things to do in athens, greece - top 12 (save this list!)

Since Athens has been a city for more than 3000 years, it is among the oldest in the globe. Naturally, being the capital of Greece, Athens is not only the center of ancient Greek history but also a major contemporary metropolis. The city has a broad collection of appealing attractions like museums, historical and archeological monuments, energetic neighborhoods, great food, and busy nightlife. These are the top 12 things you have to do in this wonderful city.

1. Explore the Acropolis and Parthenon: Every visitor to Athens, indeed, cannot afford to miss his or her route to the historic Acropolis or the "high city." Designed to pay tribute to Athena, the Parthenon temple is the major draw of the Acropolis. Historically, walking around these buildings is a once-in-a-lifetime event that carries one to the era of 5 th century BC.

2. Marvel at the Acropolis Museum: See the modern museum offering a closer view of the ancient Greek art and treasures located at the Acropolis's base. Located in the Erechtheion temple, several of the early Caryatid sculptures are among the things the guests may see. This is a fantastic spot to visit; don't forget to look at the glass floor allowing you to see other digging action.

3. Shop and Dine in the Plaka District: Uniquely, Plaka is one of the most picturesque districts of Athens which enchants visitors with its small cobblestone streets with restaurants, cafes, shops, and musicians. A diverse shopping area where one can find souvenirs such as olive oil soap, local jewelry, and other creative Greek products.

4. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square: Time this popular ceremony held in front of the Greek Parliament right and score a front-row seat! Feel like peering at Athens’ Evzone guards who wear pompom shoes, white kilts, and red hats. Reporting guards shifts occur every hour on the hour, so it becomes an ideal parade.

5. Take in Panoramic City Views: For breathtaking views of Athens and a 360-degree view of the Acropolis, climb up the hill by car or walk up the steps of Lycabettus Hill. Other good viewpoints are up Filopappos Hill and Mount Lycabettus in Athens which offer views over most of the city’s attraction sites.

6. Learn from the National Archaeological Museum: Being the largest collection of ancient Greek art, this museum is a must-visit place when in Athens. Visit sanctuaries, palaces, and tombs of Mycenae and marvel at statues and artifacts, from pottery and weapons to jewelry, from thousands of years of Greek history.

7. Relax at a Hillside Cafe in Anafiotika: Escape the hustling and bustling of city life in this Lilliputian Cycladic-style village. Located right next to the Acropolis, its picturesque pastel-shaded homes, flowering creepers, and narrow cobbled paths now make you believe that the area is not downtown. Grab a meal in one of its laid-back tavernas, simultaneously indulging in traditional Greek ambiance.

8. Ferry to Aegina for a Day Trip: Situated only 30 minutes away by hydrofoil, Aegina is well worth the trip and easily accessible for a day trip from Athens. Besides the natural scenery with sea views, sites worth visiting are the majestic Temple of Aphaia and the bizarre pistachio nut plantations. It is also famous for seafood and sea views and has beautiful trails for walking or cycling along the coast.

9. Wander the Street Art in Psyrri & Gazi: Although both Psyrri and Gazi areas were once raw districts that today form some of the trendiest parts of Athens, they are equally packed with vivid graffiti and energetic nightlife. See beautiful murals Then go ahead to party at the newly developed bars, clubs, and restaurants located in old warehouses and factories. More fun venues for bar cruising!!!

10. Feast on Greek Cuisine: Food is a very significant aspect of learning about the culture so don’t abandon yourself from trying out the famous dishes such as moussaka, stuffed grape leaves, grilled octopus, feta cheese, etc. Of course, you have to try the famous Greek drink – ouzo!

11. See a Show at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus: Watch stunning plays at night under the lights at the ancient stone theatre building, the Parthenon. It is commonly employed for concerts and other cultural performances during the Athens festival which takes place between May, and October. Book your tickets for the classical play and theatre, ballet and opera, or music concerts in an exciting location!

12. Explore Athens’ Vibrant Street Markets: Grab fruits, vegetables, gourmet products, clothes, and lots more for extremely reasonable prices at the open-air street markets which include the large Central Market or the Monastiraki Flea Market in Athens. They are ideal for observing Athenian life in their daily setting and for finding souvenirs or little mementos for people back at home.

Now that you have this list of things to do and places to see, you are ready to get the most out of Athens! Allow your vacation to be a visit back in time to the actual Golden Age of Greece while at the same time exploring the energy and vitality of the modern city’s local spirit. More than any other place, Athens will entice you with its eternal enchantment and allure no matter where your travels lead you. Enjoy your wondrous journey filled with historical and archaeological sites as well as modern-day experiences!

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