There are so many amazing places to visit in Athens, Greece. This article will cover the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the National Garden, and Zappeion Park. These places are not to be missed, and should be on your list of things to do when you visit the city.
Acropolis
If you’re looking for one of the best places to visit in Athens, then the Acropolis is a must. The monument itself is free and is easily accessible, though you should be cautious of slippery marble steps. Once you’re up on the Acropolis, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible view of the city.
For a spectacular view of the Acropolis, visit it at sunset. While it’s stunning during the day, it’s even more breathtaking at night. If you can find a table at the Acropolis Terrace Cafe (closed on Mondays) before the sun sets, it’s a great option to start the day.
Another impressive monument in the city is the Parthenon, which served as the city’s main temple to the goddess Athena. Completed in 438 BCE, this spire measures 70 by 30 meters and was home to a magnificent 12-meter gold statue of the goddess. The structure is currently mostly in ruins, but you can still walk around the ruins.
Another popular place to visit in Athens is the National Archaeological Museum. This massive place explores the history and culture of the Ancient Greeks. You can also visit the famous Olympieion and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. You can also enjoy the National Gardens and the Benaki Museum.
The Acropolis is one of the most popular destinations in Athens, and it’s definitely worth a visit. You can even see the Parthenon from Philopappou Hill. This ancient landmark is one of the most beautiful in the world.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of Athens’ most iconic sights, and it has an interesting story to tell. This ancient temple is in the heart of Athens, and you can reach it by metro, foot, bus, or trolleybus.
Located on the hilltop south-east of the acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of Athens’s largest temples. The site also shows signs of Neolithic habitation. According to Pausanias, the mythological figure Deukalion built the Zeus sanctuary in the sixth century BCE. The original construction of the temple took place during the 5th century BCE, but Peisistratos the Younger was deposed before completing the limestone base.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is located 500 meters south of the Acropolis and about 700 metres from Syntagma Square. It is the largest temple ever built in Greece and is considered one of the best places to visit in Atens. This magnificent building reminds us of the importance of the Greek gods in ancient times.
You can also visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus as part of the Athens City Pass, which gives you priority access and free entrance to numerous attractions. Moreover, the Athens Metro is available throughout the city and runs until midnight every day. The tram network also connects the city center and the coastal suburbs.
Located near the Acropolis and the Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of Athens’ most important tourist attractions. If you have time, you can visit both the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus on the same day. A short walk from the temple is also the National Gardens and Parliament.
National Garden
Located just behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the National Garden is a tranquil oasis. Visitors to this park may see Athenians strolling through the garden or jogging. You may even see some turtles in the water. The park has several ponds and lakes. There are also ducks, which you can feed bread to.
This beautiful park is free to visit. It has several beautiful features, including a museum that showcases the history of Greece. Visitors can also enjoy the gardens on a sunny day. The National Garden is also home to a zoo, a small pond, and a children’s library. The gardens are very clean and safe, and there is plenty to do for families of all ages.
The National Garden is adjacent to the Hellenic Parliament and Syntagma Square. The garden is 16 hectares in size and features several historic landmarks, including the Zappeion Hall, open air cinema Aegli, and a large museum of antiquities. The garden was originally created by Queen Amalia, who was a staunch Protestant and fashion influencer. She was a controversial political figure and was the target of an assassination attempt.
If you are tired of the busy city life and want to escape to a more relaxing atmosphere, head to the National Garden. This beautiful park has six lakes and more than 7,000 trees and bushes. Visitors can take a guided walking tour through the National Garden.
Known for its ancient history, the Parthenon’s garden has also been the scene of modern tragedies. It played a role in events leading up to the catastrophic events in Asia Minor. In 1920, the garden was the site of a monkey attack that killed King Alexander. In the aftermath, the monarchy was restored and Constantine, who had been expelled for pro-German sympathies during World War One, was elected.
Zappeion Park
Zappeion Park is a beautiful park in the heart of Athens that offers great views of the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also includes the second largest monastic community in Greece. There are wall paintings and hermit caves to explore. It is one of the best places to visit in the city.
Another popular place to visit is Plaka, which is the most touristy district in Athens. This area sits at the foot of the Acropolis and offers a wide variety of shopping, sightseeing, and nightlife. There are also a number of restaurants that specialize in Greek cuisine. In addition to the Plaka district, tourists can shop on Anafiotika Street. It is home to the Jewish Museum and Folk-Art Museum. You can also dine on bakalairo at the Saita Taverna.
Another beautiful place to visit is the National Garden. This area was once the palace gardens of the royal family. The park is 24 acres of green areas, including a zoo and a quaint park. It also contains ruins, a cafe, and a playground for kids.
You can take the funicular up the hill to get to the top. The ride will take around three minutes. You can catch the funicular from Aristipou Street or from Ploutarchou Street. Another popular attraction in Athens is the Panathenaic Stadium, built in 4th century B.C. It was here that the Panathenaic Games were held to honor the goddess Athena. Some of the games held there included chariot races and track and field events.
For those with children, Attica Zoo is a must-see attraction in Athens. It is home to over 2,000 animals including rare white lions.
Kerameikos Cemetery
Located just outside of the city walls, the Kerameikos Cemetery is the largest necropolis in Attica. It contains a number of impressive ancient monuments, including the famous Pericles’ funeral oration, which was delivered on the Street of Tombs. The cemetery is open Tuesday to Sunday, except on certain holidays.
The cemetery was originally used for burials in the bronze age and was used continuously until the 6th century AD. In ancient Athens, it was the main place to bury people. Its museums are small, but contain some beautiful pieces.
The cemetery is easily accessible from the Thissio metro station. There are also ten bus routes that drop you off at the cemetery. Another convenient way to reach the cemetery is to walk from Monastiraki Square or Agion Asomaton Square. The cemetery is open every day, but the museum may have limited hours on Monday.
The graveyard houses a museum that features original finds. The cemetery’s “Street of Tombs” is lined with plots belonging to rich Athenian families. These tombs were decorated with statues and vases. The tombs also contained small temples and chapels.
The cemetery was originally divided into two sections. One was used by potters and connected to the Ancient Agora. The other section was used as a public graveyard. It remained in use throughout the Classical era until the 6th century AD. The museum contains many discoveries from the excavations in the cemetery, including the famous Dipylon Vase and Stele of Hegeso.
Visitors can also visit the Library of the Ancient Agora. Located between Monastiraki and the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora once served as the heart of the city. It is one of the few archaeological sites with a train line that runs through it. If you are visiting Athens, don’t forget to visit the Agora.
