What to do in Attica

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Attica

Types of activities

Where to stay

Attica travel guide

Acropolis showing heritage architecture, landscape views and flowers

Temple of Olympian Zeus which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Athens which includes shopping, markets and street scenes

Top places to visit

1. Acropolis

The Acropolis, the “sacred rock” of Athens, is recognizable from the air, various viewpoints in the city, or from the history books of your childhood. It’s a worldwide symbol of the Golden Age of ancient Greek civilization. Here, you’ll find major portions of Doric temples and other architectural masterpieces, as well as the remnants of sculptures and carvings from the 5th century B.C.

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Acropolis showing landscape views, mountains and forests

2. Syntagma Square

There’s always plenty going on at Syntagma (Constitution) Square, in the center of Athens. Walk up the marble steps and take a seat at one of the cafes to people watch, or go see the changing of the guard in front of the Greek Parliament. Pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and experience the pride that the locals have in their heritage.

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Syntagma Square showing street scenes, an administrative building and a city

3. Parthenon

The Parthenon, the most famous structure at the Acropolis, was completed in 438 B.C. and is a striking example of ancient Greek architecture. Over the centuries, this symbol of strength has survived the rise and fall of civilizations, wars and modern development and today is a source of great pride for the country. Tourists from around the world come to photograph, paint and just gaze in wonder at the Doric columns, statues and detailed reliefs carved into the white marble.

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Step back in time and explore the ancient myths etched into the walls of the largest Doric temple in Greece, originally dedicated to the warrior goddess Athena.

4. Acropolis Museum

The new Acropolis Museum stands in the historic area of Makrygianni just to the south-east of the Parthenon. Construction was finally completed in 2007 - more than 30 years after it was originally conceived. Architects from around the world competed to design this modern structure with over 150,000 square feet (14,000 square meters) of exhibit space. That’s ten times more space than was in the old museum on the hill of the Acropolis.

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5. Monastiraki Flea Market

The Monastiraki Flea Market, at the center of what was once ancient Athens, is an experience not to be missed. Take your time wandering through Avissynias Square, stopping at antique shops as you walk through a maze of street vendors selling both junk and gems. Pick through old books, trendy second-hand clothes, souvenir trinkets, leather crafts, jewelry and more. The value is most often in the eye of the beholder, and street vendors are quite willing to bargain. Across the road is Psiri, which by day has dozens of craft shops and galleries and by night is a maze of cafés, bars, restaurants and night spots.

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Monastiraki Flea Market which includes street scenes, markets and food

What to do in Attica

Popular places to visit

Port of Piraeus

Explore the waterfront in Athens with a trip to Port of Piraeus. Discover the lively bars and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Acropolis

The ancient Greek city rises like a phoenix from the city center of modern Athens, lighting up at night in splendid glory.

Syntagma Square

This square was built in ancient times and remains at the center of political and social activity in modern Athens.

Parthenon

Step back in time and explore the ancient myths etched into the walls of the largest Doric temple in Greece, originally dedicated to the warrior goddess Athena.

Acropolis Museum

This modern museum is labor of love that has taken decades to complete and accommodates millions of visitors each year.

Ermou Street

During your trip to Athens, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Ermou Street. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Monastiraki Flea Market

Find souvenirs, collectables, and one-of-a-kind trinkets at this eclectic group of antique shops, tavernas and outdoor vendors.

Glyfada's Second Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Glyfada's Second Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Glyfada. Amble around this family-friendly area's seaside and enjoy its lively bars.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Stand at the foot of towering columns which honor the father of all Olympic gods at this 1st Century temple.

Explore areas of Attica

Academy of Athens showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and an administrative building

Athens City Centre

4.5/5(483 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Athens City Centre. Top attractions like Syntagma Square and Acropolis are major draws. Catch the metro at Panepistimio Station or Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Plaka

4.5/5(120 area reviews)

Enjoy this historical Athens hub that offers extensive shopping and dining, intermingled with ancient attractions such as the library of Adrianos.

Athens which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and building ruins

Monastiraki

4.5/5(90 area reviews)

Monastiraki is popular for its fantastic nightlife. Explore top sights like Ermou Street and Monastiraki Flea Market, and you can get around town on the metro at Monastiraki Station.

Syntagma

While you're in Syntagma, take in top sights like Syntagma Square and jump on the metro at Syntagma Station to see more of the city.

Mount Lycabettus which includes mountains and a city

Kolonaki

4.5/5(71 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Benaki Museum while getting to know Kolonaki, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Aristippou Station or Evangelismos Station to see more of the area.

Psirri

3.5/5(67 area reviews)

Psirri is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Athens Central Market or Omonoia Square.