Ultimate Must-see Places in Athens You Cannot Miss

Are you planning a last-minute trip to beautiful Athens this fall? Athens is really a gorgeous city worth exploring and if you are indeed looking for a last-minute seaside destination – go for it. In this blog post, we bring you the ultimate must-see places in Athens you cannot miss.

Athens is quite amazing at the end of October / beginning of November because the temperatures are significantly lower, and there are not that many tourists wandering around — you get to explore it in peace. But we need to note, you might need an umbrella at some moments. There are so many gorgeous places in Athens, and in this blog post, we’ll show you a few that would be a shame to miss.

Let’s explore gorgeous Athens…

Acropolis — The Symbol of Greek Civilization

Visiting the Acropolis is a unique opportunity to go back through history and see one of the most impressive and glorious creations of humankind. Tourists often mix the Acropolis and the Parthenon, so let’s clear this up: Acropolis is the hill where Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena sits upon, as well as the Odeon Herodes Atticus, Propylaea and Erectheion, all parts of the Acropolis complex. Acropolis dates from the 5th century and it is built to have a better view of invaders. It is the main and the most known symbol of Athens and if you didn’t climb up this hill it is almost like you’ve never been to Athens.

If you’re interested in more historical facts and are planning a visit to Athens and the Acropolis, we highly recommend you to check out our mobile guided tour and add it to your planner so you can use it afterward — even when you’re offline: Acropolis Tour

Athens, Acropolis

Athens, Acropolis Hill

Athens, Acropolis — Parthenon

Agora — The Center of Ancient Athens

One place, two archaeological sites to be explored — Ancient and Roman Agora (Agora – central gathering place). The Ancient Agora used to be the central marketplace but also a place where Socrates and Plato were gathering to debate ideas and civic actions, so it served as a public speaking spot, too. It is amazing knowing that you are standing at a place where Greek philosophers were standing and debating about democracy. The Roman Agora, built at the foot of the Acropolis hill, was basically the same, but it was built under Roman rule — with the help of Julius Caesar and Augustus. There are some quite amazing ruins to be seen here — don’t miss it.

There is also a tour available for amazing Ancient and Roman Agora, be sure to check it out: Ancient and Roman Agora

Ancient Agora

Roman Agora Ruins

Vasilissis Sofias Street — One of The Best Athens’ Walks

This is one of the busiest avenues in the city center. Starting from Megaro Mousikis metro station downwards towards Syntagma Square, you will experience very different and interesting features of the city of Athens, such as its architecture and its museums. If you are a museum lover, this street is for you. On the way, you will pass by the Byzantine Museum, the War Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, and many more. In the middle of your route, you can admire the Dromeas (eng. Runner), a giant sculpture by Costas Varotsos. It is constructed of thousands of sharp greenish pieces of glass stacked atop each other to form the blurred shape of a runner in motion.

Want to learn a little about all those amazing buildings along the Vasilissis Sofias street? Get our guided tour through this charming avenue and discover a thing or two about their history: Vasilissis Sofias Street

Vasilissis Sofias Street
© Maria Androulaki

Plaka — The Most Picturesque Athens’ Neighborhood

In the shadow of the Acropolis hill, the old historical neighborhood of Plaka will take you back in time. It is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Athens. The antiquities, museums, architectural gems, small taverns, and pleasant smells hidden amongst the charming labyrinthine streets will surely leave you breathless. Pay special attention to Anafiotika street — this narrow street is full of bougainvillea trees, surprising urban art, and cats.

Since there is so much to see in Plaka, be sure to use the help of our media guided tour, that you can find on the following link: Plaka: The Most Picturesque Area in Athens

Plaka in Athens
© Maria Androulaki

Plaka in Athens
© Tilemahos Efthimiadis / CC BY-SA 2.0

Monastiraki and Its Amazing Flea Market

Monastiraki is also an old charming neighborhood like Plaka is. If you need some souvenirs to bring back home (and you do, of course) Monastiraki’s flea market is the place to seek those. You can find all kinds of stuff here, cheap and less cheap, if you explore it well enough you will even find some great shops with handmade products. One of those shops is a famous poet shoemaker’s workshop, named Melissinos Art where you can have sandals tailormade just for you. Monastiraki is a funky neighborhood with a really interesting and unique vibe and attractive youthful energy. So check it out, explore and have fun.

Monastiraki in Athens

Monastiraki in Athens, the Flea Market
© Weekend Wayfarers / CC BY-SA 2.0

Are you looking forward to your trip to Athens? Be sure to explore our media guided tours through Greek capital, add them to our practical Trip Planner and use them on the spot — even offline.