Athens in pictures: the best things to do in Athens
21.07.2023 - 07:45
/ roughguides.com
In a city packed to the rafters with historic sites, planning a trip to Athens can be overwhelming. Especially when it comes to knowing the best things to do in Athens – and what to skip. There are several ancient sites in Athens well worth the effort (including the Acropolis of course). However, a lot of the city's charm lies in cafe-hopping in the sunshine, or browsing the huge variety of goods for sale at the Bazaar.
The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Greece , your essential guide for visiting Greece .
The wide streets around Athens' historic Agora are lined with pavement cafes filled with locals drinking coffee and conducting passionate debates. Pick a table and join the throng. Then stroll the pedestrianised Apóstólo Pávlou that takes you past cafes to the edge of the Agora and the Acropolis. The view is particularly spectacular at sunset.
Why not try a four-day tailor-made tour of Athens? You'll wander a maze of charming streets, discover the Acropolis and the Parthenon and indulge in delicious Mediterranean food at local tavernas.
Visiting the bars and cafes in Thissio is one of the best things to do in Athens © Sianstock/Shutterstock
Rain or shine, the Parthenon atop the rock of the Acropolis stands majestically above the city of Athens. It's undoubtedly one of the most iconic sites in the Western world and one of the best things to do in Athens. The first time you see it you're sure to feel a little shiver of excitement.
Along with the Parthenon, the Acropolis site is also home to several other notable buildings. This includes the Erechtheion, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaia (gateways). It's easy to spend an entire day exploring the site.
Bear in mind that there's little shade here and it can get very hot in summer. So set your alarm for an early start to get the best out of the site (it opens at 8am). Also be aware that various part of the buildings have been covered in scaffolding for the best part of 20 years as part of a major cleanup operation takes place.
Caryatids on the Erechtheion temple, part of the Acropolis site © Paullos/Shutterstock
In the shadow of the Acropolis, the winding streets of Pláka seem lost in a time warp. There are hand-shaped walls, colourful shutters and tumbles of potted plants outside doorways.
The area is largely pedestrianised and walking around to enjoy the feeling of the city around you is one of the best things to do in Athens. It also makes a welcome change from the concrete rectangles that characterise much of the rest of the city.
We suggest strolling downhill along Odhós Kydhathinéon, from the Anglican and Russian churches at Odhós Filellínon to Hadrian's Street, Odhós Adhrianoú. There are plenty of shops,