Athens

With a recorded history spanning over 3,400 years, and its earliest human presence dating back to between the 11th and 7th century BC, Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities, and is often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Home to several monuments from the classical Greek, Roman, Byzantine eras, the most famous of which is the Acropolis of Athens and the Parthenon, Athens is also a bustling modern city with stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, enchanting markets, spectacular cultural events, a vibrant nightlife, and mouth-watering cuisine.

Destinations

Key sights to see

The Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens, dating back to the 5th century BC, is one of the most ancient and iconic symbols of classical Greek civilization. The monuments of that period that remain today include the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, and Erechtheion. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theater of Dionysus were built later.

The Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum houses over 4,250 artifacts found on the Acropolis and its surrounding slopes, ranging from the Greek Bronze Age, to Roman and Byzantine Greece. The extensive use of glass in the architecture of the building allows for a spectacular view of the Acropolis, the surrounding hills and the city of Athens.

The Roman Agora

The Roman Agora, a market constructed in the 1st century BC during the rule of Julius and Augustus Caesar, originally consisted of a large, open-air courtyard surrounded by colonnades on all sides. The most prominent remains today are the Tower of Winds, the Gate of Athena Archegetis, the East Propylon, and the Fethiye mosque.

Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian's Library was constructed in 132 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian to house rolls of papyrus books and several reading rooms and lecture halls. The three-story building was seriously damaged during a barbarian invasion in 267 AD. Three churches, whose remains can still be seen today, were built on the site during Byzantine times.

Temple of Hephaestus

The Temple of Hephaestus, constructed in the 5th century BC, is dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmanship, and Athena, the goddess of pottery and crafts. One of the best preserved ancient temples, it has 6 Doric columns on the short east and west sides and 13 on the north and south sides.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma square is the central square of Athens, and the location of the Old Royal Palace building, which houses the Greek Parliament since 1934. The square is famous for the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier and the Changing of the Guard, Ermou street, one of the city's main shopping streets, and several nearby 5-star hotels.

Plaka

Stretching from the base of the Acropolis to Syntagma Square, Plaka is the oldest and most picturesque neighborhood in Athens, with an eclectic mix of old, narrow streets, lovely neoclassical buildings, small cafes, excellent restaurants and bars, modern shopping outlets like H&M and Sephora, and several archaeological sites and museums.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, built to honor Zeus, was one of the largest ever ancient temples, with 104 columns, each 17.25 meters tall. Only fifteen of the original columns are still standing today. Construction started in the 6th century BC, but was not completed until around 125 AD, during Emperor Hadrian's reign.

Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium was originally built around 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games, but was rebuilt entirely in marble, and expanded to have a capacity of 50,000 seats by Roman senator Herodes Atticus in 144 AD. The stadium is famous for hosting the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympic games in 1896.

Mount Lycabettus

At 300 meters (908 feet) above sea level, the summit of Mount Lycabettus, accessible either by walk or by Cable Car, is the highest point in Athens. The hill offers a spectacular view of the sprawling city and the Acropolis. The best time to visit is just before sunset.

Activities

Exciting and memorable things to do

Private Tour of the Acropolis of Athens

Stroll around the Acropolis with an archaeologist to learn about its monuments, including the Parthenon. Then, visit the New Acropolis Museum for a guided tour of its spectacular statues and treasures, on this 4-hour private walking tour.

Athens

Destinations

Activities

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