For the lovers of ancient civilization, but also for those wishing to enjoy a fabulous walk under the bright light of Attica’s sky, we suggest a walk in the unified archaeological sites of Athens, a fascinating journey through time!
You may start from Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, close to the Metro “Acropolis” station. As you walk on the spacious stone-paved street, you will have the feeling that you have passed, through a gate in time, into another era. On your right, the sacred rock of the Acropolis, with the columns of the Parthenon rising up proudly behind its walls.
ACROPOLIS
Synonymous with the eternal city of Athens, Acropolis of the 5th century B.C., as it stands proudly on the sacred rock, dominates the center of the modern city, a connecting link between the past and the present, a constant reminder of the glorious past. Its most important monuments are the Propylaea, the Parthenon, the Erehtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Parthenon at the center, dedicated to the Goddess Athena, patron of the ancient city, is a unique evidence of the creativity of the Athenian democracy, at the height of its glory.
Southern Slope of the Acropolis
There are several monuments here of religious and cultural nature. The Theater of Dionysus, the Theater of Herod Atticus built by the Romans in 161 AD and still used today for classical concerts, ballet, performances of high cultural value, the Asklipeion, the Older Temple of Dionysus, the Newer Temple of Dionysus, the Thrasyllos Monument and the Arcade of Evmenis.
Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora of Athens, northwest from the Acropolis, was the administrative, economic, educational and philosophical center of the city. It started since the period of Solon as a gathering place and gradually buildings and temples were built.
Monuments of Ancient Agora
The Temple of Hephaestus or Theseion, the Stoa of Zeus Eleftherios, where Socrates is said to have met his friends and students, the Temple of Apollo, the Bouleutirion, where the 500 members of Parliament met, the Mitroon, where archives and documents of Parliament were kept, the Basileios Stoa where Socrates was formally charged with impiety by Meletus Altar of the Twelve Gods, the Odeon of Agrippa.
Further down to your right you’ll see the famous Herodeion, built by the Roman Tiberius Claudius Atticus Herodes in memory of his wife, where significant cultural events take place during the summer period. Continue your walk and on your left, just before the ascending path to Filoppapos Hill, lies the picturesque, 9th century A.D church of St. Dimitri Loubardiari, and at the foot of the hill the Prison of Socrates. If you climb the hill, at the top rises the monument of Gaius Antioch Filoppapos, and the view is spectacular.
Going back down to the main street and on your left you will see the rocky formations of the Pnyx Fountain, one of the most famous in antiquity. Turning left on Aeginitou Street you can start your climb to the Hill of Pnyka with the open area of Pnyx itself at its upper point, where the assembly of the Athenians took place up to the 4th century B.C.
Back to the main street and you reach Theission square, a favourite meeting place for young people, with many cafeterias extending their tables on the sidewalks. A little further down the road curves and you meet Asomaton square, with the tiny 11th century church. You are now at the beginning of Adrianou Street, extending across the ancient Agora, with beautiful neoclassical buildings, cafeterias and many interesting eating spots, facing the Temple of Hephaestus. Walking to the left, on Ermou Street, you will soon reach the grounds of Kerameikos, known as the most important cemetery of ancient Athens. At its entrance the Museum exhibits significant burial findings.
Your walk could end here, but you have already had a condensed but comprehensive taste of the glorious past of this city. It is not a bad idea to go back to Adrianou Street and have a delicious meal in one of its many unique eating spots.
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One of Athens’ most interesting sides is revealed in Plaka. You may decide to spend your day there or combine it with the walk in the unified archaeological sites. It lies under the Rock of Acropolis and is the city’s most picturesque corner. A walk in Plaka is one of the most popular outings of today’s Athenians, especially on Sunday mornings, helping them to maintain a balance in the busy life of the capital. An escape to older times, when life was much simpler. Plaka is full of neoclassical buildings and buildings from previous centuries, creating the sense of a village in the heart of the city. In its most busy streets, Adrianou, Pandrosou, Kydathinaeon, but in the other small streets as well, you will be impressed by the multicolored mosaic of people and small and bigger stores, where you will find from souvenirs, small marble statuettes, and handmade leather sandals, to jewelry, cosmetics and clothes. In between, small coffee shops, taverns and restaurants with typical Greek dishes, or with more advanced tastes, will provide the ideal setting for a refreshment or a bite to eat.
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Plaka and Monastiraki go hand in hand. It owes its name to a monastery of the Assumption that was once located there. It is the area between Ermou and Adrianou streets and the train stations Monastiraki and Thesseion.
Monastiraki is the joy of the collectors. Dozens of small stores, on Hephaestou Street, sell furniture, devices and equipment, clothes and shoes, but also beads, second hand records, decorative items, tools, and whatever else the human mind can think of. On Sunday mornings at the bazaar in Avissinias square, those who are willing to search will discover small treasures among thousands of old objects. Bargaining is a must.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is the biggest temple in Greece. Its construction started during the time of Peisistratos and was completed 700 years later. Originally there were 104 Corinthian columns of which only 15 remain standing, proving however the Temple’s huge dimensions.
Adrian’s Arch
The Roman Emperor Adrianos was Athens’ benefactor. The gate of Adrianos is the triumphant arch the Athenians built to honor him, in 131 A.D, on the street leading from the old city to its new extension.
National Garden
If you are seeking an oasis in the heart of the city take a walk in to the National Garden, which is open all day long. Close to the Parliament building this beautiful park was once the Royal Palace’s garden. Now it belongs to the Municipality of Athens. Here you will find a cool, shadowy refuge, with rich vegetation, flowers and many bird species. Small lakes with ducks, a playground, a small zoo, a traditional café where you may enjoy a cold “frappe” coffee or an ouzo with “mezedes”, complete the picture of an ideal escape in the center of Athens. Behind the Garden are located the former Royal Mansion and the Presidential quarters.
Zappeion
In reality an extension of the National Garden, Zappeion is an all green area with a maze of pathways and at its center the Zappeion Megaron, built between 1874 and 1878, as an exhibition hall. Throughout the year international exhibitions, fashion shows, trade conferences, international summits, take place here. Its gardens, together with the neighboring National Garden, constitute the main green zone of downtown Athens and a favorite walking area for Athenians and tourists.
Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro, which means "made of fine marble") was built in 330-329 B.C., and this is where the Panathenaic festival was held. Between 140 and 144 AD, Herodes Atticus restored the stadium, giving it the form that was found at the 1870 excavation. The modern times restoration of the stadium was conducted by the end of the 19th century for the rebirth of the Olympic Games that took place here in 1896.
Syndagma Square, with a strong historical background, is located in front of the Greek Parliament, and up until September 1843 was called the Palace’s Square. It owes its name to the Constitution (Syndagma) signed by King Othon following a massive uprising in September 3, 1843. Here you can visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and also see the guards (Evzones) in their impressive uniforms. If you are lucky you will also have a chance to watch the slow and complicated change of the guards.
As expected, Athens has many Museums. The National Archaeological Museum, the New Acropolis Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, the Museum of the Ancient Agora, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, the Museum of Greek Folk Art, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the National Gallery-Museum of Alexandros Soutsos, the War Museum, the Benaki Museum, the Numismatic Museum, the Goulandri Museum, are only a few of Athens’ 5O Museums.
Since it opened its doors to the public in 1991, the Athens Concert Hall has been regarded as one of the most comprehensive culture centres in Europe, and its superb acoustics have been acclaimed by the public and by renowned performers of the music and art world alike.
The Athens Concert Hall hosts, throughout the year, famous artists, music ensembles, composers, conductors and performers, and has become a pole of attraction for thousands of people who visit it to enjoy a variety of cultural events thousands of people who come to enjoy its many art events
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In Athens, as well as in the rest of the country, there are many festivals especially during the summer. The most famous are the Athens Festival and the Epidavros Festival in Epidavros.
Classical music, Opera, Dance, modern theatrical performances, Ancient tragic plays, Symphonic and Philharmonic orchestras, jazz bands, under the starry sky will mark you forever with a unique experience.
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The main shopping street, Ermou, is at the center of Athens and is for pedestrians only, so you can go window shopping unobstructed by car traffic. In Kolonaki and Glyfada you will also find many well known brand names and haute couture boutiques to choose from. For souvenirs and small objects Plaka and Monastiraki are the ideal spots. The neighboring Athenas Street has many herb and spices stores and a bit further down the Varvakeios market place is a sight worth seeing, even if you do not wish to buy any meet or fish.
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If you think this is a heavily busy city during the day wait till you experience its night life. Music bars, discothèques, bouzoukia, are all here and going strong until the wee hours. The most frequented areas are around Syndagma square, Kolonaki, Plaka, Psyri, Gazi, Syggrou avenue and Athens’ Riviera, In every tiny street, every little square, you will find outdoors bars and cafeterias Athens by night is never boring!
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Even if you have not planned for a visit to one of the Greek islands, with your base in Athens you will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy a dive into crystal clear blue waters, in organized, or not, beaches in the Athens Riviera. The most popular places are Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza, Lagonisi, Kavouri, and Anavyssos.
The best way to move around Athens is the Metro, followed by the Electric Railway, the Tram and of course buses, which however are a challenge as they are usually packed with people. Taxis are also a favorite means of transportation as they are among the cheapest in Europe. For those wishing to be more independent there are many Rent a Car agencies throughout Athens.
The city of Athens: official visitors' website
Acropolis
Ancient Agora
Change of Guard in Syntagma Square, Parliament
The Parthenon through time
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