic historical past, it a complete gem.
Now, the hill is known as after a Roman senator who was the benefactor to Athens (I imply, how cool). Atop the hill, you’ll now discover the Monument of Philopappos on the highest level of the hill in a marble tomb.
Actually, strolling Philopappos Hill is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Athens round sundown because the views are unbelievable.
From right here, you’ll see throughout Athens and it’s completely attractive with all of the orange hues. For me, it’s by far one of the best place for views throughout to the Acropolis, too. See the Google Maps hyperlink, here.
3.) Benaki Museum
Housed within the former mansion of the Benaki household, exploring the museums is definitely the most effective issues to do in Athens when you love historical past and artwork.
You see, it’s residence to a very big assortment of artwork all through totally different eras of Greece. They actually have over 100,000 items with among the items courting from prehistoric instances.
Plus, it additionally homes an enormous assortment of Islamic, Byzantine and Asian artwork, too. Oh, and the Benaki Museum is simply throughout the highway from the Nationwide Backyard so it’s simple to go to each once you’re within the space.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Greece to go to
4.) The Nationwide Backyard
Situated within the coronary heart of Athens, the Nationwide Backyard is a inexperienced oasis and the most effective issues to do in Athens on a sizzling day. Virtually 100 years in the past, you’ll be able to stroll the paths previous Zappeio Corridor, the lake and the Botanic Backyard, too.
Afterwards, it’s nicely price popping over to the Plaka District, too. It’s proper in between the Nationwide Backyard and the Acropolis so completely simple to search out.
5.) The Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium is a spot deeply embedded within the historical past of Athens. Now, the unique stadium was constructed in 300BC after which rebuilt in 2nd Century (by Herodes Atticus), making it 1000’s of years outdated. Over time, it’s hosted a number of authentic Olympic tournaments over the previous few centuries and a long time.
Additionally, apparently, It’s the place the Olympic flame begins its journey each 4 years and is likely one of the solely stadiums to be made completely of marble throughout the entire world.
Oh yeah, don’t miss the Olympic Museum, too. It’s the place you’ll see the Alter the place the torches are lit.
6.) Monastiraki
Identified for its ruins of Hadrian’s Library, exploring Monastiraki is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Athens, particularly if you wish to seize a number of items after which discover the realm’s historical past.
Sure, you’ll see a lot of little vacationer stalls however you’ll additionally come throughout the unbelievable Monastiraki Flea Market that sells every part underneath the solar. The sellers and homeowners is usually a little pushy (however well mannered) so take it in your stride and haggle if there’s one thing you like.
It’s additionally a fantastic place for some road meals, too; particularly koulouri.
Oh, and maintain your eyes peeled for pickpockets because it’s fairly a crowded space and petty crime will be a problem right here.
Learn extra: Finest locations in Greece to go to
7.) Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Seeing the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is definitely the most effective issues to do in Athens when you’re eager on the historical past of this superb metropolis. Not solely that, it’s so stunning and the most effective venues within the metropolis.
Constructed throughout the 2nd Century by, you guessed it, Herodes Atticus the amphitheatre can seat 1000’s of individuals on its steeply sided slopes near the bottom of the Acropolis.
Now, the unique was primarily destroyed after simply 100 years and never reconstructed till the 1950s however that shouldn’t cease you visiting; it’s superb.
Plus, it’s proper subsequent to the Theatre of Dionysus and the Temple of Athena; making it simple to go to.
8.)The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum homes all of the finds, a great deal of historical past and artefacts from the realm across the Acropolis. This all means the gathering is big and it’s full of 1000’s of years of historical past.
Additionally, if you wish to maintain prices decrease, the primary Sunday of every month has a very free entry (between April-October), too.
9.) Mount Lycabettus
Being the best level in all of Athens, Mount Lycabettus is one other the most effective issues to do in Athens for views throughout the town.
On the high, the chapel of St. George sits proudly and is nicely price navigating the winding pathway that begins in Aristippou Avenue. Alternatively, take the funicular to the highest when you’re feeling somewhat extra chilled (like I usually do).
10.) Nationwide Archaeological Museum
Usually thought of the most effective museums in Europe to go to, exploring the Nationwide Archaeological Museum is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Athens to discover the nation’s historical past. With artefacts courting again to the Neolithic Age; it should take you days to really see every part throughout the totally different rooms and exhibitions.
Don’t overlook to see the bronze age fresco from the island of Santorini and the Masks of Agamemnon which is usually thought of the ‘Mona Lisa of pre-history’.
11.) Syntagma Sq.
Syntagma Sq. is likely one of the most attention-grabbing locations to go to in Athens to see the altering of the guards in entrance of the ‘Tomb to the Unknown Soldier.’
At this location, you too can go to the Parliament Constructing, historic statues and a heap of eating places and retailers shut by.
For a tasty and unpretentious mezze lunch, pop into Tzitzikas kai Mermigas. Their cheese pies and stuffed peppers are every part!
Learn extra: Finest locations in Greece to go to
12.) Plaka District
The Plaka District might be one of many extra common areas of Athens to discover; particularly because it’s so near the Acropolis and Syntagma Sq., too.
It’s a excellent place to expertise Greek tradition by way of all of the tasty Greek meals within the many little eating places right here. Its small streets are filled with cafes, boutique retailers and the Jewish Museum (which is superb to go to).
For a tasty chunk, pop into To Kafeneio that’s completely chilled and relaxed with some yummy selfmade Greek dishes. Their Kesaria Pie (pastry, spices, salami and cheeses) and Sfoliata (pastry, Greek feta and Greek honey) are so good.
Learn extra: Finest Greek meals to attempt in Greece
13.) Parthenon
No go to to Athens is full till you go to the Parthenon, it’s the most effective issues to do in Athens and may’t be missed.
Constructed to honour the goddess Athena Parthenos, it was accomplished in 438BC and is so stunning to see. While wanting round, be certain that to identify the gorgeous metopes which can be carved so intricately. Oh, and remember to see the east pediment that also sits proudly on the Parthenon itself.
One factor to notice, when you do go to within the top of Summer time, be certain that to discover the Parthenon within the early morning or late afternoon. That Greek solar will be insufferable within the noon warmth.
14.) Acropolis
Technically, the Acropolis of Athens encompasses most of the historic websites already talked about nevertheless it’s price noting in its personal proper, too.
Reality be informed, it’s nearly unimaginable to not go to this historic citadel when you’re already seeing the Parthenon (that was constructed by Ictinus), the temple of Hephaestus and the Erechtheum Temple.
Be sure to spend at the least a day wandering all of the historic spots across the Acropolis; it’s completely superb.
Simply be certain that to all the time stick with pre-defined paths.
That is such an essential historic web site and going ‘off-piste’ is an enormous no-no!
Learn extra: Finest locations in Greece to go to
19 Finest Locations In Greece To Go to
