travelgrove Travel Guides
 
 

Athens Sights and Landmarks Guide, Greece

Athens is one of the places in the world that has a lot remains of its ancient history.  A day is not enough to explore the rich history of this classic place, with its breathtaking views and architectures. If you are clueless where to start, you may want to go to Plaka as this is the center of old Athens.  A good starting point for walk to the main sites would be the center of modern day Athens, Sindagma Square. Listed below are the popular sites of Athens worth visiting. 

The Acropolis   This is also known as the “sacred rock” and served as the residential area back in the Neolithic period.  Contrary to what most people think, Acropolis is made up numerous temples dating back to 5th century BC. Propylaea   Main entrance of Acropolis and what’s remained are just the marble columns and some parts of the ceiling. Temple of Athena Nike   Athena is the city’s patron goddess.  This temple is near the entrance of Acropolis. Parthenon   A large temple dedicated to Athena and has a Doric style of architecture.  According to the legends, this was where Poseidon and Athena fought over  the city to which Athena won.  It is considered to be the mose beautiful and sacred temple in Acropolis.  Acropolis Museum   This is a small museum that holds treasures that have been unearthed in that location. 

Hadrian’s Arch   Famously built by the Roman emperor Hadrian, hence the name, to separate the ancient Athens and modern Roman city. Temple of the Olympian Zeus   This was built a hundred years before Acropolis was built.  To this day, only the columns are left but tourists get to have the chance of touching the columns. 

Theater of Dionysus   Location is just below Acropolis.  This was built back in the 8th century and was an open amphitheater where dramas written by the famous Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes were performed in front of thousands of people. Theater of Herodes Atticus   This is located right beside The Dionysus Theater and built in 2nd century AD by the Romans.  Presently, Athens Festival is held here. Panathinaikon Stadium   This is an open air stadium built in 4th century BC that can hold 70,000 people.  The first modern Olympics n 1886 was held here as well as the opening ceremonies of the 2004 Olympics. Keramaikos   Currently an archaeological site and used as a cemetery in ancient times. Ancient Agora   This is the commercial center of ancient Greece 2000 years ago.  In this location, the temple of Hephaestus can be found and is one of the best preserved.  Also the Stoa of Atalus is a reconstruction from 200 BC and now houses stuff found at the Agora.  Roman Agora   During the reign of Hadrian, this was the commercial center.  This is where St. Paul preached to the people of Athens about the unknown God.  His speech is carved on a plate on the rock. Summer in Athens is always festive as Greek dramas are performed by world famous artists in the Theater of Herodes Atticus.  There are also sound and light displays held at the Acropolis and the Parthenon.  


Ask our travel experts a question about Athens

Things about Athens you may be interested in

 
 
 

Read our members' reviews about Athens


  • angelMy third trip in Athens
    review by angel posted more then 30 days ago
    This was the second guided trip we chose. We had to be on the bus at 12:30 a.m. but even with this early start we reached Athens, the capital of Greece only at about 7:30 a.m. Our first stop was the city's harbor where we made some photos of the ships but we were too tired to really enjoy it. The...
  • cipristbDon't miss it in Athens
    review by cipristb posted more then 30 days ago
    Probably the main point of atraction when you visit Greece capital, Athens, may by the Acropolis where the visitors can see the Parthenon. The Acropolis has become during the time a Greek simbol. It is situated in the center of Athens, at the height of 180 m from the sea level. It was biult in...
  • WazlingWhat to visit in Athens
    review by Wazling posted more then 30 days ago
    Athens as a city, is a big fat man, who's dirty and not able to move. Culture of course you can have there a lot, for example with the Parthenon, the Agora and so on. You can spend days there, only visiting ancient Greek places and museums, mostly close to areas with ancient ruins. There're a...
view all
 

Read our members' travel tips about Athens



No travel tips have been added yet for this category. Be the first to add a new one.
 
 

Community

Members Who Have Been to Athens

Community Galleries About Athens

Browse our members' Athens galleries to get a better impression of the place
 
show alladd gallery
 
 
the best travel deals provided by TravelZoo...
  • cheapoair.com$495British Airways flightBritish Airways
    Inbound
    Chicago, IL (ORD)  Athens, GR (ATH)
    04/28/2024 10:35 pm
    Outbound
    Athens, GR (ATH)  Chicago, IL (ORD)
    05/09/2024 11:35 am
  • cheapoair.com$525Lufthansa flightLufthansa
    Inbound
    Denver, CO (DEN)  Athens, GR (ATH)
    04/16/2024 04:05 pm
    Outbound
    Athens, GR (ATH)  Denver, CO (DEN)
    04/24/2024 06:00 am
  • cheapoair.com$531British Airways flightBritish Airways
    Inbound
    Baltimore, MD (BWI)  Athens, GR (ATH)
    04/07/2024 09:15 pm
    Outbound
    Athens, GR (ATH)  Baltimore, MD (BWI)
    04/18/2024 12:30 pm

Athens City Ratings

  • Rating77%
    City Rank177
     
  • History & Culture: rated for 100%
  • Night Life & Entertainment: rated for 85%
  • Family & Fun: rated for 33%
  • Outdoors Activities: rated for 43%
  • Food: rated for 70%
  • Sightseeing: rated for 95%
  • Shopping: rated for 80%
  • Public Transportation: rated for 60%
  • Must visit this place: rated for 100%
  
 
 
 
  
 
   Welcome to Travelgrove  register tell a friend bookmark it 
 
 
*