Athens is a sprawling city established among seven historic hills and surrounded by remarkable mountains. Inhabited for more than 3,000 years, Athens is widely known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Consisting of a large city center, an urban district and metropolitan area, Athens presents a confusing blend of historical and modern features. The city is famous for its archaeological ruins and monuments. However, Athens is not just about ancient ruins. This bustling city is also an important center for culture, nightlife and sports. An overview of the top tourist attractions in Athens.
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Top Tourist Attractions In Athens
1. The Acropolis
Few sights in the world compare to Athens’ Acropolis, with its Parthenon temple perched high on a rocky crag keeping watch over centuries of civilization. A reminder of the glory of ancient Athens, the Acropolis was the center of the ancient city and functioned as a citadel in its protected hilltop location.
The most emblematic building is the Parthenon, the largest temple of the classical antiquity period dating from 447 BC to 338 BC. With its monumental rows of Doric columns and stunning sculptural details, the temple is an awe-inspiring sight. In the frieze on the eastern side, reliefs depict the birth of the goddess Athena.
Other ruins of the Acropolis include the Temple of Athena Nike at the entrance, and Erechtheion, a complex of ancient sanctuaries built between 421 BC and 395 BC. The most famous feature of the Erechtheion complex is the Porch of the Caryatids, with six statues of maidens in place of Doric columns.
2. Acropolis Museum
Another of Athens’ top attractions, the Acropolis Museum contains one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world. The new facility was completed in 2007, below the Acropolis hilltop, and replaced the former museum on the hill.
This huge facility 25,000 square meters, and features 14,000 square meters of exhibition space. The unique layout incorporates an ancient Athenian neighborhood.
This is one of the best things to do in Athens when temperatures are soaring at midday.
3. National Garden
The expansive National Garden is located in the heart of Athens. The park is a welcome and pleasant refuge from the searing summer sun, and inside you’ll find a café, a small zoo and tranquil duck ponds. Commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838, it was formerly known as the Royal Garden. Guided Segway tours are also available, with the added bonus of taking in Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Zeus, Parliament House and the Presidential Mansion.
4. Plaka
Plaka, one of the top tourist attractions in Athens, Athens’s oldest neighborhood, lies under the shadow of the Acropolis. The old town of the city is the centre of all things tourism, with cafés, restaurants and shops dotted throughout. The best way to experience the area is to get lost in its narrow streets, wandering past Byzantine churches and Neoclassical architecture, all the while catching glimpses of the magnificent Acropolis above. You’re sure to come across something special on your explorations.
5. Ancient Agora
The ancient Agora was the marketplace and the center of everyday life in ancient Athens. For an impressive view of the Agora from afar, head to the north wall of the Acropolis or the roads from the Areopagus.
The best place to enter the Agora is at the north gate off Adrianoú Street (near the Church of Saint Philip). The Greek word “Agora” means to “gather and orate,” indicating that this site was a location of public speaking. The Agora was a place of administration and commerce as well as the meeting place of the Agora tou Dimou, a civic decision-making group. Athletic events and theater performances were also held here.
One of the most striking features of the Ancient Agora is the Stoa of Attalos, originally built by King Attalos II and reconstructed in the 1950s. The stoa may have been the scene of Socrates’ trial in 399 BC.
6. Philopappos Hill
The Acropolis may be the most famous hill in Athens, but Philopappos Hill isn’t far behind. It also has an ancient history. Ancient Greeks believed the nine muses lived there and eventually named the hill after a monument to Philopappos, a Roman senator who is considered a benefactor of Athens.
At 147 meters (482 feet) high, it offers great views of the Acropolis and the rest of Athens. To the south, the Aegean Sea can be seen on a clear day. Philopappos is buried in a marble tomb in 115 AD at the highest point on the hill.
