The 15 things to do in Athens

Visit Athens: what best things to do and see in the capital of Greece, one of the oldest cities in the world?

From the temple of Zeus (Olympieion) to the magnificent pines covering the slopes of the hill Muses, the capital of the Greece Athens offers some of the most beautiful and important cultural attractions known to Man.

A must-see destination if you intend to explore Greece, it remains to be known that visiting Athens during your stay. To help you in the organization of this one, we have compiled a list of the best things to do in Athens.

1. The Acropolis and the Parthenon

It is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The famous Acropolis and the Parthenon of Athens, perched on a visible hill from the four corners of the capital, reign in the emblem of the city. A sacred place hosting the largest number of remnants in Athens, the Acropolis extends its visitors to the history of ancient Greece. A dive in time in the heart of the citadel, between the statues of the caryatides and the Erechtheion, until no less known Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the Goddess Athena .

Uncontournable to visit Athens starting with its basics, the Acropolis and its Parthenon host a large number of tourists each year. In high season, queues are legion! So to deal with this problem, think about the ticket cut. In addition to being accompanied by a host to the site, you will be exempted from the queue: the best alternative for a proper historical visit.

2. The Roman Agora and the Wind Tower

In the first century of our era, the Romans moved from the ancient Agora (Agora of Athens) to the present Roman Agora. Smaller than the original, the courtyard with marble pillars was a grandiose place. A so-called "Cradle of Democracy" where political, finance and trade were held. Highly the place of philosophy, the former Agora welcomed the great Socrates and Plato who taught their thoughts there!

Indelible imprint of history, the place is particularly proof of an incredible state of conservation... From the temple of Apollo Patroos, to the Church of the 12 Apostles, cross the centuries the time of a guided tour . As you walk, let yourself be to the Tour des Vents, an ancient hydraulic clock built by the astronomer Andronikos de Kyrrhos: dressed in lean marble, it remains spectacular.

3. Olympia: The Temple of Zeus

Majestic, the Temple of Olympia reigns in a supreme place of worship in the ancient sanctuary of Olympi. Don't be fooled by his small size... True tribute to Zeus , God of heaven and lightning, he is one of the treasures of the land to unchanging DNA. To realize this, it is enough to go back to the Vth century BC. If today, the 15 columns of the Temple are in vain, they are sufficient to imagine the riches they were hosting.

Inside the Temple, there were two colossal statues of gold and ivory: one in the effigy of Zeus, and the other representing the Roman Emperor Hadrian (more than 12 meters each according to the legend!). Although the construction of the temple began in 515 BC, political unrest delayed its completion by nearly 700 years. The place was therefore on foot in the year 131 under the impulse of the Emperor Hadrian , great admirer of Greek culture.

To be discovered alone or through a guided tour of Athens and its must-sees, the Temple of Zeus is worth the detour while whatever your program to visit Athens, think about it!

4. The Museums of Athens

They will delight all lovers of Antique History. True symbols of the city, the museums of the capital bear witness to a history rich in culture.

The National Archaeological Museum occupies the first place of this great heritage: much more than a museum, it is by far, the most exciting of all. Showing the most beautiful works of Antiquity (one of the largest collections of sculptures in the world), it houses almost 12,000 pieces! Crossing the time, the latter date from the Bronze Age, passing through the golden age of Ancient Greece to the cycladic and classical periods. A breathtaking collection that, over the years, has been continuously enriched: in 1999, the temporary closure of a part of the museum gave the opportunity to embellish the exhibition of an already invaluable value. So, what are you waiting to discover ?

Other place very popular to visit Athens, the Acropolis Museum . Designed by architects Bernard Tschumi (franco-suisse) and Michel Photiadis (grec), the latter was born in 2009. Loved in a glass bowl, it is dedicated to antique treasures with a large part reserved for Parthenon. Over. your visit , do not miss the exceptional view of the top floor: a transparent panorama in front of the Acropolis!

Finally, to perfect this cultural adventure, do not miss: - The Benaki Museum referring to the Greek history until the 20th century - The Cycladic Art Museum welcoming an impressive collection of statues, jewelry and pottery dating from the period born in the Cyclades Islands, 3000 BC. - The Byzantine and Christian Museum traced the history of the Byzantine world, from its origins to its fall in 1453 with the capture of Constantinople. The beauty of the works is breathtaking!

5. The Colline of Muses

What to do in Athens for walk lovers? Installed in front of the Acropolis, the Muses Hill and its monument of Philopappos await you on the heights almost 150 meters! It was she who inspired many poets and for cause... Its panoramic view of the Acropolis and its sunsets have something magical. On the first day of Lent, the hill hosts hundreds of athenes who, according to tradition, gather there to fly kites.

To get there, you just have to take the path near the church of Santa Agia Marina: a superb walk through the maze of paths shaded by the pines leading you straight to these places that have marked centuries of history. Known as the “Colline des Muses” in ancient times, countless poets were inspired. On the first day of Lent, the hill is beset by hundreds of athenes who traditionally gather here to steal kites.

6. The Lycabette

It sits there, in the middle of Athens. Colline with multiple legends, the Lycabette would have been misguided here by the Goddess Athena who would have been surprised by two ravens: a sign of bad presage that would have led him to drop his rock, destined for the fortification of the Acropolis.

Nowadays, the famous rock stands in the middle of Athens, offering in addition to its incredible green setting, a breathtaking view of the city. Accessible on foot for the most courageous (30 minutes walk) or in funicular, the islet, in particular, houses at its summit the pretty chapel of Saint-Georges which sits there, facing this urban ocean.

7. The district of Pláka

Pláka is the old quarter of Athens. Located below the Acropolis, it has a pleasant and fun atmosphere. Very popular with tourists, it is an ideal place to buy some souvenirs, eat or simply sit down and rest at the edge of its small labyrinth lanes.

It is also here that travellers enjoy visiting Athens otherwise, in its most anchored traditions. Among them, traditional dance show integrates the favourites: a folkloric evening with a rhythm that promises to lead you to the end of the night.

8. Lake Vouliagmeni

Tired by Antique History? Direction Vouliagmeni Lake, south of Athens. Its warm waters welcome you for a relaxing moment... A true open-air spa, the lake is known for its therapeutic virtues, including its small fish, taken for their pedicure sessions!

The sportiest will enjoy a nautical activity there. Sailing, Kitesurfing or Kayak are on top of a yoga session or a good massage! A revitalizing excursion, which you can experience in one All inclusive day .

9. The beaches of Athens

Visiting Athens is also passing through its beaches! If these do not illustrate the most beautiful postcards in Greece, they are an excellent alternative to local warmth and still offer a nice swim setting. To discover them, direction Vouliagmeni Lake south of the city.

Because all are worth the detour, we have listed them from the nearest to the furthest for a refreshing parenthesis: Votsalakia, Alimos, Glyfada, Voula, Kavouri, Vouliagmeni, Kokkino Limanaki, Varkiza.

10. Monastiraki Chip Market

On Sunday morning, go to the market with the chips of the Place Avissynias to stroll around and stroll between a few treasures: from the bibelots to the books, to the paintings or clothing, the chineurs will like to find the rare pearl!

Then go through it. street Athinas up to Psiri where many alleys secretly keep a multitude of vintage galleries and boutiques...

11. The National Garden

It is the unavoidable green space to be made in Athens. A true edging in the heart of town, the Amalia National Garden or Garden is located behind the Greek Parliament. Locals like visitors like to stroll through its 15 hectares, the time for a lunch break or a simple walk to discover the flora and fauna it houses.

12. Syntagma Square

Right next to the National Garden, is the place Syntagma . A central place of local life, it is part of the must-see places. With its modern architecture, it is a very dynamic place of passage where locals and visitors cross over political, social and tourist life.

Among the monuments to be visited in the surrounding area are the Hellenic Parliament and its famous tomb of the unknown soldier under the supervision of the guard: every hour, the " Evzones" begins an unchanging ritual (choreography?) very ceremonial, like Buckingham Palace soldiers. Very popular with tourists, this attraction despite it is especially the favorite place for a souvenir photo shoot!

As a whole, visiting Athens therefore undoubtedly passes by its famous places.

13. The Olympic stadium or the Panathene stadium

If you're still wondering what to do in Athens during your stay, think about the Panathenes stadium! Also known as the “marble stage” is a place full of history with more than 2500 years of existence. Perfectly preserved, it is first appreciated for its incredible conservation: if it has been enlarged and covered with white marble during the Roman period, let us recall that its original construction dates from the 4th century BC! For centuries, he was the theatre of many processions: gladiator fights, poetry competitions, tank races or pentathlon trials raised his crowds up to 70,000 people.

Until 1986 where, once again, the Panathenes stadium experienced a new hour of glory by welcoming the Panathenes First modern Olympic Games ! Known as “Olympic Stadium” since, it was re-elected for the occasion during the games of 2004. Today the stadium welcomes the cultural and sporting events of the capital, continuing to write its history through time.

The visitors, like to immerse themselves in the emblem it illustrates the time of a guided tour imprint of a great symbol!

14. The Square

Visiting Athens without passing through its port, it is a bit from the capital without seeing the emblems. Compulsory passage to access the Greek islands, The Square is a high place of tourism, with no less than 19 million passengers a year! If you like to stroll along its docks, you also like to watch it from the top of the dock hill Profitis Ilias . Dominating the port and the Saronique Gulf , the viewpoint invites you to dive into a superb panorama.

15. Local cuisine

To finish your stay in Athens, why not opt for a market tour? Rich in gastronomic culture, the Greek capital also calls the most gourmet to discover the country's specialties. Olive oil, wines, mushrooms, pasta and cheese are on the programme of a 4-hour culinary getaway which promises your taste buds to visit Athens to its most gourmet flavours. A traditional cuisine known for its longevity virtues!

How to get to Athens?

From France and other European cities, there are many flights to Athens Elefthérios-Venizélos International Airport. If they are usually direct to Metropolis and promise a quick ride (on average a little over 3 hours), still think to anticipate your booking: in high season (out of February, March and October therefore), prices can triple! To do so, take a regular look at our partner's website Ulysses who makes sure you find the cheapest flights right now.

How to move to Athens?

Once on site, you can choose different means of transport to reach the centre of Athens, located 28 kilometers from the airport. A way to anticipate your trips on the spot, in addition to the walk that still remains the most practiced to visit Athens.

• By metro

The Athens International Airport Elefthérios-Venizélos is served by the subway: Line 6 provides routes from the "Monastiraki" and "Syntagma" stops. If you choose this means of transport, count about 50 minutes go. As far as the rates are concerned, the tickets amount to 4 euros per trip: opt for a fare at the week/day, to save your trips during your stay.

• By taxi

Very used and numerous on-site taxis are legions to reach the centre of Athens? You can choose from those of yellow color (here, have 35 minutes of travel for about 30 euros) or, for 50 euros, book a private transfer nothing but you: a service that offers you to deposit at the foot of your hotel.

• By bus or Trolleybus

Another advantageous means of transport, the bus. With several pick-up points throughout the city, the buses and Trolleybus in the direction of the Airport also offer various options for travel: Syntagma, La Pirée or Gare Routière are part of the stations served on average every 20 minutes.

• By car

Uncontestably convenient if you want to enjoy your trip to Athens to discover other parts of Greece, the car rental is the most used way for freedom of movement that it grants. As soon as you arrive at the airport or once in Athens, go to a car rental agency to pick up your vehicle: in addition to being autonomous, you may find an economic way to visit the surroundings, without paying the price (sometimes strong) of the excursions.

Where to stay in Athens?

Athens has many areas where to stay which are so many choices that can suit your lifestyle for your stay. Hotels, apartments or rooms at the inhabitant are part of the walking options on the ground: if this Compare hotels promises a selection of hotels at the best price, Air platform For its part, to satisfy travellers in search of atypic and local.