Top 20 · Athens, Greece
Top 20 Attractions in Athens
From the Acropolis to hidden ancient cemeteries, world-class museums and the city's best viewpoints, these are the twenty sights not to miss in Athens.
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UNESCO World Heritage
1. The Acropolis & Parthenon
The symbol of Athens and of Western civilisation: the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Temple of Athena Nike crowning the sacred rock. Book a timed ticket online and go early or late to beat the heat.
Dionysiou Areopagitou (main entrance)Details View on map
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World-class museum
2. Acropolis Museum
A stunning modern museum at the foot of the Acropolis, with the Parthenon marbles displayed in a glass gallery facing the temple itself. Walk over the excavated ancient neighbourhood beneath your feet.
15 Dionysiou AreopagitouDetails View on map
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Greece's greatest museum
3. National Archaeological Museum
The largest archaeological museum in Greece, home to the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera Mechanism and the bronze Artemision god. Allow at least half a day.
44 Patision (28is Oktovriou)Details View on map
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Ancient site
4. Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus
The heart of ancient Athenian life, where Socrates walked and democracy took shape. Its Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere.
24 AdrianouDetails View on map
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Old town
5. Plaka & Anafiotika
The oldest neighbourhood in Athens: pedestrian lanes, neoclassical mansions and tavernas, with the whitewashed island-style houses of Anafiotika tucked into the slope of the Acropolis.
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Best city view
6. Lycabettus Hill
The highest point in central Athens, with a little chapel at the top and 360-degree views from the Acropolis to the sea. Walk up through the pines or take the funicular, and stay for sunset.
Funicular from Aristippou StreetDetails View on map
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Built of marble
7. Panathenaic Stadium
The only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, home to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Walk the track and climb to the royal seats.
Vasileos Konstantinou AveDetails View on map
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Ancient site
8. Temple of Olympian Zeus
The colossal columns of what was once the largest temple in Greece, beside Hadrian's Arch and with the Acropolis as a backdrop.
Vasilissis Olgas AveDetails View on map
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Free to watch
9. Syntagma & the Changing of the Guard
The Evzones guards in traditional uniform change shift every hour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, below the Parliament. The full ceremonial parade takes place on Sunday mornings.
Syntagma SquareDetails View on map
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Greek culture
10. Benaki Museum
A captivating journey through Greek art and culture from prehistory to the 20th century, set in an elegant mansion with a lovely rooftop café.
1 Koumbari & Vasilissis SofiasDetails View on map
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Ancient art
11. Museum of Cycladic Art
Home to the iconic marble Cycladic figurines that inspired Picasso and Modigliani, plus excellent temporary exhibitions in a neoclassical mansion.
4 Neofytou DoukaDetails View on map
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Acropolis view
12. Philopappos Hill
A pine-covered hill with perhaps the finest view of the Acropolis, especially at sunset. A peaceful walk away from the crowds, with paths designed by architect Dimitris Pikionis.
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Shopping
13. Monastiraki Flea Market
A maze of stalls and shops selling antiques, vintage finds, souvenirs and leather sandals, liveliest on Sunday mornings around Avissinias Square.
Ifestou Street & Avissinias SquareDetails View on map
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Green escape
14. National Garden
A shady oasis behind Parliament, laid out for Queen Amalia in the 1830s, with ponds, ruins, ducks and the grand Zappeion Hall at its southern end.
Vasilissis Amalias AveDetails View on map
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Ancient site
15. Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds
Roman-era marketplace with the remarkable octagonal Tower of the Winds, an ancient clock tower with sundials, a water clock and carved wind gods.
Pelopida & EolouDetails View on map
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Hidden gem
16. Kerameikos
The ancient cemetery of Athens, with beautiful grave monuments, the remains of the city gates and a small museum, often blissfully quiet.
148 ErmouDetails View on map
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Modern landmark
17. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Renzo Piano's spectacular home of the National Opera and National Library, set in a vast park with a canal and a rooftop lighthouse looking out to sea.
364 Syngrou AveDetails View on map
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Byzantine art
18. Byzantine & Christian Museum
A superb collection of icons, mosaics and frescoes spanning the Byzantine era, in a peaceful villa and garden.
22 Vasilissis Sofias AveDetails View on map
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Local life
19. Central Market (Varvakios Agora)
The bustling meat and fish halls of the city's central market, with spice shops, delis and old tavernas all around. Athens at its most authentic.
Athinas StreetDetails View on map
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Day trip
20. Temple of Poseidon, Sounion
A marble temple on a clifftop at the tip of Attica, one of the most spectacular sunset spots in Greece. About an hour and a half from the centre along the coast.
Cape Sounion (about 70 km south)Details View on map
Price guide per adult: Free, € under €10, €€ €10–20, €€€ over €20. Ancient sites sell timed tickets online; prices and opening hours change seasonally, so check before you go.