Top Picks - Iconic Sights

Athens is so full of history, you could visit every year and not run out of places to visit. These are the places you absolutely can’t miss.

Acropolis & Parthenon

There is no way to overstate this: the Acropolis is one of the most significant monuments in the world. Standing atop this sacred rock, looking out over Athens, you feel the weight of history in every stone. Just think of the minds that gathered here—the philosophers, the visionaries, the people who shaped ideas that still influence the world today. No matter how many times I visit, it still sends a shiver down my spine. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the less heat, best light and fewer crowds.

Acropolis Museum

Beautifully designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Parthenon in the distance, this museum feels like an extension of the ancient site itself. It’s breathtaking, but also bittersweet. The missing Caryatids, the empty spaces where friezes should be - these pieces belong here, in their rightful home. It’s a must-visit to truly appreciate what the Acropolis once was and should be again.

Lycabettus Hill

If you think the Acropolis has the best views of Athens, wait until you see it from Lycabettus Hill. The highest point in the city, this hill offers an unbeatable panorama of Athens - especially at sunset. You can hike up if you’re feeling energetic or take the funicular for an easier ride. Either way, the view from the top, with the Parthenon glowing in the golden hour light, is absolutely worth it.

Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)

The only stadium in the world made entirely of marble (the name literally translates to good marble) and the birthplace of the first modern Olympic Games. Standing here, imagining the roar of the crowds, the energy of the athletes and the legacy of friendly competition that started in Greece - it’s an unforgettable experience. Walk around, run on the track and take in its sheer perfection (Also go into the museum and get some amazing posters from your favourite Olympic city!).

Changing of the Guards (Syntagma Square)

This is a deeply personal one for me - my uncle was once a guard here and every time I watch the ceremony, I get emotional. The Evzones, in their iconic uniforms, perform the changeover in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every hour, but the Sunday 11 AM full-dress ceremony is the most spectacular. The precision, the tradition, the history - it’s a must-see.

National Archaeological Museum

If you’ve ever seen Greek statues or artefacts in history books, chances are, they’re here. This is one of the best archaeological museums in the world, home to treasures from Mycenaean gold to massive kouroi statues. If you love ancient history, you can easily lose hours here.

Benaki Museum

One of my absolute favourite museums in Athens, the Benaki is a love letter to Greek history and culture. Spanning from antiquity to modern times, it offers a beautifully curated look at the evolution of Greece - through art, textiles and everyday objects. If you want a museum experience beyond ancient ruins, this is the one.

Philopappou Hill

Just across from the Acropolis, this hill offers some of the best panoramic views in Athens, without the crowds. A peaceful escape from the city’s buzz, the walk up winds through pine trees, ancient ruins and cobbled paths, leading to a breathtaking lookout over the Parthenon, the sea, and even the distant mountains on a clear day. It’s especially magical at sunset when the city is bathed in golden light.

Exploring the Athens Riviera

Athens isn’t just about ancient ruins and bustling city streets—just a short drive from the centre, the Athens Riviera offers a completely different side of the city. Stretching from Palaio Faliro to Cape Sounion, this coastline is where Athenians escape for sun-drenched afternoons by the sea, long seafood lunches and evening strolls along the waterfront. With crystal-clear waters, stylish beach clubs and some of the best seafood in the country, it’s the perfect way to experience a more relaxed, elegant side of Athens.

We have more details on the Athens Riviera in a separate itinerary, where I break down where to stay, the best beaches, must-visit restaurants and hidden gems along the coast. This will be available as a standalone purchase for those who want to dive deeper into this stunning part of Athens.