Things to Do
ATHENS RIVIERA
TEMPLE OF POSEIDON | SOUNIO
The Temple of Poseidon at Sounio, it is one of the most significant sanctuaries of the ancient world and a beautiful spot to view the sunset (or sunrise).
LAKE VOULIAGMENI
Located 20 kilometers away from the center, the lake enjoys a temperature of 24° C thanks to underground hot springs. Its water, full of minerals and salt is believed to cure many ailments and skin issues. There is also an excellent cafe-bar-restaurant and shower facilities.
www.limnivouliagmenis.gr
STAVROS NIARCHOS FOUNDATION - CULTURAL CENTER
The impressive Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) designed by famous Italian architect Renzo Piano – is the latest addition to the capital’s art and culture scene. It is the new, state-of-the-art home for the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece, with a two-million-book capacity. The 170,000-sq-metre green park is in regular use, with temporary art exhibitions and free public events.
www.snfcc.org/events
GLYFADA NEIGHBOURHOOD
Glyfada is well known for its vibrant atmosphere, lively entertainment, interesting shopping, and of course the beach. If you’re looking for a relaxing time and some great food by the beach, Glyfada is a great spot!
ATHENS CENTER
ACROPOLIS
Rising up from the centre of Athens is the Acropolis, an ancient citadel on a rocky outcrop, with the Parthenon and several other archaeological sites, including the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library. Dedicated to the Greek goddess of Athena, the ancient Acropolis is where philosophers once questioned the universe; democracy and freedom of speech were born; and temples were built to honour the ancient Greek gods. You can also stand on the Areopagus, where the apostle Paul preached a famous sermon as recounted in Acts 17. The Acropolis can be seen from almost anywhere in the centre of Athens, but if you want truly spectacular views of this ancient wonder, we recommend hopping from hillside by day to rooftop bar by night.
The 5th-century B.C. temple complex on Athens’ hilltop can be visited from 8am-8pm Tue-Sun (Mon 11am-7pm)
ACROPOLIS MUSEUM
Walking distance from the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum is consistently rated as one of the best museums in the world. Devoted to the Parthenon and its surrounding temples, it is brilliantly perched above Athens like a luminous box, housing more than 3,000 artefacts. Located in the central neighbourhood of Makrigianni, the museum is framed by olive trees and propped up by concrete pillars, revealing the site’s archaeological excavation below.
PANATHENAIC STADIUM
You can also visit the Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro), which was excavated in 1869 and hosted the very first modern Olympic Games of 1896. Another interesting experience is to watch the change of guard at Parliament Square, every Sunday morning at 11am.
ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS
This large amphitheatre was built in AD 161 by wealthy Roman Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla. It was excavated in 1857–58 and completely restored from 1950–61. The Athens & Epidaurus Festival holds drama, music and dance performances here in the summer. When you're visiting the Acropolis site, the path leads west from the top of the Stoa of Eumenes, and you can peer down into the odeon from above.
PLAKA AREA
Plaka is one of the oldest yet trendiest neighbourhoods in central Athens full of narrow alleys, shopping boutiques, restaurants, and colourful townhouses. is historic little gem, which was once the central heart of the small city of Athens, is now an area where visitors and locals enjoy wandering around, picking up local souvenirs, enjoying brunch or having a coffee on the stairs of a little ouzeri.
MOUNT LYCABETTUS
Standing 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point of Athens and is located in the suburb of Kolonaki. If you’re on foot, it can take anywhere between 30-90 minutes to get to the top depending on your fitness levels, or a funicular or cliff railway can take you to the top of the hill. The view from Lycabettus Hill is best enjoyed at sunset.