Athens Bucket List: The 10 Most Amazing Places to Visit in 2024

Are you planning your trip to the Greek capital and searching for the best places to visit in Athens in 2024? You’re in the right place! In this article, we will share the ultimate list of the top places to visit in Athens to enjoy your trip to the fullest. Let’s discover them!

1. The Acropolis
2. Lycabettus Hill
3. Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre
4. Plaka neighborhood
5. Acropolis Museum
6. National Garden
7. The Archaeological Museum
8. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC)
9. The Museum of Cycladic Art
10. The Temple of Poseidon

The Acropolis of Athens is an all-time favorite for visitors and locals alike! The ultimate symbol of democracy and Greek culture, the Acropolis is one of the best places to visit in Athens, even if you stay in the city for just one day. However, you should keep in mind that in peak season, the waiting lines for the Acropolis and the Parthenon are long. So, if you want to skip the lines and the crowds, your best bet is to pre-book your ticket online!

Extra tip: Don’t forget to savor the panoramic views from the top of the Acropolis hill -they are breathtaking!

If you’re searching for a place to savor panoramic views of the city and the sea, you should visit the top of Lycabettus Hill. There are two ways to do that, either by climbing the hill or by taking the funicular that takes you right to the top, where there are bars and cafes to sit and enjoy your drink with a majestic view. If you’re staying in a hotel in Kolonaki, this shouldn’t be missing from your list!

Nestled on the foot of the Acropolis hill, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus theatre stands out for its unique architecture and captivating atmosphere. This open-air theatre was built between 160 AD and 174 AD, and although parts of it have been destroyed over time, they have been successfully restored. During the summer, many theatrical and musical performances take place here, so be sure to attend at least one of them. It’s a bucket list experience!

Whether it’s your first time visiting Athens or you’ve already been, wandering through the narrow streets of Plaka is a must-do! Full of romantic neoclassical buildings, small courtyards embellished with flowers, cute cafes, and traditional taverns, this neighborhood oozes charm in abundance. If you want to see Plaka at its best, visit it at sunset time and sit at one of the rooftop cafes or bars that offer panoramic views of the city. Watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand while taking in the scenery will be one of the highlights of your trip!

No matter how many days you spend in Athens, you should visit the Acropolis Museum! One of the most famous museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum houses the findings of excavations carried out on the Acropolis Hill, including the iconic Caryatids. Besides the exhibits, another reason you should visit the Acropolis Museum is its stunning architecture. Consisting of glass walls, the building allows exhibits to be seen in natural light and offers stunning views of the Parthenon. What better way to delve into Athens’ fascinating past?

A green oasis in the heart of the city center, the National Garden is an ideal place to take a stroll in Athens, breathe in fresh air, or just escape the crowds. The scenery here is mesmerizing; colorful flowers, tall pine trees, a pond with ducks, a small zoo, a cute cafe, and hundreds of plants and trees create a serene heaven that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle!

Extra tip: If you’re staying in a hotel in Athens city center and seeking a quiet place to run or meditate, the National Garden is your best bet!

If you’re a history buff, you’re bound to love this museum! Located close to the city center, the Archaeological Museum brims with ancient treasures, introducing the visitor to the history of Greece. From sculptures and ancient vases to frescoes and everyday objects, this museum offers a wide range of exhibits that will fascinate you!

Extra tip: You can combine your visit to the Archaeological Museum with a stroll in the Exarcheia neighborhood, which is located within walking distance of it!

If you want to take a break from the bustling city center and unwind in nature by the sea, then you should go to Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre. Sprawling over 21 hectares of parkland, it is a public space with something for everyone, from parks and playgrounds to cafes and a gourmet restaurant.

Extra tip: SNFCC is home to the Greek National Library and the Greek National Opera, offering yearly musical and theatrical performances -be sure you attend at least one!

The Museum of Cycladic Art is one of the top places to visit in Athens! For one thing, it is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building that exudes chic flair. For another, it is home to numerous ancient treasures, from elaborate jewelry and figurines to everyday objects from the Prehistoric to the early Byzantine period. After delving into the past and digging deeper into Greek history, you can sit at the museum’s beautiful cafe and enjoy a cup of coffee or a delicious brunch!

If the weather is good, we highly recommend a day trip to Sounio, where the Temple of Poseidon lies. Perched on the top of a hill overlooking the vast Aegean Sea, this ancient temple was where ancient Greeks would worship Poseidon, the god of the sea. Today, the Temple of Poseidon still attracts visitors from all over the world who come here to marvel at the majestic sunset views!

From ancient temples and museums to gardens and picturesque neighborhoods, there are so many wonderful places to visit in Athens! Are you ready to discover them and let the unique atmosphere of the Greek capital bedazzle you?