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The list of the most popular tourist places in Athens might actually be a bit more extensive than you would imagine. Like every city around Europe, Athens has some areas and attractions that are particularly popular among tourists.
However, what is particular in Athens is the fact that these places are extremely diverse. Famous tourist places in Athens range from museums and archaeological spaces to hip shopping districts and sandy beaches.
Either because they are of great historical significance or because they just are exceptionally charming, these places attract tourist crowds throughout the whole year.
Before you head out to explore the city and its wonders, make sure to check this list of the most popular tourist places and attractions in Athens that simply can’t be missing from your to-do list.
We also include information on how to get to every place we suggest, (by metro, foot, tram, or bus) and of course some options on where to stay near them.
This is a long and detailed article so if you’re in a hurry, use the links below to navigate straight to what you’re looking for.
Since many of our readers ask us this question quite often, let’s start with this.
Athens teems with fascinating museums and archaeology parks, neighborhoods with vibrant nightlife and sandy beaches, gigantic monuments, and charming small streets.
In order for you to get an idea of what this magnificent city is all about, we recommend that you visit all kinds of attractions and tourist places instead of just sticking to a certain kind.
That way, you’ll be able to experience the city as locals do and we’re sure that you’ll be coming back for more.
Below you will find a rundown of the most popular tourist places in Athens that will help you make up your mind and choose the ones that best suit your tastes in order to make your next visit to Athens unforgettable.
That is one very difficult question to answer. It’s hard to pick only a few of all the tourist places and attractions Athens has to offer.
Having said that, if your time in Athens is limited and there is no way to visit more than a few stops, we strongly recommend you first to book a hotel near Acropolis and then, before anything else visit:
These are among the most famous attractions of Athens and will surely leave you with a complete experience of Athens, even if you only have a couple of days for your visit.
The Acropolis is by far the most popular landmark in the Greek capital and one of the most well-known all over the world. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the sacred rock is filled with hordes of tourists every time of the year.
Acropolis is a reason on its own to add Athens to your ‘places to visit‘ list as it is one of the most notable sights worldwide.
And the long queues stretching in front of the Acropolis’ entrance prove that every tourist in Athens makes sure to visit the 5th-century building.
Naturally, there are plenty of hotels near Acropolis to choose from. However, not all of them are worth your while.
Our top picks include the Coco-Mat Hotel Athens for its impeccable design, the all-time classic Hotel Grande Bretagne for its luxurious amenities, and the famous King George for its amazing rooftop terrace.
If you’re looking for more accommodation options near Acropolis please read our detailed article right below.
Inaugurated in 2009, the new Acropolis Museum rejuvenated the city’s cultural scene.
The modern design building, which nowadays houses the invaluable monuments of the Acropolis, spans 25,000 square meters, which makes it ten times bigger than the old Acropolis museum.
Artifacts that once adorned the Parthenon and other ancient temples are displayed in the museum’s 14,000-square-meter exhibition space through a glass-floored gallery, digital applications, and three-dimensional exhibits.
Located in the popular tourist area of Plaka, Acropolis Museum is surrounded by numerous hotels. And though competition might be fierce, we have tested and selected a chosen few for our readers.
Firstly, the Electra Metropolis, a stellar five-star resort with an amazing location right next to Syntagma Square. Secondly, Divani Palace Acropolis boasts an amazing rooftop terrace with a view of the Parthenon.
Last but not least, the Athens Gate Hotel which is located just across from the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Set in the center of Athens, just a stone’s throw away from the Acropolis, Philopappos Hill has its own historical significance.
Its name derives from a monument dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, a prince from the Kingdom of Commagene, but the reason it’s widely known is that it includes the Pnyx Hill.
Here ancient Greeks used to gather and make important decisions about political and social matters and thus it’s considered one of the first places where democracy was born.
Other important sites found in Philipappos Hill is the Hill of the Muses, the Hill of the Nymphs, and two carved caves known as “Socrates Prison.”
The historic sites in combination with the breathtaking view from the top of the hill, make Philopappos Hill one of the top 10 attractions in Athens.
Philopappos Hill is surrounded by some of the most popular tourist areas of Athens, like Plaka, Makrygianni, and Thisseio. As such, the options for hotels near the hill are more than a few.
If you’re looking to stay near Philopappos Hill, we highly recommend Phidias Hotel for a budget-friendly stay, the Acropolis View Hotel for its stunning Parthenon view, or Herodion Hotel to enjoy the alfresco rooftop cafe.
The neighborhood of Monastiraki and especially Monastiraki Square, is usually packed with tourists taking a stroll around Athens’ city center.
Here you’ll find Hadrian’s Library, a traditional ceramics museum housed in a former Turkish mosque and a small Byzantine church. The area brims with souvenir shops and second-hand stores while flea markets take place every Sunday.
Ifestou is the most popular street in Monastiraki lined up with shoe and clothing shops, vinyl stores as well as stands filled with knick-knacks.
Hotels near Monastiraki are way more than a few. Luckily for you, we have selected some choices that will actually give you your money’s worth.
Pick Athens Utopia Ermou if you want to stay a breath away from the famous shopping street, Athenaeum Eridanus Luxury Hotel if you want a touch of luxury for your vacation, or Elia Ermou Athens Hotel if you want to enjoy a magnificent view of the Acropolis.
Being by far the most scenic neighborhood in Athens boasting neoclassical buildings and car-free cobblestone alleys, Plaka couldn’t but be one of the top tourist places in Athens.
Nestled in the feet of the Acropolis, Plaka still preserves the authentic atmosphere the city had back in the 60s and 50s.
Local taverns, cozy cafés, and bars have popped up all over the area, making it the ideal place for a pitstop while sightseeing.
Part of the Plaka neighborhood is the picturesque Anafiotika. Here the scenery resembles the one you’ll find on a traditional Cycladic island offering the perfect backdrop for a relaxed walk away from the city’s noise.
Plaka is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Athens among international travelers. And Anafiotika, in turn, is the most popular area in Plaka.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Plaka, we recommend that you choose Best Western Plus Amazon Hotel for its exceptional location, Plaka Hotel for the lovely view of the Parthenon, or Electra Metropolis for a truly luxurious stay.
Situated in the heart of the city center in front of the 19th-century Old Royal Palace, home to the Greek Parliament, Syntagma Square is one of the most known places in the Greek capital.
Its name translates to “Constitution Square,” and it derives from the Constitution that the first King of Greece, Otto, was obliged to concede after Athenian citizens and soldiers demonstrated in front of the palace in 1843.
Nowadays, Syntagma Square is still a gathering place when protests burst, but most of the time, it’s a peaceful square filled with parents with kids, street performers, and food stalls with local delicacies.
Every Sunday at 11 am, Syntagma Square gets packed with locals and tourists gathering to watch the Evzones wearing the official traditional customers doing the official ceremony of the Changing of the Guard.
Syntagma Square and the area that surrounds it teem with hotels of all kinds. However, Syntagma is most well-known for being home to some of the most impressive luxury hotels in Athens.
Hotel Grande Bretagne is an exceptional choice for your stay and probably the most famous hotel in Athens.
Hotel King George combines timeless charm with contemporary elegance. Finally, Hotel Lozenge features luxurious amenities with an impeccable modern design.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an impressive stone theater beautifully set on the slopes of the Acropolis.
Built by the Roman citizen Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla in 161 AD, the spectacular structure has been the main venue for hundreds of events that have taken place over the centuries.
Even though the original building was destroyed in 267 AD it was still used for several performances and music concerts and in the 1950s it went under full renovation.
Ever since it has been hosting the Athens and Epidaurus Festival as well as other theatrical plays and concerts.
Even if there isn’t an event or festival to attend while visiting Athens, it is still worth visiting the majestic Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
There are plenty of hotels located near the Odeon of Herodes Atticus that are popular among tourists.
Coco-mat Athens BC is a great option if you value beautiful design and charming spaces. Divani Palace Acropolis is ideal for those that want to enjoy a view of the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace.
Last but not least, The Athens Gate Hotel is perfect if you’re looking for a privileged location right next to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, or as it is widely known, the Columns of the Olympian Zeus, is situated in the center of Athens.
A historic site whose construction began in the 6th century BC and was completed around 638 years later, around the 2nd century AD, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is considered one of the most significant tourist places in the Greek capital.
The initial structure consisted of 104 colossal columns, but after an invasion in 267 AD, the temple was destroyed and nowadays has only 16 columns left.
Located in the heart of the city center and close to the most popular attractions of Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is surrounded by numerous hotels.
The most popular among them are the Athens Gate Hotel which is situated right next to the famous monument, the AthensWas Design Hotel, which offers a wonderful view of the Acropolis; and the Metropolis Hotel, which features a beautiful neoclassical design.
The Ancient Agora is located in the center of Athens and is the place where Athenian citizens used to gather and discuss the city’s social and political issues, which couldn’t be missing from a list of the best tourist places and attractions in Athens.
Set at the feet of the Acropolis, the ruins at the ancient site that once was a meeting point for important historical figures such as Sophocles and Protagoras bear testimony to the place’s great historical significance.
Just above the Ancient Agora stands the Temple of Hephaestus, which is considered the best-preserved Greek ancient temple.
The remarkable building was designed by the renowned architect Iktinus and was built around 450 B.C.
Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus are two of the most prominent attractions in the city center of Athens. Hence, your nearby accommodation options are plenty.
If you’re looking for a hotel with an Acropolis view, check out Metropolis Hotel. If you’re looking for a combination of sightseeing and nightlife, book your stay with Concierge Athens.
Lastly, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly hotel, we highly suggest having a look at Hotel Thissio.
Being the only stadium worldwide built entirely of marble, the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro) is nothing less than impressive.
In 144 AD Herodes Atticus rebuilt the stadium that the Athenian statesman Lykourgos had constructed on the site in 330 BC, creating the breathtaking Panathenaic Stadium with a capacity of 50,000 seats.
Over the centuries, after the rise of Christianity in Greece, the stadium was abandoned only to revive at the end of the 19th century when it hosted the Zappas Olympics.
When it was decided that Athens should be the city the first modern Olympic Games would take place, the Panathenaic Stadium went under renovation and was fully repaired to host the great event in 1896.
In the 20th century, the glorious stadium hosted a great number of athletic events and was the finishing line of the Marathon race during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
The Panathenaic Stadium is situated very close to all the popular attractions of Athens, like the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. And this means that you will have absolutely no trouble finding a hotel nearby.
Check out Niche Hotel Athens if you’re looking for luxurious rooms with modern design, InnAthens if you are looking for a more budget-friendly boutique hotel experience, or the Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel for a romantic gastronomy experience at its rooftop restaurant.
The peak of Lycabettus Hill is the highest point of the city of Athens and an excellent place to take in the view.
On a clear day, you can actually see as far as the Saronic Gulf and the port of Piraeus from the top of the hill. It’s also ideal for a relaxing hike or even a picnic with a marvelous view of the Acropolis.
There are several paths that lead up to the hill as well as a cable car that runs up and down approximately every half an hour.
Lycabettus Hill is located a bit farther away than the rest of the popular tourist places in Athens like Syntagma and Monastiraki. Nevertheless, finding a hotel near Lycabettus Hill will not be a difficult task.
Head over to St. George Lycabettus if you are looking for an astonishing luxury hotel. If you’d prefer a more budget-friendly hotel, try Hotel Lozenge.
Finally, have a look at the Golden Age Athens Hotel for a blend of high-end amenities and charming design.
Commissioned and funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation and designed by famous architect Renzo Piano, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) is one of the latest additions to the list of the most popular tourist places and attractions in Athens.
The impressive building complex is home to the National Library and the National Opera and encompasses charming outdoor spaces with a small artificial lake and lush green gardens.
Located on the outskirts of the city, right next to Faliro Bay, it’s an ideal choice for a relaxing afternoon walk.
Staying at a hotel near the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a great way to see a different side of Athens, as the modern complex is located a bit outside the city center.
In fact, there are quite a few exceptional accommodation options in the surrounding area.
Book your stay at Athens Marriott Hotel to indulge in their trademark world-class services, Atlantic Hotel to enjoy the modern decoration, or Nestorion Hotel if you are looking for a cheaper alternative.
Situated right next to Syntagma square and the Greek Parliament building, both the National Garden and Zappeion Hall are attractions you can not afford to miss on your visit to Athens.
The National Garden -or the erstwhile Royal Garden- boasts an astonishing 37 acres of lavish green scenery with several paths running through trees and ponds, hidden in plain sight right in the center of Athens.
If you walk right next to the National Garden, you’ll come across an impressive building called Zappeion Hall, an exhibition hall that first opened its doors in the late 19th century and which is still hosting various events and ceremonies.
The National Garden and the Zappeion Hall are located very close to Syntagma Square and thus are very close to some of the city’s finest hotels.
If you want to stay near these popular attractions, we highly recommend Elia Ermou Athens Hotel which boasts a magnificent view of the Acropolis, Arethusa Hotel provides real value-for-money services and facilities, as well as The Pinnacle Athens for a luxurious stay in absolute privacy.
With so many attractions spread throughout the city, you might actually forget about the fact that there are actually quite a few beautiful beaches in Athens.
The best place to get an idea of what Athens has to offer in terms of sandy coasts and sunny weather is the so-called Athenian Riviera, the coastline that spans from the upscale neighborhood of Glyfada all the way down to Vouliagmeni.
There, you’ll find charming alfresco cafes, gourmet restaurants, luxury hotels, and the famous Vouliagmeni Lake.
Staying at a hotel near the Athenian Riviera on your Athens vacation is an exceptional idea, especially if you want to enjoy the sandy coastline and the upscale restaurants that are located in the area.
Also nearby, you’ll find Four Seasons Astir Palace, the famous extravagant five-star hotel, the charming Azur Hotel to enjoy high-quality services, as well as The Margi hotel combines excellent services with luxurious amenities.
Flisvos Marina is located in Palaio Faliro, and it’s one of the most famous tourist places in Athens.
Many travelers choose to leave the city’s center for a relaxing walk by the sea at Flisvos Marina; the view is all but disappointing.
Lined with impressive luxurious megayachts, fashion boutiques, and high-end restaurants, Flisvos Marina will have you believe that you have just discovered a miniature version of Côte d’Azur, just a few minutes away from downtown Athens.
Hotels near Flisvos Marina are ideal for those that want to experience the beauty of Athens while at the same time staying away from all the hustle and bustle of the city’s busy city center.
If that sounds like an appealing scenario, make sure to check out Coral Hotel Athens, which offers wonderful seaside views, Poseidon Athens Hotel for a room that overlooks the beach, or the Homz Studios Faliro if you are looking for accommodation on the cheaper side.
In this section, we will present you with local tips and suggestions about the tourist places and attractions in Athens and the best ways to experience them, as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions by our readers and people who have or will travel to Athens.
This depends to a large extent on what kind of vacation you would like to have and what your interests are. The most popular areas in Athens among international travelers are Plaka, Syntagma, Koukaki, and Kolonaki.
If you are only interested in visiting the main attractions and strolling through the most famous neighborhoods, then 2 or 3 days will be enough. On the other hand, if you want to get the full experience, we recommend that you choose to stay in Athens for at least a week.
In general, Athens is considered to be a very safe city for international travelers and even for solo female travel. Nevertheless, like any other European capital, petty theft is not uncommon in tourist places. As long as you take care of your belongings and take the standard safety precautions as you would in any other place, there is absolutely no reason to worry.
The short answer is no. Athens is fairly safe, even during nighttime, especially the parts of the city that tourists like Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Psirri frequent. However, there are some parts of the city that we suggest you avoid at night, mainly the area around Omonoia Square and the area around the main railway station (Larissis Station).
We recommend that you avoid choosing to stay in a hotel around Omonoia, Exarcheia, or Metaxourgeio, as these areas have limited public transportation options and can be a bit unnerving to walk around at night. We suggest that you opt for any of the famous tourist areas instead, like Syntagma, Koukaki, Thisseio, or Plaka.
Athens is relatively cheap compared to other major European destinations. The good thing is that Athens is very large in size and hence offers plenty of choices for accommodation, eating out and nightlife, so you will definitely have options to fit your budget.
Yes. Athens is a very walkable city and most of its main attractions are in close proximity to each other. Unless you want to visit the suburbs -and chances are that you won’t- you can rest assured that you will be able to walk the historic city center from end to end without any problems.
In every corner around Athens, there is a place bearing witness to the city’s glorious past and rich history, attracting travelers from all over the world.
These are the most renowned tourist places in Athens, which will help you get a proper taste of Greek culture. So, check when is the best time to visit Athens, and book your hotels and your flights!
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