Athens attractions

Saturated with history, Pnyx Hill is considered the birthplace of democracy: Athenians gathered on this rocky slope just west of the Acropolis to discuss issues around politics and governance as far back as the fifth century BC. Today, you can still spot the stone speakers’ platform where the great orators of the time would address the assembled (male) citizens.

A rare example of Ottoman architecture in Athens, the newly restored 17th-century Fethiye Mosque is only open to the public for special exhibitions and cultural events. Its tiled domes, arched portico, marble columns, and other architectural details are visible from the outside, however, and easy to admire along with the neighboring Tower of the Winds.

If your ideas of ancient Greece centered on gods, heroes, and perhaps philosophers, the Herakleidon Museum will turn everything you thought you knew upside down. Exhibits explore ancient science and technology, including “automatic” gates, a “robot” slave girl, the Antikythera Mechanism “computer”, and a wealth of military and naval innovations.

One of the trendiest neighborhoods in central Athens, hip Koukaki is known for its independent shops and eateries, vibrant art scene, and buzzy cafés that are more focused on locals than the touristy pubs in neighboring Plaka. Set just below the Acropolis, this charming district offers a taste of local life steps from the city’s main sights.

This stately residence set along Herodou Attikou Street—one of the most elegant thoroughfares in the capital—was transformed from the Royal Palace to the Presidential Mansion with the overthrow of the Greek monarchy in 1974. Its 19th-century neoclassical design and lush French-style gardens make it a must-see for architecture buffs, while the hourly changing of the guard is a perennial crowd-pleaser.

TAF (The Art Foundation) is the ultimate destination for contemporary art lovers in Athens. Located in a 19th-century neoclassical building near the trendy Monastiraki Flea Market, this independent cultural center draws visitors with its bar, art gallery, shop, and exhibition rooms. Known as a thriving epicenter for arts and culture, TAF regularly hosts events including music, dance, theater, and photography, in addition to its regular exhibits.

Jutting out into the turquoise waters of the Saronic Gulf, Lagonisi is one of the most scenic and exclusive seaside resorts on the Athenian Riviera. Though it’s just an hour south of Athens, this stretch of coast lined with pebble and sand beaches seems worlds away from the city bustle. Head here for a day of sun and fun to break up your sightseeing in Greece’s capital city.

Greece’s biggest and best museum of natural history, this kid-friendly destination in Athens offers educational exhibits to illustrate the country’s geology, biodiversity, and ancient history. Explore the vast collection of fossils, shells, and minerals, as well as insect, mammal, bird, and reptile species, not to mention a model T-Rex and an earthquake room. The Gaia Centre has interactive displays on evolution.

Notable for being one of the only zoos in Greece—and for housing one of the largest collections of bird species in the world—the Attica Zoological Park is a family-friendly attraction that's great for a day trip. Located in the Athens suburb of Spata, the 49-acre (20-hectare) zoo is a perfect choice if you're looking to escape crowds in the city. Today, it's home to more than 300 animal species.

One of Greece’s biggest amusement parks, Allou! Fun Park features two distinct zones, one for teens (Allou!) and one for younger children (Kidom). Enjoy fairground fun, including a ferris wheel, roller coasters, bumper cars, and a haunted house, as well as water rides, racing cars, and laser games. There’s also a wealth of food options.

One of the most striking examples of contemporary architecture in Athens, the Onassis Stegi is a state-of-the-art visual and performing arts facility. It hosts theatrical productions, art installations, musical performances, and other cultural exhibitions. Stegi’s clean lines and white marble are a subtle nod to ancient Greece, but its events remain firmly rooted in the 21st century.

Featuring classic marble architecture, Polis Hammam is a spa and wellness destination offering an authentic Hammam experience in Athens. You can immerse yourself in 10 traditional Hammam baths dating from the Greek, Roman, and Ottoman periods, and choose from treatments including sauna services, massages, and exfoliating baths.