Athens, Greece is a popular tourist destination with a lot to offer to its visitors
1. The Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis of Athens and the nearby New Acropolis Museum are the places every visitor to the city should go to. Sitting on top of the Acropolis hill and dedicated to goddess Athens is the temple of Parthenon. Not only a symbol for the city, but for the whole Greek civilization as well.
The New Acropolis Museum opened its doors in 2009. Findings from the Acropolis, including sculptures from the Parthenon are exhibited in a modern space designed by architect Bernard Tschumi.
Also at the same site:
Theater of Dionysus: Just under the Acropolis, the Theater of Dionisus was the place where Greek tragedy was born and where ancient Athens’ biggest theatrical celebration, the Dionysia took place. Further restoration of the site is expected in the future.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: The well-preserved amphitheater was built during the Roman era and today it hosts music concerts and other art performances every summer during the Athens – Epidaurus Festival.
2. The Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus
The Ancient Agora of Athens is the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora and is situated to the northwest of Acropolis.
The Temple of Hephaestus, dedicated to the ancient Greek god of blacksmiths, fire and volcanoes can be found inside the site of Ancient Agora. It is one of the few Greek temples to be almost entirely preserved.
Also at the same site:
Stoa of Attalos: Built by King Attalos of Pergamon during the Hellinistic era and reconstructed by American archaeologists during the 1950’s, the picturesque building today houses the museum of Ancient Agora.
3. Archaeological Museum of Athens
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, with artifacts from all over Greece. Among them the Artemision Bronze statue of a Greek god and the Antikythera mechanism, the oldest analog computer ever found.
4. Lycabettus Hill
The top of Lycabettus Hill is the highest point of central Athens. From there, you can have the best view of the city, including the Acropolis and see as far as Piraeus and the Saronic gulf. You can hike to the top via a number of paths around the hill or get up there fast via the funicular (cable car) railway that travels up and down at least every 30′ or less when there is demand (Athens transport tickets not accepted).
5. Benaki Museum
Benaki Museum dates back to 1930 and hosts an important collection of Greek art from the prehistorical to the modern times, an extensive collection of Asian art while it also hosts periodic exhibitions of Greek and international artists.
6. Plaka and Anafiotika
Just under the Acropolis, the neighborhood of Plaka gives visitors a taste of ‘old Athens’. It is the ideal place to take a walk or enjoy the local cafes and restaurants. The Anafiotika area, built according to typical Cycladic architecture, makes you feel like you’re on an Aegean island, away from the center of Athens.
7. The Athenian Trilogy
These are the 3 neoclassical buildings on Panepistimiou street, designed and built in the 19th century by Danish architect Theophil Hansen. From left to right, it’s the National Library, University of Athens and the Academy of Athens.
8. Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic stadium was built around 330 BC and it was where ancient Athens’ Panathenaic Games were celebrated. After being left abandoned for centuries, it was refurbished in late 19th century using Penteli marble, the same as the one used on the Acropolis. It hosted the first Olympic Games of the modern era as well as the first marathon race in 1896.
9. Syntagma square
In Athens, all roads lead to Syntagma square. Start by visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament building (former palace), guarded by the elite Evzones soldiers. The changing of the guards takes place every hour while every Sunday at 11 am there’s a more elaborate ceremony. Ermou street which begins from Syntagma is Athens’ main pedestrian shopping street. It’s also worth checking out the first level of Syntagma Metro station. Archaeological findings from the station’s excavation are exhibited around the floor.
10. Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, right in the center of Athens, used to be the largest temple in Greece during the Roman times but today only a few columns remain standing.
A few meters away, stands the Arch of Hadrian, a monumental arch built during the Roman era.
11. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Designed by architect Renzo Piano and built by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation which donated to the Greek state, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center will become the new home of the National Opera and the National Library from autumn 2017. Built in Kalithea neighborhood, next to Faliro bay, the complex also includes the the 210,000 sq. m. Stavros Niarchos Park.
12. Keramikos
Keramikos (also spelled Kerameikos), on the banks of Eridanos river, used to be the ancient cemetery of of Athens, as well as the pottery quarters of the site, from which the word ‘ceramic’ derives. A sometimes overlooked site with rich findings from thousands of years ago.
13. The National Garden and Zappeion
The National Garden which used to be the ‘Royal Garden’ is just next to the Greek Parliament at Syntagma square (which also used to be the Royal Palace). With a size of 38 acres, it’s one of the largest green spaces in the center of the city.
Zappeion Hall which is adjacent to the National Garden, is a conference and exhibition hall which opened in 1888. To this day it is often used for state and private meetings and ceremonies.
14. Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art houses the Cycladic and Ancient Greek art collection of Nicholas and Dolly Goulandris. One of its two wings is houses on the neoclassical Stathatos mansion.
15. Monastiraki
Monastiraki flea market in the center of Athens is visited by both locals and tourists. It is the place to go for souvenirs and bargain shopping.
16. Byzantine and Christian Museum
The Byzantine and Christian Museum was founded in 1914 and it houses more than 25,000 exhibits including collections of pictures, scriptures, frescoes from the early Christian years until the late medieval era. It is one of the most important Byzantine art museums in the world.
17. Areopagus Hill
In ancient Athens, Areopagus Hill opposite to the Acropolis used to be the homicide court of Athens. According to tradition, it is also where Apostle John gave a speech to the Athenians. Today, it is popular with travelers as it offers a magnificent view of the Acropolis, the ancient Agora, and the sunset. Don’t forget to wear appropriate shoes as the hill is slippery.
18. Flisvos Marina
Flisvos Marina has been transformed into an entertainment destination with many locals visiting to enjoy a walk, cycling, or to have a coffee or meal.
19. Athens Metropolitan Cathedral
‘Mitropoli’ is the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Church in Athens from 1862. The church is often the site of important ceremonies with national political figures present, as well as weddings and funerals of notable personalities. From 1999 until 2016 it underwent extensive reconstruction work.
20. The Athens Riviera
Being downtown, it’s easy to forget Athens is a coastal city. Really, you don’t need to take the ferry to a faraway island. All it takes is a ride on a bus or a tram and you can visit the Athenian beach of your choice. As many have noticed, the further away you get, the better the beaches are.
Athens Sightseeing Tour (4 hours)
Our professional English speaking driver will pick up you from your hotel / accommodation early in the morning (around 08:00-09:00).
We will start from the Acropolis and the Temple of Parthenon. There we will have the unique opportunity to admire the splendid monument of the Athenian state of the Parthenon temple which built to honor the goddess of Athens in the mid-fifth century BC.
We will direct to the Temple of Zeus, which is visited open-air museum, part of unification of the archaeological sites of Athens. After we will stop for photos at the Panathenaic Stadium also known as the Kallimarmaro which hosted the 1st modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Next we will visit the Lycabettus Hill where we can see a panorama of Athens city. We will have a little break for a coffee.
Our route will go on the Syntagma square, where we will see the Parliament of Greece and the most famous hotels in the Athens city which enclosing the square. Next stop is the Tomb of Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament of Greece. There we will watch the changing of the guards of Presidency.
Our tour ends, and we drive back to Athens and your hotel /accommodation.
Duration: 4 hours
Please note that Athens Taxi Coast Drivers are not licensed tour guides and therefore cannot escort you inside the monuments, as it is forbidden by the Greek law.
INCLUDED:
• English speaking driver by Taxi,
• Gas,
• Tolls.
NOT INCLUDED:
• Professional Licensed Tourist Guide,
• Entrance fees,
• Lunch/Dinner,
• Drinks.
• Athens Tour – Full Day
Our professional English speaking driver will pick up you from your hotel / accommodation early in the morning (around 08:00-09:00).
We will start from the Acropolis and the Temple of Parthenon. There we will have the unique opportunity to admire the splendid monument of the Athenian state of the Parthenon temple which built to honor the goddess of Athens in the mid-fifth century BC. Also we will visit the new Acropolis Museum, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus Elefthereus.
We will direct to the Temple of Zeus, which is visited open-air museum, part of unification of the archaeological sites of Athens. After we will stop for photos at the Panathenaic Stadium also known as the Kallimarmaro which hosted the 1st modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Next we will visit the Lycabettus Hill where we can see a panorama of Athens city. We will have a little break for a coffee.
Our route will go on the Syntagma square, where we will see the Parliament of Greece and the most famous hotels in the Athens city which enclosing the square. Next stop is the Tomb of Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament of Greece. There we will watch the changing of the guards of Presidency.
Next stop ıs the Stavros Nıarchos Foundatıon Cultural center ıs a complex ın the bay of Falıro whıch ıncludes the Greek Natıonal Opera, as well as 210,000m2 park. A few minutes later will be to Floisvos Marina one of the most popular place in the Athens! Here is a unique place to have a lunch to a tavern and taste ouzo!! Or we can go back to center of Athens to Plaka to have lunch to a traditional tavern and taste tzatziki and greek salad!!
Our tour ends, and we drive back to Athens and your hotel /accommodation.
Duration: 8 hours
Please note that Athens Taxi Coast Drivers are not licensed tour guides and therefore cannot escort you inside the monuments, as it is forbidden by the Greek law.
INCLUDED:
• English speaking driver by Taxi,
• Gas,
• Tolls.
NOT INCLUDED:
• Professional Licensed Tourist Guide,
• Entrance fees,
• Lunch/Dinner
• Drinks.