Athen Sights: The 22 best highlights in Athens city centre

The Greek capital has the potential to win over even the most die-hard city skeptic. Countless Athens sights await you, such as charming old-town alleys, ancient sites, modern museums, and gardens. Dotted throughout are trendy neighborhoods that put many other European capitals to shame. We’ve been to Athens six times now, and on every visit we’ve discovered new places that have blown us away.

Athens is like a time machine: you turn a corner and suddenly find yourself standing in front of a 2,500-year-old temple, next to which a moped is parked and behind which a trendy café has set up its chairs on the street.
Tom & Ella

We’ve personally visited all the Athens attractions listed here and know from our own experience what’s truly worth seeing, what’s overrated, and where you’ll experience the most beautiful moments. From the Acropolis to must-see Athens neighborhoods to the city’s best viewpoints.

For each of the Athens highlights, we provide practical information on opening hours and admission prices, as well as first-hand personal tips. Here are our 22 top sights in Athens with all the practical information:

Our Athens tips on Google Maps

Skip hours of research and get our Athens Map with 210+ spots:

🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates

To Athens Map →

Sights around the Acropolis

#1 Acropolis & Parthenon

The Acropolis of Athens is the quintessential symbol of Greece and the reason why most people come to Athens in the first place. The Temple Hill towers impressively 156 meters above the city’s rooftops. The word “Acropolis” refers not only to the Parthenon but to the entire citadel with all its structures: the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids, the delicate Temple of Nike, the monumental Propylaea, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the southern slope.

Even the view from the mighty Acropolis down on the metropolis is spectacular and impresses even the most history-averse visitor. The Parthenon (built in 447 B.C.) was dedicated to the goddess Athena and, with its Doric columns, is considered one of the most significant structures of antiquity. The scaffolding around the Parthenon was temporarily removed in October 2025 after decades in place. Currently, the temple is partially fenced off again, which in no way detracts from the overall impression.

The Acropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, with over 3 million visitors per year, the most visited attraction in Greece. Since 2023, a daily visitor limit of 20,000 people has been in effect, and tickets with time slots are allocated online. During peak season, morning slots are often booked up weeks in advance. By the way, you can enjoy magnificent views from Athens’ city hills known as Pnyx, Filopappou, and Lycabettus (see below).

📍 Location of the Acropolis: Centrally located in downtown Athens | North entrance from Monastiraki (10 min.) | South entrance from Acropolis Metro Station (under 5 min.)

🕐 Acropolis opening hours: daily 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (summer) | 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (winter) | last admission 30 min. before closing

💶 Acropolis admission: €30 (as of April 2025, year-round) | Free for EU citizens under 25 and students | Time-slot ticket required

🚶 Guided Acropolis tours on GetYourGuide*: View Acropolis tours*

#2 Acropolis Museum

One of Greece’s most modern museums and a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, located directly below the Acropolis. The collection at the Acropolis Museum includes original caryatids, Parthenon friezes, and countless artifacts from the Acropolis hill, all displayed here in light-filled rooms across three floors. On the ground floor, a glass floor offers a view of the ancient archaeological site below—a fascinating detail.

Acropolis Museum

The highlight is the top floor, where the Parthenon friezes are displayed in the exact arrangement of the original. The fully glazed window front offers a view of the actual Parthenon, just a few hundred meters away. The connection between the original and the museum is nothing short of magical. We recommend visiting the museum after seeing the Acropolis; this way, the impressions from above come together perfectly.

🕐 Acropolis Museum hours: Mon 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Tue–Sun 9:00 AM–8:00 PM (summer, Fri until 10:00 PM) | Shorter hours in winter

💶 Admission to the Acropolis Museum: approx. €20 (summer) | separate ticket, not included in the Acropolis ticket

🚶 Guided museum tour
on GetYourGuide*: View Acropolis Museum tours*

#3 Odeon of Herodes Atticus

On the southern slope of the Acropolis lies the impressive Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an ancient amphitheater dating back to 161 AD. The wealthy Athenian Herodes Atticus had it built in memory of his late wife, and the structure is so well-preserved today that concerts and theater performances are still held here in the summer. The Athens Epidaurus Festival brings international stars to this 1,900-year-old stage every year.

The Odeon seats around 5,000 spectators. It can be viewed from the outside via the Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian zone. To access the upper section, you’ll need the Acropolis ticket. The semicircular stone architecture with the reconstructed stage wall against the backdrop of Philopappos Hill is one of Athens’ most photogenic sights. If you have the chance to attend a performance here, you should definitely take it. The setting under the starry sky at this historic site is an unforgettable experience.

📍 Location of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus: Southwest foot of the Acropolis, on Dionysiou Areopagitou | Viewable from the outside

💶 Admission to the Odeon: Viewable from the outside | Interior tours only during events (tickets from approx. €15–80 depending on the event)

#4 Areopagus Hill

The rocky hill right next to the Acropolis was the meeting place of the Supreme Court in ancient Athens. In ancient times, the Council of Elders met on Areopagus Hill, where the city’s most serious offenses were tried. And even the Apostle Paul delivered his famous speech to the Athenians here around 50 AD, in which he proclaimed the “unknown God.” So much history on a single rock sounds like an absolute must-see in Athens!

Today, the Areopagus (also known as Arios Pagous) is one thing above all else: the ultimate gathering spot in the evening just before sunset. As the sun sets over Athens and the Acropolis glows in golden light, hundreds of people sit here on the rocks and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Athens. We’ve been to Athens in every season, and it’s always been packed. The climb is short but steep, and there are no railings or barriers at the top.

📍 Location of Areopagus Hill: Directly northwest of the Acropolis | Free access, 24/7

#5 Philopappos Hill

Philopappos Hill (also Filopappou) is located southwest of the Acropolis and is our personal favorite viewpoint in Athens. While the crowds gather at the Areopagus and on Lycabettus Hill, you’ll often find peace and quiet here. At the summit stands the monument to the Syrian prince Philopappos from the 2nd century AD, after whom the hill is named. There are other places worth seeing in the area, including the Church of Saint Demetrios Loumbardiaris, an impressive relic from the 9th century.

We experienced the coolest sunset in Athens, without the crowds, on the southern foothills of the so-called Hill of the Muses. The view stretches across southern Athens all the way to Piraeus, and on a clear day you can even see the Saronic Islands of Aegina and Salamis on the horizon. An absolute dream: Just pack a beer or some wine and a cup for a sundowner! The path leads through a sparse pine forest where, with a little luck, you might even spot some turtles.

📍 Location of Philopappos Hill: Southwest of the Acropolis | Free access via Thiseio or Koukaki | Approx. 15-min. hike

Sights in Athens’ Old Town

#6 Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square is the beating heart of Athens and, for most visitors, their first point of contact with the city. As soon as you exit the metro station of the same name, you’re hit with the full Athens experience: street musicians, souvenir vendors, the scent of fresh souvlaki, and towering above it all, the Acropolis on its rocky plateau. The square is surrounded by the small Pantanassa Church, the Tzistarakis Mosque (now the Museum of Greek Ceramics), and the imposing ruins of Hadrian’s Library.

From here, you can reach all of Athens’ major sights on foot: Plaka, the Ancient Agora, Psyrri, and the Acropolis are each just a few minutes away. In the evening, the Athens rooftop bars around the square transform into the city’s most popular sunset spots. Leading the way is the bar A for Athens, from which you can enjoy the iconic view of the illuminated Acropolis. The restaurants right on the square, however, are touristy and rather hit-or-miss; you’ll find better spots in the side streets.

📍 Location of Monastiraki Square: Central square in Athens’ Old Town | Monastiraki Metro Station (Lines 1 & 3)

🚶 Guided walking tour of Monastiraki
on GetYourGuide*: Evening walking tour with a guide*

#7 Plaka Old Town

Plaka is the romantic heart of Athens at the foot of the Acropolis and the city’s oldest neighborhood. Almost entirely car-free, with winding alleys, pastel-colored mansions, bougainvillea on every corner, and countless taverns and cafés. As you stroll through the alleys, you’ll quickly forget that you’re in a metropolis of 5 million people—the neighborhood feels so village-like and cozy.

The upper streets near the Acropolis are particularly charming, lined with traditional taverns and small boutiques. In the lower part toward Ermou Street, it gets more touristy; souvenir shops dominate here, and the restaurants are pricier. The bustling Adrianou Street, which runs from Monastiraki Square through the heart of Plaka, is the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare and a wonderful place to stroll in the evening.

📍 Location of Plaka, Athens: East and south of the Acropolis | Metro: Acropolis or Monastiraki

🚶 Guided walking tour of Plaka
on GetYourGuide*: Evening walking tour with a guide*

#8 Anafiotika

The hidden gem within Plaka: a tiny Cycladic village right in the heart of Athens! Whitewashed cottages with blue shutters, narrow staircases, cats on every other windowsill, and blooming bougainvilleas everywhere. The neighborhood was built in the 19th century by workers from the Cycladic island of Anafi, who were brought to Athens to help construct the Royal Palace and, without further ado, brought their island architecture with them. To this day, a stroll through Anafiotika feels like a quick trip to the Cyclades.

Unfortunately, Anafiotika is no longer an insider’s tip. The peace and quiet of the local residents is a thing of the past, and the sell-off has begun: in the lower part of the neighborhood, the first apartments are being rented out as Airbnbs, Instagram tourists are squeezing through the narrow alleys, and the residents are visibly fed up. Nevertheless, the detour is worth it, preferably early in the morning when the alleys are still empty. Please respect the residents’ privacy and heed the occasional “Please be quiet” signs.

#9 Psyrri & Pittaki Street

The former slum has blossomed into Athens’ hippest neighborhood. Psyrri is street art on every building wall, live music from the bars, creative cocktails, and taverns serving authentic Greek cuisine all rolled into one. The scene is constantly changing; we discover new spots with every visit. This dynamism is what makes Psyrri so exciting.

The famous Pittaki Street with its colorful lampshades and the quirky Little Kook café, which transforms into a complete fairy-tale world depending on the season (Halloween, Christmas, Carnival), are true Instagram hotspots. But Psyrri is so much more than that: anyone who simply strolls through the illuminated alleys in the evening and lets themselves drift along will experience Athens at its liveliest. And night owls will find their home base for an Athens city trip here: it’s affordable and close to the vibrant nightlife.

Archaeological Sites of Athens

#10 Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus

For centuries, the Ancient Agora was the political, social, and economic heart of ancient Athens. This is where Socrates and Plato debated, where the Assembly met, and where democracy was born. Even though most of it lies in ruins today, the sprawling complex conveys a surprisingly vivid picture of daily life in ancient times.

The undisputed star of the complex is the Temple of Hephaestus (also known as the Theseion), the best-preserved ancient building in all of Greece. Built around 449 B.C., it sits atop the Agoraios Kolonos hill overlooking the Agora and is one of the coolest photo spots in the city. The Doric columns, the intact roof, and the reliefs are in such good condition that you’ll wonder if the structure is really 2,500 years old.

At least as impressive is the Stoa of Attalos, a fully reconstructed ancient colonnade that now serves as a museum. When you stand between the two-story colonnades, you immediately feel transported 2,000 years into the past. All you really need to do is throw on a Greek tunic, and the time-travel experience would be perfect!

📍 Location of the Ancient Agora: Between Monastiraki and Thiseio | Entrance via Adrianou Street

🕐 Opening hours of the Ancient Agora: daily 8:00 AM–7:30 PM (summer) | 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (winter)

💶 Admission to the Ancient Agora: €20

#11 Roman Agora & Tower of the Winds

The market area from Roman times is nestled between Plaka and Monastiraki and is home to the Tower of the Winds (Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes), one of Athens’ most fascinating ancient structures. The octagonal marble structure from the 1st century BC served as a sundial, water clock, and weather station, and is considered one of the oldest meteorological installations in the world.

Each of the eight sides features a wind deity symbolizing the respective wind direction. An astonishingly modern idea for a structure over 2,000 years old. The grounds of the Roman Agora are compact; a visit takes about 30 minutes and can be easily combined with a visit to the neighboring Hadrian’s Library. However, an additional admission fee is required here as well, which dampens the spirit of exploration. The popular Athens combo ticket was unfortunately discontinued in April 2025—what a shame!

📍 Location of the Roman Agora: Near the Fethiye Mosque between Plaka and Monastiraki

🕐 Opening hours of the Roman Agora: daily 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (summer) | 8:00 AM–3:00 PM (winter)

💶 Admission to the Roman Agora: €10

🚶 Guided historical tour of Athens on GetYourGuide*: Historic Athens by Bike*

#12 Hadrian’s Library

Emperor Hadrian founded this imposing complex in 132 AD, and it was far more than just a library: it served as the cultural community center of imperial Athens, featuring reading rooms, lecture halls, and a large inner courtyard with gardens and a water basin. The impressive west facade, with its Corinthian columns, stands directly on the street between Monastiraki and the Roman Agora.

Most tourists walk right past Hadrian’s Library without a second glance because they’re too busy rushing from one highlight to the next. Admittedly, the view through the fence reveals most of the complex. But history buffs shouldn’t miss this Roman site, as it’s one of the least-visited ancient sites in the city center—and that’s exactly why it’s so pleasant. Here you can stroll peacefully among the ruins without constantly having to dodge other people.

📍 Location of Hadrian’s Library: Just south of Monastiraki Square, next to the Tzistarakis Mosque

💶 Admission to Hadrian’s Library: €10

#13 Kerameikos

The ancient pottery district (the name “ceramics” derives from here) was also one of the most significant cemeteries of antiquity. Kerameikos is the least-visited of Athens’ major archaeological sites, and that is precisely why it is a true gem. While crowds jostle on the Acropolis, here you often have the Street of Tombs and the ancient city walls all to yourself.

The small museum on the grounds displays exceptionally well-preserved funerary stelae, ceramic finds, and vase paintings that offer an intimate glimpse into the daily life of ancient Athenians. For history buffs, Kerameikos is an absolute hidden gem. Anyone interested in ancient art and burial rituals will find what they’re looking for here.

📍 Location of Ancient Kerameikos: West of Monastiraki | Metro: Kerameikos or Thiseio

💶 Admission to Ancient Kerameikos: approx. €10

#14 Olympieion (Temple of Zeus) & Hadrian’s Arch

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was once the largest temple in Athens and one of the most magnificent in the entire ancient world. Its construction spanned nearly 700 years, beginning in the 6th century BC and only completed under Emperor Hadrian around 131 AD. Of the original 104 massive marble columns, only 15 remain today, but their sheer scale is impressive: each column stands over 17 meters tall.

You can see the columns from afar from almost every corner of the city; they are a constant companion on a walk through Athens. Right at the entrance stands the well-preserved Hadrian’s Gate, an elegant triumphal arch that marked the boundary between the old and new city. On one side is engraved “This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus,” and on the other, “This is the city of Hadrian, not of Theseus.” A piece of imperial ego carved in marble.

📍 Location of the Olympieion: East of the Acropolis, on National Road 91

💶 Admission to the Olympieion: €6

Highlights in the wider Athens city center

#15 Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guard

Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) is the political center of Athens. The imposing building at the front of the square is the Greek Parliament, which is housed in a former 19th-century royal palace. In front of it lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded around the clock by the so-called Evzones, the former Royal Greek Guard.

The Evzones’ changing of the guard is a real spectacle, as every hour on the hour, the elite soldiers in their traditional uniforms—complete with fustanella skirts and pom-pom shoes (tsarouchia)—change the guard. The ceremonial march looks almost comical at first glance, but it has a deep symbolic meaning. The grand changing of the guard with a military band takes place on Sundays at 11 a.m. and is particularly worth seeing, though it does attract quite a crowd.

📍 Location of Syntagma Square: Central square of Athens | Syntagma Metro Station (Lines 2 & 3) | Changing of the guard hourly, free

#16 National Garden & Zappeion

The National Garden of Athens is a green oasis of calm in the heart of Athens, located directly behind the Parliament building. Created under Queen Amalia, its 15 hectares feature rare plants, winding paths, small ponds with turtles, and ancient column fragments among the trees. Especially on hot days in July and August, the shady trees were a welcome respite for us after sweating it out at the archaeological sites. Queen Amalia’s pergola is also a great photo spot.

The National Garden is a true paradise for families, as there is no noise, traffic, or crowds here. The playground in the National Garden was completely renovated a few years ago and is always our daughter’s absolute favorite spot in Athens. It features a huge mud kitchen with a gold panning area, climbing frames, and plenty of shade under old trees. You can easily spend half an afternoon here while parents finally get a chance to relax.

At the southern end of the garden stands the Zappeion, a neoclassical stately building designed by architect Ernst Ziller for the 1896 Olympic Games. For us, it is simply one of the most beautiful buildings in Athens. The symmetry of the façade, the elegant columns, the semicircular courtyard with its checkerboard pattern—simply wow! In the summer, the Zappeion is often the venue for free concerts and DJ sets. It’s best to ask your host about the dates.

📍 Location of the National Garden of Athens: Behind Syntagma Square | Free admission

🚶 Guided historical tour of Athens on GetYourGuide*: Historic Athens by Bike*

Greece Packing List – What Goes in the Suitcase

Our free packing list for your Greece holiday – print it out or save it to your phone.

To the Packing List for Greece →

#17 Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)

The Panathenaic Stadium, affectionately called Kallimarmaro (beautiful marble) by the Athenians, is the only stadium in the world built entirely of white marble. In 1896, the first modern Olympic Games took place here, a historic moment that laid the foundation for modern sports history. Even today, the stadium holds around 80,000 spectators.

You can walk up the steep marble stands (with a fantastic view of the city from the top), take a lap around the track, and stand on the winner’s podium. An audio guide tells the story of the stadium from antiquity to the 1896 Olympic Games and is really well done. In the tunnel passage beneath the stands, there is a small exhibition featuring Olympic torches and historical photos. While the admission price is relatively high, the view of the Acropolis from the top row is spectacular.

📍 Location of the Panathenaic Stadium: Southeast of the National Garden

💶 Admission to the Panathenaic Stadium: €12

🚶 Guided historical tour of Athens on GetYourGuide*: Historic Athens by Bike*

#18 Varvakios Agora (Athens Central Market)

The Varvakios Agora on Athinas Street between Omonia and Monastiraki is Athens’ oldest and largest market and an experience for all the senses. In the huge market hall, whole lamb halves hang from hooks, fishmongers shout their prices into the hall, and next to them, mountains of olives, cheese, and dried herbs are piled high. It smells of the sea, meat, and fresh spices all at once, and the atmosphere is more exotic than almost any other place in Europe.

That’s exactly what makes the Central Market so fascinating: here you can feel that Athens lies somewhere in the middle between the Orient and the Occident. Tourists are definitely a rare sight here. Instead, you’ll encounter Athenian housewives haggling, tavern chefs doing their daily shopping, and stray cats hoping for scraps. By the way, in the small kafeneions and meze bars (tip: Oinomageireio Epirus) inside and around the market hall, you’ll find the cheapest and most authentic Greek cuisine in the city.

📍 Location of the Athens Central Market: Athinas Street, between Monastiraki and Omonia

🕐 Athens Central Market hours: open Mon–Sat approx. 7:00 AM–6:00 PM

🚶 Guided market and food tours on GetYourGuide*: View food tours in Athens*

#19 Lycabettus Hill

At 277 meters, Lykavittos (also Lykabettus) is the highest point in Athens and offers the best 360-degree panorama of the entire city. At the top, you’ll find the small whitewashed chapel of Agios Georgios, a restaurant, and an unbeatable view that stretches all the way to the Saronic Gulf on a clear day. Lykavittos is especially magical at sunset and is correspondingly popular.

You can hike up from the Kolonaki neighborhood in about 30 minutes. The trail leads through a shady pine forest, but in summer it gets really hot on the treeless summit plateau; two cafés offer refreshments. For those short on time or who don’t feel like walking: Yes, you can even drive up the hill and reach the viewpoint after a two-minute walk :-). Alternatively, you can take Athens’ only funicular to reach the summit.

📍 Location of Lycabettus Hill: Northeast of the city center, above Kolonaki

💶 Admission for the Lycabettus funicular: approx. €13 round trip

Major museums in Athens

#20 National Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Athens (also known as the National Archaeological Museum or National Museum) is one of the most important museums in the world and houses the largest collection of Greek antiquities anywhere. The collection includes over 11,000 exhibits, ranging from the golden mask of Agamemnon to Mycenaean gold treasures and life-size bronze sculptures, as well as intricately painted vases and delicate jewelry. Here, you’ll truly grasp the scale of Greek civilization.

The museum is located a bit off the beaten path from the touristy city center on Patission Street and is therefore often overlooked by many tourists on short trips. A big mistake! We didn’t discover the National Museum until our third visit to Athens and were immediately blown away. We could easily have stayed inside for another two or three hours. The Mycenaean section and the bronze sculpture gallery are absolutely world-class.

📍 Location of the Archaeological Museum of Athens: 44 Patission Street, north of Omonia | Metro Victoria or Omonia (10-minute walk from either)

🕐 Opening hours of the National Museum of Athens: Wed–Mon 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (summer) | Tue 1:00 PM–8:00 PM

💶 Admission to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens: approx. €20

#21 Benaki Museum & Museum of Cycladic Art

Two more museums in the elegant Kolonaki district that culture lovers shouldn’t miss. The Benaki Museum, housed in a magnificent neoclassical villa, showcases Greek culture from the Neolithic era to the modern age, ranging from Byzantine icons and Ottoman textiles to paintings of the Greek Revolution. The rooftop terrace with views of the National Garden and Lycabettus Hill is worth the visit alone.

The Museum of Cycladic Art (Goulandris) houses a unique collection of Cycladic marble figures dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE. These minimalist, almost modern sculptures have inspired artists such as Picasso and Modigliani.

📍 Location of the Athens museums: Both are in the Kolonaki district, within walking distance of each other

💶 Admission to Athens museums: Benaki approx. €12 | Cycladic Art approx. €12

All Athens tips at a glance

Over 210 curated spots like beaches, restaurants, photo spots and insider tips directly on your smartphone.

To Athens Map →

Sights near Piraeus

#22 Piraeus: Mikrolimano, Kastella & Stavros Niarchos

Most visitors to Athens know Piraeus only as the port from which ferries depart for the islands. But it’s definitely worth a detour, especially if you’re spending a night here before your ferry anyway. The idyllic Mikrolimano harbor in southeast Piraeus is lined with fish taverns and sailboats. Sitting here by the water on a warm evening and eating fresh fish while the sun sets behind Salamis feels like a Greek island idyll right in the middle of the big city.

Directly above the harbor of Mikrolimano lies the old town district of Piraeus, called Kastella. It’s well worth a visit, as the pastel-colored mansions and the fantastic panoramic view of the Saronic Gulf are simply amazing. Very few tourists find their way here, yet the view from the top of the hill (Profitis Ilias) is breathtaking on clear days: you can see Aegina, the Peloponnese coast, and the open sea.

A little further south, on the coast in Kallithea, stands the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), a modern masterpiece by architect Renzo Piano. The massive complex houses the National Library of Greece and the National Opera and is surrounded by a beautiful, freely accessible park overlooking Phaleron Bay. It’s a great destination, especially for families, with playgrounds, water features, and expansive green spaces.

📍 Getting to Piraeus: Mikrolimano and Kastella via Metro Line 1 to Piraeus (25 min. from Monastiraki) | SNFCC via tram or bus 550 from Syntagma

→ Here you’ll find all our Athens posts and many more useful tips about the capital at a glance:

• Athens Blog
• Athens Travel Guide
• Athens City Break
• Athens Excursions

Save this post on Pinterest too!