When many people think of Greece, they think about the beautiful islands, clear water, and unique blue and white buildings. But, don’t forget about the country’s ancient history. There’s no better place in Greece to learn about history, eat delicious Greek food, and explore than Athens. Take a look at these 16 stunning photos of Athens to help inspire you to make it your next destination.
The Parthenon on Top of Acropolis
Of course, we’re starting our list with the Acropolis of Athens. The Acropolis is a rocky outcrop above the city, hosting classical Athens structures, such as the Parthenon. The Acropolis consists of several ancient structures that you can easily visit with one ticket.
Start your visit by checking out the most well-known structure, the Parthenon. The Parthenon is an ancient temple dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the patron of the city and its namesake. It was built between 447 and 438 BC. The temple is one of the most significant Greek structures to survive into the 21st century. It has an interesting history of becoming a church in the 6th century, then a mosque in the 1460s when Athens was under Turkish rule.
Another great site to visit at the Acropolis is Erechtheion. Erechtheion was built in 421 to 406 BC and is named after the mythical king of Athens, Erechtheus. It’s an interesting site to visit as six female statues support the roof instead of traditional support columns.
Pictured above as well is the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, from 161 AD. It is an ancient stone theatre at the foot of the Acropolis of Athens. Although it’s ancient, the structure went through restoration and now hosts musical performances and cultural events.
View The City From Above
No city looks better than it does from above and Athens is no exception. Going to higher ground in Athens allows you to see everything the city has to offer. It’s a great idea for sunrise or sunset to see the city awash in golden light. The view from the Acropolis is, of course, one of the best, but it’s also one of the busiest. We like to see Athens from above from a number of different hills.
Areopagus Hill is one of our favorite spots because you get a great view of the Acropolis and other ancient structures, such as the Temple of Hephaestus. The hill is named after Areas, the god of war, so it’s not only a great place to see the city, it’s full of history. Visiting the hill is free as well, perfect for those on a budget.
For a better view of Athens, Philopappos Hill is great. It’s only 15 minutes walk away from the Acropolis or Areopagus Hill, so you can visit all the spots at the same time. It’s also free.
If you’re looking for a rooftop bar to get a glimpse of the city instead, hotel A for Athens has one of the best ones. At the top of the hotel, you’ll find a two-story restaurant and bar where you can see from Monastiraki Square all the way to the Acropolis. The food and drinks are delicious at A for Athens as well so it’s a win/win.
Monastiraki and Plaka Athens
Once you’ve had your fill of the ancient, historical parts of Athens, check out some of the local neighborhoods. Monastiraki and Plaka are two of our favorites.
Monastiraki is a great area for shopping as you can find a local flea market there. You can find fun souvenirs, handmade goods, artists in their workshops, clothes, and delicious food in the market. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit Monastiraki Square and get a drink or a bite to eat.
Plaka is a neighborhood under the Acropolis, so it is one of the oldest sections of Athens. To preserve the area’s history, most of the roads around Plaka are not open to automobile traffic. This makes it a great place to explore on foot. You can find plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums in Plaka, so it’s the perfect area to spend a day.
Admire the Architecture
Athens doesn’t just have ancient temples, the city has tons of interesting architecture, both new and old. Walking around Athens is doable and we always recommend it as the best way to see the city. On your exploration, look for the oldest house in Athens, the Benizelos Mansion. The Benizelos Mansion is located in Plaka and was built in the 16th century so it’s not quite as old as the structures on the Acropolis, but it still has its own history. This mansion is a great example of eloquent architecture from the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is a museum that tourists can enjoy.
If you’re interested in more recent history, the Panathenaic Stadium is a great piece of architecture to visit. It is a modern reconstruction of an ancient stadium built for the Panathenaic Games in 330 BC. The current structure was built for the 1896 Olympics. It’s a massive stadium that can hold 45,000 spectators. From the top, you get a great view of the Acropolis and the National Garden
Visit a Museum
The running theme in Athens is history. The city is full of ancient history and what better way to enjoy it than from a museum. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of our favorites. It is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world as it preserves ancient Greek art and antiquities.
If contemporary art is more your thing, the Frissiras Museum is amazing. You can find it in Plaka and it hosts an impressive collection of 3000 Greek paintings and sculptures. To keep your little ones interested, you may want to visit the Museum of Greek Children’s Art instead. It’s a museum full of art by children, so your kids might find a bit of inspiration there.