22 places, 9 of them free and 8 tours and activities. The Acropolis above a lively, sunlit city of tavernas and street art.
Acropolis
The ancient citadel above the city, crowned by the Parthenon, with views across Athens.
Daily, roughly 8:00–20:00 (earlier in winter)
Makrygianni
A striking modern museum showing sculptures from the Acropolis, with glass floors over ruins.
Daily, roughly 9:00–17:00 (later Fridays)
Monastiraki
The ancient marketplace, with the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and shady gardens.
Daily, roughly 8:00–20:00
Plaka
Winding lanes at the foot of the Acropolis, with cycladic-style Anafiotika hidden above.
Open-air; shops and cafés open daily
Kolonaki
The city’s highest hill, with a chapel, café and a panorama that includes the Acropolis and sea.
Open daily; funicular runs into the evening
Monastiraki
A bustling square of souvenir shops, antiques and street food beside a tiny mosque.
Daily; busiest on Sundays
Zappeio
The giant columns of a Roman-era temple, once the largest in Greece.
Daily, roughly 8:00–20:00
Pangrati
A gleaming marble stadium built for the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Daily, roughly 8:00–19:00
Planning Athens? 11 places to eat are one tap away.