Visit Athens

Monastiraki Square is a vibrant hub right at the heart of Athens. No wonder thousands of tourists flock here daily. This square is a living timeline of Athens' history, home to monuments dating from the Byzantine, Ottoman and Neoclassical periods. Read more

Next, we'll take a right onto Adrianou Street. Should you continue straight ahead, however, you will find yourself in the Kerameikos district. The name itself gives it away: you see, 'kerameikos' means 'ceramic' in Greek Read more

After a short hike up the Philopappos hill, you've now reached the summit, where you'll find an impressive 2nd century AD funerary monument! These rocks, dating back almost 2,000 years Read more

Look at this view! Needless to say, this is one of the best viewpoints in all of Athens. From here, you can see the entire city and the Acropolis in the distance. Read more

Socrates, the founding father of philosophy and free thought, is an iconic figure inextricably linked with ancient Greece and Athens in particular, as this is where he spent all his life. Read more

Look to your left and you'll spot a stunning edifice high up on the hill. This beautiful Byzantine-style church looks nothing like the city's ancient monuments, as it was only built in 1927. Read more

Just behind the Tzistarakis mosque, you'll find some amazing remains dating all the way back to Roman times, between 300 BC and 400 AD. Yet another historical era! Read more

Right now you can see a glimpse of the Ancient Agora of Athens. You need to buy a ticket to visit it, but you can still admire a small part of it from the outside. Read more

You're now standing in front of the impressive Gate of Athena Archegetis, the entrance to the Roman Agora. You need a ticket to visit the archaeological site, but hey, you can admire it for free from the outside. Read more

The construction of the Roman Agora began under Julius Caesar, the famous Roman emperor. It was completed two centuries later during the reign of Hadrian. It was designed to be an administrative, political and commercial center – essentially, it was the Roman version of the Athenian Agora. Read more

You're probably wondering why there's a mosque in Athens' Roman Agora, an ancient public square. Well, let me tell you that the mosque in question does not date from the same period as the rest of the buildings in this archaeological site. Read more

The Tower of Winds is one of Athens' most impressive landmarks, no doubt. It might not be the biggest or most ornate building, but what it lacks in grandeur it makes up for in its upkeep over the centuries. Read more

Introducing the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. It looks fairly recent compared to the ancient Greek and Roman ruins all around the city, doesn't it? Read more

This church dates all the way back to the 11th century and seems to have been expanded during the 13th century. Its name's a bit of a mystery – some say it's named after its architect Read more

Forget the cute little boutiques you've been seeing – Ermou Street is a whole new ball game! This is Athens' prime shopping street! Here, you will find all your favorite international brands. Read more

You're right in the heart of Athens, at one of its busiest and most iconic squares, and certainly the most emblematic! Athenians love to hang out here to catch up with friends, join a heated protest or meet up to hit the shops on Ermou Street that's just around the corner! Read more

No visit to Athens is complete without a stroll through its National Garden! It's a true oasis of green right at the heart of the city! Read more

Just steps from the National Garden, you'll find the Zappeion Hall. Built in 1874, it's entirely dedicated to the modern Olympic Games. As you surely know, this tradition began in ancient Greece with athletic competitions held between the different Greek cities. Read more

The first modern Olympic Games were held right here, in this very stadium! Believe it or not, there's been a huge stadium here ever since the 4th century BC. It had wooden seats and it hosted the ancient Olympic Games. Read more

The Arch of Hadrian, also known as Hadrian's Gate, is a Roman triumphal arch built in the 2nd century AD in honour of Hadrian, the great Roman emperor who visited Athens in 131 AD. Read more

Besides the famous Olympic Games, ancient Athens also hosted dramatic competitions, called the Great Dionysia. Every four years, troupes of actors, musicians, and playwrights battled it out for victory. Read more

Right in front of you is yet another Byzantine church. It whispers stories of Athens' long history, of a time when the city was part of the Byzantine Empire, way back between the 4th and the 15th century. Read more

One could say that this picturesque neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis looks like a Cycladic island! It may be small –meaning you can explore it in no time– but it promises to enchant you with its uphill cobblestone alleys and picture-perfect whitewashed houses. Read more

Plaka is easily the most famous neighbourhood in Athens, and therefore the busiest. It is the historic heart of the Greek capital, and it's located at the foot of the Acropolis. Read more

This is Adrianou Street, one of the busiest streets in Athens. It's packed with cafés and restaurants with a view of the Ancient Agora, one of the most important archaeological sites in the city. Read more

Hidden away between the local houses, this small square is the haunt of antique and second-hand goods dealers! Every Sunday, it transforms into Athens' biggest flea market – a paradise for souvenir hunters, bookworms, and anyone seeking unique finds. Read more