Are you planning a trip to Greece? Here are the Best Things to do in Athens during your visit. Since all of these sites are great, they are not in any order of preference. I visited all of these sites during my visit. I loved and recommend them all. Since most of these sites are in proximity to each other, it’s easy to walk from one to the other.
1- You must see The Parthenon at the Acropolis
One of the most imitated building in history. Quite possibly the most famous building on earth. No matter how many times you have seen pictures of this building. Nothing compares to seeing its splendor in person. You’d have to be a fool to not go see the Acropolis during your visit to Greece.
2- Go see Hadrians Library
Hadrians Library Was The Largest In Athens At The Time. Ancient Libraries Didn’t Lend Books. They Were A place Where People Went To Study And Hear Lectures. This building had many uses over the years and sadly there is not a whole lot left but it’s still worth a visit.
3- Check out the Temple of Olympic Zeus
Built to honor the Olympian god Zeus, it was once the biggest building in Athens. It took 638 years to complete and it’s glory only lasted a century. Fifteen columns are still standing, one was knocked down during a storm in 1852.
4- Walk under Hadrians Arch
Located on the northeast corner of the temple of Olympian Zeus is Hadrian’s Arch. It was built in 131 AC to commemorate the Roman Emperor. It is a 59 ft. arch(18 meters)that once separated the old city of Theseus and the new city of Hadrian. A gorgeous arc that sits in the middle of nothing.
5- Watch the Changing of the guards at the Athens Parliament:
Evzones stand guard in front of the tomb of the unknown soldier at the Parliament in Athens. They change the guards every hour of every day. Since the guards do a small performance every time they change, it’s beautifully coordinated and a pleasure to watch. However, if you don’t arrive on the hour, you will see them stand motionless for an hour.
6- Wander in the Ancient Agora
The heart of ancient Athens. Since the Ancient Agora was a marketplace, they found a ton of artifacts and you can see them inside the Ancient Agora Museum. Which is part of the permanent exhibit, I can’t get enough of Greek sculptures and this was a great place to see a lot of them.
7- Visit the National Archaeological Museum
One of the greatest museums in the world! Home to the most important artifacts from archaeological locations all over Greece. Some artifacts date back as far as 6000 BC. No other museum in the world has as much Greek art.
8- Admire the Academy of Athens
Beautiful Academy with many intricate carved statues and eight large murals. Statues include Athena, Apollo Plato, and Socrates.
Don’t Want To Miss Anything When You Visit?
Tours are a great way to visit the sites in Athens. They will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the site. There is a driver and a guide and the guide will give you all sorts of information about history and culture. Once you arrive at the site, he will already have your entry tickets ready. Not only will he give you a guided tour of the site, but he will also point out special features that you may not have noticed on your own. Additionally, he will tell you everything there is to know about them. After all is said and done, you will then have some free time to explore the site on your own. After which you will be taken to a location for lunch and once the tour is over, you will be taken back to your hotel.
From USD$78.29
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Duration:
5 hours
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Departs:
Greece, Greece
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In a cosy deli in Koukaki neighborhood start your morning with a traditional …
From USD$44.90
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Duration:
3 hours
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Departs:
Greece, Greece
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Unearth the wonders of Ancient Greece with this 3-hour walking tour of …
From USD$195.72
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Duration:
2 days
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Departs:
Athens, Greece
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Enjoy a full day tour plus three of Athens’ must-see attractions for one …
Don't Forget Insurance!
When traveling overseas, always make sure that you have travel insurance. You never know when an accident will happen and you don’t want it to ruin your trip when it does. Travel insurance will also cover a canceled flight or lost luggage.
Getting Around
On Foot:
Getting around on foot in Athens is safe as long as you follow the street signals. If you are a woman walking alone, men will tend to stop to let you cross the street, even if their light is green.
Metro:
The subway, called Metro, is a quick way to get from one location to another, It cost 2 € per passage. Make sure you keep your ticket. You will need it to get out! It’s open every day from 5 am to midnight.
Taxi:
Taxis are another way to get around. They are cheap and will get you to your location very fast. Don’t be surprised if your driver runs through red lights or stop signs. They have a whole driving system that’s a little different than in America. To be honest, it’s a little crazy but they don’t seem to get into many accidents either, so I guess it works. They also drive on the right-hand side of the road, which makes it a little less scary.
Rent a Car:
If you plan on renting a vehicle, it’s always best to reserve beforehand. I really like Auto Europe they offer great prices with clean, reliable vehicles.
Accommodations
There are accommodations all over Athens. My link will search through all the online sites to find you the best price available.
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