Athens, Greece: what to see and do
In Attica, Athens has a recorded history stretching back more than 3,000 years. People have lived here continuously since Neolithic times. The city became the capital of the modern Greek state in 1834. In 1896, it hosted the inaugural modern Olympic Games.
Things to do in Athens
Plaka has remained inhabited from ancient times to the present. Within Plaka, people from the island of Anafi built and settled Anafiotika in the mid-19th century. The Tower of the Winds dates to the 2nd or 1st century BC. Hadrian's Library dates to 132 AD. Construction of the Zappeion Mansion in central Athens took place from 1874 to 1888.
The National Archaeological Museum is one of the world's most important archaeological museums. At the Museum of Cycladic Art, which opened its doors in 1986, the main building displays more than 3,000 objects. Near Kolonaki, Lycabettus Hill reaches an elevation of 277 metres above sea level. Filopappou Hill reaches 147 metres and bore the name Hill of the Muses in ancient Greece.
The Acropolis in Athens
The Acropolis and Parthenon are part of the legacy Athens left from its 5th-century BC flourishing. Pericles initiated the construction of the Parthenon between 447 and 438 BC. It replaced the unfinished marble Older Parthenon (Pre-Parthenon), destroyed by the Persians in 480 BC. Ictinus and Callicrates were the architects responsible for its design.
A Doric temple surrounded by columns, the Parthenon has eight along each short side and seventeen along each long side. A Venetian bomb caused an explosion at the temple in 1687, during Morosini's siege. Lord Elgin removed much of its sculpture in 1801 to 1812.
Mnesicles built the Acropolis Propylaea between 437 and 432 BC, during the age of Pericles. At its centre are two Doric porticoes, each with six columns.
Tours to Corinth and Delphi
The private half-day tour of Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal lasts 6 hours and includes private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, a licensed professional guide, and guided visits to the canal viewpoint, Ancient Corinth archaeological site and its archaeological museum.
The full-day guided tour from Athens to Delphi, with its oracle and ruins lasts 9 hours and 30 minutes, with transport in a Mercedes vehicle, a certified professional English-speaking driver, fuel and driver expenses included.
The Athens Riviera and Sounion
The southern coastline known as the Athens Riviera runs between Faliro and Sounion. In the myth associated with Sounion, King Aegeus fell into the sea, giving the Aegean its name.
The private tour to Cape Sounion with sunset at the Temple of Poseidon lasts 5 hours and 30 minutes, including private transport throughout, a licensed professional guide, and itinerary planning and logistics.
Transport connections
Athens International Airport lies about 33 km east of the city centre. Metro line 3 reaches Syntagma in about 40 minutes. Piraeus is the terminus of Athens metro line 1.
Frequently asked questions
When did Athens become the Greek capital?
Its designation as the capital of the modern Greek state dates to 1834.
When was the Parthenon built?
Construction took place between 447 and 438 BC, on the initiative of Pericles.
Which museums are in Athens?
The National Archaeological Museum is one of the world's most important archaeological museums, while the main building of the Museum of Cycladic Art displays more than 3,000 objects.
Where does the Athens Riviera extend?
It follows the southern coastline between Faliro and Sounion.
How does the metro connect the airport to central Athens?
Line 3 reaches Syntagma in about 40 minutes.
