Athens Things To Do

Acropolis & Parthenon
Simply essential. No matter how familiar the buildings, the sheer size of the Parthenon still astounds. The Acropolis is an obvious contender for the world’s greatest archaeological site: a fantastically atmospheric place that still dominates the city to this day. These impressive, iconic ruins date from the 5th century BC and stand as a monument to Greek civilization. To achieve the greatest impact, walk up to the site from the Plaka or Monastiraki. The undoubted highlight is the Parthenon: the finest surviving example of Doric architecture. If visiting in the summer, it is well worth getting up early or saving the visit until the end of the day.

The Plaka
The Plaka is everyone’s favourite part of Athens: a romantic jumble of picturesque narrow streets with Byzantine churches and beautiful flower-decked houses. The Plaka is bursting with pretty tavernas with vine-covered courtyards, patios and rooftop terraces. The Old Town is undeniably touristy but remains an enjoyably romantic place thanks to its largely car-free status, its restaurants and cafes, its shops and its undeniable character. Try to get off the main drag to explore the quieter side streets, and climb up to the beautiful houses in the Anafiotika neighbourhood on the slopes of the Acropolis.

Beaches & Islands
Visit the coast of Athens using the enjoyable, cheap, comfortable, air-conditioned tram service from Syntagma Square. Get off at the marina in Alimos or continue to Glyfada. Athens beaches improve as you move away from the Pireaus port area. Taxis are an economical way to visit Athens beaches in the Kavouri-Vouliagmeni area, or beyond towards Sounion. Anavissos is a popular spot for weekend fish tavernas. Plenty of buses run to the beaches too. The islands of Aegina or Angistri are reached in an hour from Pireaus and offer a delightful instant contrast to busy downtown Athens.

Ancient Agora
It is easy to imagine the great Greek philosophers and writers moving around Ancient Agora, which was once the main commercial market place and civic centre of the city, with administrative buildings, schools, theatres, workshops, houses and markets. Among the ruins are several impressive buildings. The Dionysus Theatre is the world’s oldest: the setting for the great plays of Sophocles, Aeschylus and Euripides. The long roofed walkway, Stoa of Attalos, was a kind of ancient shopping centre and now features a museum of Athenian history.

National Archaeological Museum
A stunning, awe-inspiring, almost overwhelming collection of sculpture, statues, pottery, jewellery and much much more. The museum houses artefacts dating back to 2000 BC taken from the most important archaeological sites throughout Greece and beyond. This unmissable museum was fully renovated for the 2004 Olympics. Simply one of the world’s finest archaeological museums.

Syntagma Square & Monastiraki
Syntagma Square features the ex Royal Palace. Streets lead to museums like the Benaki Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Monastiraki is the perfect place to spend Sunday morning. The huge Monastiraki street market is entertaining, atmospheric and full of inviting shops, cafes and restaurants. Try to get there early before it gets too crowded.

Athens City Breaks  Getting Around Athens

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