Athens: Amazing Things to Do in the Capital of Greece

Athens is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is famous for its rich ancient history and culture dating back to the once mighty kingdom of Ancient Greece. The city, according to legend, is said to be a blessing from the Olympic gods, and befitting of such a title, the Greek capital is full of captivating things to do.

1. Acropolis of Athens

Easily the most famous and iconic of the ancient landmarks found around the city and even all of Greece, the Acropolis is a collection of temples that rise up on a hill above Athens. Here you'll find a number of temples and ruins dedicated to the Greek gods, the most important of which is the Parthenon.

2. Plaka District

In the center of the city and under the shadow of the iconic Acropolis, Athens' Plaka District is one of the oldest and most famous neighborhoods in the city. Full of colorful buildings, winding cobbled streets and hanging gardens, it's perfect for taking a few hours to walk around, browsing the quaint shops for antiques and souvenirs. There's a number of popular museums here too such as the Greek Folklore Museum and the Fraseras Museum.

3. Acropolis Museum

Displaying some of the most important sculptures and artifacts unearthed from the Acropolis and surrounding area, the Acropolis Museum is one of the most important tourist attractions in Athens. The Acropolis Museum was built in 2007 and resembles the famous Parthenon Temple on the upper floor. The museum is located on Dionysos Arianobagito on the southwestern slope of the Acropolis of Athens. Visitors can enjoy touring the main section of the museum, where thousands of ancient artifacts and various sizes were collected from the Acropolis and its ancient temples.

4. National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens showcases ancient Greek history from thousands of years ago. The museum contains thousands of archaeological antiquities discovered in different locations around Greece and is one of the most famous tourist sites in the country. You'll find exhibits dating back to prehistoric times and the late ancient times, including royal tombs, statues, jewelry, pottery and much more. You can see a collection of ancient civilizations from the Aegean region dating back to different periods from the sixth millennium BC until 1050 BC.

5. Lykavittos Hill

Lykavittos Hill is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Athens, with a height of about 300 meters, providing a great view of the historical city of Athens. You can use the hanging rail to reach the top of the hill, a pleasant experience that takes only a few minutes, and climb up the hill by the stairs that surround the hill. The hill is considered one of the most beautiful places of tourism in Greece. You can enjoy seeing the beauty of the view that the hill provides from the top, especially at sunset, where the lights of the city of Athens appear below the hill.

6. Temple of Olympian Zeus of Athens

The Temple of Olympian Zeus of Athens is an archaeological site and one the largest temples in Greece. The construction of the temple began in the 6th century BC and ended in 131 AD, about 700 years later by order of the Roman emperor Hadrian. The height of the temple is about 56 feet and its columns are made of marble. The Zeus Temple is also close to many of the most famous monuments in Athens, including the famous Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis.

7. National Garden of Athens

A nice break from strolling around the historic sites of Athens, these gardens are some of the most beautiful in the country, containing a number of picturesque buildings, statues and monuments among the welcoming greenery. As it's located in the center near to most of the popular tourist sites, the gardens are great for taking a moment to rest or take a leisurely stroll around.

8. Syntagma Square

One of the most important squares in the city, Syntagma Square lies at the heart of Athens, close to many of the famous attractions and just next to the National Garden. With a large number of hotels in the surrounding area, it's also a popular place for tourists to stay in due to its central location. Make sure to check out the change of the guards which happens every hour in front of the Greek Parliament building here.

9. Museum of Islamic Art

The Museum of Islamic Art is one of the most famous museums in the city of Athens and is one of the world’s most significant collections of Islamic art. The museum contains more than 8000 items many dating back to the 12th to 19th centuries.

10. Ancient Agora

Ancient Agora is one of the famous landmarks in the city of Athens, once an important place of administrative, commercial, political and social activities. The construction of the Agora dates back to the 6th century BC. It's a famous place for many visitors because it is said Socrates expounded his philosophy here.

Conclusion

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the most attractive cities that has a great history dating back to ancient civilizations. The most wonderful attractions located in the city of Athens make the city important for tourism and a popular choice for a weekend break.