As one of the world’s oldest cities, Athens is home to many incredible places dating back to ancient times. It’s a city well-suited to history lovers, with numerous fascinating ruins to visit, including the world-famous Acropolis.
Below, check out the top places to see in Athens.
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Acropolis Museum
Holding some of the most significant collections of ancient Greek history, the Acropolis Museum is one of Athens’ most popular attractions. It sits just below the Acropolis and has a new facility completed in 2017. The building has a massive exhibition space, showcasing artefacts discovered on the Acropolis and its surrounding areas. If you feel like taking refuge from the heat when exploring the Acropolis at midday, the Acropolis Museum would be a great spot to visit.
Ancient Agora
The ancient Agora used to be a bustling market, a gathering place, and a centre of everyday life during ancient times. Located close to Acropolis, the area is also home to numerous ruins and walkways. Two of the most popular places to visit in the Agora are the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus, a 5th Century Doric Temple. For the best views of the Agora, head to the north wall of the Acropolis.
Kerameikos
Located in the northwest part of the Acropolis, the archaeological site of Kerameikos is an area that served as an ancient cemetery and potter’s quarters. It’s divided into two parts by Themistoclean walls. The outer part is where the cemetery is, while the inner portion is the inhabited area. You can stroll through the cemetery, shaded with olive and cypress trees. The entire area is like an open-air museum with fascinating ruins, statues, and remnants of massive structures and tombstones.
Monastiraki Flea Market
The Monastiraki Flea Market is bustling with shops, selling everything from arts and crafts to trinkets, jewellery, clothing and accessories. It is the best place to visit if you want to witness local life in Greece. The market has a vibrant vibe with plenty of street food stalls and tavernas selling all sorts of Greek delicacies, from gyros to moussaka.
The Monastiraki Flea Market has a more casual atmosphere, unlike the more upscale Plaka District. It’s an open area surrounded by a mix of ancient and modern buildings. From its square, you can marvel at the Acropolis from afar. The Hadrian Library is only a short walk from the market.
The Apollo Coast
Located close to Athens, the Apollo Coast also called the “Balcony of the Aegean Sea,” is an area home to idyllic beaches, ancient towns, and historical sights. Stretching to about 48 km long, the Apollo Coast has numerous beaches worth visiting. Some of the best beaches in the area are Kavoui Beach, Astir Vouliagmeni Beach, and Sounio Beach.
Aside from frolicking at the beach, you can also tour the area’s historical sites, such as the Temple of Poseidon, constructed in 444 BC. Perched on a cliff overlooking the breathtaking views of the sea, it is a great place to visit to enjoy the most romantic sunset views in Athens.
