Athens

The Athens guide

Ancient sites, museums and landmarks around the city centre — all an easy walk or metro ride from our Athens apartments.

Worth the trip

Places to see

Ancient site

Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis is Greece's most iconic ancient site, crowned by the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. It sits in the heart of Athens within walking distance of Plaka and the Ancient Agora, with panoramic views over the city from the top of the hill.

One of the world's most recognizable UNESCO World Heritage sites
Steps from Plaka and the Ancient Agora
Panoramic views over Athens from the summit

Ancient site

Parthenon

Built in the 5th century BC and dedicated to Athena, the Parthenon is the centrepiece of the Acropolis and one of the most admired examples of Doric architecture anywhere. Its towering columns and sculpted friezes sit within the wider Acropolis complex, alongside the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike.

A masterpiece of Doric architecture dedicated to Athena
Part of the wider Acropolis complex
Sweeping views over Athens from the Sacred Hill

Ancient site

Ancient Agora of Athens

Once the political and commercial heart of ancient Athens, the Agora is where citizens gathered to debate philosophy and politics. The well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, now a museum, sit against the backdrop of the Acropolis.

The Temple of Hephaestus, one of Greece's best-preserved ancient temples
The Stoa of Attalos and its museum of Agora artefacts
The heart of Athenian democracy, commerce and philosophy

Ancient site

Panathenaic Stadium

Also known as Kallimarmaro, this is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. First constructed in the 4th century BC and later restored for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, it lets visitors walk the same track ancient athletes once competed on.

The world's only all-marble stadium
Host of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896
A museum of memorabilia from the modern Olympics

Ancient site

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Set on the southern slope of the Acropolis, this stone theatre was built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife. It still hosts concerts, opera and theatre today, most notably during the annual Athens and Epidaurus Festival.

A 2nd-century stone theatre still in active use
Home to the Athens and Epidaurus Festival
Set directly beneath the Acropolis

Museum

Acropolis Museum

At the foot of the Acropolis, this modern museum houses artefacts and sculpture from the site itself, including original pieces from the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. Its top-floor gallery mirrors the layout of the Parthenon and opens onto a terrace with views straight up to the hill.

Original sculptures and friezes from the Parthenon
Displays arranged to mirror their original locations on the Acropolis
Rooftop terrace overlooking the Acropolis

Museum

National Archaeological Museum

Greece's largest museum traces the country's history from the Cycladic and Mycenaean periods through to late antiquity. Highlights include the gold Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera Mechanism, and celebrated sculptures such as the Poseidon of Artemision — all a short walk from the Plaka district.

The Mask of Agamemnon and Mycenaean gold
The Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient analog computer
Sculpture and pottery spanning prehistory to late antiquity

Museum

Benaki Museum

Housed in a neoclassical mansion in central Athens, the Benaki Museum spans Greek history from antiquity and Byzantium through to the modern era. Its collection of pottery, jewellery and icons is complemented by rotating exhibitions, workshops and cultural events.