7 Must-Visit Spots in Athens, the Ancient European City of Civilization

By MOOK Scenic Travel Life Network / Source: Mook Editorial Department

As the domain of the goddess Athena in Greek mythology, a key cradle of early Western civilization, the birthplace of city-states and democracy, and later the capital of modern Greece, Athens has always held a prominent place in history. Despite being affected in recent years by the economic downturn in Europe, Athens still draws tourists from around the world. All year round, visitors flock to the Acropolis to imagine the shift from aristocracy to democracy; explore the vibrant yet chaotic alleys of Plaka; wander through major museums to recall the glory of ancient Greek civilization; or even climb up to Mount Lycabettus just to admire the city’s undulating beauty.

Recommended Must-Visit Attraction: The Acropolis

In Greek, "Akro" means high ground and "Polis" means city-state. The "Acropolis" refers to a city-state built on high ground. While there are several Akropoleis in Greece, the one in central Athens is the most famous and serves as the best testament to ancient Greek civilization. In the 5th century BC, the residents of Athens built a temple on this hill in the city to honor the goddess Athena, forming the earliest prototype of the Acropolis. However, due to frequent wars between Greece and Persia, the temple was soon occupied and burned down by Persian forces. Later, after Persia suffered defeats in other battles and withdrew from Greece, the Athenian statesman Pericles actively established a democratic system and vigorously promoted cultural and artistic activities, ushering in the peak of Athenian civilization. It was also during this time that reconstruction of the Acropolis began. The Acropolis served not only as a sacred site for worship but also as a political and public space, as well as a defensive fortress. On this 70-meter-high hilltop stand majestic marble structures, each showcasing exquisite architectural details that represent the pinnacle of ancient Greek architecture.

Recommended Must-Visit Attractions: Roman Agora and Tower of the Winds

The Roman Agora was built between the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD and is a relic from the Roman period. Originally, it was a public gathering space and marketplace, with a central avenue leading directly to the Acropolis. Today, however, little remains except for stretches of exposed earth, enclosed by unsightly iron fences. One notable feature is the octagonal Tower of the Winds, whose carvings are still clearly visible. Built in the 1st century by astronomer Andronicus, it is said to have served functions such as indicating direction, timekeeping, and measuring wind direction.

Recommended Must-Visit Attraction: Temple of Olympian Zeus

Similar to the nearby Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was also completed in the 2nd century under Emperor Hadrian. As early as the 6th century BC, the ruler of Athens, Pisistratus, began constructing a temple dedicated to the sun god Zeus. His plan involved an enormous construction project, but due to regime changes, work on the temple was repeatedly interrupted, delaying completion for over 600 years. It was finally completed by Hadrian in 131 AD. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, composed of 104 Corinthian columns each 17 meters high and 1.7 meters in diameter, was the largest temple in all of Greece. Originally, the temple housed a colossal statue of Zeus made of ivory and gold, contributed by Hadrian himself—an extraordinary work that underscored the temple’s prestige. Though only 15 columns remain today after more than a thousand years, the grandeur of the original structure can still be imagined. Nearby lies the rectangular foundation of what was once Hadrian’s Baths.

Recommended Must-Visit Attraction: Mount Lycabettus

Mount Lycabettus, standing at 273 meters above sea level, is the highest landmark in Athens. The area around the hill is dotted with upscale restaurants and cafes. At dusk, many tourists and local office workers gather here to enjoy the sunset and panoramic views. On clear days, the view from the top extends all the way to Piraeus Harbor. To reach Lycabettus, you can walk through the surrounding neighborhood to the cable car station and then take the cable car to the summit. This neighborhood, known for its neat and tranquil environment, is home to Athens’ luxury residences. From the mountaintop, you can even spot swimming pools and gardens on the rooftops.