Athens Travel Guide

The capital of Greece is a real treasure trove for culture lovers: classical ruins, monuments with hundreds of years of history and icons of Ancient Greece make Athens a fascinating destination. All this, together with its lively contemporary atmosphere, make this city an unforgettable place. If you want to find out how to make the most of your getaway here, read this Athens travel guide and stick to your favorite plans.

Things to do in Athens

• Visit the Acropolis. The Acropolis was one of the most symbolic areas of the ancient Greek cities, as it was the place of religious worship par excellence. Its name means "high city", and it is one of the most visited places of interest in Athens thanks to its historical and architectural importance. In this area you can see the most iconic monuments of Ancient Greece: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena and the Propylaea. In its official website you can check opening hours, prices and days when admission is free.

• Join a Free Tour of Athens. Walking around the city is one of the best ways to get to know a new destination. You can choose the tour you like the most, and the guide will share curious facts, anecdotes and stories that will make you feel like a real local. It is one of the best plans in Athens!

• Buy souvenirs and typical products at the Flea Market. The neighborhood of Monastiraki is known as one of the most charming neighborhoods of the Greek capital. Here you will find sights such as Hadrian's Library and the ancient Agora, and it is where the Flea Market is held every Sunday. Here you can buy everything: second hand furniture, collectibles, books, clothes... It is one of the favorite places for locals to find bargains and unique items.

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• Try the typical food. Tasting some of the most traditional dishes is a must on your trip to Athens. In the Greek capital you can try delicious foods such as tzatziki, the well-known yogurt sauce with cucumber and garlic, gyros, a pita bread stuffed with roasted meat with tomato, onion and sauce, and mousaka, prepared with minced lamb, eggplant and tomato. You can't leave without eating some of the typical sweets prepared with filo pastry, such as bougatsa and baclava. Delicious!

• Explore the ancient Agora. Considered the heart of the city, the agora was the area where political meetings and debates were held as well as religious performances and celebrations. That is why it was the center of social, political and commercial life, and although its ancient buildings have not been fully preserved, today you can still see the architectural remains of monuments such as the Temple of Hephaestus. It is an essential visit to learn more about Ancient Greece and its traditions.

• Enjoy the best views. Admiring the city from a good viewpoint is one of the best plans in a getaway, so we recommend you to visit two of the best viewpoints in Athens. The first is the Hill of Philopapos: from its top you get unparalleled views of the Acropolis, Piraeus and the Saronic Gulf. The climb on foot takes no more than 15 minutes, and the shade provided by the grove is to be appreciated, especially on the hottest days. The other viewpoint, better known, is on Mount Lycabettus. From the top you get spectacular views of Athens, especially at sunset.

• Admire the Cathedral. Popularly known as Mitropolis, the Athens Cathedral is a beautiful Orthodox church dating back to the 19th century. The Byzantine frescoes that adorn its interior and its beautiful iconostasis make it one of the most incredible buildings in the city. This temple houses the tomb of the martyrs Gregory V, Patriarch of Constantinople, and Philothea of Athens, patron saint of the city, making it an important place of religious worship.

• Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This impressive monument was for a long time the largest temple in Greece. Completed in the 2nd century, it consisted of 104 Corinthian columns, each 17 meters high, of which 15 are still standing today. Its construction took seven centuries due to various historical and political events, such as the consideration during the years of democracy in which it was built the years of democracy in which it was thought that this temple and its exaggerated proportions were an example of the excesses of tyrannies. It is one of the most relevant places in your travel guide to Athens due to its historical importance.

• Enter the National Archaeological Museum. Considered one of the largest museums in the world, the National Archaeological Museum is a real gem in the city. This precinct houses more than 20,000 archaeological objects and findings from the country, including the collection of sculptures and ceramics. Founded in the 19th century, it is located in the center of the city, so it is easy to include it in your tourist itinerary. You can visit its official website for opening hours and temporary exhibitions, as well as maps of the interior and upcoming events.

We hope this Athens travel guide will help you plan your getaway and enjoy your visit to this amazing city. If you want to read more about destinations around the world, visit our website and discover recommendations of what to see and do in many more cities, check out the activities you can book online to make sure you don't miss out on any of the destinations you visit!



Georgina Blasco