Man-made marble structures built from Before Christ and a dense amount of history that has shaped Present-Day. If this description isn’t enough then check out the photos below to inspire you to visit Athens.
Theatre of Dionysus – Acropolis
You cannot go to Athens without visiting the symbolic Acropolis. The complex has a cluster of other astounding monuments like Herodion, which is where speeches and concerts are held till this day. Check out the many Angles of Acropolis.
Temple of Zeus – Hadrians Arch
When the Temple of Zeus was built, it was with 104 Corinthian columns. Presently, there are 15 Corinthian columns standing tall. Hadrian had built a gold and ivory statue within the Temple, but there is no trace of it till this day. Word has it that the columns and statue were destroyed during an earthquake in the Medieval period.
The Panathenaic Stadium
The only stadium in the world built entirely out of marble and the exact location where the first modern Olympic games were held in 1896.
Lycabettus Hill
One of the most popular spots to watch the sunset and get an incredible 360 view of Athens as it stands 277 meters above sea level (highest point in Athens).
National Garden of Athens
Right at the heart of Athens lays this beautiful oasis. A 15.5 hectares park has almost everything, from a small Zoo to the unexpected sighting of Palm Trees, a great way to escape the city life without traveling too far.
Plaka District
Plaka is a touristic district with an abundance of Greek vendors, making worth-while. A great Instagram spot by day as it has the traditional Greek aesthetic of white walls and brightly colored doors. By night it becomes a magical atmosphere with cute lanterns and fairytale lights interlaced through the tavernas.
Athens Street Art
When you visit Athens the maddening number of signatures and designs that paint the city may shock you. Greece is one of Europe’s hottest spots for street art, home to local and international street artists expressing their art and political opinion.
Piraeus
If you are looking to escape the heat of Athens make your way to Piraeus. With fresh air and access to the other islands, there is no way you will regret this mini gateway. Take public transportation to not miss the elegant Piraeus train station.
Temple of Poseidon
If you couldn’t make it to the other islands but are looking for a worthwhile day trip outside of Athens, make your way to Cape Sounion, where perched at 60 meters is the Temple of Poseidon. The Temple gates close at 8:30 pm, which is right around the Greek sunset during the summer, so get there early and just chill at the little cafe at the foot of the hill.
I have been do Athens once several years ago and really loved it. Although I was apart of a tour, I saw a lot of the tourist highlights but not a lot of local stuff. I would love to do some of the things you mentioned like visit the Plaka District or Pireaus!
Visiting Greece is one of my dreams! Just look at those stunning architecture. Hope I can visit soon!
Great post! I’d love to visit Greece one day, looks gorgeous!
Athens is somewhere I really want to go but I didn’t know many thing to do there! There are a lot of great recommendations here! I really like the look of the Temple of Poseidon. Wow!
I would love to visit the Temple of Poseidon at sunset. The picture is beautiful!! Thanks for the inspiration to visit Athens!
I’ve always wanted to visit Greece. What an ancient country. I can’t imagine the history alone intrigues me! LOOOOVE!
Wow these pictures are incredible! Athens looks amazing, thank you for the tips!
Athens looks amazing, I love the sunset in that last picture. Great post, thanks for the tips about the street art. I would love to see that!