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I fell in love with Athens during the COVID-19 pandemic. I escaped the lockdown in my home country and found myself in this amazing city. Athens undoubtedly captivated and surprised me. It’s a cool city with a relatively small central area that you can easily explore on foot. It has a rich history; at every tiny corner, you’ll come across some historical or archaeological site or a place where something significant began—whether it was the establishment of democracy, the first marathon, or the founding of Christianity. Besides its history, the city boasts vibrant nightlife, tavernas, and restaurants alongside new bars and clubs.
The most central and touristy neighborhoods are Plaka and Psiri. They are actually adjacent to each other, with Plaka being the more touristy of the two and Psiri being the bohemian center of the city, like Florentin in Tel Aviv, as I like to call it. Here, you’ll find graffiti on the streets and designer shops with a hipster vibe. It’s also the area I recommend staying in; it’s close to the main attractions and in the evening, it has a lively atmosphere as the pubs and restaurants in the neighborhood fill up with people.
For most of the archaeological sites in the city, you need to purchase an entrance ticket, and they’re not cheap. Therefore, it's advisable and cost-effective to buy a combined ticket, which grants access to the seven main archaeological sites for €30. Note that this ticket does not include entrance to museums, only to the open-air sites. It is valid for five days and allows one visit per site; you can purchase it at any of the sites.
Another recommendation is to take one of the free tours in the city. I took the Athens Free Walking Tour, and it was excellent. The tour covers all the interesting points in the city over a few hours, without entering the sites themselves. It provides a great perspective for starting to get to know the city.
The Greek Cathedral, Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens - was built between 1842 and 1862 using building materials collected from the ruins of Byzantine churches that had fallen into disrepair. It looks like a small basilica. The cathedral was severely damaged in an earthquake that struck Greece in 1999, underwent a lengthy process of restoration and reconstruction, and resumed operation in 2016.
Right next to it is the Chapel of the Virgin, built in the 12th century. It’s a small, ancient church that you can enter for free.
Hadrian's Library - Hadrian's Library was built in 132 AD towards the end of the Roman Emperor Hadrian's reign. The library was constructed to the north of the Acropolis and was a magnificent structure adorned with 100 columns. Today, the site mainly consists of ruins, but there are plans for its restoration, which have already been approved by the state.
Parliament House, Athens - Built as a palace for King Otto and his wife Amelia, the construction was completed in 1842. The main attraction here is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every hour. During this time, you can see the guards marching with steps that mimic a horse's trot.
Zappeion Hall - The cornerstone for Zappeion Hall was laid in 1874 in honor of the revival of the modern Olympic Games, and it was opened in 1888. In 1906, it served as part of the Olympic Village. The building is very impressive, but its entrance is closed to the public; it is used exclusively for ceremonies and political conferences.
Temple of Olympian Zeus - Construction of the Temple of Olympian Zeus began in the 6th century BCE and, according to accounts, took over 700 years to complete. The site is breathtaking, and it’s hard not to be impressed by the enormous and majestic marble columns that rise to about 18 meters in height. Today, only a few columns remain standing at the site.
Arch of Hadrian - Adjacent to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Arch of Hadrian is located on the ancient road that marked the boundary between the city of the gods (the Acropolis) and the new Roman city and the Temple of Zeus. It was built in the 2nd century CE as a triumphal arch for Hadrian, whose prosperous reign brought about a flourishing of the arts, painting, sculpture, writing, and architecture.
Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum - The term "Acropolis" in Greek means "fortress." The Acropolis of Athens retains numerous buildings and archaeological remains from the city’s golden age, most notably the Parthenon. The Parthenon is a Greek temple situated on the Acropolis of ancient Athens and is considered the most famous building from ancient Greece, as well as one of the most renowned buildings in the world. The Acropolis rises 150 meters above sea level, and the Parthenon can be seen from almost any point in central Athens. The site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alongside the Acropolis, a museum has been established that displays a variety of artifacts and sculptures found among the ruins. Visiting the Acropolis Museum is a must-do, and it is recommended to do so before ascending the hill itself. Tip: Watch the film screened in the museum about the history of the Parthenon.
Areopagus Hill - Located near the Acropolis, Areopagus Hill offers a stunning panoramic view of the city and is also a great spot to watch the sunset. In ancient Greece, the Areopagus served as the central court for capital punishment in Athens, and it was here that Socrates was executed. Additionally, the hill is considered a significant site in the establishment of democracy.
Lycabettus Hill - A great spot to watch the sunset. Lycabettus Hill is the highest hill in central Athens among the three hills (one of which is the Acropolis). You can either hike up (about twenty to thirty minutes of fairly steep ascent) or take the funicular, which runs every fifteen minutes at a cost of €7 per person for a round trip. At the top of the hill, there is a restaurant and a café, offering a stunning view of all of Athens. It’s a good idea to arrive some time before sunset, as the area is quite small and fills up as sunset approaches, so you might not get a prime spot if you arrive at the last minute. Another option is to book a table at the restaurant on the hill for that time.
Roman Agora - The term "Agora" means gathering place. In ancient Greece, it was a place for public assemblies, a marketplace, and the center of city life. The Roman Agora is a smaller and less well-preserved site compared to the ancient Agora.
Ancient Agora - A large and impressive site with several ancient buildings that were restored between the 1930s and the 1950s. Thanks to the restored structures, a visit here provides a vivid sense of what city life was like in ancient Greece and how the central area functioned.
Panathenaic Stadium - In ancient Greece, the stadium served as the site for the Panathenaic Games, held in honor of the goddess Athena. The remains of the ancient stadium were uncovered in 1870, and the stadium was restored in 1895 to serve as the venue for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. An audio guide is included with the ticket price, and it is recommended to use this option, as the site can be somewhat lackluster without the audio narration.
Academy of Athens - An impressive building established in 1926. It currently serves as a faculty of sciences.
Monastiraki Square and the Flea Market - A central square connecting several main streets. The square itself is somewhat neglected and uninviting. The street that runs through it is where the flea market is located. The market is not particularly attractive and primarily offers replicas and souvenirs.
Ermou Street - The main shopping street. It features a range of European and local brands.
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