Travel Guide to Athens

The Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is a rugged rock in the middle of the city and in ancient times it housed some of the most beautiful buildings and sculptures on its plateau. It also functioned as the spiritual and financial center of a city that became the foundation of western civilization. Read more...

Best way to get to the Acropolis is by Metro. Get off at the Acropolis station and walk the short distance to the entrance. See it on the map...

The Agora of Athens

Just below the Acropolis rock one can wander around the streets of the ancient Agora of Athens. The Agora, or marketplace, was the heart of the thriving city of Athens and it functioned as a lively market and as an intellectual playground where concepts such as Democracy were born. Within the archaeological site you can visit the Agora museum and the temple of Hephaistos. Read more...

Within walking distance lay the ruins of the Roman Agora and Hadrian's Library. They both can be found on the fringes of Monastiraki where you can stay, eat at the outdoor restaurants and shop in the outdoor bazaar at the feet of the Acropolis rock.

To visit the Agora of Athens, use the HSAP train (connects with the Metro) and get off at Thesion. See it on the map...

The Acropolis Museum

The evolution of ancient Greek art, and it's role as a beacon for the subsequent artists of all ages is clearly outlined in the Acropolis museum. There, one can observe the morphing of the enigmatic smiles to the austere gaze of the Kore statues, and the transformation of stiff geometric forms to fluid anatomical features on the human bodies. Read more...

To get to the Acropolis museum, use the Metro and get off at the Acropolis station. See it on the map...

Athens National Archaeological Museum

While in Athens, a trip to the National Archaeological Museum should be on the agenda. The museum houses some of the most spectacular artifacts from many ancient Greek sites, and its collection of Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic art is superb. The museum also houses art from Epidaurus and Dodona. The National Museum of Athens also houses some of the best known artifacts from the Cycladic civilization, and its collection is equaled only by the Museum of Cycladic Art, also located in Athens. It would take the better part of a day for a thorough stroll through its collection, and multiple visits are a must for more serious study of ancient Greek art. Read more...

To visit the National Museum of Athens, use the HSAP train (Metro) and get off at Victoria station. Then walk about five minutes to the museum. See it on the map...

Archaeological sites and museums:

• Museum of Cycladic Art
• Museum Benaki
• Keramikos Archaeological site and museum
• Hadrian's Library
• Roman Agora
• Panathenaiko Stadium
• The Olympeion
• Pireas Archaeological Museum
• Sounio
  
  

All of the above, with the exception of Pireas Museum and Sounio, are located around the historic center of Athens, and within reasonable walking distance from each other. You can easily visit them all in a couple of days.

Where to Eat:

You will be bumping into eateries in every block around the popular areas listed above, but the most enchanting restaurants with views of the Acropolis in Monastiraki and Plaka. The entire section of Adrianou street that starts behind Monastiraki and ends at Thesion metro station, is lined with cafeterias and restaurants sandwiched between ancient Athenian ruins and with good views of the Acropolis.

For fresh fish restaurants, take a taxi to the little port called Microlimano near Pireas where you will find many (pricey) fish tavernas right overlooking the quaint fishing port.

Areas of interest:

Nice places to walk around, have a drink, coffee, or a meal include the Thesion area, Monastiraki, Plaka, Psiri, and Syntagma square. All are within walking distance from Monastiraki Metro station. You would need a longer walk, or a taxi ride to visit Lykavitos hill for panoramic views of Athens.

Walking tours of Athens

• Sightseeing tour of the historic center of Athens 2.5 km (1.5 miles)
  
• Ancient Athens walking tour
  5 to 7.2 km (4.5 miles)
• Ancient Athens walking tour extension
  
  

These are some ideas for self-guided tours in Athens for independent travelers. They are designed to take you through the most important places of Athens.

Places best to avoid

Omonia square: It was the heart of Athens up to the mid 90's, and many tourist guides still feature it as an attraction and a destination. But it has taken a turn for the worst in the last fifteen years with high crime rates and grimy streets unsuitable for leisurely walks even in the middle of the day. The good news is that there is absolutely no reason to visit Omonia, so you won't be missing much by not including it in your itinerary.