THE 10 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN ATHENS

THE 10 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN ATHENS: MEDITERRANEAN TRAVEL

The Acropolis 1991
Me at the Parthenon 1991

Things to See in Athens: Mediterranean Travel. In 1991 I had a chance to travel to the Mediterranean region for the first time and the first place I visited was Athens. I went to Greece with my girlfriend and we spent several days in Athens before venturing further south (click this link “Greece” for some Greek travel tips). We stayed at a small hotel near the downtown area and spent the days visiting various historic sites including the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, and the “Olympic” stadium.

This is an ancient city that has been inhabited for thousands of years and there are traces of this everywhere. In some ways, walking through this city is like walking through an immense museum. Like most people, I knew there would be a lot of things to see in Athens, but I was not at all ready for how much I saw and wish that I had done a little more homework before going there.

Still, there are enough guidebooks, plaques, and museums to fill in the gaps just the same. (Meanwhile, to find out more about the Mediterranean, check out our post on the Mediterranean Lifestyle and Travel for helpful travel ideas..)

THE 10 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN ATHENS

The 10 Best Things To See In Athens: Athens is not only a historically significant site, it is also the heart of Greek culture and this can be seen everywhere in the city. My friend and I spent the days walking through the streets of Athens, sightseeing, gift shopping, and trying out various cafes and bistros.

In the evenings we went to different restaurants and tried various Greek dishes, various local drinks, and enjoyed traditional Greek entertainment. It was mid-May, the weather was fantastic, and we were in Athens just ahead of the summer crowds.

At every turn, there was something historic to see, and photo opportunities around every corner. There was so much to see and it just seemed like we had so little time. For those looking to visit the Mediterranean and more specifically Athens, I’ve put together a list of the top things to see and do in the city. This is in no particular order and I’m sure I’ve left some things off but this should definitely give you a start if planning a trip there in the near future.

The Parthenon 1991

WHAT ARE THE 10 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN ATHENS?

Based on that trip and our experiences, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 things to do and see in Athens. 

Panathenaic Stadium 1991
  • Acropolis: This one probably goes without saying. This rocky outcrop on which sits the Parthenon forms the single most recognizable landmark in Athens. No other place symbolizes the origins of Western civilization and democracy more than this.
  • Parthenon: As mentioned above, this temple is the main structure of the Acropolis and is dedicated to the goddess Athena. The structure itself is impressive and from this location, you have a spectacular view of Athens.
  • Ancient Agora: Once the heart of ancient Athens, the Agora was a marketplace and civic center. Today, visitors can explore its ruins, including the Temple of Hephaestus. Like virtually all of the sites in Athens, there are the main structures, and almost as impressive are the smaller statues, columns, and miscellaneous ruins lying everywhere.
  • Museums: The National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Museum should definitely be on your list of things to visit in Athens. The city is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and is of incredible historical significance. These museums allow you to look back into the past, put things in context, and appreciate what it is you are seeing as you explore the city.
  • Greek Cuisine: Indulge in Greece’s culinary delights by sampling traditional Greek cuisine. If you are all interested in “the Mediterranean Diet” then you will appreciate the Greek influence on many of the Mediterranean recipes you may have tried out. Try dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, spanakopita, and fresh seafood at local tavernas and restaurants.
  • Ouzo: At many places, you will even get served a complimentary shot of Ouzo, Greece’s national spirit, which is a clear-colored liqueur that reminds you of black licorice. At 40 to 50% proof, don’t overdo this one. It can hit pretty hard.
  • Plaka: Known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods,” take a walk through one of the oldest areas of Athens and the most picturesque. Its narrow streets are lined with colorful houses, charming cafes, and souvenir shops. Bring a day pack and some cash or your credit card because you will probably end up buying some souvenirs here. I bought a wool sweater here 30 years ago and still have it.
  • Panathenaic Stadium: This stadium was built for the 1896 Olympic Games and was made entirely of marble. Being a runner and having read about these Olympic games, I made a point of running at least once around the stadium. You can visit the stadium and even see the podium where the Olympic champions received their gold medals during these first modern Olympic games.
  • Temple of Zeus: This gigantic or colossal temple was dedicated to Zeus, king of the Olympian gods. Although only a few columns remain standing today, it’s still an impressive sight to see.
  • Mount Lycabettus: Like most places I visit, I try to find my way to a local hill or mountain to get a better view of the area. For Athens, this was Mount Lycabettus. From here you get a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area. You have the option to hike to the top or you can take a funicular railway.
  • Light show at the Acropolis: Check the local schedules for timings but usually in the evenings after dark, there is a light show on the Acropolis which shows off the temples and other structures on the Acropolis in a spectacular way.
View from the Acropolis 1991

Truth be told, these are just a few of the many attractions Athens has to offer, but they’re definitely must-sees for anyone visiting the city. The city has so much to offer that a one-week visit just seemed too short. But if you do run out of things to do in Athens, there are also countless other things to see and do just outside of the city.

Depending on what your priorities are, your budget, and how much time you have, there are multiple day trips available from the city that will take you in any direction to where you can carry on exploring.

During our trip, my friend and I made our way to the Aegean coast where we spent at least one day lying in the sun and recharging our batteries. But this was only one of many options. And for this trip, Athens was only a stopping point for us as we made our way further south to the Peloponnese to go windsurfing which was the original main objective of the trip. 

Windsurfing Vacation 1991

FINAL THOUGHTS: THE 10 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN ATHENS (MEDITERRANEAN TRAVEL)

Athens is a bustling city with sights and sounds everywhere. It’s hard to not be impressed by the city, the Greek culture, the historical “presence” and the sheer richness of what the city has to offer. It’s hard to put into words, but even decades after this trip, I still remember the impression it left on me. The impact this one trip had on me, visiting the city of Athens and windsurfing further down the coast, planted the seed in my head that one day I wanted to live on the Mediterranean coast. 

FOLLOW UP VISIT

Writing this post is as much about sharing this experience with others as it is a preparation for what will be my next long overdue trip back to Athens later this year or early in 2025.  I plan on revisiting the city, using Spain as my home base (Yes I did eventually get my place on the Mediterranean), and this time I’ll be taking a real camera (and not the disposable I used back in the day) and I’ll be putting together a new blog based on this new experience.

I might even plan on running a marathon during this trip depending on my schedule. I’m looking forward to getting this next post written and hope that you will check it out when it gets published.

THE 10 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN ATHENS: MEDITERRANEAN TRAVEL
Reg Auge

Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.

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