Athens: What to See, from the Parthenon to the Flea Market

If you’re staying in the city for several days, here’s what to visit in Athens. Tips, inspiration, and practical advice for discovering—and savoring—Athens at its best. Visiting Athens in a weekend is doable, but you’ll have to give up on many attractions.

Even if you want to explore beyond the tourist highlights, Greece’s capital is beloved by lovers of ancient art. Head to the Ancient Agora of Athens, with its magnificent Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos. Also worth a visit: the National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine Museum, and the Benaki Museum. Opera aficionados will enjoy the small Maria Callas Museum, which is free to enter. Athens Guide: let’s discover what to see in Athens, the major monuments of Ancient Athens and its fascinating history.

Top Attractions in Athens

1 The Acropolis & Parthenon

Athens Parthenon. When you think of Athens, you think of the Acropolis—the two are inseparable. This landmark crowns the city and attracts plenty of budget-friendly travelers, as Athens remains one of Europe’s more affordable capitals. The Acropolis—without a doubt—should top your list of things to see in Athens. Perched atop its rocky hill, the Parthenon dominates the skyline; it’s the city’s iconic symbol and number one tourist and cultural attraction. The temple’s grandeur impresses, especially at night, as golden floodlights illuminate the hill and the cityscape unfolds below. One side offers sweeping views over Athens, while the other reveals glimpses of the Peloponnese.

2 Acropolis Museum & Plaka District

Not far from the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum invites you to discover ancient treasures. Afterwards, wander the historic streets of Plaka, at the foot of the Acropolis hill. Although buzzing with tourists, bars, and guesthouses, Plaka retains beautiful Byzantine churches and labyrinthine alleys, offering authentic local charm.

Acropolis Opening Hours

Daily: Summer, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM; Winter, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.

Acropolis Ticket Price

An Acropolis ticket costs about €12 and grants access to the Roman Forum, the Agora, Keramikos, the Theater of Dionysus, and the Temple of Zeus.

Acropolis Metro Stop

Stop: Akropolis Monastiraki.

What to See in Athens: Museums

3 National Archaeological Museum of Athens

Archaeological Museum Athens: The largest archaeological museum in Athens, home to artifacts of ancient Greek civilization. Lovers of art and culture shouldn’t miss this collection, which features relics from the volcanic eruption of Thera—the island better known as Santorini—dating to the 16th century BC. The Mycenaean collection is especially fascinating, with ancient jewelry, weapons, and objects from between the 9th and 16th centuries BC.

National Archaeological Museum Hours

Daily: Summer, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM; Winter, Tuesday–Sunday, 8:30 AM–3:00 PM; Monday, 1:00 PM–7:30 PM.

National Archaeological Museum Ticket Price

Admission is about €7.

National Archaeological Museum Metro Stop

Stop: Victoria.

4 Benaki Museum

The Benaki Museum showcases the art collection of Antonis Benaki, donated to the state in 1954 along with his residence, which now houses the exhibits. The diverse collection covers three millennia, up to the time of the donation, and includes treasures from Thessaly, exquisite jewelry, and many other significant objects.

Benaki Museum Opening Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM; Thursday: 9:00 AM–Midnight, free entry.

Benaki Museum Ticket Price

Admission is around €6.

Benaki Museum Metro Stop

Stop: Syntagma.

Things to Do in Athens

5 Monastiraki Flea Market

For bargain hunters, dedicate Sunday morning to the vibrant Monastiraki Flea Market. For upmarket shopping, head to the stylish districts of Thissio and Gazi.

6 Central Market of Athens

Getting to know Athens means immersing yourself in the city’s commercial heart. The Central Market is the city’s main food market, where local Athenians shop daily. It is open Monday through Saturday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Central Market Metro Stop

Stops: Monastiraki and Omonia.

7 Getting to Athens and Getting Around

How to Get to Athens

Athens Airport: The city is accessible via the international airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), about 30 km northeast of downtown. Bus line X94 connects the Amina Ethniki (Pentagon) metro station to the airport, with departures every 10–20 minutes from 06:30 to 20:55. Express line X95 Syntagma Square – Airport departs from Syntagma Square in central Athens directly to the airport. Athens Metro: The metro is a convenient and efficient way to get around.

Getting Around Athens

The city is easily explored on foot, with most sights close together and many pedestrian streets. Alternatively, buses are affordable—though often crowded. The metro has three lines:

• Line 1 (green): Piraeus–Kifisià, 24 stations, 26 km (3 km underground);
• Line 2 (red): Anthoupoli–Elliniko, 20 stations, 18.6 km (fully underground);
• Line 3 (blue): Agia Marina–Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, 21 stations, 40 km.

The Proastiakos suburban railway also serves the city, along with two tram lines.

8 Where to Eat and Drink in Athens

Athens Nightlife

After dark, Athens comes alive. The city offers plenty of affordable bars and nightspots, especially in the Psirrì and Gazi districts—former industrial zones now at the heart of the city’s nightlife. From cocktail bars and clubs to spaces for creatives and intellectuals, Athens buzzes late into the night, both summer and winter. In warmer months, many clubs move to the coast, sometimes right on the beach. Whether you’re in Athens for the nightlife, culture, or the thrill of discovering a vibrant European capital, there’s always something to do—making it a great value for travelers.

9 Where to Stay in Athens

Athens Hotels: Accommodation options suit every budget, from luxury hotels to cozy, romantic places in the Plaka area. The Syngrou area is mainly for business travelers and is less interesting for tourists. Here’s a selection of recommended hotels in Athens.