Set your foot in a city that dates back as old as 3,000 BC. Athens has kept records of majestic civilizations for centuries, making it a hotspot for history. Nonetheless, whether you are a history buff or a casual traveler, Athens will leave you stunned. This wonderful Greek city offers you the perfect blend of history, culture, and fun. Then, dive deeper into the capital’s charms by exploring the best things to do in Athens!
Visit the Acropolis
Sitting on the top of a fortified limestone hill, the Acropolis is Athens’ eye candy. A long time ago, the Acropolis became the place where Greek philosophers and academicians questioned the universe, freedom of speech, and many more. Moreover, the Acropolis refers to a site where different temples and structures were built.
Visiting the Acropolis means traveling back to the Ancient Greek period. Temples, theaters, and structures are scattered throughout the Acropolis. You can see the Temple of Athena Nike, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theater of Dionysus. If you are eager to learn more about the history, you can take a guided tour. Therefore, visiting the Acropolis is one of the best things to do in Athens.
Marvel at the Ancient Parthenon
The Ancient Parthenon stands proudly with its towering columns, some of them shaped into statues of a goddess. The centuries-old building once served as the temple of Athena, the Greek goddess of war and wisdom. For that reason, it comes with a majestic facade and stands on the Acropolis’ highest point. Now, the Ancient Parthenon has become a major tourist attraction, as well as one of the best things to do in Athens.
Marvel at the Ancient Parthenon’s dramatic exterior and hall-like interior. The building was over 3,000 years old, giving you a hint of a regal past. Moreover, exploring the Ancient Parthenon requires a bit hike and climbing. So, make sure to put on comfortable shoes or sneakers that allow you to roam around safely.
Learn about Ancient Greece at the Acropolis Museum
Has the Acropolis successfully left you stunned? Do you want to learn more about the magnificent site? Then, head to the Acropolis Museum. Tucked a few meters away from the Acropolis, this museum paints a big picture of Greece’s history. It exhibits statues, murals, pottery, and art pieces obtained from the Acropolis and other parts of Greece. Interestingly, the museum comes with modern and artsy architecture despite displaying archaeological items. It features large glass panes that offer a futuristic look.
Another unique thing about the Acropolis Museum is the ground floor setting. The center area comes with glass flooring, displaying an excavated ancient neighborhood. It was part of the Acropolis slopes and featured baths, houses, theaters, and many more. With all it has to offer, the Acropolis Museum is one of Athens’s best things to do.
Visit the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus
Get a glimpse of ancient Athens’ glory at the Ancient Agora. The word “agora” roughly translates as “assembly of people” or “marketplace”. Although it is now scattered ruins, the Ancient Agora was a big thing in the past. Ancient Greeks went on with their everyday life in the agora, from shopping to going for discussions. Thus, the Ancient Agora has temples, halls, gymnasiums, law courts, and many more. However, the Temple of Hephaestus comes as its most prominent landmark.
Like other ancient Greek ruins, the Temple of Hephaestus was built in a Doric architectural style. It stands on the top of the Agoraios Kolonos hill, boasting its elegant facade. Thus, the Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved temples in Athens. It hasn’t gone through lots of restoration since the time it was discovered. Furthermore, visiting this historical site is one of the best things to do in Athens.
Admire the Temple of Poseidon
If you are a fan of Greek mythology, you must be familiar with Poseidon, the god of the sea. It is no surprise that his temple stands in Sounion, the southern coast of Athens. Overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon is exceptional. It stands in the form of ruins, with several huge pillars and stone stairs. Nonetheless, the marble temple looks stunning, and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Athens.
Standing on a 60-meter cliff, the Temple of Poseidon is an amazing sunset spot. You can visit around 3-5 PM and see the sun slowly go down to the horizon. The 5th-century temple gleams under the reddish sun, magnifying its bewitching beauty. So, make sure to snap a lot of pictures as you visit!
Watch Performances at The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
We know that the Acropolis and the Parthenon are legendary. However, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is also unmissable. Tucked on the southwest slopes of the Acropolis, this Roman amphitheater is an important ancient site. It was built in the year 268 AD by Roman senator Herodes Atticus. The amphitheater held operas and music performances in the ancient time. Now, it serves as a tourist attraction and a concert venue.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus went through restoration in the early 20th century. In 1950, the site was finally opened to the public. Nowadays, the 5000-seat theater is used as a venue for international events, concerts, and operas. However, you can also visit on regular days and admire its charming setting.
See the Hadrian’s Library
Get ready to be surprised as you reach this out-of-the-box ‘library’. With no bookshelves and a study booth, Hadrian’s Library is not like the name suggests. It is a historical ruin constructed around 132 AD. You would not guess that the monolithic columns and ruined marble walls were once a massive library. It stored important documents and scrolls during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Thus, it costs you €6 to enter the site and wander around its courtyards and chambers. Furthermore, seeing Hadrian’s Library is one of the best things to do in Athens.
Get a Bird-Eye View of Athens from Areopagus Hill
See the miniature-sized Athens, along with its outstanding Acropolis and temples, from Areopagus Hill. It stands next to the Acropolis of Athens, offering a bird-eye view of the famous site. The marble hill is the locals’ favorite place to unwind, as it has a serene atmosphere and beautiful setting. Therefore, it is one of the unique things to do in Athens.
Areopagus Hill is noted as an important place in history, mythology, and stories. It served as the Judicial Court during the Ancient Greece period. Also, it was the place where Paul the Apostle preached the famous “Sermon on an Unknown God”, mentioned in the Bible. In Greek mythology, Ares, the god of war, went through his trial on this hill after murdering one of the sons of Poseidon. With all those stories, the Areopagus Hill is too interesting to miss.
Unwind at the National Garden
Soothe your sight with the calming greeneries of the National Garden. Built in the 19th century, this city park is one of the most beautiful parks in Athens. It boasts 16 hectares of well-manicured gardens, colorful flower beds, classic Greek-style sculptures, and lush trees. Additionally, it offers well-paved roads that will take you strolling around the park comfortably. Moreover, the park stuns with its series of Washingtonians, towering palm trees that were imported from the United States. Therefore, unwinding at the National Garden is one of the best things to do in Athens.
Spend a Relaxing Day at Syntagma Square
When in Athens, do what the Athenians do! Well, they love to wander around and relax at the Syntagma Square. Situated at the heart of Athens, the city square is accessible and popular. Syntagma Square includes the neoclassical-styled Greek Parliament building, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, and lovely neighborhoods to explore. Thus, locals love to sit at a terrace cafe or a shady lawn that is lined on the sides of the square. If you want to escape from the tourist crowds, Syntagma Square is at the top of the list of the best things to do in Athens.
These awesome activities in Athens ensure you to get the best out of the charming city. Then, which of the things to do in Athens lures you to immediately book a ticket?
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