Athens Attractions

Acropolis

A sacred site for ancient Athenians, the Acropolis hosts the ruins of three temples built in the fifth century BC. From the top of the Acropolis, you also get a sweeping view of Athens and the Saronic Gulf. Wear sturdy shoes and take plenty of water for the ascent, which is steep, slippery and scorching hot by midday. An elevator is available for the disabled with limited access to the site.

Parthenon

The largest building on the Acropolis is one of the world's most awe-inspiring man-made sites. The temple stood intact for millennia, until the ruling Ottomans used it to store gunpowder, which was ignited by a Venetian bomb in 1687. Most of the artefacts from the temple are housed in the Acropolis Museum nearby.

National Archaeological Museum

The largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art. It was founded at the end of the 19th century to house and protect antiquities from all over Greece.

Syntagma Square

This is the centre of the city and the best spot for new visitors to orient themselves. The Evzones, dressed in traditional garb, guard the monument of the Unknown Soldier, which stands in the forecourt of the Greek Parliament. The theatrical changing of the guard ceremony takes place every hour.

Lycabettus Hill (Lykavittos)

An absolute must visit, Lykavittos is the tallest hill in the Athens basin with an altitude of 968 ft/295 m, offering sweeping views of the city. You can walk to the top on a footpath or take a short taxi ride. Alternatively, you can take the cable car (teleferic), which is a two-minute train ride through a hillside tunnel leading to the top.