Since you will be spending some time in Athens, why not make the most of it?

We have listed below some of the 'must-visit' attractions, along with some guides with further suggestions that might assist you in arranging your itinerary.

Attractions

Day trips

'Acropolis' refers to central and fortified districts often encountered in ancient Greek cities, typically built on hills.

The Acropolis of Athens is probably the most recognisable monument of Greece. The buildings that still stand today, such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaea, among others, were constructed under the direction of Pericles in the 5th century BC and are remnants of the Golden Age of Greece.

Since the Acropolis is the most popular place to visit in Athens, it is highly advisable to schedule your visit for early in the morning (or for the last two hours before closing). It is not only a matter of beating the crowds, but heat should also be taken into account. We also suggest that you buy tickets online in advance to skip the long queues, while it might be worth considering a multi-monument ticket.

Before or following your visit to the Acropolis, you should definitely visit the Acropolis Museum which is located nearby. It is a modern museum inaugurated in 2009, exhibiting artifacts found on the Acropolis and in the surrounding slopes. As you can imagine, it also tends to get quite busy, so avoid rush hours and buy your tickets in advance to skip the long queues.

This historic stadium, also known as 'Kallimarmaro', dates back to 330 BC and was reconstructed in its entirety in marble in 144 AD (being unique in the world). In 1896, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympic Games, and was subsequently used as an Olympic venue in the 2004 Olympic Games. Moreover, it serves as the finishing point for the Athens Classic Marathon, while it is also where the Olympic flame is officially handed over to the host nation.

These three neighbourhoods located in the historic centre of Athens are definitely worth a visit.

Plaka extends from the Acropolis to the Syntagma Square. When there, do not skip the Anafiotika area, which is a picturesque, older section of Plaka with narrow streets and alleys, along with many cafés and restaurants.

Thissio (or Thiseio) hides many cultural and gastronomic treasures. Several of the city’s most notable attractions are located there, including the Ancient Agora, the cobbled boulevard of Apostolou Pavlou, as well as the Filopappou hill and the Areopagus hill.

Monastiraki can be characterised as a central hub, offering many options for shopping (Ermou street and the flea market), food and drinks (from street food to sky bars). The church of Panagia Kapnikarea is also located there, which is one of the oldest churches in Athens.