Must-see historical sites in Athens, Greece
If you’ve ever stood in front of a crumbling column and thought, “If these stones could talk…” well, Athens is the kind of place where they do. There are so many historical sites in Athens, you might not know where to start!
You’ll be walking through quiet alleyways filled with jasmine and bougainvillaea, then suddenly stumble onto a 2,000-year-old ruin, just sitting there, part of everyday life.
In this post, we’ll walk you through some of the most important and fascinating historical sites in Athens, the sorts of places that give you goosebumps when you realise just how old (and alive) they are.
And you can reach them all with our City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, which makes getting around simple, even in the summer heat.
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Why you can't miss Athens' most iconic historic gems
Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, over 3,400 years old. It’s the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, theatre and basically half the words in your old school textbooks. However, what truly makes it special is the seamless blend of ancient life and modern energy.
The historical sites in Athens aren’t just old stones or tourist stops. They’re living proof of ideas that shaped the modern world. When you’re standing where Socrates once questioned everything, or where citizens voted on city decisions 2,500 years ago, it hits differently. It feels personal.
Oh, and the weather? Athens gets more than 250 days of sunshine a year. Even in winter, you can often sit outside in a T-shirt by the sea. If you’re planning to visit Athens during the spring, here’s our perfect guide to Athens in the spring.
And while the Acropolis might steal the spotlight (as it should), there’s a lot more here that makes Athens one-of-a-kind.
Read on to find out about some of the sites that really stand out, what’s special about each one, how to get there, what it’ll cost and the little tips that make a big difference when you’re out exploring.
The Acropolis of Athens
You can’t talk about historical sites in Athens without talking about the Acropolis. Perched high above the city, the Acropolis isn’t just the most iconic site in Athens, it’s one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. You’ve probably seen a photo of the Parthenon before. But standing in front of it? Completely different feeling.
The Acropolis was the heart of ancient Athens, a symbol of power, art and devotion to the gods. What you see today is mostly from the 5th century BC, and it’s still jaw-dropping. There’s the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids, and the Temple of Athena Nike, all set against sweeping views of the modern city below.
- Getting there: Super easy, just hop on a City Sightseeing bus and hop off stop 2 on the Red Route (Acropolis-Plaka). From there, it’s a short uphill walk.
- Opening hours: 1st April to 31st Aug: 08:00 – 20:00, 1st Sep to 15th Sep: 8:00 – 19:30, 16th to 30th Sep: 8:00 – 19:00, 1st to 15th Oct: 8:00 – 18:30, 16th to 30th Oct: 8:00 – 18:00, 1st Nov to 31th Mar: 8:00 – 17:00. The last entrance is half an hour before closing time.
- Top tip: The stones can be slippery, especially when it’s dry. Wear trainers or good walking shoes.
- Why visitors love it: Most people say it’s the moment they realise how small and connected we are to history. Plus, the views from the top are something else. Sunset here? Unforgettable.
Ancient Agora of Athens
This was the beating heart of ancient Athenian life. The city’s original town square, it was a place where people gathered to shop, chat, argue about politics and listen to philosophers like Socrates stir things up.
You can still see the foundations of old shops, government buildings, temples and the beautifully restored Stoa of Attalos, which now houses a small but fascinating museum. The Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece, is also here and, honestly, it’s a bit of a hidden gem compared to the Acropolis.
- Getting there: Hop on our City Sightseeing bus and hop off at stop 14 on the Red Route (Monastiraki). The Agora entrance is just a few minutes’ walk.
Why people love it: It’s quieter than the Acropolis, and wandering through it feels a bit like time-travel.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Built to honour Zeus, the king of the gods, this was once one of the largest temples in the ancient world. It took over 600 years to finish, emperors came and went, and it finally opened under Roman rule.
Today, only a few towering columns remain, but they give you a real sense of its former scale. One column even toppled over in a storm in the 19th century, and it’s still lying there like a fallen giant.
- Getting there: Hop off the City Sightseeing bus at stop 5 (Temple of Zeus) on the Red Route. You’ll see the columns from a distance – they’re hard to miss!
- Opening hours: Summer (April to October): 08:00 – 19:00, Winter (November – March): 08:00 – 15:00
- Why it’s worth it: The sheer size of those columns makes you feel tiny. And it’s just a short stroll from the Acropolis, so perfect to visit next.
Roman Agora and Tower of the Winds
This site was the Roman version of a market and meeting space built when Athens was part of the Roman Empire. It’s a bit smaller than the Greek Agora, but still full of charm.
The highlight? The Tower of the Winds, which is basically an ancient weather station and clock. It’s octagonal, beautifully carved and tells you just how clever the Romans were when it came to engineering.
- Getting there: Just a few steps from Monastiraki Square. Easy to pair with the Ancient Agora.
Why visitors enjoy it: It’s compact and not too crowded, and the Tower of the Winds is surprisingly well preserved. It’s great for a quick but meaningful stop.
Hadrian’s Library
Right in the middle of modern Athens, this site is proof of how the ancient and the everyday coexist here. Built by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD, it was a library, lecture hall and archive, a true centre of learning.
There’s something quite moving about seeing stone columns and fallen walls right next to buzzing cafés.
- Getting there: Hop off the City Sightseeing bus at Red Route stop 14 (Monastiraki Square) or stop 1 (Syntagma Square) – it’s very central.
- What makes it special: It feels like a secret spot in plain sight. Tourists often stumble upon it and end up spending more time than expected just soaking in the atmosphere.
Kerameikos Cemetery
Now this one’s a bit off the usual tourist radar, but well worth your time. Kerameikos was the ancient cemetery of Athens, and it’s surprisingly beautiful. You’ll find stone tombs, peaceful olive trees and even remnants of the old city walls.
There’s also a small museum on-site with some incredibly well-preserved grave markers and sculptures. It’s quiet, shaded and full of stories.
- Getting there: Hop off at the City Sightseeing Red Route stop 14 (Monastiraki Square), then it’s a 10-minute walk.
- Why people are moved by it: It’s not just about death — it’s about how the ancient Greeks remembered and honoured their loved ones. It’s peaceful and touching without being gloomy.
Philopappos Hill and Monument
Just across from the Acropolis, Philopappos Hill and Monument offer something a bit different. You’ll get some of the best sunset views of Athens. At the top is the Philopappos Monument, a tomb built for a Roman prince who loved Athens so much he made it his home.
On your way up, you’ll pass what is believed to be the prison of Socrates, where he was held before his execution. No one really knows for sure if that’s historically accurate or not. But one of the things that makes Athens special is that myths and reality live side by side.
- Getting there: Hop off at stop 4 (Acropolis & Parthenon) on the City Sightseeing Red Route and you’re right there.
- Opening hours: Open 24/7, as it’s a public park
- Price: Free
Why it’s a great spot: A mix of history and nature, with fewer crowds. Plus, it’s a brilliant place to take a break and soak in the view of the Acropolis from across the way.
The Panathenaic Stadium
This is where the modern Olympic Games were born in 1896 but their roots go way deeper. The stadium stands on the site of an ancient racecourse that once held the Panathenaic Games, an early version of the Olympics.
Made entirely from marble, the stadium is both stunning and steeped in history. And yes, you can even run a lap around the track.
- Getting there: Hop off at stop 9 (Ancient Olympic Stadium) on the City Sightseeing Red Route and you couldn’t be closer.
- Why people love it: You can feel the energy of competition and celebration. It’s also one of the few ancient stadiums still standing in the world today.
National Archaeological Museum
Last but definitely not least, this is the most important museum in Greece and one of the finest archaeological museums in the world. It’s where many of the artefacts from Athens’ ruins (and other parts of Greece) end up.
You’ll find the gold Mask of Agamemnon, massive kouroi statues, tools from the Neolithic era, and even ancient surgical instruments. If you like context, this is where the puzzle pieces click together.
- Getting there: Hop off at our dedicated stop 11 (National Archaeological Museum) on the City Sightseeing Red Route and you’re right next to it!
- Why visitors rate it so highly: It brings everything to life. After seeing broken statues in the open air, seeing the intact ones here really shows the craftsmanship and scale of what Athens once was.
Tips for visiting historical sites in Athens
Athens is one of those places where history and modern life sit side by side, but when you’re planning a visit to its ancient landmarks, a little preparation can go a long way. Whether you’re heading there in the heat of summer or catching a milder spring breeze, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of the historical sites in Athens.
- Get a combo ticket: If you’re planning to see the Acropolis and take a hop-on-hop-off bus to explore the city, a combined ticket is excellent value.
- Go early or go late: The busiest time at major sites like the Acropolis is mid-morning to early afternoon, especially during summer. Try to arrive just as sites open (usually 08:00) or an hour or two before closing for a quieter experience and better photos.
- Visit in spring or autumn: The best times to visit Athens are April to early June and September to October. The weather’s pleasant, the city is lively and the historical sites in Athens aren’t quite as packed.
- Hop on the City Sightseeing bus: It’s a great way to get between the major attractions without the hassle of public transport or walking long distances in the heat. It also gives you an overview of the city while you rest your legs.
- Check for free entry days: On certain days (like the first Sunday of the month from November to March), many archaeological sites are free to enter. If your travel dates line up, you could save quite a bit.
Visit the museums too: While the ruins are stunning, the real treasures, statues, jewellery, and everyday objects, are often in nearby museums. Don’t miss places like the Acropolis Museum or the National Archaeological Museum if you want the full story behind what you’re seeing on-site.
Final thoughts: History that stays with you
Athens doesn’t just show you history — it lets you step into it. From the grandeur of the Acropolis to the quieter ruins scattered through its neighbourhoods, every site adds a layer to the city’s long, complex story. What’s striking isn’t just how old everything is, but how much of it still shapes the world we know today.
With so many historical sites in Athens within reach, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You don’t need a guidebook to appreciate it, just a bit of time, an open mind, and a willingness to look a little closer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll need at least 2 full days to see the main highlights, or 3–4 days if you want to take your time. Most key sites are close together, making it easy to plan short visits throughout your stay.
Yes — the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus stops at or near all major sites. It’s a great option in bad weather or heat, plus it offers audio guides and unlimited travel during your ticket period.