If you’re into history, architecture, or stunning landscapes, Athens is definitely the place to be. The city is packed with ancient monuments dating all the way back to the 6th century BCE. Everywhere you turn, there’s something impressive, massive marble columns, towering structures, and ruins that still hold so much beauty and character.
And if you’re up for a change of scenery, you can easily hop on a boat to one of the nearby islands, where crystal-clear blue waters are just waiting for you.
Bonus: if you’re an EU citizen under 25 and broke, Athens is a dream. Most historical sites are free, and with an ISIC card, you can get up to 50% off on boat trips. Make sure to visit Athens before you turn 26!
What to know before your trip
- Very easy to go places to places has good bus and metro network
- Eady to do a boat trip to another island
- Buy a combo ticket including: Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Zeus, School of Aristotle, Hadrian’s Library and Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery
- For 25 and under get the free combo ticket at the acropolis
- For student get an ISIC card if you don’t have, 50% dicount on most boat
How to get around athens
The Acropolis – A Must-See!
This is the historical heart of Athens and a UNESCO World Heritage site, no trip is complete without visiting it! You’ll spot it from almost anywhere in the city, perched above everything. If you’re into history and architecture, this is the place to be. It is composed of three major monuments: the Parthenon, the Dionysus Theatre, the Nike Temple, and the Erechtheion.
If you’re planning to visit multiple sites, you can buy a combo ticket right at the Acropolis. If you’re under 25 and from the EU, this is the only place where you can get the free ticket. Make sure to have a tickect before getting in line!
Many people think coming right at opening time is the best way to avoid crowds, but surprisingly, it’s often just as busy. A good tip: come later in the day instead.
Take your time to walk through the ancient ruins and admire the impressive colums that hold the structure that still stand today. From the top, you’ll also have a great view of the beautiful Theatre of Dionysus, one of the oldest theatres in the world.
You will also spot the Erechtheion on the same site, famous for its elegant Caryatids, the sculpted female figures that serve as columns. According to Greek mythology, this is the sacred place where Athena and Poseidon fought to become the patron of the city. The structure is unique in its layout and houses multiple sanctuaries dedicated to Athena, Poseidon, and Zeus.
Before leaving the site make sure to admire the view which is one of the best panoramic view of the city you will get.
Acropolis Museum
The museum ticket is not included in the combo pass; however, it is still free for EU citizens aged 25 and under, and costs 20€ for a regular ticket.
It is considered as one of the best museums in the world! Showing remarkable art pieces from the Athenian Acropolis. You’ll find many sculptures from Ancient Greece. One highlight is the original frieze from the Parthenon, parts of which were removed over the years and are now scattered across museums in various countries. Despite this, the museum still houses unique and rare sculptures that offer a powerful glimpse into ancient Greek civilization.
The Ancient Agora
Right below the Acropolis is another archaeological site: the Ancient Agora. It was the public gathering place of Athens during the Athenian period, serving as a center for political, commercial, and social activity.
You can explore multiple ruins of public buildings, and there’s also a small museum on site, which displays sculptures and artifacts from Ancient Greece.
All the way to the northwest of the site, you can’t miss the splendid Temple of Hephaestus (Héphaïstéion). It was built in the 5th century BCE, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in all of Greece.
Agora Roman and Hadrian’s Library
The Roman Agora used to be a public square during the Roman period in Athens. It’s mostly in ruins now, but you can still see the impressive columns and the Gate of Athena Archegetis that are still standing, which is quite something to stand next to!
Right next to the Roman Agora, you’ll find Hadrian’s Library, a structure built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. Although mostly in ruins today, it is still worth a visit. From the outside, you can admire the impressive remaining columns and the large facade, which still give a sense of the library’s original grandeur. In the same courtyard, you’ll also pass by the remains of a Christian Tetraconch church built in the 5th century.
If you don’t have the combo pass and don’t want to pay 10€ each, you can almost see everything from the outside for both site.
Ancient cemetery of Keiramikos
Included in the combo pass, it’s worth stopping at this ancient cemetery of Athens, which was actually used until the 9th century BCE. One of the best things about it is that it’s less visited than other sites, so you can often walk around the cemetery almost alone, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and historic surroundings.
Olympieion (Zeus temple) and HAdrian’s Gate
Continue your visit toward the Olympieion, and on the way you’ll pass the magnificent Hadrian’s Gate. The Olympieion was dedicated to Zeus, the god of Olympus. It was originally built with 104 columns, each 17 meters high!
Nowadays, only a few of those columns are still standing, but even with just the ruins, it’s super pleasant to walk through and still really impressive. The scale of it gives you a great feel for how massive it once was.
Syntagma Square
From the Olympieion, make sure to walk through the beautiful National Garden all the way to Syntagma Square. Once there you cannot miss the beautiful architecture of the Greek Parliament. Make sure to go during the changing of the guards, it’s definitely a unique ceremony, unlike anything you’ve seen before!
Monastiráki Neighbhoord
From Syntagma Square, you can walk all the way down to Monastiraki Square by taking Ermou street. A perfect street that is perfect if you wanna do some shopping. It’s mostly known for its flea market, but it’s also the perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere, with street performers, lively crowds, and that unmistakable Greek vibe all around.
Philopappos Hill
Philopappos also known as the Hill of the Muses, is one of the best spots to get a panoramic view of Athens, including an amazing angle on the Acropolis!
As you make your way up, you’ll pass by ancient ruins and historic monuments. At the very top, you’ll reach the Philopappos Monument, built in honor of a former Roman senator, Gaius Julius Philopappos, who was actually the grandson of the King of Commagene.
It’s a peaceful walk and a great escape from the busy city streets, definitely worth the climb!
What to do Outside of Athens?
Cap Sounion, Poseidon Temple
Take an afternoon excursion to the Temple of Poseidon, all the way on the eastern tip of the Attica Peninsula. You can easily drive there, but I’d recommend joining an excursion group, many of them also make a stop at the ruins of the Thorikos Theatre, which is actually the oldest theatre in the world!
The temple overlooks the Aegean Sea, offering an amazing panoramic view over the Saronic Gulf. It was built during the Golden Age of Athens, in the 5th century BCE, dedicated to Poseidon, god of the sea. It’s also known as one of the best places to catch the sunset, seriously breathtaking!
Excursion to Aegina, Agkistri, and Poros
Take a day away from the city and the ruins and enjoy some time on the beautiful nearby islands. You can either go with an excursion (but quite expensive) or plan the trip on your own. If you go on your own make sure to check the boat schedules in advance before organizing your day! These three islands are super easy to reach from Athens. If you plan it right you can visti all three in one day, but if you want a more relaxed schedule you can stay overnight on one of them.
Aegina
Aegina is a really charming little town with typical Greek shopping streets where you can just wander and soak in the atmosphere. If you’re still looking for some ruins, you can check out the Kolona Archaeological Site and Museum. The good part is that it is free for EU citizens under 25!
Agkistri
Agkistri is just next to Aegina, and is the best one of all three in term of beaches. If you just walk out the center you’ll find many quite and calm spot away from everyone. The water along the coast is that stunning, bright blue you dream of when thinking about Greek islands. Take time to walk all the way to Megalochori, it’s a beautiful, peaceful walk right along the water. If walking’s not your thing, no worries, there are plenty of great spots to swim and relax by the beach.
Before you leave, make sure to go up the hill on the left side of the island. The view from up there is totally worth it! You’ll get an amazing panoramic shot of the crystal-clear blue water below!
Poros
Poros, is my favorite of all four in terms of city! The town is built on a hill, and you can wander through the narrow white-and-blue streets, where you’ll definitely run into lots of cats along the way! If you’ve got time on the island, there are some great trails to explore. Hike up to the Tower for an amazing panoramic view over the island, totally worth it!
The town also has plenty of cute shops and restaurants, perfect for grabbing a bite or doing a little shopping. If you want to chill at the beach, just walk over to Paralia Kanali Beach, it’s not far and great for relaxing by the water.
Conclusions on Athens
As you might have guessed, Athens is the perfect destination for history lovers, especially those into Greek mythology. But even if you’re not a history buff, there’s still so much to enjoy, from the beaches to the city center full of malls and local shops.
It’s a great mix for everyone, with amazing food, a fun nightlife, and plenty to do. Trust me, you won’t get bored in Athens!
If you want to explore more of Greece, I recommend checking out my articles on Crete, the Dodecanese Islands, and Santorini!