Best things to visit in Athens
Sightseeing
https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en
A jewel of Athens, the Acropolis Museum is a must-visit during any time of year. Opened in 2009, the museum was designed by architect, Bernard Tschumi with Michael Photiadis. Throughout the design, which dedicatedly recreates the landscape of the Acropolis, the initial sloping galleries display treasures found from the hillside, while the Parthenon Gallery on the top floor evokes the scale and spectacle of the marbles. The restaurant offers majestic views of the ancient monument, ensuring that even if you don’t have the energy to climb up to the real thing, you’ll leave fully immersed in the history of the place.
2190 当地人推荐
卫城博物馆
15 Dionysiou Areopagitouhttps://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en
A jewel of Athens, the Acropolis Museum is a must-visit during any time of year. Opened in 2009, the museum was designed by architect, Bernard Tschumi with Michael Photiadis. Throughout the design, which dedicatedly recreates the landscape of the Acropolis, the initial sloping galleries display treasures found from the hillside, while the Parthenon Gallery on the top floor evokes the scale and spectacle of the marbles. The restaurant offers majestic views of the ancient monument, ensuring that even if you don’t have the energy to climb up to the real thing, you’ll leave fully immersed in the history of the place.
Take a welcome break from the busy city, by heading out towards Cape Sounio to see the Temple of Poseidon. The drive allows you to pass through the Athenian Riviera and along the coast before reaching the sacred site on the Attika peninsula. Take the time to explore, breathing in the fresh air while admiring the views. Have lunch there or at a nearby taverna before making your way back to the city.
474 当地人推荐
波塞冬神庙 - 索尼奥
Take a welcome break from the busy city, by heading out towards Cape Sounio to see the Temple of Poseidon. The drive allows you to pass through the Athenian Riviera and along the coast before reaching the sacred site on the Attika peninsula. Take the time to explore, breathing in the fresh air while admiring the views. Have lunch there or at a nearby taverna before making your way back to the city.
Home to some of the most fascinating and diverse collections in Athens, the Benaki and Cycladic museums are cultural institutions that make for essential viewing. Located around the corner from each other, start at the Benaki Museum and take in the prehistoric, Ancient Greek and Roman exhibits in the permanent collections, before exploring Byzantine costumes and Coptic art. There’s usually an exhibition of contemporary art upstairs, too. Afterwards, enjoy a coffee on the large outdoor balcony. If you have time, the Benaki Islamic Museum is more of a hidden gem on the other side of town and offers an extensive survey of ceramics, jewellery, art and design from the 8th century onwards. Located close to the main Benaki Museum in Kolonaki is the Museum of Cycladic Art, where you’ll find works from Aegean and Cyprus dating back to the 3rd century BC.
https://www.benaki.org/
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Benaki Toy Museum
138 PireosHome to some of the most fascinating and diverse collections in Athens, the Benaki and Cycladic museums are cultural institutions that make for essential viewing. Located around the corner from each other, start at the Benaki Museum and take in the prehistoric, Ancient Greek and Roman exhibits in the permanent collections, before exploring Byzantine costumes and Coptic art. There’s usually an exhibition of contemporary art upstairs, too. Afterwards, enjoy a coffee on the large outdoor balcony. If you have time, the Benaki Islamic Museum is more of a hidden gem on the other side of town and offers an extensive survey of ceramics, jewellery, art and design from the 8th century onwards. Located close to the main Benaki Museum in Kolonaki is the Museum of Cycladic Art, where you’ll find works from Aegean and Cyprus dating back to the 3rd century BC.
https://www.benaki.org/
https://cycladic.gr/
Although it is named after its prominent Cycladic Art collection, this little gem offers you far more than this. You will be surprised by the impressive collection of Ancient Greek and Cypriot art. Learn about artistic techniques and customs of the Ancient Greeks through the most fun, creative ways and attend the special shows where archaeology meets contemporary art. Don’t forget to stop by the museum shop to get some exclusive gifts or the café for a light snack and coffee.
527 当地人推荐
环形艺术博物馆
4 Neofitou Doukahttps://cycladic.gr/
Although it is named after its prominent Cycladic Art collection, this little gem offers you far more than this. You will be surprised by the impressive collection of Ancient Greek and Cypriot art. Learn about artistic techniques and customs of the Ancient Greeks through the most fun, creative ways and attend the special shows where archaeology meets contemporary art. Don’t forget to stop by the museum shop to get some exclusive gifts or the café for a light snack and coffee.
https://www.namuseum.gr/en/
Founded in 1889, this is undoubtedly one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, proving that history and art from ancient times still have the power to impress with their magnificence and beauty. The National Archaeological Museum is the biggest in the whole city hosting more than eleven thousand exhibits that cover a large chronological and geographical span. If you want to experience the panorama of Greek civilization to its fullest, save at least two days from your calendar to wander through the fascinating permanent collections filled with prehistoric items from the Aegean, frescoes from Thira, sculptures, vases, statues, jewelry, weapons and religious items. Do not miss the unique sculptures and the famous Antikythera device, probably used for astronomical observations, yet still shrouded in mystery. Last but not least, the epigraphic collection on the ground floor and the huge library with rare photographs and manuscripts will surely blow your mind.
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国家考古博物馆
44 28is Oktovriouhttps://www.namuseum.gr/en/
Founded in 1889, this is undoubtedly one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, proving that history and art from ancient times still have the power to impress with their magnificence and beauty. The National Archaeological Museum is the biggest in the whole city hosting more than eleven thousand exhibits that cover a large chronological and geographical span. If you want to experience the panorama of Greek civilization to its fullest, save at least two days from your calendar to wander through the fascinating permanent collections filled with prehistoric items from the Aegean, frescoes from Thira, sculptures, vases, statues, jewelry, weapons and religious items. Do not miss the unique sculptures and the famous Antikythera device, probably used for astronomical observations, yet still shrouded in mystery. Last but not least, the epigraphic collection on the ground floor and the huge library with rare photographs and manuscripts will surely blow your mind.
The historic district of Plaka, in central Athens, is situated under the Acropolis, around the northeastern slopes of the Sacred Rock, between Syntagma and Monastiraki metro stations. Its village-like atmosphere, neoclassical buildings, quaint cafes, souvenir shops and museums make it a favourite among visitors and Athenians who stroll along its narrow streets. Here is a historical snapshot of the oldest neighbourhood in Athens.
Built on top of ancient Athens’ residential zones, Plaka is known as the ‘Neighborhood of the Gods’ thanks to its close proximity to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites. The district mainly developed around the ruins of the Ancient Agora in an area that has been uninterruptedly inhabited since ancient times.
During the long years of the Ottoman occupation, Plaka was actually called the ‘Turkish quarter of Athens’ as it was the seat of the Turkish Governor. But it was during the Greek War of Independence, which lasted from 1821–1829, that Plaka declined and was massively abandoned by its residents due to the many battles that occurred in the area in 1826. However, it was when the newly established King of Greece, King Otto, chose Athens as the capital of the new state in 1834 that Plaka (as well as Athens) was repopulated. The census around that time indicates that Athens was a small town home to about 4,000 people, who mostly lived in the area underneath the Acropolis. But when Athens became the new capital, this called for the relocation of city builders and the working force, mostly from the Cycladic island of Anafi, who settled in a neighbourhood called Anafiotika, above Plaka. Little by little, the city expanded beyond Plaka to reach the cemetery of Kerameikos and the new royal palace, which is now home to the Greek Parliament. This modernization of the city led to a massive exodus from the countryside to the capital, which counted around 44,500 inhabitants in 1870.
However, in 1884, a fire destroyed a huge part of Plaka, which actually gave archaeologists the chance to conduct excavations in the area, mostly near the Roman Agora and by Hadrian’s Library. These excavations are still going on to this day.
Recognized for its old-time charm, its plethora of museums and its closeness to the centre, Plaka is, and will remain, a popular attraction in the busy Greek capital. You will certainly have a lovely time wandering its labyrinth-like streets and alleys, stumbling upon forgotten squares offering unprecedented views over the city, admiring small chapels and sitting at cool cafes at the foot of the Acropolis, where you can relax with a beer in hand and a plethora of mezes in front of you. Take advantage by heading to Adrianou street, lined with many souvenir shops or visit some of the museums in the area, including the new Jewish Museum of Greece, the Frissiras Museum, the Museum of Popular Music Instruments, the Athens University Museum or the new Acropolis Museum.
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普拉卡
24 MnisikleousThe historic district of Plaka, in central Athens, is situated under the Acropolis, around the northeastern slopes of the Sacred Rock, between Syntagma and Monastiraki metro stations. Its village-like atmosphere, neoclassical buildings, quaint cafes, souvenir shops and museums make it a favourite among visitors and Athenians who stroll along its narrow streets. Here is a historical snapshot of the oldest neighbourhood in Athens.
Built on top of ancient Athens’ residential zones, Plaka is known as the ‘Neighborhood of the Gods’ thanks to its close proximity to the Acropolis and its many archaeological sites. The district mainly developed around the ruins of the Ancient Agora in an area that has been uninterruptedly inhabited since ancient times.
During the long years of the Ottoman occupation, Plaka was actually called the ‘Turkish quarter of Athens’ as it was the seat of the Turkish Governor. But it was during the Greek War of Independence, which lasted from 1821–1829, that Plaka declined and was massively abandoned by its residents due to the many battles that occurred in the area in 1826. However, it was when the newly established King of Greece, King Otto, chose Athens as the capital of the new state in 1834 that Plaka (as well as Athens) was repopulated. The census around that time indicates that Athens was a small town home to about 4,000 people, who mostly lived in the area underneath the Acropolis. But when Athens became the new capital, this called for the relocation of city builders and the working force, mostly from the Cycladic island of Anafi, who settled in a neighbourhood called Anafiotika, above Plaka. Little by little, the city expanded beyond Plaka to reach the cemetery of Kerameikos and the new royal palace, which is now home to the Greek Parliament. This modernization of the city led to a massive exodus from the countryside to the capital, which counted around 44,500 inhabitants in 1870.
However, in 1884, a fire destroyed a huge part of Plaka, which actually gave archaeologists the chance to conduct excavations in the area, mostly near the Roman Agora and by Hadrian’s Library. These excavations are still going on to this day.
Recognized for its old-time charm, its plethora of museums and its closeness to the centre, Plaka is, and will remain, a popular attraction in the busy Greek capital. You will certainly have a lovely time wandering its labyrinth-like streets and alleys, stumbling upon forgotten squares offering unprecedented views over the city, admiring small chapels and sitting at cool cafes at the foot of the Acropolis, where you can relax with a beer in hand and a plethora of mezes in front of you. Take advantage by heading to Adrianou street, lined with many souvenir shops or visit some of the museums in the area, including the new Jewish Museum of Greece, the Frissiras Museum, the Museum of Popular Music Instruments, the Athens University Museum or the new Acropolis Museum.
The brand new, centre of all attention, cultural playground for the surrounding neighbourhoods and visitors, is finally opening its doors to the public. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) is an architectural treasure, designed by Renzo Piano. It has taken over and restored an abandoned seafront piece of land in the southern suburbs, which practically oversees Athens at its whole. Today the lot has been transformed into the Stavros Niarchos Park, also home to the modern building, which houses the National Library of Greece (NLG) and the Greek National Opera (GNO).
https://www.snfcc.org/en
Please visit the website for events and more.
80 当地人推荐
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
364 Leoforos Andrea SiggrouThe brand new, centre of all attention, cultural playground for the surrounding neighbourhoods and visitors, is finally opening its doors to the public. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) is an architectural treasure, designed by Renzo Piano. It has taken over and restored an abandoned seafront piece of land in the southern suburbs, which practically oversees Athens at its whole. Today the lot has been transformed into the Stavros Niarchos Park, also home to the modern building, which houses the National Library of Greece (NLG) and the Greek National Opera (GNO).
https://www.snfcc.org/en
Please visit the website for events and more.
Kolonaki is rightly considered the most elegant and trendy neighborhood of Athens, with many high end boutiques, distinguished bars and chic restaurants. Athenians from all over the city flock to the cafes to see and be seen, and jetsetters, politicians and artists mingle with the crowd. It is also an old neighborhood with a cosmopolitan history and its own character.
The main attractions in Kolonaki area are the renowned Benaki Museum with its outstanding collections, the Museum of Cycladic Art dedicated to the ancient cultures of the Aegean and Cyprus focusing on Cycladic Art, and the Byzantine Museum with religious artefacts of the Byzantine and later periods from all over Greece. The National Park on Irodou Attikou street is a cool oasis in summer and visitors always enjoy the change of the guard at the Presidential Mansion right opposite.
Restaurants and cafes abound in Kolonaki and include some of the best in town. Exclusive French cuisine at l’Abreuvoir, Italian taste at Malconis and La Cantina, classic tradition at 17 and Prytaneion, excellent coffee and people watching at Alouf, Alfiere and Da Capo. Milioni pedestrian street is the busiest area with cafes and bars galore.
Nightlife in Kolonaki is busy but not hectic, with just the right balance. The young crowd flock to the newly opened club, Heart, and all time classic Rock n’ Roll. Milioni street, Skoufa and Tsakalof offer a wide range of choices in bars for all tastes, from eclectic Bardot to busy Mommy, cozy Poco a Poco, stylish Cinco, just to mention a few.
Shopping in Kolonaki is definitely exclusive and high end with very good quality. Museum art at Filotexni Kivotos, baby fashion and everything aromatic at Natura, books and cards at Libro, gourmet chocolates at Stelios Parliaros, freshly roasted nuts and coffee at Carpo and handmade miniature wooden boats at Panygyri are some of the most interesting choices.
397 当地人推荐
Kolonaki
Kolonaki is rightly considered the most elegant and trendy neighborhood of Athens, with many high end boutiques, distinguished bars and chic restaurants. Athenians from all over the city flock to the cafes to see and be seen, and jetsetters, politicians and artists mingle with the crowd. It is also an old neighborhood with a cosmopolitan history and its own character.
The main attractions in Kolonaki area are the renowned Benaki Museum with its outstanding collections, the Museum of Cycladic Art dedicated to the ancient cultures of the Aegean and Cyprus focusing on Cycladic Art, and the Byzantine Museum with religious artefacts of the Byzantine and later periods from all over Greece. The National Park on Irodou Attikou street is a cool oasis in summer and visitors always enjoy the change of the guard at the Presidential Mansion right opposite.
Restaurants and cafes abound in Kolonaki and include some of the best in town. Exclusive French cuisine at l’Abreuvoir, Italian taste at Malconis and La Cantina, classic tradition at 17 and Prytaneion, excellent coffee and people watching at Alouf, Alfiere and Da Capo. Milioni pedestrian street is the busiest area with cafes and bars galore.
Nightlife in Kolonaki is busy but not hectic, with just the right balance. The young crowd flock to the newly opened club, Heart, and all time classic Rock n’ Roll. Milioni street, Skoufa and Tsakalof offer a wide range of choices in bars for all tastes, from eclectic Bardot to busy Mommy, cozy Poco a Poco, stylish Cinco, just to mention a few.
Shopping in Kolonaki is definitely exclusive and high end with very good quality. Museum art at Filotexni Kivotos, baby fashion and everything aromatic at Natura, books and cards at Libro, gourmet chocolates at Stelios Parliaros, freshly roasted nuts and coffee at Carpo and handmade miniature wooden boats at Panygyri are some of the most interesting choices.
The neighborhood of Psyrri is arty and bohemian, with old and new points of interest side by side. Old fashioned artisans workshops, hidden alleys, counter culture and alternative spaces, street art, popular bars and traditional restaurants, coexist in harmony, creating a fascinating atmosphere full of surprises. The young crowd love it and keep the nightlife busy.
The main attraction in Psyrri is the Kerameikos ancient cemetery, which includes part of the Themistoclean Wall and the Sacred Gate. The Museum of Islamic Art and the Pottery Museum on Melidoni street are very interesting to visit. The Armenian church and the Synagogue are also located in this district.
Restaurants in Psyrri are mainly traditional, with tasty Greek mezedes and homemade specialties. Oinopoleion is a very good choice in this category with wine directly from the owners farm. The only kosher restaurant in Athens, Gostijo, is located in Psyrri, offering a journey through the Mediterranean flavors of the Sefardi Jews. Krasopoulio tou Kokkora on Aisopou street is recommended for its excellent cuisine and Serbetia on Aisxylou street is famous for the outstanding desserts.
Nightlife is vibrant and bohemian, with small, friendly bars and hip entertainment. Tranzistor is a happy place with colorful decoration and reasonable prices. Cantina Social with its renowned Russian beers attracts the counter culture crowd, hipsters, bands, who enjoy Christos homemade cocktails. Psira on Miaouli street, one of the first bars to open in this district, is the favorite hangout for students and the arty set and the specialty is rakomelo, a drink made with raki and honey.
Shopping is an exciting experience in Psyrri. High end shops like Tonics Essentials with an enchanting collection of perfumes and toiletries, Hidden Showroom with trendy fashion by talented young designers, Sabater Hermanos with handmade perfumed soaps, Karras with designer leather bags and accessories, The Roots with artistic lighting are some of the best. Artisans workshops selling sandals, suitcases, lampshades, old vinyls and second hand books, create a picturesque choice.
464 当地人推荐
Psyri
MiaouliThe neighborhood of Psyrri is arty and bohemian, with old and new points of interest side by side. Old fashioned artisans workshops, hidden alleys, counter culture and alternative spaces, street art, popular bars and traditional restaurants, coexist in harmony, creating a fascinating atmosphere full of surprises. The young crowd love it and keep the nightlife busy.
The main attraction in Psyrri is the Kerameikos ancient cemetery, which includes part of the Themistoclean Wall and the Sacred Gate. The Museum of Islamic Art and the Pottery Museum on Melidoni street are very interesting to visit. The Armenian church and the Synagogue are also located in this district.
Restaurants in Psyrri are mainly traditional, with tasty Greek mezedes and homemade specialties. Oinopoleion is a very good choice in this category with wine directly from the owners farm. The only kosher restaurant in Athens, Gostijo, is located in Psyrri, offering a journey through the Mediterranean flavors of the Sefardi Jews. Krasopoulio tou Kokkora on Aisopou street is recommended for its excellent cuisine and Serbetia on Aisxylou street is famous for the outstanding desserts.
Nightlife is vibrant and bohemian, with small, friendly bars and hip entertainment. Tranzistor is a happy place with colorful decoration and reasonable prices. Cantina Social with its renowned Russian beers attracts the counter culture crowd, hipsters, bands, who enjoy Christos homemade cocktails. Psira on Miaouli street, one of the first bars to open in this district, is the favorite hangout for students and the arty set and the specialty is rakomelo, a drink made with raki and honey.
Shopping is an exciting experience in Psyrri. High end shops like Tonics Essentials with an enchanting collection of perfumes and toiletries, Hidden Showroom with trendy fashion by talented young designers, Sabater Hermanos with handmade perfumed soaps, Karras with designer leather bags and accessories, The Roots with artistic lighting are some of the best. Artisans workshops selling sandals, suitcases, lampshades, old vinyls and second hand books, create a picturesque choice.