From the ancient Acropolis to the renowned Parthenon, this vibrant capital of Greece offers an abundance of attractions for travellers to explore.
When planning to check out places to visit in Athens, consider the best time to explore Athens, with spring and fall offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances and medical expenses during your trip.
Embark on a journey to Athens and immerse yourself in its fascinating history, architectural marvels, and warm Mediterranean charm.
Top Places to Visit in Athens
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Acropolis
The Acropolis is one of the best places to visit in Athens. Its rich history spans centuries. It began with the Mycenaeans, who constructed a fortified compound on the hill during the Bronze Age. The Athenians later built the Bluebeard Temple in the 6th century B.C. to honour Athena. However, the Persians attacked in 480 B.C., destroying the old structures. To protect the remaining sculptures, the Athenians buried them and built new fortifications.
Things to Do at Acropolis
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Visit the Parthenon, a magnificent temple located at the heart of the Acropolis and admire its grandeur.
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Explore the rich heritage and marvel at the architectural wonders.
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Visit the Acropolis Museum and admire the artefacts.
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Syntagma Square
This is one of the most interesting Athens places to visit. In 1843, a popular uprising occurred in Athens, known as the September 3rd Revolution. The revolution led to the ousting of King Otto and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in Greece. As a result, the place originally known as Palace Square got renamed Syntagma Square, which means “Constitution Square” in Greek, to commemorate the event. Since then, Syntagma Square has been the site of numerous significant historical events, including political rallies.
Things to do at Syntagma Square
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Take a stroll through the picturesque national gardens surrounding Syntagma Square.
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Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Capture stunning photos of the impressive Greek parliament.
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Ancient Agora
The agora, one of the most exciting places to visit in Athens, is an open space in ancient Greek cities that served as a meeting ground for several activities of the citizens. It encompassed religious, political, judicial, social, and commercial functions. The agora evolved over time, with an Archaic type characterised by a less coordinated layout and an Ionic type marked by greater symmetry.
Things to Do at Ancient Agora
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Exploring the agora allows visitors to witness the ruins of residential and public buildings, including temples dedicated to the Olympic Gods, altars, fountains, and statues.
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Visit the Prison of Socrates, the Theatre of Dionysus, the ruins of Bouleuterion, the temples of Aphrodite Urania and Hephaestus, and the Odeon of Agrippa.
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National Archaeological Museum
Founded in 1829, the National Archaeological Museum in Greece is one of the best places to visit in Athens. The country’s first museum got established after the liberation from Ottoman rule. Initially located in Aegina, it got moved to Athens in 1834. The present building was designed by L. Lange and modified by E. Ziller in 1866. The museum opened to the public in 1889, showcasing collections of prehistoric antiquities and sculptures.
Things to Do at National Archaeological Museum
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Explore the prehistoric collections and admire the renowned bronze statue of Zeus.
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Discover ancient vases and delve into the findings from Santorini.
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Marvel at the diverse metallurgy collections.
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Athens' Mount Lycabettus
Mount Lycabettus is one of the most interesting Athens places to visit. It holds ancient myths and historical transformations within its majestic presence. Mount Lycabettus has witnessed notable changes throughout its existence, including the construction of St. Isidore’s chapel in the XV-XVI century and St. George’s church in the XIX century. The mountain’s depths housed air defence headquarters during the Greco-Italian war and a repository for vital documents. A 3,000-seat amphitheatre got erected in 1965.
Things to Do at Athens’ Mount Lycabettus
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Explore Athens’ Mount Lycabettus, a charming hill embraced by pine trees.
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Discover its treasures like a captivating theatre, a delightful restaurant, and the enchanting Chapel of St. George nestled at its base.
Best Time to Visit Athens
The best possible periods to check out places to visit in Athens are March to May and September to November. These seasons offer pleasant weather, abundant sunshine, and fewer crowds. Furthermore, finding affordable hotel and airfare deals is easier compared to the bustling summer months. The city experiences relatively mild winters due to its Mediterranean location, although temperatures can still be chilly. However, be cautious of June to August, when scorching heat can interfere with your plans.
Travel Insurance for Athens
While Athens, Greece, does not require travel insurance for visitors unless you need a Schengen Visa, it comes highly recommended. Athens has excellent medical facilities, but they can be costly, and an injury or illness could result in significant expenses. Additionally, travel insurance is crucial to protect your investment in emergencies or unforeseen circumstances like flight delays, lost/misplaced baggage, loss of vital documents such as your Passport, etc.