If you’re planning your first visit to Athens—or making a quick stop on a cruise—you might be wondering: What are the absolute essentials? Our professional guides who’ve introduced hundreds of thousands of travelers to this historic city, will present their keen insight into the three must-see sites in Athens, Greece.
They’re more than just impressive photo ops—they’re where this ancient country comes alive. With this article, we aim to give you some useful tips and guide you to the top three sightseeing landmarks which are at the heart of the city’s history, mythology, and culture. In the end, they will leave you with stories you’ll remember long after your trip ends.
The Acropolis: An Iconic Hilltop That Shaped Western Civilization
We begin with the Acropolis is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world—and for good reason. Perched high above Athens, it was the spiritual and political center of the ancient city. Today, walking through its monumental gates (the Propylaea), you’re stepping into a site that has stood for over 2,400 years.
You’ll visit the Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the city’s patron goddess; the Erechtheion, with its famous Caryatid statues; and the Temple of Athena Nike, celebrating victory over invaders. More than just ruins, these structures tell the story of ancient ideals—democracy, balance, beauty—that still influence us today.
Pro tip: Beat the heat (and crowds) by arriving early in the morning or close to sunset. And wear good walking shoes—there’s marble underfoot.
The Ancient Agora: Birthplace of Democracy and Civic Life
Just down the hill from the Acropolis is the Ancient Agora, the second of our must-see sites in Athens – was once the bustling heart of Athenian daily life. This was the city’s original town square, where citizens met to shop, worship, attend trials, and debate public policy. You’re literally walking where Socrates once taught and where democracy was born.
Don’t miss the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved temples in all of Greece, or the Stoa of Attalos, now a museum that gives you a glimpse into what everyday Athenian life looked like.
Local tip: After your visit, grab a bite or browse shops in nearby Monastiraki—one of Athens’ liveliest neighborhoods, full of local flavor.
The Acropolis Museum: Where Modern Design Meets Ancient Treasures
You’ve stood among the ruins—now see what they used to look like in ancient times. Last but now least among the three must-see sites in Athens is the Acropolis Museum, just a short walk from the site itself, is one of the finest museums in Europe. Inside, you’ll find original artifacts from the Acropolis: statues, carvings, and friezes that have been moved indoors to protect them from the elements.
The Parthenon Galleries are the real highlight. They recreate the Parthenon’s sculptural decoration, giving you a sense of how it once looked—dramatic, detailed, and full of life. And as you walk through the museum’s corridors, floor-to-ceiling windows let you look up at the real Acropolis as you explore.
Bonus tip: Don’t miss the glass floors—beneath them, you can see ancient buildings still being excavated. And the rooftop café? One of the best places in the city to relax and take it all in.
You can visit the Acropolis Museum with one of our expert guides.
Athens at Its Best
Whether you’re only visiting Greece for a short time, or taking your sweet time in the capital, these are our picks for the three must-see sites in Athens! The Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the Acropolis Museum—they will give you a powerful introduction to the city’s history, art, and spirit. Together, they tell the story of Athens as both a mythic past and a living, breathing ancient city.
Want to make the most of your time here? Our small-group tours are specially designed to offer a balanced pace for participants, as well as impactful storytelling, and skip-the-line access so you can jump straight into discovery.
