Historic site · UNESCO
Acropolis of Athens
Athens, Greece
The rock above Athens topped by the Parthenon, one of the world's most famous ancient monuments.
City · Greece · Attica
Athens
The capital of Greece, where the Acropolis looks down on a busy modern city of markets, rooftop bars and small neighbourhood squares.
about 5 h
For storytellers
Why Athens matters
Athens hits you with two things at once: marble ruins that are thousands of years old and a loud, lively modern city wrapped around them. Look up from almost any street and the Parthenon is on its rock. Then drop into Plaka for narrow lanes, wander the flea market at Monastiraki, and finish on a rooftop as the Acropolis lights up. It is not a polished city, and that is part of its charm. Give it two or three days and eat well.
Talking points
- The Acropolis can be seen from countless corners of the city, which makes it a great background for videos.
- Athens mixes ancient sites and neighbourhood life: ruins sit between cafes, apartment blocks and markets.
- Evening is the best time: the heat drops and the rooftop views over the lit-up rock are hard to beat.
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What to see in Athens
Museum
Acropolis Museum
Athens, Greece
A modern museum at the foot of the Acropolis, holding the sculptures and finds from the rock.
Museum
National Archaeological Museum
Athens, Greece
The country's greatest collection of ancient Greek art, from golden masks to bronze statues.
Ruins
Ancient Agora of Athens
Athens, Greece
The old marketplace and civic heart of ancient Athens, with a beautifully preserved temple.
Viewpoint
Mount Lycabettus
Athens, Greece
The pine-covered hill with the best city-wide view of Athens, a small chapel on top.
Neighbourhood
Plaka
Athens, Greece
Athens' old quarter beneath the Acropolis, full of lanes, small shops and tavernas.
Historic site
Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
Athens, Greece
A temple on a sea cliff at the southern tip of Attica, famous for sunset views.
Square
Monastiraki Square
Athens, Greece
A lively square where metro, flea market and Acropolis views meet.
Ruins
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Athens, Greece
Giant columns from a huge ancient temple, standing in the middle of modern Athens.
Neighbourhood
Anafiotika
Athens, Greece
A tiny Cycladic-style village tucked into the side of the Acropolis hill.
Park
Filopappou Hill
Athens, Greece
A green hill opposite the Acropolis with one of the best free views of it.
Stadium
Panathenaic Stadium
Athens, Greece
A white marble stadium used for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Square
Syntagma Square
Athens, Greece
The square in front of the Greek Parliament, famous for the ceremonial guards.
Market
Varvakios Central Market
Athens, Greece
Athens' bustling covered meat and fish market, with spice shops and cafes nearby.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.