Acropolis The greatest symbol of the glory of Ancient Greece, the Acropolis rises spectacularly in the center of Athens. Looking for places for small beautiful hikes. The Ancient Agora is an archaeological site located near the Acropolis. 5. This article was first published March 2020 and updated February 2023. In 144 AD, it was reconstructed in marble by Herodes Atticus. Check out the cheese and meat plates at Karamanlidika, the elegant fare at Lithos Tavern, or the hearty dishes at Tavern Klimataria. Taste History, Book a Wine Tasting Tour. Looking for some family fun? 15 Things To Do In Athens For A Memorable Vacay In 2023 Ann, Thats getting a bit late but that doesnt mean you cant go, just that the majority of restaurants and hotels could be closing up for the winter season. 2 Days in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit, Where to Stay in Athens, Greece: Best Hotels for Your Budget, How to Visit the Acropolis & Parthenon in Athens, 10 Day Greece Itinerary: Santorini, Naxos, Mykonos & Athens. There are over 4,000 exhibits to check out, so make sure you leave plenty of time. More prosaically, this is also where a lot of Athenians walk their dogs, so you'll be out strolling with some great Greek pups. This tiny Athens neighborhood is part of ancient Plaka. Rising up from the center of Athens is the Acropolis, a fortified limestone plateau that is topped with the Parthenon and several other historical monuments. Family Fun; Shopping; . This market and collection of buildings was built in the first century BC during the rule of Julius and Augustus Caesar. Dont miss the enormous bronze equestrian statue of King Constantine I or the 16th-century archangel temple. One of the top things to do in Athens for foodies is to hang out at the Central Market. Youll be navigating through rivers and olive groves, and checking out churches and ancient theaters along the way. Imagine sitting in the stone seats at the Theatre of Dionysus, watching the sun go down behind the cypress trees as performers strutted their stuff down on the stage. The serenity is infectious, and once youve scampered up the polished marble steps to the top, youll want to linger awhile. Lines can be long so it is best to purchase your tickets online in advance (tickets for the Acropolis Museum are sold separately from the Acropolis). Construction on the temple of Olympian Zeus began in the 6th century BC. Philopappou hill is a beautiful park with great views of the Acropolis. Areopagus Hill is located very close to the main entrance into the Acropolis, so go here before or after you tour the Acropolis. Located in Syntagma Square near the Hellenic Parliament Building, this is a war memorial that is dedicated to the Greek soldiers who died in war. There is a lot of history and legend here. Varvakeios Market | Best Things to do in Athens. ; Pindos Mountains: With some of the most impressive hiking paths in Greece . In winter time, Athens is an ideal destination for a weekend escape or city break. The path starts opposite Thissio Open Air cinema where a gate marks the entrance. Gracing the slopes of Mount Parnassus, Delphi is one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece. The Tower of the Winds is considered to be the worlds first meteorological center, featuring a sundial, water clock, and wind vane. Soak up the scenery as you glide serenely along the coastline, and strike some poses if you dare. The stadium built in the 4th century BC and restored for the first modern Olympic games in 1896 was first used as a venue for the Panathenaic athletic contests. The Temple of Hephaistos is exquisite and very well preserved; see how many of the Labors of Hercules you can identify on the frieze. Its a great place to cool off! Book a transfer to and from Athens Airport, and youll be dropped off right at your hotel! There are also sections where you can buy fruit, vegetables, spices, seafood, and more. Then imagine yourself behind the wheels of gleaming 19th- and 20th-centuryclassic cars. You can also purchase a paper ticket that is good for five journeys on the metro. The Balkan and Greco-Turkish Wars are both represented, as well as the First and Second World Wars. The Parthenon is the most famous, but there is also the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theater of Dionysus. Whether you have one, two, or more days in this city, here are the best things to do in Athens. Click here for an article that explains all of your options. Get up close to towering cliffs and see ancient monuments from the water. A for Athens. Corinth was one of the first European cities to embrace Christianity and is famous for its rich archaeological heritage. Come for a stroll or a picnic in the fresh air. 42 Memorable and Fun Things to Do in Athens Greece in 2023 1. The Acropolis finds itself at the very top of our list. Its more an activity center than a museum, and kids relish having a go at the interactive exhibits. FUN THINGS TO DO IN ATHENS, GREECE - The Wanderful Me 10 of the Coolest Things To Do in Athens - Greece Is The view of the Ancient Agora and Acropolis from the Temple of Hephaestus. From here, look out over busy Monastiraki Square, the Ancient Agora, and of course, the Acropolis. This was our favorite restaurant in Athens. The mythical battleground of Theseus and the Amazons, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Planning a trip to Greece and wondering what some fun things to do in Athens are? When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 4. Get to know your grapes, listen to tales of the Greek god of wine, and pair a few glasses with local cheese for that finishing touch. 6. The Acropolis holds many different ancient ruins, like the world-famous Parthenon temple . First of all, it dates back to 330 BC. We are in Greece with family like yours for 8 days. Let your eyes play tricks on you, as you delve into the mind-bending world of the Museum of Illusions. Top 10 Things to do in Athens Greece with Kids - The Barefoot Nomad I recommend getting updated hours and pricing for your dates of travel. Come on a Sunday for the famous flea market and pick up a bargain or spend a sunny afternoon at a pavement caf in the shadow of some of the citys ancient sites. Athens isnt short of museums, but this one is particularly special. This has to be my favourite things to do in Athens, mainly because it is so hard to find. Never been stand-up paddleboarding before? Cant decide which glorious Greek islands to include on your week-long itinerary? For 5,000 years, this area was used as a marketplace, gathering place, and residential area. 1. 76 Fun Things to Do in Athens, Greece - TourScanner 11 Best Things To Do in Athens Updated May 8, 2023 From ancient monuments and medieval churches to world-class museums and high-end boutiques, it's hard to get bored in Athens. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. Have a Picnic at Lycabettus Hill. The closest metro stops are Panepistimio and Evangelismos. Picking up your tickets from the office in Athens is much faster than waiting in line at the port to pick them up. Things to do in Athens Greece with Kids. In ancient times, this was a meeting place where philosophy and law were discussed. To get to the top, you can either hike up or take the funicular. Its located in the heart of Athens, near Hadrians Library, the Ancient Agora, and just a short walk from the Acropolis. Its survived earthquakes and invasions, and was used as a burial ground for Europeans in later years. It is the site of the finish line for the Athens Classic Marathon. The BEST Athens Tours and Things to Do in 2023 - GetYourGuide ; Meteora: Miracles of nature and man, offering hikers the experience of walking between centuries-old monasteries in a unique landscape. Edem beach is a perfect day trip destination for those looking to spend a day close to the sea. Here you can sail to hidden lagoons for swimming and picnics, or amble through cobbled streets admiring the local architecture. What is it? Shopping is fun here too, with ceramics, jewelry and exotic spices all up for grabs. Youll see twice as much in half the time! Visit the Oldest House in Athens The Benizelou Mansion is the only Ottoman-era residence that survives in Athens. Dont miss the flying elephants or the giant unicyclist! Theres a botanical museum to explore, and kids love meeting the wolves and monkeys in the small zoo. Almost everything on this list is within walking distance of the Acropolis. If Athens' panoramic view is what you are after, this hilltop is the ideal place for you to visit. The Acropolis What is it? Finally, the Hotel Grande Bretagne has a rooftop restaurant with views over Syntagma Square and the Acropolis. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. With every footstep, you are retracing the paths of Western civilization; with each sight, sound, and taste, you can enjoy its dynamic present-day form. Theres dressing up in old costumes in the attic and a marketplace with stores and workshops to explore. Free walking tours arent just wallet-friendly; theyre also a great way to fully experience the city and its stories. But I found this from Lonely Planet. Visiting Athens is like taking a step back in time, a wonderful history lesson that is great for all ages. Share it! Athens Bucket List: 20 Best Things to do in Athens, Greece Acropolis Ticket Cost: 20 April 1 to October 31; 10 November 1 to March 31. This thought-provoking Art Deco monument beneath the faade of the Old Royal Palace is dedicated to fallen Greek soldiers. Website: For updated hours, pricing, and holidays, and to purchase your tickets in advance, visit the official website. Hydra is one of the closest islands to Athens, making a day trip here a piece of cake. Then experience a dose of true Greek antiquity, as you wander around the mighty Parthenon temple. This is a cool spot in Athens and a great place to take a break from temples, ruins, and museums. Unusual things to do in Athens Greece: Anafiotika - the hidden 'island' in the city. It comes in handy if you plan to use the metro a lot, especially if you also plan to take the metro to the airport or Piraeus port. This ancient cemetery and potters district is a great place to get up close to Greek excavations. Take photos of the bougainvillea-draped houses, and tuck into meze platters at pavement cafes. A treasure trove of classical artifacts awaits heritage hunters who enter the National Archaeological Museum. Cycle around the base of the Acropolis, breeze past the fountains in Omonoia Square, and stop at Ancient Agora. Ramp the adventure up a notch and take the wheel yourself to explore well and truly off the beaten track. While you're here, note Hadrian's Arch, congratulating him on his achievement. Or, you can choose to walk all of the way to the top on a paved trail that switchbacks its way up the hill. While exploring Ancient Agora, make sure you pop into the museum. Feyrouz. 16 best things to do in Athens - Lonely Planet Take a walk along the seafront in Hydra Town, visit the museums, then paddle in the turquoise waters that lap against the shore. Dont worry, youll be firmly strapped to an expert instructor! In the stately Stoa of Attalos (an architectural paradigm for shopping arcades that you'll recognize across modern Athens), the Agora Museum displays unusual finds from ancient daily life. Gasp in awe as you come face to face with the golden funerary mask of Agamemnon and check out Bronze Age frescoes from Santorini. On Trip Advisor, its one of the highest rated restaurants in Athens. Grand Hyatt Athens is filled with glamor, with its contemporary restaurants, stunning views, and a pool and spa perfect for relaxing. Perched dramatically on a headland that juts into the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon is just one reason to check out Cape Sounion. The mythical battleground of Theseus and the Amazons is one of Athen's best parks, studded with small ruins connected by beautiful stone paths that are themselves a minor architectural marvel. Athens is referred to as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Then youll be right at home in this vast Roman concert arena. Then pose for selfies with Mount Pentelicus in the background. Bliss! THINGS TO DO IN SANTORINI: For a full list of things to do, read our article Best Things to Do in Santorini. It's gratifying to discover iconic sculptures of Western art history here, like the bronze figure of a bearded god and the disputed hammered gold death mask of Agamemnon, as you stroll through the galleries. This former administrative center will remind you of the Forum in Rome, with its avenues, buildings and temples. Not long after its completion in the 2nd century AD, it was pillaged by a barbarian invasion. And at Athens Studios, you can kick back at the bar, admire the city scenery from the top floor, or take a stroll around the area to enjoy museums, restaurants, and the neighboring Acropolis! It occupies a stunning neoclassical mansion, with fine art and mundane folk objects both equally beautiful displayed chronologically. It's the largest archeological museum in Greece. While this city filled to the brim with historic sites and ancient attractions, sometimes travelers want to do something else other than strolling around ruins. This really is life! If you only have one day, I also recommend visiting the Acropolis Museum, several of the sites on the combination ticket (the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora, etc), explore Plaka, and have dinner or a drink at a rooftop restaurant. You can get dinner here for less than 5 per person. In the reign of Pericles, in the 5th century BC, the hilltop was deemed a religious sanctuary. This is one of the best spots in Athens to go shopping. Enjoy a breath of fresh air, as you climb through the pine groves that carpet Philopappos Hill. Search for free among 1,500,000 tours in every destination around the world! So take the kids, put on some comfortable shoes and explore one of the oldest cities in the world. Love a good amphitheater? Filoppapos Hill. We also have an article about 9 great spots to get the Best Views of the Acropolis. It looks out of place, sitting among modern buildings and popular chain stores, as the city of Athens has grown up around it. From the rooftop restaurant at the Athens Gate Hotel, you get 360 views over Athens. Car-free Hydra is a real charmer, with elegant mansions, lots of donkeys and boats bobbing up and down in the harbor. Starting in the wee hours, Greek vendors bellow out their best deals in an attempt to . We took the metro to Omonia Station to visit the National Archaeological Museum (but you can also use Victoria Station). To get between Athens and the airport, you can take a bus, the metro, or a taxi. from. Will be using your experience for sure. The spot to go for Indian food. We have not been to Olympia yet so Im not sure.
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