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Top 10 attractions in Athens

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Acropolis of Athens
2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Acropolis of Athens

9.4
4.6/5
1.4k reviews
• Explore one of the world's most important architectural heritage sites • Uncover the history as you walk amongst amazing ruins • See the imposing columns of the Parthenon – the most imitated building in the world △The Acropolis is located southwest of the center of Athens, perched on the top of the Acropolis hill more than 150 meters high. It is a landmark of the city and a symbol of ancient Greece. The Acropolis was built in 580 BC. Acropolis means "high city-state" in Greek. The east, south and north sides of the hill are cliffs, which can be said to be a natural barrier. △[Temple of Erechtheion] Legend has it that it was the place where Athena and Poseidon, the god of the sea, battled wits over being the protector of Athens. This temple is famous for its six caryatids on the south side. △On the top of the Acropolis, there are ruins and cliffs, and you can feel every trace of history.Athens · 1.4 km from downtown
Parthenon
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Greece

Parthenon

7.4
4.6/5
478 reviews
The Parthenon is located on the Acropolis of Athens, Greece, and is an important structure from the ancient Greek period, built in the 5th century BC. It was constructed in honor of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, showcasing the advanced skills of the ancient Greeks in architecture and art. The temple features the Doric order style and is made of white marble, surrounded by a series of columns that create a solemn appearance. The Parthenon was not only a center for religious activities but also a significant site for the political and cultural life of Athens. Despite the changes and damages over history, this building remains a symbol of ancient Greek civilization, attracting visitors and scholars from around the world to explore and study.Athens · 1.4 km from downtown
Temple of Olympian Zeus
No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Greece

Temple of Olympian Zeus

5.5
4.1/5
286 reviews
The Temple of Zeus is located in the village of Olympia. It was built to worship Zeus and is one of the temples of ancient Greece. The Temple of Zeus was once famous for its ivory and gold statues, but today it is impossible to see the real thing. The Temple of Zeus was built in 470 BC and completed in 456 BC. It was designed by the architect Libon, and the statue of Zeus was in charge of the sculptor Pheidias. In 86 BC, the Roman commander Sulla captured Athens, destroyed the unfinished buildings, removed some of the stone pillars and other building materials, and transported them to Rome. They can still be seen today on the ruins of the Roman Forum in the center of Rome. The base of the Temple of Zeus is 64x28 meters, with 6 columns on the broad side and 13 columns on the long side. The surface of the temple is covered with stucco limestone, and the top of the temple is built of marble. The stone statues in front of and behind the temple are all made of marble from the island of Paros. The many statues on the gabled eaves on the west side of the temple are full of Athenian style. Legend has it that the Temple of Zeus once housed a statue of Zeus. According to historical records, the statue is 12 meters high, has an olive crown made of gold, sits on a magnificent throne made of fir wood, and is decorated with gold, ivory, ebony and various precious stones. On the right hand of Zeus is a small crowned statue, which is also made of gold and ivory. It holds a scepter made of gold in its right hand, and an eagle beside it. Today, the legendary statue and shrine no longer exist, only a few mutilated pillars and beams remain.Athens · 1.6 km from downtown
Monastiraki Square
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Greece

Monastiraki Square

5.5
4.8/5
4 reviews
Monastiraki Squareis located in the heart of the old city of Athens, Greece, and is a popular spot to experience the historical depth and daily life of this ancient city. On one side of the square stands the 18th-century Tzisdarakis Mosque, whose simple and solemn exterior bears witness to the history of the Ottoman Empire's rule. On the other side, it is adjacent to the ruins of the Roman-era Hadrian's Library, where the remaining stone walls and colonnades tell the story of Athens' past glory. Looking up, you can see the silhouette of the Acropolis high above, where ancient temple ruins blend with the modern cityscape. The streets around the square are filled with handicrafts, clothing, decorations, and various specialty goods, all colorful and vibrant. Visitors can browse the stalls at their leisure to pick out souvenirs with Greek characteristics, or sit in a cafe, enjoy a drink, and observe the crowds passing by, soaking in the relaxed yet lively rhythm of life in Athens.Athens · 866m from downtown
Syntagma Square
No. 4 of Night Attractions in Greece

Syntagma Square

5.4
4.5/5
324 reviews
Syntagma Square is located in the center of Athens, Greece, and is one of the city's important public squares. The square is famous for its historical and political significance and is home to the Greek Parliament. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony here, a traditional event that attracts many tourists to stop and watch. There are many important landmarks and attractions around the square, including the National Garden and Syntagma Avenue, where visitors can stroll and feel the city atmosphere of Athens. There are also many cafes, restaurants and shops near the square, providing tourists with a wealth of leisure and shopping options. In terms of transportation, Syntagma Square is one of Athens' transportation hubs, and it can be reached by subway, bus and tram, making it convenient for tourists to go to other attractions. The square is also the starting point for many city tours, where tourists can start from here to explore the history and culture of Athens. Visitors are advised to pay attention to the monuments and sculptures on the square when visiting. These works of art reflect the history and culture of Greece.Athens · 1 km from downtown
Ancient Agora of Athens
No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Greece

Ancient Agora of Athens

5.3
4.6/5
40 reviews
The Athens Ancient Agora Museum is located in the Attalus Colonnade Building, which was built around 150 BC and is a typical Hellenistic period building. The museum also displays many ancient Greek daily necessities such as pottery and pots unearthed here. The Attalus colonnade outside the museum is also a major feature. This colonnade is a completely restored building in the ruins of ancient Greece, as well as the temple of Hephaestus not far away, which can also be visited together.Athens · 1.2 km from downtown
Mount Lycabettus
No. 6 of Night Attractions in Greece

Mount Lycabettus

5.2
4.4/5
112 reviews
Mount Lycabettusis located in the center of Athens, Greece. It is a natural limestone hill with an altitude of nearly 280m, attracting a large number of visitors. The mountain rises abruptly from the bustling city blocks. From a distance, green trees and light-colored rocks cover the slopes, forming a sharp contrast with the dense white buildings surrounding it. Ascending to the observation deck, the entire city seems to unfold slowly beneath your feet, with dense white buildings extending into the distance, while the ancient Acropolis of Athens and the Parthenon stand out prominently in the center of the city. Classical architecture and modern neighborhoods intertwine, showcasing the unique landscape where the history and reality of Athens coexist. Sunset is a captivating time. As the sun slowly approaches the horizon, golden sunlight spills over the rooftops and streets of Athens, bathing the white buildings in a warm orange-gold glow, and the silhouette of the Acropolis appears even more solemn in the twilight.Athens · 1.2 km from downtown
Athens National Garden
No. 19 of Best Things to Do in Greece

Athens National Garden

5.1
4.5/5
73 reviews
Athens National Garden is located in the city center of Athens, Greece, covering an area of over 10 hectares, and is a rare green oasis in the busy city. Tall trees form a dense green canopy, and sunlight filters through the leaves onto the winding paths, with dappled light and shadows swaying gently in the breeze, creating a quiet and comfortable environment for visitors to stroll. The garden is home to rich vegetation, featuring hundreds of plant species introduced from various regions. Towering trees, dense shrubs, and various flowers and plants are layered and intertwined, creating different scenery throughout the seasons. The garden also features a sundial, a children's library, and a small botanical museum, making it not only a place for relaxation but also a great place to learn about nature and plants.Athens · 1.4 km from downtown
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Attica

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

5
4.5/5
143 reviews
Odeon of Herodes AtticusLocated on the southwest slope of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, it is a semi-circular theater from the ancient Roman period, built in 161 AD. Upon entering the theater, the most striking feature is the semi-circular seating area that spreads out in tiers along the hillside. More than 30 rows of marble seats extend up the hillside, with neat and layered lines, presenting an elegant, symmetrical aesthetic as a whole. The theater can accommodate approx. 5,000 spectators, and the reasonable seating layout allows the audience to enjoy stage performances from different positions. The white and gray-brown marble has been weathered by time, leaving ancient marks on its surface, blending with the surrounding mountains and ruins to create a solemn and profound historical atmosphere. Behind the stage originally stood a three-story stone wall, featuring multiple niches that once held statues, providing a solemn and magnificent backdrop for performances.Athens · 1.5 km from downtown
Erechtheion
No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Attica

Erechtheion

4.9
4.7/5
203 reviews
The Erechtheion Temple is located in the north of the Parthenon and is a famous building on the Acropolis. It is regarded as the more sacred place of the Acropolis, the home of the gods and the location of the tombs of the legendary kings. The Erechtheion Temple was built between 421 BC and 405 BC. It began as a stone temple where the remains of the Eight Saints were placed. It is a typical representative of the Ionian style in the architecture of the Acropolis of Athens. On the uneven high ground, the architectural design is complex and exquisite. Now tourists can only enjoy it from outside the temple. Three Temples The temple has three temples, dedicated to the Greek god of war Athena, Poseidon, and the god of blacksmiths Hephaestus, connected by two distinctive colonnades. There are square holes in the ceiling and floor of the northern colonnade, which are said to have been pierced by a trident when Poseidon and Athena were fighting to be the patron saint of Athens. The southern terrace of the Maiden Pillar Temple uses 6 maiden statues carved from marble to replace the stone pillars to top the stone top, which fully reflects the wisdom of the architects. Because the weight of the stone top is very heavy, and the 6 girls need to design the neck to be thick enough to lift the heavy stone top, but this will affect its appearance. So the architect kept a thick strand of hair on the back of each girl's neck, and then added a flower basket on the top of the head, which successfully solved the problem of architectural aesthetics and became famous all over the world.Athens · 1.3 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Athens

Featured Food & drink in Athens

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Greek Cooking Class in Athens Including Rooftop Dinner with Acropolis View
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4.9/5
· 270 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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99.6% of travelers recommend
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Athens Classic Cooking Class with Market Visit and Wine
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4.9/5
· 417 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
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Hard Rock Cafe Athens
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Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting
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4.9/5
· 181 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
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Athens Orizontes Lycabettuss popular restaurant reservation service
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 22 booked
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Athens: Greek Wines Tasting with Sommelier and Acropolis Views
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4.8/5
· 85 reviews
Duration: 90 mins
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FromMYR 270.60
Athens: Guided Greek Street Food Tour
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Duration: 150 mins
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FromMYR 258.84

Featured Cultural experiences in Athens

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Hop on Hop Off Classic tour of Athens, Piraeus & Beaches
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3.6/5
· 523 reviews· 64 booked
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Athens: Sculpt Your Greek Masterpiece Workshop
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5.0/5
· 44 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Greece in Miniature Museum: Entry Ticket
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Featured Day tours in Athens

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1-Day Tour from Athens, Greece to Aegina + Poros + Hydra - Three Islands in One Day
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4.7/5
· 22 reviews· 160 booked
Duration: 11.7 hrs
English
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Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Audio Guide
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4.8/5
· 12 reviews· 185 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
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Half-day tour of the Acropolis of Athens | Includes reserved admission ticket + licensed guide
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3.3/5
· 6 reviews· 117 booked
Duration: 2 hrs
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FromMYR 317.87
1-day tour to Meteora sky city from Athens, Greece with Chinese audio guide + optional lunch
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4.6/5
· 19 reviews· 170 booked
Duration: 11 hrs
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Athens: Meteora Day Trip at 9 AM, Caves, Seaside Stops & Lunch
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4.6/5
· 292 reviews· 58 booked
Duration: 14 hrs
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1-day tour to Athens, Nafplio, Epidaurus Theater and Corinth Canal in Greece
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4.0/5
· 3 reviews· 23 booked
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Free things to do in Athens

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What travelers say about Athens

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Hannah CompionOctober 6, 2026
5.0
Beautiful and magnificent. Wear comfortable shoes and take a hat. I wasn’t well prepared for the amount of walking.

Acropolis of Athens

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JQKABBQApril 23, 2022
5.0
This was taken on the Acropolis: Temple of Victory (Figure 3), Parthenon (Figure 5. Still under renovation), Erechtheion (Figures 4 and 5), Dionysus Theatre, Atticus Theatre. The guided tour I bought a day in advance was very good. We set off at 5pm, just as the sun was about to set. It was not hot at all, and there were not many tourists. The tour guide was a historian, and the content he introduced along the way was very detailed. Including the story behind the construction of the Acropolis Museum, the trees on the Acropolis Hill, the Acropolis has experienced several disasters and historical changes, Athens' efforts in the field of international recovery of cultural relics (to the British Museum), the story of Dionysus, the god of medicine, the goddess of war, the goddess of wisdom, and the three main gods Poseidon. Another surprise is that there are so many cats in the Acropolis! They are the only guests who can enter and exit the temple at will. The staff will regularly put cat food for the stray cats.

Parthenon

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Anonymous userMay 24, 2025
4.0
Although it is a site under restoration, you can still feel the weight of history. The ticket inspector did not immediately recognize the admission voucher. He looked at it for a long time and asked why there was no price displayed. We explained and finally got in.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

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AlexizzzSeptember 2, 2025
5.0
Monastiraki Square in Athens is a lively, vibrant spot rich in history and culture. It sits at the heart of the Monastiraki district, known for its Sunday flea market where visitors can find everything from antiques and souvenirs to clothing and local crafts. The square features historic landmarks like the Panagia Pantanassa church and the Ottoman-era Tzisdarakis Mosque, now a museum.The atmosphere is bustling with street vendors, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to experience Athenian life. From nearby rooftop bars, beautiful views of the Acropolis can be enjoyed. Its central location offers easy access to major ancient sites like the Ancient Agora and Hadrian’s Library. Monastiraki is appreciated for its blend of ancient history and lively modern culture, making it a must-see for visitors

Monastiraki Square

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SHARMIN KSeptember 17, 2025
5.0
This is a must-see event of the change of guards every morning at 8 am. This is really a spectacular galore of the past & that is most exciting to foreign visitors. It's normally packed with bus loads of tourists and foreigners alike, so be ready for crowds, all trying to capture the best photo and video angle of the 'guards' change. The guards in full ancient military costumes are really mesmerising!

Syntagma Square

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小思文July 7, 2021
4.0
The location of the Roman market is very unique and is well worth a visit. There are still some traditional arts and crafts shops to visit. It is necessary to experience the Roman culture here. It is best if the market has free visiting hours.

Ancient Agora of Athens

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sculptorJuly 25, 2020
4.0
Lycabettus Mountain (Λυκαβηττός) is a limestone hill in Athens, the capital of Greece. At 300 meters above sea level, its summit is the highest point in Athens, while pine trees cover its base. The mountain is a tourist attraction and can be reached via the Lycabettus Cable Car, a cable car that climbs up the mountain from a lower terminal in Kolonaki. On its two peaks are the 19th-century Church of St. George, a theater, and a restaurant.

Mount Lycabettus

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Traveltheworld@bdDecember 13, 2025
5.0
🌳 Athens National Garden – A Breath of Fresh Air Beside HistoryTucked beside the bustling heart of Athens, the National Garden feels like a peaceful escape into nature and time. Shaded pathways, towering palms, and hidden corners filled with birdsong offer a refreshing contrast to the city’s ancient ruins nearby. Whether you’re strolling past small ponds, relaxing under centuries-old trees, or simply enjoying the cool breeze after exploring Syntagma Square, the garden provides a calm and charming retreat. Perfect for families, solo travelers, or anyone needing a quiet pause, Athens National Garden beautifully blends natural serenity with the timeless spirit of Greece.

Athens National Garden

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D了个YMay 14, 2022
5.0
Located on the south side of the gate of the Acropolis, it was built in 161 AD by the Greek philosopher Tiberius Claudius Atticus Herodes in the Roman Emperor era in memory of his wife. It is the oldest theater in the world and one of the most outstanding buildings of the same period. Moreover, until now, this ancient theater is still in use after being well repaired. The main performance venue of the annual Athens Art Festival is here, which is also an eye-opener for the audience who come to watch the performance. The theater is a three-story building with 32 rows of seats that can accommodate up to 6,000 spectators. It is a typical semi-circular open-air theater. The performance on the stage can be clearly seen from any point in the theater. The background of the stage is a Roman window-shaped high wall, and the niches are decorated with statues. The design is very delicate, especially at night, it looks particularly artistic, with that kind of historical heavy feeling.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

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春风不曾谋面February 16, 2022
5.0
The Erechtheion is one of the famous buildings in the Acropolis of Athens. It was originally a stone temple where the remains of the eight saints were placed. Legend has it that this was the place where the goddess Athena and the god of the sea Poseidon fought for the position of patron saint of Athens. The Erechtheion is located on an uneven plateau south of the Temple of Erechtheion. It was built between 421 and 405 BC and is a typical representative of the Ionic style in the architecture of the Acropolis of Athens. It was the last important building completed in the plan to rebuild the Acropolis formulated by Pericles. The design is very exquisite. [1] The Erechtheion has three temples, dedicated to the Greek god Zeus, the god of the sea Poseidon, and the god of blacksmiths Hephaestus, respectively. There are two distinctive colonnades connecting them. The Erechtheion Temple has square holes on the ceiling and floor of the northern column, which are said to have been pierced by Poseidon's trident.

Erechtheion

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Athens?

Don't miss these attractions in Athens: Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, and Temple of Olympian Zeus. If you like Food & drink, try Greek Cooking Class in Athens Including Rooftop Dinner with Acropolis View. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Hop on Hop Off Classic tour of Athens, Piraeus & Beaches.

You can give Greek Cooking Class in Athens Including Rooftop Dinner with Acropolis View and Athens Classic Cooking Class with Market Visit and Wine a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 1-Day Tour from Athens, Greece to Aegina + Poros + Hydra - Three Islands in One Day, Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Audio Guide, and Half-day tour of the Acropolis of Athens | Includes reserved admission ticket + licensed guide. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 15, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Athens is around MYR 99.3 – MYR 560.06. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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