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Famous attractions of Athens

On the surface, Athens appears to be a bit drab with row upon row of six-story cement buildings. But there's a lot to discover in Athens, especially near the foot of its famous hills.

Here are some of the most famous attractions of Athens.

The Acropolis
This ancient town is widely regarded as the most important site in the Western world. It has stood guard over Athens since the Late Bronze Age and is the site of the most important historical buildings of Greece, including the Parthenon, the Erectheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Acropolis houses many temples, but none of them is more impressive than the all-marble Parthenon, the most magnificent Greek temple which houses a giant statue of Athena. Meanwhile, the Erechtheion is famous for its Caryatids, the six maidens who serve as the building’s columns.

The Ancient Agora
In ancient times, important political and commercial meetings were always held at the Agora (market). It’s where Socrates explained his philosophies and where St. Paul tried to win converts to Christianity. The original Agora was built in 6 B.C. and flourished until 267 A.D. The site also hosts the Temple of Hephaestus, the Attalos Stoa museum and the Church of the Holy Apostles. From here, the Acropolis is just a short walk away.

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Only ruins remain of this temple, once the largest in Greece and took over 700 years to complete. The temple once contained a huge statue of Zeus made out of gold and ivory. A short distance away is Hadrian’s Arch and the Panathinaiko Stadium, site of the 1896 Olympic Games.

Syntagma Square
The site of the Parliament building features parliamentary guards with a unique style of walking that many people consider funny. The changing of the guards every hour is interesting to watch.

Lycabettus Hill
The top of the hill gives tourists a breath-taking view of the Parthenon and of Athens by the sea. You can get to the top either by walking or by funicular. If you choose to walk, you don’t have to worry about going hungry. Several cafes and restaurants line the side of the hill.

National Archaeological Museum of Athens
This is one of the great museums of the world and the largest one in Athens. It contains the most significant archaeological finds in Greece, including the popular Mask of Agamemnon and the oldest Greek figurines from 2,000 B.C. The most awe-inspiring displays include the Mycenaean Antiquities, partly made out of gleaming gold, a marble statue of Aphrodite and a bronze statue of Zeus. The museum is located at 28 Oktovriou-Patission 44, Exarhia.

National Gardens
Enjoy the shade of subtropical trees and watch ducks frolic in the pond. Plant lovers will be immersed in the Botanical Museum while their children enjoy the playground.

Theatre of Dionysos
This historic theater is huge and is a tribute to the importance of theater to the culture of Athens. It’s where the dramas of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Aristophanes stole the show during one golden season in 5 B.C. This magnificent auditorium of stone and marble could seat 17,000 spectators but now only a third of those seats remain.

Numismatic Museum
Coin collectors will think they have died and gone to heaven. The museum features elaborate collections of Greek, Roman and Medieval coins. It is housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in Athens.

National War Museum
Military buffs will find pieces here from all the great wars in history dating back to ancient times. It is located at Vasilissis Sofias 24.