Athens: The First-Time Visitor’s Essentials

By Panagiotis Koustas | August 25th, 2025

Ten must-do experiences in Athens, from the Parthenon and Plaka to sunset views atop Lycabettus Hill.

1. Climb the Acropolis

The Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its Caryatids, and the panoramic views of Athens from the city’s ancient spiritual heart are reason enough to brave the lines.
No one should come to Athens and skip seeing its most impressive ancient site. (General admission: €30)

2. Visit the Acropolis Museum

Just 400 metres from the Sacred Rock is this beautiful structure; head straight to the museum’s top floor where the surviving Parthenon sculptures are displayed in direct visual alignment with the ancient monument itself. Then make your way down to the excavation site beneath the building. (15 Dionysiou Areopagitou, general admission: €20)

Part of the permanent exhibition at the Acropolis Museum.

© Perikles Merakos

3. Attend a performance at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Whatever you happen to see at this Roman-era amphitheater on the southwest slope of the Acropolis will be unforgettable. Try to go at least once – the Odeon will close this autumn for restoration work lasting a minimum of three years. (Dionysiou Areopagitou)

4. Stroll through Plaka

Athens’ oldest neighbourhood lies just beneath the Acropolis, wrapping around the north and east sides of the hill. If you’ve already experienced its more touristy side, read the section that follows for a different perspective on this area.

The Tower of the Winds dominates the Roman Agora in Plaka.

© Perikles Merakos

5. Explore the Ancient and Roman Agoras

The Ancient Agora in the Thiseio area is worth a visit for the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos and the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus. The Roman Agora, only a few streets away, is home to the iconic Tower of the Winds. (General admission: €20 for the Ancient Agora, €10 for the Roman Agora)

6. A hike up Filopappou Hill

Also known as the Hill of the Muses, this green oasis that lies opposite the Acropolis will reward your ascent with an up-close look at the Filopappos Monument on its summit – dedicated to the grandson of Antiochus IV, the last king of Commagene. The views from the top are amazing, too.

A stop on the way up Filopappou Hill.

© Perikles Merakos

7. Snap a selfie in front of the Athenian Trilogy

On Panepistimiou Avenue stand three iconic neoclassical buildings: the University of Athens, the National Library and the Academy of Athens – all designed and built in the 19th century. It’s the ideal backdrop for an impressive self-portrait.

8. An afternoon at the National Archaeological Museum

The country’s largest museum – and one of the most significant in the world – houses over 11,000 artifacts. Among them are the Antikythera Youth, the Artemision Bronze and the golden Mask of Agamemnon, all ancient masterpieces. (44 Patission, general admission: €12)

Statues of Plato and the goddess Athena, works by the sculptor Leonidas Drosis, in front of the Academy of Athens.

© Perikles Merakos

9. A visit to the National Gallery

The work of outstanding modern Greek painters, from Theophilos and Gyzis to Parthenis and Tsarouchis, can be found here, all under one roof. (50 Vasileos Konstantinou, general admission: €10)

10. Climb Lycabettus Hill

A steady uphill walk through pine trees and prickly pears will bring you, after a good bit of effort, to the whitewashed chapel of Aghios Georgios. In the morning, the views stretch across the whole city; in the evening, the sunset will steal the show.

Bonus

A Day Trip to Cape Sounio

Marvel at the Temple of Poseidon (general admission: €20) and let your thoughts drift into the sunset at the southernmost tip of Attica. Combine your visit with a nature walk, a swim at the nearby beaches and a seaside lunch of fresh fish or shellfish.