The top ten must see attractions to make the most of your time in Athens 2023.

10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ATHENS:

We do feel like semi-experts when we talk about Athens, having spent 6 months based in Alimos marina just outside Athens last year. If we managed to get some time off we would hop on a tram and meander through the leafy suburbs to the centre of Athens. We visited the botanical gardens to spend some time relaxing in nature, walked miles and miles through windy cobbled streets and up and down hill and dale stopping at appealing-looking tavernas (they were ALL good!).

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history, culture, and ancient landmarks.

Here are ten of the best things to do in Athens:

Acropolis: Visit the Acropolis, the most iconic and important ancient site in Athens. Explore the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and other ancient temples, and enjoy panoramic views of the city. This is an obvious attraction and well worth the effort. Wear proper shoes, the marble is worn and very slippery in some places. I suggest you pre-book your Acropolis tickets if you are visiting in July/August or September and be there either at 8 am or late evening to avoid most of the crowds. There are water fountains at the top but no shade and it gets HOT. This link will show you how but have a look around at all the various options within Get Your Guide.

Acropolis Museum: Discover the fascinating artefacts and sculptures from the Acropolis at the Acropolis Museum. It provides a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the ancient site. A brilliant stop when the heat gets too much as it has fantastic air-conditioning. Plus it is really interesting even if you are not a fan of museums. Perhaps buy a combined Acropolis and museum entry ticket to save on queuing.

The Panathenaic Stadium dates back to the 4th century B.C. and was the site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896 and remains the starting point of the Olympic flame torch relay. Made entirely of white marble, it’s an impressive sight that’s earned it the nickname Kallimarmaro or “beautiful marble”. There are even a couple of hours in the morning designated for morning jogs when you run in the footsteps of former Olympians. Take a stroll up to Ardittos Hill for a panoramic view of the stadium. Tickets are required to enter the stadium, which includes a free audio guide.

Plaka: Explore the charming neighbourhood of Plaka, located at the foot of the Acropolis. Wander through its narrow streets lined with neoclassical buildings, visit quaint shops, and enjoy traditional Greek cuisine in the tavernas. A lovely area to explore and every now and then when you turn a corner there is the majestic Acropolis looking down on you.

National Archaeological Museum: Immerse yourself in Greece’s ancient history at the National Archaeological Museum. It houses an extensive collection of artefacts, including sculptures, pottery, and jewellery from various periods. The sense and the history surrounding one are hard to grasp.

Ancient Agora: Visit the Ancient Agora, a gathering place and marketplace in ancient Athens. Explore the ruins of the Stoa of Attalos, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the Agora Museum, which showcases objects found in the area. It always amazed me to randomly see parts of columns or buildings as we wandered along.

Mount Lycabettus: Climb or take a funicular to the top of Mount Lycabettus for breathtaking views of Athens. Enjoy a sunset or sunrise from this vantage point and capture stunning photos of the city below. It can get cold when the sun goes now (obviously not in peak summer ie. August) so be prepared with a light cover. Sadly there are pickpockets that might take advantage if you are a solo traveller, as in all big cities, be aware.

Syntagma Square: Spend time in Syntagma Square, the central square of Athens. Watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the Hellenic Parliament, relax in the park, or shop at the nearby Ermou Street. The fountains, the buskers, the atmosphere is exhilarating.

National Garden: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle by visiting the National Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Athens. Take a leisurely stroll, admire the diverse flora, and visit the small zoo within the park. We took a bus to visit the gardens, an experience in itself and loved it. We chose to visit the lesser-known but most impressive Diomedes Botanical Gardens and after hours meandering along had ice-cold beers and excellent food amongst the locals at the on-site restaurant. Whether you are a plant lover or simply looking for a quiet and tranquil spot to escape the hustle and heat of Athens city, the Diomedes Botanical Garden could be the ideal spot for you. Last but not least, to add a bit of history to the trip, you can also visit the stunning 11th-century Daphni monastery just outside of Diomedes’ Garden grounds, a monument that was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1990.

Monastiraki: Visit the vibrant neighbourhood of Monastiraki, known for its bustling flea market. Browse through a wide array of shops selling antiques, jewellery, souvenirs, and local products. Don’t forget to try some delicious street food along the way. Fantastic, vibey area.

These ten activities offer a fantastic blend of ancient history, cultural immersion, and scenic beauty, allowing you to experience the best of Athens.

Feel free to mail me with any other suggestions or ideas or questions.

sailingandsunshine@gmail.com

Mke and Nikki.