A curated guide to the very best of Athens — ancient ruins, world-class museums, hidden Byzantine churches, panoramic hills and the charming corners we send all our guests to discover. All within easy reach of Ioulianou 50.
The most iconic sight in Greece — the Parthenon temple stands on a rocky crag, watching over centuries of civilization. Other ruins include the Erechtheion with the famous Porch of the Caryatids and the Temple of Athena Nike.
The marketplace and beating heart of everyday life in ancient Athens — also the scene of Socrates' trial. Highlights include the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaistos, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples.
Adjacent to the Ancient Agora, this Roman-era site features the recognizable octagonal Tower of the Winds — the world's first weather station, built in the 2nd century BC.
Founded by Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD as a cultural and educational complex with halls for storing scrolls, lecture rooms and a colonnaded courtyard.
Once the largest temple in ancient Greece, dedicated to Zeus and finally completed in 131 AD by Hadrian. Of the original 104 colossal columns only 16 remain — but their monumental presence is stunning. Hadrian's Arch stands at the entrance.
Built around 330 BC for the Panathenaic Games — the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble. Rebuilt for the 1896 Olympic Games, it hosted the modern Olympic revival and now hosts concerts and the Athens Marathon finish.
Stone Roman theater built in 161 AD on the southwest slope of the Acropolis — still in active use today, hosting the Athens Festival every summer with opera, ballet and classical concerts under the stars.
The most important burial ground of ancient Athens, in the potters' quarter. Quiet, atmospheric ruins along the Eridanos stream — a peaceful counterpoint to the busier sites. Includes a small but excellent on-site museum.
One of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world. The unique modernist building incorporates the ruins of an ancient Athenian neighborhood visible through glass floors. Top-floor Parthenon Gallery is unforgettable.
The largest archaeological museum in Greece. Highlights: the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera Mechanism, sublime Cycladic figurines, the bronze Jockey of Artemision and the Marathon Boy. Just 8 minutes from the apartment.
In the upscale Kolonaki quarter — over 3,000 objects of ancient Cycladic, Greek and Cypriot art. The minimalist marble figurines from 3,200 BC are among the most influential works in modern art history.
A fascinating collection of more than 25,000 artifacts from the Byzantine period — sculptures, paintings, icons, mosaics and textiles. Housed in a 19th-century palace originally built for the Duchesse de Plaisance.
A complete journey through Greek culture from prehistory to the 20th century — folk costumes, jewellery, icons, manuscripts, weapons and historical relics from the War of Independence. Lovely rooftop café with city views.
The picturesque "old town" of Athens — narrow pedestrian streets, pastel houses, bougainvillea-trimmed alleys, historic churches and tavernas. Tucked into the Acropolis hillside, it's the most charming neighborhood in the city.
A tiny pocket of Cycladic-style whitewashed houses tucked under the north slope of the Acropolis — built by stonemasons from the island of Anafi in the 19th century. Step into a Greek island without leaving Athens.
Lively narrow streets filled with shops selling jewelry, antiques, vintage clothing, leather sandals and souvenirs — the most vibrant area of the old city. Great for grabbing a gyros or just wandering with the Acropolis as backdrop.
A famous Plaka staircase lined with restaurants, drawing crowds in the evenings. Tables spill onto the steps; cushions are added for impromptu seating. An intimate atmosphere unique to Athens.
A trendy district north of Monastiraki, packed with mezedopoleia, cocktail bars, live-music venues and ever-changing street art. The place locals go after dark — buzzy and authentic.
The civic heart of Athens. A short walk down Athinas Street brings you to the spectacular 19th-century Varvakeios Central Market — meat, fish, spices, olives and cheese stalls. A sensory experience.
At 277 m above sea level, the highest point of Athens — a panoramic 360° view of the city, the Saronic Gulf and the islands beyond. Walk up via a circular path or take the funicular. The whitewashed chapel of Agios Georgios sits at the summit.
A verdant hill opposite the Acropolis with arguably the best Parthenon views in Athens. Cobblestone paths designed by architect Dimitris Pikionis lead you up past the tiny 16th-century chapel of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris.
The bare marble outcrop next to the Acropolis where, according to Acts 17, the Apostle Paul addressed the Athenians in 51 AD. The view of the Ancient Agora and Athens spreading below is sublime, especially at sunset.
A large green oasis behind the Greek Parliament — shaded trails, ponds, peacocks, a small zoo. On the south edge sits the Zappeion Hall, a stunning 1880s neoclassical building with an open-air rotunda.
One of the largest public parks in Athens, dedicated to the heroes of Greek independence. Tree-lined avenues, a rose garden, plane-tree streams and a café open all day. A monumental statue of Athena guards the central walk.
Athens' main square, in front of the Hellenic Parliament. The ceremonial Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier — performed by the elite Evzones in pleated kilts and pom-pom shoes — is a must-see ritual.
The grand 19th-century Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens — and right beside it the tiny 12th-century Byzantine "Little Mitropoli" church, built entirely of recycled ancient marbles. A stunning side-by-side contrast.
A delightful 11th-century domed cruciform church standing on a small square in the middle of busy Ermou shopping street — a splendid example of Middle Byzantine architecture, miraculously saved from demolition in the 19th century.
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