Athens – the ancient capital of the world
If you want to visit one of the top 5 attractions in Greece, then you must head to Athens! The ancient Greek capital is full of history, architecture, antiquity, but also offers an active nightlife! Stepping into Athens, you are instantly immersed in a magical world, with different colors and shades, so it is impossible to absorb all the diversity of this culture at a glance. You have to come back again and again to this unique place and every time you discover a new favorite aspect that attracts you, a new favorite place to admire the beauty of the multimillion city.
Sightseeing in Athens
There are so many places to visit in Athens that ideally it would be a good idea to hire a professional guide. But if you want to rediscover the beauty of the Greek capital on your own, start your tour of the Parthenon on the Acropolis. The temple is dedicated to the patroness of the city and was built on the site of an older temple that was destroyed by the Persians. Over the years, the Acropolis has served as a temple, fortress, church and mosque.
There are countless sights in Athens that would attract your attention. So it all depends on the time factor – how much time you have to tour Athens. If you are looking for a place to relax, then visit the national gardens, located in the heart of the capital. This quiet place is filled with dignified tall trees, fabulous alleys and statues that are a source of admiration. Only one part of the park is open to visitors. The rest is adjacent to the Royal Palace, which is currently the Parliament building.
My favorite attraction in Athens is the new Acropolis Museum, which is a must-see destination for any tourist visiting the Greek capital. The official opening of the museum was in 2009, making it the newest landmark in Athens. It is located on 5 floors and houses over 4000 valuable artifacts that you cannot see anywhere else! The original idea was it to be completed in 2004 for the Olympic Games, but as a result, the opening procedure was postponed due to litigation and other problems around its construction.
Check the best accommodation in Athens with the highest guest reviews
If you want to absorb all the beauty of Athens at a glance, then you should climb to the highest point, namely – Likavitos Hill. From there, a unique panoramic view is revealed not only to Athens, but also to the Aegean Sea. To reach the top of the hill you can use the cable car, or do a little sport and climb the hill on foot.
A favorite place of all tourists visiting Athens is Plaka – a district of Athens, located right at the foot of the Acropolis with the typical stone streets dotted with small cafes and an intimate atmosphere under the ancient trees. It is in Plaka, often called the “Quarter of the Rich” that you can immerse yourself in the typical Greek culture.
The largest temple in Greece – the Temple of Zeus – is another must stop during your tour of the ancient Greek capital. It was built for seven centuries, but currently only 15 columns have survived from the original 104 that were part of the temple.
If you are a lover of history and museums, you must stop at the National Archaeological Museum. There are 30 collections in 30 separate halls, starting from antiquity and ending with works by contemporary artists.
When visiting Athens, be prepared for the Greek way of life, and especially – resting. Most shops are open from 2 pm to 5 pm, and some of them even close at 2 pm (ie their working hours end at 2 pm). On Saturdays, the shops are open until 3 pm at the latest, so be organized if you want to buy everything you need from the Greek capital.
