8 of the Best Attractions in Athens, Greece

Athens has enjoyed prestige for thousands of years for its long colourful history and the great minds that have called this Greek city as their home. Nestled between mountains in the southern part of Greece, Athens has always been one of the most important cultural centres in the world.

The city has always been a dream destination for many travellers—and if you are one of them, make sure to visit these remarkable destinations in wonderful Athens.

The New Acropolis Museum

One of the staples of a city tour in Athens is the New Acropolis Museum, located in the foot of the hill that overlooks the rest of modern Athens. This museum boasts of the largest collection of ancient Greek sculptures and architecture; among the prized pieces are the Kritios Boy and a statue of the goddess Athena, who lent her name to the city. The government built the museum to open in time for the Summer Olympics of 2004, but major delays prevented the New Acropolis from opening right on schedule. Exhibitions change over time, but the mainstays include the Color, the Peplos Kore, the Parthenon Gallery, and the Athena Nike.

The National Garden

Once you get tired of roaming this beautiful city, make sure to enjoy a sunny afternoon amidst the lush oasis of the National Garden. In the past, this garden was a private one for the Royal Palace (currently the Parliament Building). The trees provide adequate shelter from the punishing sun, and the cleverly sprinkled sculptures and artefacts are definitely worth checking out.

The National Archaeological Museum

Art has always been a part of Athens, and the National Archaeological Museum is a proud testament to this fact. With an art collection spanning ancient to contemporary periods, no art lover will be able to resist the siren call of this institution. The museum has over thirty rooms, sculptural pieces from almost every century, as well as art collections from different civilizations.

Mt. Lycabettus

Travellers searching for a romantic holiday will definitely enjoy visiting Mt. Lycabettus. The sunsets are breathtaking, and you also get to enjoy sweeping views of the city. The mountain is the highest point in Athens, hence the dramatic views of the city and the natural wonders that surround it. if you are with a special someone, make sure to have a romantic dinner at the little café in the mountain.

The Syntagma Square

A popular tourist attraction, Syntagma Square is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Hellenic Parliament Building, a fountain, parks, and ancient statues. The Grand Bretagne Hotel is also close by.

The Parthenon

No visit to Athens will ever be complete if you do not drop by the Parthenon in Acropolis. The temple was built to honour the patroness of Athens and was designed by Phidias.

The Plaka District

Known for the boutiques, cafés, and divine cuisine, the Plaka District is perfect for people who want to immerse themselves in the spirit of the city.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus

Once the largest temple in Greece, this complex took almost seven hundred years before its completion. The Greeks sure did take their time on this one, but the huge columns (all that is left of the once majestic temple) have effectively withstood the test of time.