Athens Attractions

Athens Pictures

Not surprisingly the Acropolis (upper city) comes first for most visitors to Athens. It dominates the city’s skyline, and includes the Acropolis museum and four other sacred buildings, all dating back to the fifth century BC. The renowned Parthenon, to many a symbol of modern Western civilization is the largest building here. Built entirely from marble, the structure is particularly magnificent at sunset. The Temple of Athena Niki and the Erchtheion Temple can also be found here. To reach the Acropolis take the Monastiraki/Theseion metro.

The Agora (market) used to be the focus of Athens, not only as a bustling market but also the site for all the administrative, political and cultural buildings. Nowadays the Hephaisteion (Temple of Haephaistos), one of the most well preserved temples in Greece, dominates it.

The Plaka Quarter is the area below the Acropolis situated to the east of the Agora. It is heavily commercialized but nevertheless a pleasant area of Athens to be discovered on foot. Here you can enjoy several museums, busy tavernas and those all important souvenir shops!

The National Archeological Museum houses one of the finest collections of ancient Greek artifacts in the world and is well worth a visit. Guided tours in English are available but beware, during high season the crowds flock here!