If it’s your first trip in Athens, you’ll most likely want to visit Parthenon, Temple of Hephaestus, and Acropolis, but don’t overlook Erechtheion and Plaka.
1. Parthenon
The Parthenon is a cultural icon unlike any other. It is an amazing example of ancient Greek architecture. It was formerly a treasury and, at one point, a Christian church. The Parthenon is now a must-see attraction and the undisputed centerpiece of a visit to the Acropolis (and for some, Greece in general).
2. Temple of Hephaestus
The Temple of Hephaestus is one of central Athens’ best surviving remains. This structure, located within Ancient Agora, was erected between 460 and 420 B.C. and previously served as a Christian church. The structure was eventually repurposed into an archaeological museum before being excavated in 1930 and afterwards opened to tourists.
3. Acropolis
While Greece has several more acropoleis (the plural of “acropolis,” in case you’re curious), this one in downtown Athens is the most well-known. In fact, it is commonly referred to as “The Acropolis.” The Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion are among the structures and ruins erected between 510 and 400 B.C. on an elevated, flat-topped rock.
4. Erechtheion
The Erechtheion, located immediately north of the Parthenon inside the Acropolis complex, was built between 421 and 406 B.C. as a location for Athenians to worship Erechtheus, the mythological ruler of Athens, and other Greek gods. Though smaller than the Parthenon, this edifice contains an Eleusinian gray stone frieze, several sculptures (known as caryatids), and other unusual characteristics, making it one of the most eye-catching monuments on the Acropolis.
5. Plaka
Plaka, the picturesque, ancient area nestled under the Acropolis, is mostly residential. Nonetheless, its variety of restaurants and cafés keeps it teeming with tourists each summer. You may also go shopping, which is very useful if you want to bring home some gold jewelry. Motor cars are not permitted on the twisting streets of this area, so bring a street map and a comfortable pair of shoes. Plaka, according to visitors, has a wonderful ambiance and plenty of fantastic stores for both souvenirs and one-of-a-kind items. If you’d prefer sip a drink when the sun goes down, visitors recommend stopping by one (or more) of the area’s colorful clubs or pubs.
