Athens hosted the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. The entire urban area of Athens underwent major lasting changes that have improved the quality of life for visitors and residents alike. Aside from the new transportation infrastructure that was completed in time for the 2004 Olympics (from new freeways to light rail systems), the city's historic center underwent serious renovation. Most notable among the city's facelift projects are the Unification of Archaeological Sites (which connects the city's classical-era ruins and monuments to each other through a network of pleasant pedestrianized streets) and the restoration of the picturesque neoclassical Thissio and Pláka districts.

The men's and women's shot put competition was held at the restored stadium of Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games took place from 776 BCE to 394 CE. This was the first time in history that women athletes competed in this venue. It is a lengthy day trip from Athens to visit Olympia, but quite interesting.

Athens was just a small provincial city when it was chosen in the 1830s to serve as the national capital of the modern Greek State. Although it had a prestigious past, the city's political, economic and cultural importance had declined over the centuries, leaving behind only its classical ruins as a reminder of better times. With the decision to move the national capital from Nafplio to Athens, architects and city planners were hired to build a new city next to the classical ruins, with grand neoclassical homes and public buildings, large city squares, green spaces, and wide avenues, making a conscious, decisive turn from the city's Ottoman past. The city regained its importance in Greek civilization, and by 1900 had evolved into a very attractive cosmopolitan city, with abundant neoclassical architecture harking to the nation's past.

The 20th century however, marked the rapid development of Athens. The city suffered minor damage during World War II, and suffered extensive urban planning in the decades that followed, as the nation rapidly industrialized and urbanized. In the 1960s and 1970s, many 19th century neoclassical buildings, often small and private, were demolished to make way for office buildings, often designed by great Greek architects. The city also expanded outward through rash development, particularly towards the west, as its population grew by absorbing job-seekers from the provinces. With the onset of the automobile, public officials reduced the city's public transportation services without foreseeing the traffic gridlock and smog that would menace the city by the 1980s.

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the city's reality led to a rude awakening among local and national officials and, coupled with the country's new found remarkable prosperity, large scale projects began to slowly regenerate the city and undo some of the damage of previous decades. Over the course of the next 15 years, money was poured into new transportation infrastructure projects, the restoration of surviving neoclassical buildings, the gentrification of the city's historical center and the renovation of many former industrial areas and the city's coastline. The restoration of charming neoclassical buildings in the city's historical center has been accompanied by the construction of attractive post-modern buildings in newer districts; both of which have begun to improve the aesthetic essence of the city. Athens today is ever evolving, forging a new identity for the 21st century.

Spring and late autumn are the best times to visit Athens. Summer can be extremely hot and dry during heatwaves, but this rarely happens. Winter is definitely low season, with the occasional rainy or snowy day, but also an ideal time to save money while enjoying the city without countless other tourists.

Whilst peak traffic hour can be a bit smoggy on the main roads, on most sunny days the skies are azure blue. The main reason attributed for the pollution of Athens is because the city is enclosed by mountains in a basin which does not allow the smog to leave. The government's ban on diesel vehicles within Athens and the early 1990s initiatives to improve car emissions have greatly contributed to better atmospheric conditions in the basin.

The sprawling city is bounded on three sides by Mt. Ymettos, Mt. Parnitha and Mt. Pendeli; whilst inside Athens are twelve hills [the seven historical are: Acropolis, Areopagus, Hill of Philopappus, Observatory Hill (Muses Hill), Pnyx, Lycabettus, Tourkovounia (Anchesmus)], the Acropolis and Lykavittos being the most prominent. These hills provide a refuge from the noise and commotion of the crowded city streets, offering amazing views down to Saronic Gulf, Athens' boundary with the Aegean Sea on its southern side. The streets of Athens (signposted in Greek and English) now melt imperceptibly into Piraeus, the city's ancient, and still bustling, port.

Places of interest to travellers can be found within a relatively small area surrounding the city centre at Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos). This epicentre is surrounded by the districts of the Plaka to the south, Monastiraki to the west, Kolonaki to the east and Omonia to the north. Further afield is the port of Athens, the Piraeus.

The Acropolis is the ancient high city of Athens, a prominent plateaued rock perched high above the modern city with commanding views and an amazing array of ancient architecture, mostly from the Classical period of Ancient Greece, the most famous of which is the Parthenon. A visit to Athens is not complete without visiting the Acropolis; hundreds of tourists each day accordingly make the pilgrimage.

Gentrified during the 1990s and now very popular with tourists, Plaka is a charming historic district at the foot of the Acropolis, with its restored 19th-century neoclassical homes, pedestrianized streets, shops and restaurants, and picturesque ruins from the city's Roman era. Thissio, to the west side of the Acropolis, is very similar and now houses many restaurants and cafes. Between the two is Monastiraki, a very bohemian district increasingly popular with tourists, with stores selling a variety of items including antiques, cookware, souvenirs, arts and crafts, movie posters, punk culture, funky clothing, and pretty much anything you can think of. Another part of Plaka is Anafiotika and is on the northernmost place. There you will find the first university of Athens before it was relocated in central Athens. Its an oasis of calm and quietness, and there are many green spaces which are part of the green space of Acropolis.

Plaka's boundaries are not precisely defined. Clear borders are the Ancient Agora and Plateia Monastiraki on the west, the Acropolis and Dhionysiou Areopayitou street on the south, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Leoforos Amalias on the south-east, and the west part of Mitropoleos street, up to the cathedral on the north (but Mitropoleos street and Leoforos Amalias, though boundaries, shouldn't be considered part of Plaka, since they have a modern and fairly non-descript atmosphere). The north-eastern and eastern boundaries are a bit less well defined, but if you're south of Apollonos street and west of Nikis street you'll probably feel like you're still in Plaka.

Syntagma Square is named after the Greek constitution (syntagma) that was proclaimed from the balcony of the royal palace that overlooks the square on 3 September 1843. The former palace has housed the Greek parliament since 1935.

Syntagma Square is a good point from which to begin your orientation in the city, and has been beautified within the last few years ago, and the manic Athenian traffic has been re-routed. it contains cafes, restaurants, fast food outlets, a new metro stop, airline offices.. The square serves as an occasional rallying place for demonstrations and public celebrations.

Omonia Square (Plateia Omonias) is the centre of Athens, and is composed of the actual square together with the surrounding streets, open areas and assemblage of grand buildings that include banks and offices. The neighbouring area of Exarcheia (Εξάρχεια) to the north, dominated by the Athens Polytechnic and its famous band of anarchists, is a bohemian district with lots of bars and clubs visited by students, intellectuals and people who are into alternative culture. Kolonaki is near Lykavittos Hill. The district's borders are not very sharply defined; it covers the south and southeast slopes of Lykavettos Hill north of Vassilisis Sofias Avenue. Kolonaki is the posh area of central Athens. Traditionally the home of the in-town rich, it's the location of a number of embassies and several prominent archaeological schools, including The American School and The British School. It also has the city's greatest concentration of trendy fashion boutiques, and many, mostly upscale, cafes, bars and restaurants.

Athens airport is a major hub in the Aegean, Balkan and East Mediterranean regions. American, Air Canada, Air Transat, Delta, Emirates, Norwegian Air Shuttle and United maintain non-stop flights from North America (some are only seasonal), while a large number of European carriers fly direct into Athens.

Low cost direct flights from Berlin are scoot airline and Ryan air.

37.9360723.944631 Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH  ^IATA) (27 km (17 mi) east of the city centre near the suburb of Spáta). Opened in 2001 as part of the infrastructure improvements in preparation for the Olympics, and is now one of the more attractive and efficient major European airports, though some old Athenian hands say they miss the messy atmosphere of the old Hellenikon. The airport has the usual array of food stands, duty-free shops, lounges, and other airport services. Free Wi-Fi used to be time-limited, but now is free to use for unlimited time. Luggage storage, run by Pacific Travel, can be found in the end of left-hand wing, arrivals level. Storage time varies from 6 to 36 hr, no automatic lockers. There is also a locker facility at Syntagma Square, central Athens (Leaveyourluggage.gr). (updated Jul 2022)

There is a tourist information office in Arrivals, they can provide information about Greek ferries.

There is also a small museum on the top floor with an interesting history on Athens, and a space for temporary exhibits.

Getting there:

• By Metro to the city center, €9 one way and 16€ return (09/2024). Group tickets (2 or 3 persons) are also available and they provide some discount (see below). The airport Metro line is an extension of Line 3 (blue line) that takes you to the central Syntagma and Monastiráki stations. For measurement of time, it takes 1 hour from Airport train station to Syntagma station.

At the airport, !(Careful)! both metro trains and suburban trains pass from the same platform. If you are travelling to the city centre, you should take the metro trains. The ticket for the metro trains you can buy it at the metro station through the vending machine or at the counter (for example: metro station - acropolis) for 5 days ticket cost €8,20 (09/2024). You can pay with cash or card.

Don't forget to validate your ticket before going down to the platform and boarding a train (there are validation machines at the top of the escalators in the ticket hall). Failure to validate your ticket at the start of the journey can mean a fine of up to €200. The ticket inspectors are rigorous and won't hesitate to call for police assistance if you start to object.

Not all Metro trains from Athens go to the airport; typically the airport trains run every 36 minutes, while trains in the intervals don't go the whole route. Airport trains are indicated on the schedule and by an airplane logo on the front of the train, they are also announced by the signs on the metro platform. It's useful to go to the Metro station the day before, explain to the agent (most speak English) when you need to be at the airport, and ask what time you should catch the airport train from that station. You can also get this information at the airport metro station, which has a desk staffed most hours by someone who speaks English. They hang the time table of airport train on the window at the shelter (at Syntagma station). It's advice to buy airport train ticket in advance; buying in advance though means you won't risk missing your train if you find at the last minute you don't have change for the ticket machines and have to stand in a line to buy it from the agent. As of September 2024, you can pay the ticket from vending machine with the card.

• By Suburban Railway to the city center, €9 one way. From Airport station to Athens central station (alt name Larissa or Larissis Station) leaving at xx:07 every hour, passing through Central Athens before heading to Piraeus. Trains to Northern Greece and the Peloponnese depart from Athens central station. From Airport station to Monastiraki station via change at Nerantziotissa. A change at Neratziotissa suburban station (connection to Metro Line 1 "Neratziotissa station") can take you to The Monastiraki station. Or change at Doukissis Plakentias to Line 3 (blue) of the metro to get to Monastiraki and Syntagma stations. Suburban trains run more sparsely than the metro.

• By express bus: X93 to Kifissos Coach Station, X95 to Syntagma Square (Lines 2 and 3 and tram), X96 to Piraeus Port (Line 1) and X97 to Elliniko metro station (Line 2) for €5.50. It takes 45 min to 1½ hr depending on traffic. Buses, unlike Metro, operate 24 hours a day. When leaving to the airport early from Syntagma (before the metro opens), tickets can be bought at a kiosk next to the bus stop.
• By local bus: Buses run by KTEL Attikis, the sole transport provider for all long-distance bus lines of Attica, depart from a stop in front of the Sofitel Hotel to Koropi metro station (€1.60, 15 min, as of Mar 2025). Their frequency varies throughout the day, from every half an hour to more than three; see linked schedule (the workers at the express bus stop have no information about KTEL buses). From Koropi Station you can take the metro to the city centre paying the normal ticket price of €1.20, and so avoid the additional fare of €5.50 charged to Koropi from the airport and vice versa. You can also take local bus 308 from Koropi metro for the same price. For getting to the airport, KTEL buses pass Koropi Station approximately 20-30 minutes before the departure times from the airport listed on the above linked schedule.
• By taxi: if you take a taxi be careful. Taxi rides to the centre cost €40 during the day and €60 during the night. Prices are fixed and includes toll costs.

Regional coaches (KTEL) connect Athens to other cities in Greece. The fleet of buses has been upgraded, which makes the journey pleasant and safe. For some destinations one can also use the buses of the railroad company (OSE, see next paragraph) that might be international, but can also be used for in-country transport. At times there are collaborations with companies from adjacent countries such as Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania, so it's advisable to ask on both the bus and the train companies about the available options.

There are two KTEL coach stations, one at Liosion Avenue, 38.01034723.7230532 Liosion Ktel Station (near Aghios Nikolaos station on the Green line) and the other at Kifissou Avenue, 37.997923.69913 Kifissou Ktel Station Bus routes X93 (Athens International Airport), 051 (Athens center), 052 (Elaionas Metro station), 420 (Piraeus port).

The national rail service, Hellenic Train, connects Athens to other cities in Greece. However, the national railroad system is limited compared to other European countries, in effect having only two lines. One goes south to the Pelopponese. The other goes to the north, connecting Athens with the second major city in Greece, Thessaloniki and Larissa, the capital city of Thessaly region. From there the line continues further to the north and all the way to the east, passing through many other cities of northern Greece and eventually reaching Istanbul. 37.99195623.7208624 Athens Central Railway Station (alt name Larissa Station) is accessible by Larissa station of the red line (line 2).

There are two types of train you can use; normal, slow, type of train equipped with beds, and the so-called new 'Intercity' type which is more expensive because of a 'quality supplement fee' that grows with distance. For example, travelling from Athens to Thessaloniki by the 'Intercity' type will save one hour at most, but the ticket will be almost twice the price. 'Intercity' tends to be more reliable, yet more 'bumpy' than the normal train. As of 2024, the international trains which used to connect Athens with Belgrade and Sofia via Thessaloniki are all suspended.

The chief sea port of Athens is the 37.93513823.6224845 Piraeus. It is served by many ferries. Cruise ships also regularly visit, especially during warm months. Generally, pedestrian ferry users will be closer than cruise passengers to the Metro station providing access to central Athens; walking distances can vary considerably. Cruise passengers on larger ships usually reach the main cruise terminal by port shuttle bus; otherwise, it can be a non-trivial walk. Smaller ships (e.g., 1200 or fewer passengers) may dock near the terminal...an easy walk. From the terminal, pedestrians face a safe, level walk of over a mile to the Piraeus Metro station; taxis are readily available to go there, but are not inexpensive. 

The ports of 37.70857824.0563646 Lavrio (60 km (37 mi) south of city centre). (updated May 2019) and 38.02299124.0108967 Rafina (25 km (16 mi) east of city centre). (updated May 2019) act as alternative port of Athens; access is made by ktel regional buses.

The Athens Metro is efficient and attractive, and generally the only pleasant way to get around Athens. Many metro stations (e.g. Syntagma) exhibit artifacts found during construction. Eating and drinking is forbidden in the metro system. During rush hour, it can become very crowded. There are three lines:

• Line  M1 : Piraeus – Kifissia, connects the port of Piraeus and the northern suburbs of Athens (Kifissia station) via the city centre. Be sure that you keep an eye on your personal stuff when using this line, and be prepared for people getting in the train and asking for money.
• Line  M2 : Anthoupoli – Elliniko connects western and southern Athens via Athens centre.
• Line  M3 : Dimotiko Theatro– Doukissis Plakentias – Airport connects Piraeus and the western suburbs with the eastern suburbs (Halandri and Doukissis Plakentias stations) and the International Airport.

The standard metro fare is €1.20 (as of September 2022) for trips between all stations except the Airport line, east of Koropi Station. This allows travel with all means of public transport and unlimited transfers for 90 minutes. A 24-hour ticket for all public transport in Athens, apart from the Airport line, costs €4.10.

The standard fare to or from the airport is €9 each way (as of September 2022), and this includes the full journey between any point in the Athens public transport system and the airport.

Validate your ticket at the validation machines upon entering the station by beeping your ticket at a ticket validation machine or a ticket gate. Failure to do so will entail a hefty fine if you are caught by ticket inspectors.

There are often several entrances to the stations and often they go straight to the platform, so remember which entrance is for which. It is open from 05:00 to midnight.

The Athens Suburban Railway (Proastiakos in Greek) is operating by Hellenic Train. There are 3 Proastiakos lines. From Piraeus to Airport, from Piraeus to Aigio and from Athens Central Station (Larissa station) to Chalkida.

The Athens Tram connects the city centre with the southern suburbs and has connections with the metro lines. There are three tram lines:

• Line  T3 : Peace and Friendship Stadium – Asklipeio Voulas Hospital connects Faliro with the southern suburbs and runs along the coastal zone.
• Line  T4 : Syntagma– Neos Kosmos – Peace and Friendship Stadium connects the city centre with Faliro.
• Line  T5 : Syntagma – Neos Kosmos – Asklipeio Voulas Hospital connects the city centre with the coastal zone and the southern suburbs.

Ticket prices are the same with Athens Metro (€1.20 for 90 minutes). The tram accelerates quickly, so make sure to be careful and hold on to something when it leaves a stop.

Athens is served by a network of diesel buses, natural gas buses and electric trolleybuses run by the Athens Urban Transport Organisation. The integrated ticket costs €1.20 and allows for multiple trips within 90 minutes, including transfers to the Metro or Tram and it's available in most kiosks. Trips to the Airport cost €5.5. You only need to validate once, before first use. Buses will not stop unless you signal the driver by raising your arm. Most central bus stops have smart displays that show bus arrival times and transport announcements.

Canary yellow taxis are a common sight in Athens and are a reasonably priced way of getting around (if you can avoid the traffic jams). The starting fee is €1.19, after which the meter ticks up at €0.34/km ("rate 1") or €0.64/km ("rate 2"), with a minimum fare of €3.20. Rate 1 applies through Athens city limits, including the airport, while rate 2 applies outside the city and from midnight to 05:00. Legal surcharges apply for calling a taxi by radio (€1.60), trips to or from the airport (€3.20) and heavy bags (€0.32). Tipping is not necessary, although it's common to round up to the nearest full euro.

Taxi fare fraud is not as widespread as it used to be, but it still happens, so insist on the meter and make sure the rate is correct. At busy tourist locations, drivers try to con with a set rate that is ridiculously high (e.g. €20 for a short trip). In these cases, it is best to find another and again insist on the charge shown on the meter. If you feel you have been overcharged, ask for a receipt (they are obliged to give one) and take the plate number, then phone the tourist police to report the driver on 171.

Taxi drivers rarely obey the rules of the road. Expect that if you are leaving Athens on an early flight the driver will drive aggressively to get you there as quickly as possible.

Taxis are considered to be fairly cheap in Athens. Therefore, you can expect to share the ride during rush hours if you can find one, and at night after the Metro has shut down. If you hail a taxi which is already occupied (occupied taxis have a brightly lit TAXI sign on top of the car) the driver will ask where you want to go to before letting you in to join the other customers. Strikes by cabbies and public transit are common, so be prepared and watch the local news.

You can rent a car at the airport where most of the major international companies have a presence. There are also several large local companies which will deliver the car outside of the airport.

Athens is not a friendly city for cyclists, as it does not have many bicycle lanes, and the car drivers tend to drive quite aggressively. Nevertheless (or maybe because of this) riding a bicycle in Athens has become lately some sort of a political (counter-)action, especially by young people with an alternative lifestyle. In general, tourists not familiar with the terrible Athenian traffic are not advised to use a bicycle as a principal means of transport. But within the network of pedestrian streets in the historical city centre, rides are safe and can be quite enjoyable. A bike hire scheme is at its fledgling stages; its bike station is in Technopolis.

The "My City with a Bike" initiative, taken by the General Secretariat for the Youth^{[dead link]} and several NGOs, offers free conducted tours with free bikes every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00 all year round except for the rainy days. Booking 10 days in advance is required, either by email ([email protected]) or ☏ +30 8011 19 19 00.

With the exception of touristy streets, walking in Athens is a little challenging. Athens' traffic can make crossing the street in some areas difficult, and walking down some very urban streets is an unpleasant experience due to noise pollution. The humidity of summer is exhausting, and there are parks to provide an escape from it. Fortunately, much of the traffic-plagued area of the city can be avoided by the use of the new Metro, which goes most places a visitor would want to see or walk around in.

However, several central streets have been pedestrianized. A mostly car-free archeological walk starts at Vasilisis Amalias Street, passes in front of the New Acropolis Museum, Acropolis, Herodion Theatre, Thiseio (Apostolou Pavlou Str), Ermou Street and ends at the popular area of Kerameikos (Gkazi) where there are many bars and clubs. Pleasant walking can also be had in Plaka, especially its upper reaches, and in much of Kolonaki. The National Garden can provide a welcome respite from the heat and noise of the city centre. Wear comfortable shoes with good traction, and make sure that you leave home any high heels or similar shoes. Some sensitive archeological sites have banned heels because the pointed heels damage the soft, slippery marble that you're walking on. Also the Mayor of Athens announced a big plan to pedestrianize, modernize and rebuilt a lot of central roads in order to offer more accessible walking routes to citizens and tourists.

The 37.9714523.723771 Acropolis of Athens   was the ancient fortified town of Athens, dating back to the Late Bronze Age. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic role and the many iconic buildings of the Greek Classical age, among them the Parthenon, the Erectheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The key landmark of Athens, visible from afar, Acropolis dominates the Athenian sky and symbolizes the foundation of modern culture and civilization. Many portions of the site are undergoing major, needed renovations. Some views will be marred by scaffolding.

The Acropolis is open daily, 08:00-19:00 during summer, 08:00-17:00 during winter. ☏ +30 210 3214172. The normal entrance price is €20. The price is discounted or free for many categories of individuals, such as under-18s and European university students. A €30 ticket can be purchased which also provides admission to various other Athens historic sites (Acropolis and Slopes, Kerameikos and its museum, Ancient Agora and its museum, Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, Olympieion, The Lyceum) within five days. If possible, arrive early to avoid heavy crowds (before 9am), and summer heat when relevant. The queue to buy tickets can be very long - expect to wait more than an hour. If you can, buy tickets online, the ticket is then sent by email with a QR code which will be scanned at the entrance gate. There are also a limited number of free days for the public listed each year - check Acropolis' website.

Acropolis has 2 entrances: west and south. Entrance from the south will be started with Theater Of Dionysos.

Entrance is from the west end of the Acropolis. From the Akropoli metro stop and New Acropolis Museum, walk west along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street and take the first right on to Theorias; from the Thissio metro stop west of Monastiraki, walk west to Apostolou Pavlou Street, turn left on it, and walk south to turn left on Theorias. From Plaka, you can walk south up steep Mnisikleous Street as far as you can go and turn right on Theorias. Following European regulations, disabled access to the Acropolis can be gained by means of special paths and a purpose-built lift on the north face of the hill, only for the use of those in wheelchairs.

A canteen with a wide range of food and drink is reached before you get to the ticket kiosk - but beware: refreshments are available only at exorbitant prices. You will definitely need a bottle of water with you in the hot summer, so either bring it with you or buy it from the kiosk on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, just outside the entrance. There are water fountains within the site, but the water isn't always cold.

Guides can nearly always be found offering to show you around - at a price - at the point where tickets are checked. As an alternative, ask for the free leaflet published by the Archaeological Resources Fund, which includes a ground plan of the site and valuable information on the various monuments.

Additional historic sites and artifacts at the foot of the Acropolis are also included in the admission ticket. Most notably:

• 37.9706723.727642 Theatre of Dionysus. Classical Athens' main theatre, the first theatre ever built. Many of the great Greek plays were performed here for the first time. According to Plato's Symposium, it could hold an audience of 19,000 spectators. Aristophanes' The Clouds, mocking Socrates, was first performed here, and Plato considered this play to be a contributing factor in Socrates' trial and execution.  
• 37.970923.724573 Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This theatre, built in 161 CE, is still used for concerts and plays. The stone backdrop is still preserved to a remarkable height of 3 stories, because it was incorporated into a later fortification on the site.  

• 37.97166723.7194444 Pnyx (Ancient Greek: Πνύξ; Greek: Πνύκα, Pnyka) (500 m (1,600 ft) west of the Acropolis). If Athens is the birthplace of democracy, then Pnyx is its cradle. Around 507 BCE this rocky hill, overlooking the Akropolis, became the meeting place for the ekklesia, Athens' early democratic assembly. This site thus witnessed addresses by Pericles, Aristides and Alcibiades during the "Golden Age" of Athens, and had a capacity for 6000 to 13,000 hearers. The site was redesigned several times, creating three distinct phases in its history, until the ekklesia moved to the Theatre of Dionysos some time during the first century BCE. During the Roman era Pnyx was instead used as a sanctuary of Zeus. Free. (updated Mar 2019)

• 37.975123.72245 Ancient Agora (just to the west of Plaka and easily walked to by following the pleasant section of Hadrian (Adrianou) Street leading west from Hadrian's Library). Tu-Su 08:30 - 15:30, M 10:00-15:30. The site of the Ancient Agora in a green space with a beautiful view of the Acropolis. From the agora you can walk towards Acropolis. Extension of the agora is the Roman Forum. €8, reduced €4, tickets valid for the archaeological site and the museum of the Ancient Agora. (updated Mar 2019)

Contains the following sites:

• 37.975723.72156 Temple of Hephaestus. The best preserved ancient Greek temple, 5th century BCE. (updated Mar 2019)
• 37.975223.72427 Stoa of Attalus (Museum of the Ancient Agora). This reconstructed ancient building is used as a museum housing relics found in the Agora. (updated Mar 2019)
• 37.97423.72398 Church of the Holy Apostles (Agias Apostoli). One of the oldest churches in Athens (11th century).  

• 37.974323.72659 Roman Agora (Roman Forum) (at the western end of Plaka). 08:30 - 16:00. It houses the Tower of the Winds, an eight-sided tower with a different wind deity on each side, the remains of ancient shops, and a fountain. €6, reduced €3. (updated Mar 2019)
• 37.9785923.7181110 Kerameikos. 08:30 - 16:00. The site of the ancient cemetery of Athens. It also houses the Dipylon Gate, where the Panathenaic procession would begin. Its museum showcasing many of the grave stele and other archaeological items found on the grounds. The site has more than 20 tortoises, so be sure to watch your step and not trample on them. €6, reduced €3. (updated Mar 2019)

• 37.969523.733111 Temple of Olympian Zeus. Only the ruins remain today. The column that has fallen and can still be seen in pieces was brought down during a thunderstorm about a century ago. 
• 37.97407523.74350312 The Lyceum (Λύκειο, Lýkeio). An ancient temple here hosted lectures by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and early meetings of the Athenian Assembly. Aristotle made the temple the home of his school, the Lyceum. It hosted the world's first zoo and botanical garden, as well as a library which preserved classical Greek works for centuries afterwards. Rediscovered in 1996, the site can now be viewed outdoors. Entrance is from the north, from the same entrance as for the Byzantine and Christian museum. €4, reduced €2. (updated Mar 2019)
• 37.99235923.70805913 Plato's Academy. This house of study was founded by the famous philosopher Plato. His equally famous follower Aristotle studied here for 20 years before leaving to found a school of his own. The site is an outdoor free park where you can see the excavated ruins. The ruins are not well explained or particularly impressive. The exact coordinates given here are for a sign which best explains the various ruins in the park. The site is a long walk from all other historic sites, or a single bus route which runs slower than walking on the busy streets.  
• 37.97904423.74159414 Hadrian's Reservoir. Now the base of a summertime outdoor cinema, you can view the remains of the reservoir that was the terminus of an aqueduct that transported water for Roman-era Athenians from Parnitha to the base of Mount Lycabettus. Unfortunately, you can only peer through windows and are not able to descend into the reservoir itself. Free. 

• 37.9683523.7411115 Panathinaiko Stadium, Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, ☏ + 30 210 75 22 984-6, [email protected]. The stadium that housed the first modern day Olympic Games of 1896. Earlier versions of the stadium date as far back as 330 BCE. It's an enormous, white, marble stadium, with a horseshoe configuration. €10 entry / €5 concession. (updated Oct 2022)
• 37.98223.743416 Lycabettus Hill. A 200-m hill bordering the Kolonaki district. You can reach the top by walking (the path starts 15 minutes from Evangelismos metro stop, and will take 30 minutes to walk up the winding, but paved and not steep, path) or by a funicular railway (€8 single/€10 return trip). From halfway up looking towards the sea there are astonishing views of the Parthenon with the blue of the sea glimpsed between its columns. And from the top you can see the whole city, the port of Piraeus and, on a clear day, the island of Aegina and the Peloponnese. Have a drink at the cafe there, and pay a visit to the chapel of St George. (updated Jan 2023)
• 38.03612923.78540317 Olympic Stadium (Eirini Station (Metro Line 1)).  
• 37.9847923.7253218 National Theatre, Agiou Konstantinou 22. A low but imposing building erected between 1882 and 1890 by architect Ernst Ziller in the eclectic style of that age, commissioned by King George I.  

• 37.9755523.7348419 Syntagma Square. Check out the Parliament building and the newly restored Grande Bretagne Hotel. Also, catch the changing of the guards in front of the Parliament every hour on the hour. Their uniforms and walking style are very fun to see. Make sure you don't stand on the wrong side of them if you want to take a picture. If you accidentally do so, they will knock their gun and, as they are not allowed to speak, someone else from the guard will kindly ask you to change position. A more elaborate version of the ceremony takes place at 11AM every Sunday, when it is accompanied by a marching military band.  

• 37.9752923.7370720 Hellenic Parliament Building. Formerly the royal palace, lining the eastern side of the square and guarded by kilted and pom-pommed soldiers - the evzones (ev-zone-ees). 
• 37.9755323.7364121 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  

• 38.0129823.6359322 Daphni Monastery, Athinon avenue, ☏ +30 210 5811558, [email protected]. Tu and F 08:00-15:00. An 11th-century Byzantine monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site. Damaged by an earthquake in 1999, but has now been fully restored. Free admission. (updated Mar 2018)
• 37.96083323.79833323 Kaisariani Monastery and Gardens, Kaisariani Monastery (It's easiest to take a taxi), ☏ +30 210 723 6619. A nice escape from the city in the foothills of Mount Hymettus. Walking trails. There's a functional monastery one can walk in, and several ruined chapels or basilicas up on the walks. (updated Feb 2023)

Because of its antiquity and influence, Athens is full of museums and galleries. The major ones are the National Archeological Museum, the Acropolis Museum, the Benaki and Museum of Cycladic Art, the Agora Museum, and the Kanellopoulos and Folk Art Museums.

Art museums

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The visual arts have a big role in the Athenian life. Next to big institutions such as the National Gallery and the Benaki Museum, many small private galleries are spread across the city centre and the surrounding areas, hosting the works of contemporary visual and media artists. Bar galleries have sprung up, where you can have a drink or a coffee while visiting an exhibition.

• 37.9760223.7403827 Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, 1 Koumbari St. & Vas. Sofias Ave. W F 10:00-18:00; Th Sa 10:00-00:00; Su 10:00-16:00. Visit the beautiful Neoclassical main building which houses collections of Greek art, from ancient times through the Byzantine period and the modern state. Open late and for free on Thursday evenings. The museum shop is a good place to buy souvenirs. There is a small selection at high prices but the quality is excellent. €9, students, seniors, people with disabilities and teachers €7; temporary exhibitions €7/€5; €25 Benaki Museum Experience ticket entitles the visitor to one entrance per exhibition in all the Benaki Museum buildings, valid for 3 months. (updated Mar 2019)

• 37.975723.7422728 Museum of Cycladic Art. M W-Su 10:00 to 17:00, open till 20:00 on Th. Holds the second largest collection of Cypriot antiquities in the world outside Cyprus, after the Metropolitan Museum in New York. Some of the most popular exhibits include the Cycladic figurines, the idols from Early Bronze Age Cyclades, whose style greatly influenced modernist work in the 20th century, and Cypriot pottery and Ancient Greek artifacts, especially the ‘Scenes of Daily Life in Ancient Greece’ display, which is popular with families. They also sell great souvenirs, and lunch is available at the elegant Aethrion Café. If you are lucky, there may be a quirky temporary exhibition too (with no extra entry fee), as they hold archaeological, modern and contemporary art exhibitions. €7, on Mondays and students - €3.50. (updated Mar 2019)
• 37.9756323.7493829 National Gallery, Michalakopoulou 1. It's one of Greece's main art institutions and features paintings and works of art from some of Greece's and Europe's best from the 19th and 20th centuries. Emphasis is given to popular Greek contemporary artists including Giannis Tsarouchis, Domenikos Theotokopoulos (a.k.a. El Greco), Theodors Vrizakis, Nikolaos Kounelakis, Nikiforos Litras, Konstantinos Parthenis, Maleas, Giannis Moralis and others. (updated Mar 2019)
• 37.9792423.7202330 Benaki Museum of Islamic Art, 22 Ag. Asomaton & 12 Dipilou Streets – Kerameikos. Th F Sa Su 10:00-18:00. An excellent collection which anyone interested in Islamic art will want to see. The museum was opened in 2004 as a branch of the Benaki, but is in a different part of town in two connected buildings. €9; students, seniors and teachers €7. (updated Feb 2019)
• 37.97253323.73230831 Museum of Greek Folk Art, 22 Panos str., Plaka. M W-Su 08:00-15:00. An excellent museum of its type. Too often neglected by visitors to Athens, even though it is in the heavily touristed Plaka neighbourhood. Displays include artefacts, tools, primitive painting, folk pottery and interior decor. It is particularly strong on costume and embroidery. €2; students from non–EU countries, senior citizens from EU €1; under 19, students from EU (with ID), and people with disabilities free. (updated Dec 2017)
• 37.9808823.7214432 Athens Municipal Art Gallery (Pinakothiki), Pireos, 51 (near Koumoundourou square), ☏ +30 210 3231841. M-F 09:00-13:00 and 17:00-21:00. Paintings of Greek painters of the first half of the 20th century are displayed.  
• 37.9526423.847633 Vorres Museum, 1 Parodos Diadochou Constantinou St., Paiania, Attiki (Public transport: Metro Line 3 to Nomismatokopio, then bus 125 or 308 to 1st Agias Triado stop. Alternatively: Metro Line 3 to Koropi, then bus 307 to 2nd Agias Triados stop). Sa Su 10:00-14:00, weekdays by appointment only and for groups of at least 20 people. A museum of folk and contemporary art. Its grounds cover 320,000 m² (80 acres) including several buildings, gardens and courtyards. Its collection includes over 6,000 pieces covering 4,000 years of Greek history and art. The museum was donated by the Vorres family to the Greek state. €5, students €3. (updated May 2015)

Other museums

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• 37.64805621.31588934 Museum of Ancient Greek Technology Kotsanas - A very interesting museum that should not be missed. Excellent demonstration of some fantastic inventions of the ancient Greeks. Most models are functional and can be interacted with. It's a relatively small museum, but if you take the time to read everything, it will take several hours. A "must see".
• 37.977523.73277835 National Historical Museum (Old Parliament), ☏ +30 210 3237617, [email protected]. Tu-Su 08:30-14:30. In the old parliament building on Stadiou Street a little northwest of Sytagma Square, this museum contains a large collection of historic documents such as the first constitution of Greece, furniture, equipment from the revolution. If you are lucky you may see the old session room. €3.  
• 37.977823.735436 Numismatic Museum. Situated just north of Syntagma Square, the building of the museum is one of the most beautiful in Athens, and was built by Ernst Ziller and was used as the residence in Athens of Schliemann. The collection contains thousands of ancient coins and ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Medieval figurines. (updated Dec 2018)
• 37.9744723.7275137 Museum of Greek Popular Musical Instruments. 1-3 Dioyenous, Plaka. A very interesting museum which includes exhibits of traditional Greek musical instruments, with recordings of most of them. (updated Aug 2020)
• 37.9753923.7453438 National War Museum, 2 Rizari, ☏ +30 210 729-0543, +30 210-7252974. Nov-Mar: 09:00-17:00, Apr-Oct: 09:00-19:00. Not in Kolonaki, but just across the street, the National War Museum is the only significant surviving public project of the military dictatorship which ruled Greece 1967 - 1974. The museum's displays are old fashioned and biased towards the more successful periods of Greek military history. The tanks, artillery guns and aircraft on display outside the museum form the most interesting part of its collection, and can be visited for free. €4. (updated Sep 2016)
• 37.9336923.684939 Park of Maritime Tradition, Palaio Faliro. Including the historical warships Georgios Averof, Velos and a replica of an ancient trireme. (updated May 2015)
• 38.10491723.77844440 Hellenic Air Force Museum, Palaio Faliro. A number of old planes from as far back as the 1930s can be seen here. (updated May 2015)
• 37.97813923.71411141 City of Athens Technopolis (At Peiraios Avenue & Persefonis Street, next to the Kerameikos metro station). An industrial museum of incomparable architecture. The centre has assisted in the upgrading of a historic Athens district. (updated Apr 2017)
• 38.05317623.81216542 Spathario Museum (Karagiozis Museum), Mesogeion & Voriou Ipirou 27, ☏ +30 210 80 22 360, +30 210 61 27 245. M Tu Th F 09:00 - 14:00. The first and unique museum of shadow theatre in the world, dedicated to the famous Greek shadow theatre character "Karagiozis". Free. (updated Apr 2019)
• 37.96261523.68871743 Cultural Centre Hellenic Cosmos. 
• 37.99143523.7299144 Hellenic Motor Museum (near Pedion tou Areos and Victoria Metro Station (Line 1)). (updated Apr 2019)
• 38.08826523.80807645 OTE Telecommunications Museum, ☏ +30 21 0620 1899, +30 21 0620 1999. Free. (updated May 2019)
• 37.96747523.69664846 Michael Cacoyannis Foundation cultural center, ☏ +30 210 3418550. (updated May 2019)
• 37.93982523.69634347 Planetary Evgenidio Foundation, 387 Syggrou Ave. (entrance 11 Pentelis st Palaio Faliro, Athens 175 64). (updated May 2019)
• 37.95794823.71930748 Onassis Cultural centre. (updated May 2019)
• 37.98830323.73132149 Epigraphical Museum, 1 Tositsa Str, ☏ +30 210 8232950. (updated May 2019)
• 37.96300923.72533350 National Museum of Contemporary Art. (updated May 2019)
• 37.99445423.70730351 Digital Museum Plato. (updated Sep 2019)
• 37.96664723.78432552 Museum of Mineralogy and Petrology. (updated Sep 2019)
• 37.97523.76152853 Gounaropoulos Museum. (updated Sep 2019)

Several of Athens' hills - Lycabettus and Pnyx (see above), 37.96756423.7221251 Philopappos hill, 37.9679123.739282 Ardettos hill - are planted with pines and other trees, and are more like small forests than typical urban parks.

• 37.9735123.73783 National Gardens, behind the Parliament building (Between the Parliament and Zappeion buildings.). dawn-dusk. A Peaceful and beautiful park in the centre of Athens, easily the coolest place to hide from the summer sun. Wander around, check out the quirky art that seems to sprout up every now and again, look on in disbelief at the "zoo", sit on one of the benches, enjoy the luxuriant flowers and vegetation, marvel at the turtle and duck ponds, have a frappe in the cafe, and spot one of the resident tortoises exploring... it's a fun place to hang out.  
• 37.99283623.7365144 Pedion tou Areos (Field of Mars). Covers 27.7 hectares, near the National Archaeological Museum. (updated Dec 2017)
• 37.969823.726335 Dionysiou Aeropagitou street. This landmark street starts from the Temple of Olympian Zeus at Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, continues under the southern slopes of the Acropolis near Plaka, and finishes just beyond the Temple of Hephaestus in Thiseio. The street has been pedestrianised, forming a scenic route. The entire route provides visitors with views of the Parthenon and the Agora (the meeting point of ancient Athenians), away from the busy city centre.  

• 38.17333323.71756 Parnitha National Park. Well-marked paths, gorges, springs, torrents and caves do the protected area. Hiking and mountain-biking in all four mountains remain popular outdoor activities for many residents of the city.  
• 37.807523.7855567 Lake Vouliagmeni, Vouliagmeni. Α rare geophysical formation is to be found that gave the Vouliagmeni suburb its modern name: Lake Vouliagmeni ("Sunk Lake"), a small brackish water lake fed by underground currents seeping through the mass of Mount Hymettus. It was once a large cavern that collapsed following an earthquake, probably during the early Middle Ages. The outline of the collapsed cavern roof can be clearly discerned from a distance. The lake stands at a 40 cm elevation. It continues deep inside the mountain in an underwater cave never fully explored, as its end seems impossible to trace even by employing sonar detection. Many underwater expeditions have been carried out in order to chart it, and a few amateur divers have drowned trying. Because of its constant and comfortable water temperature (24 degrees Celsius year round), the lake functions as a year-round spa, there is an entrance fee. In the area operates a restaurant-bar. €8, children under 5 for free. (updated May 2015)
• 37.98064723.9086798 Attica Zoological Park. €18, children 3-12 years old €14, children under 3 for free. (updated May 2019)
• 37.8638723.741589 Sea Turtle Rescue Society Archelon, Glyfada (50 min by tram from central Athens). They are regularly looking for volunteers who are willing to work on their own costs and are able to take care of injured sea turtles. (updated Dec 2017)
• 37.81906123.76855210 Kavouri Beach. Free entry beach with beautiful nature. (updated Sep 2019)

• Football: The Greek men's national team play home games at Agia Sophia Stadium (capacity 32,500 all seated), aka Opop Arena. Completed in 2022, it's in Nea Filadelpheia 10 km northwest of city centre. The UEFA Europa Conference League final was played there on 29 May 2024.

Athens has four soccer clubs playing in Super League (Σούπερ Λιγκ), the top tier:

AEK Athens play at Agia Sophia Stadium.

Atromitos play at the 9000-seater Peristeri Stadium 3 km northwest of Syntagma.

Olimpiacos play at the 33,300-seater Karaiskakis Stadium in Neo Faliro, 1 km east of Pireaus ferry port.

Panathinaikos play at the 16,000-seater Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium, 1 km northeast of Syntagma.

Lower placed clubs are Apollon Smyrnis at Georgios Kamaras Stadium 5 km north of Syntagma, and Ionikos at Neapolis Stadium 10 km west.

• Basketball: Athens teams playing in the Greek Basket League, the top tier, are Olympiakos at Peace and Friendship Stadium in Neo Faliro, Panionios and Ionikos at Sofia Befon Palaio Faliro Indoor Hall, Peristeri at Peristeri indoor hall (next to Atromitos) and AEK and Panathinaikos both at Nikos Galis Hall.

Athens is home to 148 theatrical stages, more than any other city in the world.

• 37.97084323.72452411 Athens Festival (Athens-Epidaurus Festival). Runs from May to October each year. Offers a wide spectrum of events covering almost every taste. Outside Athens, try to attend a performance at the ancient theater of Epidaurus – a truly unforgettable experience. (updated Jan 2023)

In addition to a large number of multiplexes, Athens plays host to a variety of romantic, open air garden cinemas.

The city also supports a vast number of music venues, most notably:

• 37.9811123.75416412 Athens Concert Hall (Megaro Mousikis). This venue attracts world-famous artists all year round. (updated Dec 2017)

• 37.9406423.6913113