Top Things to Do in the Athens | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

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Places To Visit In Athens

Museum of Illusions Athens

Museum of Illusions Athens is an interactive optical illusion museum located in the Monastiraki neighbourhood in Athens. It is one of the most interactive places in the city that houses exhibits like inverted room, chair illusion, rotating vortex, infinity room and much more. It is a fun place to visit for people of all ages. Within the museum are holographic portraits, letters and images which are essentially 3-dimensional illusions that will appear and disappear. One can indulge in a wide array of exhibits, ranging from the Ames Room which is a prime example of a visual illusion to distort the size of people standing in separate corners of the room; to Plato’s intense gaze which follows you anywhere you go; and the Room of infinity which is designed with full-length mirrors to create an infinity optical illusion, among other fascinating rooms. The Museum of Illusion features a playroom that provides an immersive educational excursion for kids with stimulating brain teasers and puzzle games. The in-house gift shop sells souvenirs of all kinds. Read More

National Garden Athens is a public park located just a few kilometres from Syntagma metro station. The garden contains ancient ruins, picturesque picnic spots, duck ponds, eateries and a zoo and spans more than 15 hectares. A sundial marks the main entrance. One of the most popular attractions here is the Duck Pond. There are seven entrances to the park - Amalias Avenue, Vassilissis Sofias Avenue, two from Zappeion Megaron and three from Irodou Attikou Street. The Garden was created in 1833 by Queen Amalia, the first Queen of Greece. It was earlier called the Royal Garden as it was accessible only to the royal family. Read More

National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens

The National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST), located on Kallirrois Avenue, Athens, is a premier art gallery. It houses documents, research and exhibits on contemporary Greek and international art. It also showcases painting and 3D artworks, photography and new media, as well as architecture and industrial design that describes the artistic evolution in Athens. Proclaimed to be more immersive than a conventional gallery by visitors, the museum was built inside a former brewery. From democracy, racial discrimination and violence, identity and exclusion as well as the refugee crisis in the Mediterranean, the museum display various crucial themes. Apart from its permanent collection of 172 works by 78 international and modern Greek artists, the museum also hosts various temporary exhibitions. Read More

The National Observatory of Athens is for all astronomy and space lovers. It is located in the historical area of Thissio on the hill of Nymphs. With excellent guided tours in English and Greek, visitors can see the large telescope, view the planets and the moon, watch the astrological clock, explore the space theatre, and more. The highlight here is the night tour. The National Observatory boasts of being the first scientific institute and research center after Greece gained independence. It is Greece’s oldest research institute foundation and also one of the oldest research and scientific institutes in South Europe. Read More

Also known as the heart of Athens, the historical Omonia Square in downtown Athens is one of the oldest squares in the city and an important shopping centre full of shops, bars, clubs and restaurants. It is surrounded by many fast food joints, cafes and several major hotels and is ideal for those looking to spend a relaxing time. It features a stunning 30-meter-wide fountain that shoots 66 feet high water into the sky alongside various plantations, new shade features, and environmentally friendly pavements. The historic square is located near the Omonoia metro station. Meeting at the intersection of six main streets, it is also popularly called Concord Square by the locals. Always bustling with people, you will find locals, immigrants, and street vendors reflecting the cultural diversity of Athens. Read More

The Pedion Tou Areos park is one of the largest public parks in Athens, located just a kilometre northeast of Omonoia Square. It covers an area of 114 acres. There are statues of heroes of the 1821 Greek revolution throughout the park. There is also a memorial for all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the Battle of Greece during the Second World War. The park entrance has been adorned by a welcoming statue of Constantine I since 1938. It is encircled by hundreds of trees and shrubs, complimenting the Mediterranean climate. Travellers can also explore the artificial rock cave, constructed in 1962, in remembrance of cave god Pan. It also houses the upright marble statue of goddess Athena and the Sacred Band Monument, in honour of the soldiers who fought against the Nazis from 1942-to 1945. In addition, the park houses two churches often used for marriage and baptizing, and a small open theatre Aliki, used for local events. It is also one of Athen’s oldest recreation spots for locals. The Green Park cafe located outside is known for local cuisine. Read More

Pozar Thermal Baths is a thermal spring located near Edessa at the base of the Voras Mountains at Loutra Loutrakiou. Situated at 390 metres above sea level, the hot baths offer magnificent views of the surroundings. There are 2 indoor pools, 2 steam rooms, an outdoor bath and artificial waterfalls. The water temperature at the hydrotherapy centre is maintained at 37.2°C and is believed to possess healing properties. Pozar also has some moder massage services available at the Rehabilitation Center of Pozar. The thermal bath is associated with Alexander the Great and has been used since the Byzantine period. There are several hiking trails surrounding the area and plenty of accommodation options nearby including guesthouses and apartment complexes. Read More

Propylaea in Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athens, is the gateway and the monumental entrance to the Acropolis of Athens. The gates take inspiration from the architecture of a temple or religious complex and house the “Agrippa” monument on a pedestal and the Temple of Nike. Even though most of it is in ruins, the white Pentelic marble building is still a beautiful sight. Designed by the Athenian architect Mnesicles, the structure of the building is of the Doric order, with six columns still supporting the roof of the central wing. Unfortunately, most of the original design has suffered environmental degradation, and the gallery for paintings and frescoes and gold stars on the ceiling has disappeared. Also included on the UNESCO world heritage list, the Athenian Propylaea is an architectural landmark you must visit! Read More

One of the finest areas in Athens for a night out is Psiri, located in the vicinity of the homonymous metro station. Psiri is nestled on the northeastern side of Monastiraki. With eateries, nightclubs, diners and live music, this neighbourhood beams with life at night. During the day, visitors can engage in street shopping, as the market is full of stores selling souvenirs, handicrafts and other local delights.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center or SNFCC is a cultural landmark in Athens. Located on the Faliro Delta in the Kallithea district, the complex includes the National Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera, and the massive Stavros Niarchos Park. The architecture of the cultural center is commendable with several viewpoints, such as the Lighthouse and the glass floors and ceilings that allow one to watch the Athen cityscape and the picturesque Agean Sea from different angles. One of the most loved parts of the complex, the Stavros Niarchos Park is 43 acres of much-required green space within the city. Built by architect Renzo Piano, the SNFCC was fully funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. The center was opened in 2017 and is a popular public space that brings the city and tourist population together for various events. Several cultural, social, environmental, athletic, and artistic free events and programs are conducted throughout the year. Some of these include activities, such as sailing, ice-skating, and walking tours, as well as, cultural events, such as opera, music, art, dance programs, etc. Read More