During your visit to Athens, you will be able to experience many aspects of the ancient city. From the National Archaeological Museum to the Acropolis, there is a lot to see. And one of the best ways to explore all these sites is to take a day tour.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Located near the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of the largest monuments in Athens. It is also regarded as one of the finest ancient monuments in Athens.
During the time of the Roman Empire, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was the largest temple in the ancient world. It was designed in the Doric style and was built during the sixth century BC.
When it was completed, the temple measured 40 meters in length on the eastern and western sides. It also had a 13-meter-tall statue of the Greek god Zeus. It was constructed of marble from Mount Penteli.
In the early 20th century, work began on restoration and excavation. The restoration of the Temple of Olympian Zeus was undertaken by Greek and German archaeologists. They used a rope ladder to reach the top of the Temple. Several of the original gigantic columns still remain.
Hadrian, the Roman emperor, built a huge cult statue of the Greek god Zeus. He adorned the temple with statues of various gods. The temple was octostyle and had two colonnades surrounding the main cella. It was built on a slope towards the Ilissos river.
The imposing temple had twenty columns down the long sides of the temple and eight columns on the narrow ends. They were decorated with ornately carved capitals.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a very popular site in Athens. Visitors are allowed to visit the temple for free on certain days. This is a great way to see this famous site. The entrance is free for those under the age of 25 from EU countries. Visiting this ancient site is easy with a "skip the line ticket" for those with limited time.
Acropolis Museum
Visiting the Acropolis Museum is a good way to spend one day in Athens. This museum, located on the Acropolis hill, provides a comprehensive overview of the Sacred Hill. It is also a great place to learn about the history of Athens.
The Acropolis is a 2,500-year-old complex of temples and monuments. The Parthenon is the city's crown jewel. The marble frieze that surrounds the Parthenon is one of the most impressive pieces of art in Greece. The museum offers free guided tours, which are led by archaeologists.
The Archaic Acropolis Gallery displays ancient ruins and artwork depicting everyday life in ancient Athens. It also contains statues that predate even the Acropolis.
Acropolis museum features four floors of exhibits. The top floor houses the Parthenon and its 160-metre long frieze. The bottom floor is the real excavation site. Visitors can see the excavated area through glass panes on the upper floors.
The Acropolis has an excellent restaurant, which is open until 10:00 PM on Friday nights. The cuisine here is both gourmet and impressive. The views are spectacular and the wine is exceptional. The museum cafe is also a popular meeting spot for Athenians.
The Acropolis is prone to a lot of people, so it is best to get there early. The crowds begin to thin out around 3:00 PM. However, you will still have to queue for tickets. It is advisable to pre-book a skip-the-line ticket. Alternatively, you can buy a mobile ticket.
Acropolis tickets can be purchased at the entrance gates or online. Buying a pre-booked e-ticket will save you time and frustration. You can also purchase a multi-attraction day pass. You can use the pass to visit many of the museums in Athens, including the Acropolis Museum.
National Archaeological Museum
Located in Athens, Greece, the National Archaeological Museum houses over 11,000 artifacts and is one of the largest archaeological museums in the world. Founded in 1829, the museum was the first in the Greek state. Its collection includes masterpieces of archaeology and historical significance from all over the country.
The Museum has a vast collection of sculptures and artifacts. The Sculpture Collection is comprised of over 16,000 works of ancient Greek sculpture. This collection provides a unique insight into the development of ancient Greek sculpture from the Neolithic age to the 5th century AD.
The Bronze Collection of the Museum is home to the Antikythera Mechanism, a astronomical calculating machine that was found in the Aegean Sea. This collection is also the home to 82 fragments of the "World's First Computer".
Another great collection of artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum is the Cypriot Collection. The collection features unique works of art from the Aegean Islands. In the early 20th century, the collection was enhanced with donations from collectors.
The Library of Archaeology is the oldest archaeological library in the Archaeological Service. It contains more than 20,000 titles and diaries from excavations conducted in the 19th century. It is open to visitors, researchers, and the staff of the Ministry of Culture's Archaeological Service. It is a valuable centre for historical research.
The Aegean Sea Museum of Art has an impressive collection of Cycladic marble figurines and paintings. It also has works from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age.
The National Archaeological Museum is located next to the historic building of the Athens Polytechnic University. It is easy to reach via the metro. The museum is also wheelchair accessible. It is open year round. There is a garden cafe outside the main entrance.
Plaka district
Whether you are a first time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Plaka district in Athens is an excellent place to spend one day. The area is full of cool places to eat, drink and shop.
Plaka is an excellent place to see the sights of Athens, as well as to meet locals. The neighbourhood is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate. Many of the streets are no longer accessible to cars. This makes it possible to view most of the district in a single afternoon.
The city's main square, Syntagma, is also located in Plaka. The square is a major transportation hub, as well as a meeting point for people from all over Athens. You can also take a bus or train to the airport from here.
The New Acropolis Museum is also in the area. This is a good place to learn about the artifacts that were found on the Acropolis slopes. The museum is open daily.
Plaka is a very pedestrian-friendly neighborhood, so you will not have trouble navigating its winding streets. The area is also home to several neoclassical buildings, which make it an attractive spot to visit.
There are also plenty of cool cafes in the area. You may want to stop for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine after a long day of sightseeing. If you are looking for a place to buy souvenirs, you should consider visiting the Ippolito leather handbags studio. The Koutelieris wooden furniture studio also designs furniture with elements from old houses.
If you are looking for a place to stay, the Electra Metropolis Hotel has an excellent rooftop restaurant. The hotel is close to Hadrian's Gate and the Acropolis Museum.
Monastiraki Square
Located in the heart of Athens, Monastiraki Square is a major tourist attraction. This area of the city is full of culture and history. The area is a good place to visit for families or couples.
The square is home to the Hellenic Parliament, a Neoclassical building that was the residence of King Otto, the first king of modern-day Greece. The parliament is also home to a changing of the guard ceremony every hour. It is a fascinating sight to watch. The guards march in slow motion and kick their legs in an eccentric way.
The Acropolis is another must see in Athens. The temples of the Acropolis are part of a huge complex of temples that date back to the fifth century. The main temple, the Temple of Olympic Zeus, took seven centuries to complete. This temple is still in great shape.
The Acropolis offers stunning views of the city. Visitors can spend up to an hour or more viewing the monument. It is considered a cultural monument of the world. You can also learn about the Acropolis by visiting the New Acropolis Museum.
The area is a popular shopping area and you can find a wide range of upscale stores. In addition, there are many tavernas and sidewalk cafes. The market is a great place to buy antiques, vintage items and unusual goods. The area is also known for its flea markets.
One of the best places to eat in Athens is in Monastiraki. Try Souvlaki or Gyros. You can also sample more exotic Greek food at restaurants in the area.
If you're on a budget, consider staying in a hostel. You can find some great budget options in Athens. Chameleon Hostel is a great choice for those on a budget.