Free Athens Attractions

This hill is the highest point in Athens at 277m (908ft) above sea level, and affords breathtaking views over the city and out to the Aegean Sea, making it well worth the journey to the top. It also has the 19th century Chapel of St George, a theatre, and a restaurant at its two summits.

There is a funicular railway that ascends the hill, starting from Aristippou Street, but if you’re up for an invigorating physical challenge, it’s a great idea to hike to the top. During the summer it’s best to go at twilight to avoid the sweltering heat, but in any case you should bring a bottle of water with you. A view of the sunset from the peak is a sight to be remembered, with lights beginning to twinkle on across the city and rooftops taking on a rosy glow.

There are many interesting myths surrounding the hill - it’s supposed to have been created when Athena dropped a mountain meant for the Acropolis, and apparently once harboured wolves, which gave it its name.

Plaka is the oldest neighbourhood in Greece, as it is built directly on top of ancient housing and has many interesting archaeological sites. It is located on the northeastern slope of the Acropolis, leading to the name “The Neighbourhood of the Gods”. Excavations starting in the 19th century have shown among other things that Adrianou Street is the oldest street in the city, with the layout unchanged since ancient times.

There are many museums to visit including the Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments (link), and plenty of shops where, with a bit of hunting, you can find a unique item to take home from your holiday - including jewellery and classical-style pieces.

It’s very nice to wander around Plaka in the evening, stopping at one of the many restaurants and taking in the history all around in the picturesque old buildings. It also features an open air cinema during the summer, with English subtitles, in Kydathinaion Square.

This vibrant market is the place to be to get all your fresh produce sourced from all over Greece - meat, fish, and vegetables.

Unless you’re staying in a self-catering apartment, you may not have much call to do any cooking while on holiday, but it’s still well worth a wander around to soak in all the delicious sights, sounds, tastes and smells. There is also a fantastic range of cheeses, olives, spices and much more. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, as the fish area can be slippery underfoot! And you can sample some of the goodies on offer in one of the restaurants on site. These are slightly rough and ready, but serve food of the highest quality, such as the patasas - an authentic old Greek soup made from tripe.

There are many eyecatching sights all around the market, such as the meat carcasses lit by light bulbs. The Agora is a taste of the working life of Athens that shouldn’t be missed.

For a real taste of old-fashioned Athens, you have to visit this picturesque neighbourhood, which is part of the Plaka district. If you are visiting the Acropolis, you will find it situated just under the temple complex on the northeastern slope of the hill.

It’s well worth spending some time strolling the streets, which seem untouched by modern progress. The whitewashed, cubic houses are beautifully decorated with blooming flowers and many local cats enjoying the sun. The streets are very steep with a lot of steps, so do be aware that it’s not wheelchair accessible.

You can enjoy a delicious meal and some Ouzo at one of the charming restaurants, where you can take in spectacular views both of the Acropolis, which is beautifully illuminated at night, and of the city spread out below you. Anafiotika imparts the feel of an unspoilt Greek island, far removed from the urban sprawl while being right in the middle of it.

You can find anything and everything at this bustling market; books, antiques, paintings, jewellery, clothing, records and much, much more. It’s centred on Avissynias Square and there are many cafes and restaurants in the area. The busiest day is Sunday; try to arrive before 11am as it gets extremely hectic with the influx of tourists. It’s definitely a great place to hunt for that souvenir from your holiday as there are many bargains to be had - haggling is encouraged!

There are also many shops round about the area selling a huge variety of goods. You can find these on Pandrossou Street and Adrianou Street. There are many side streets where you may be able to find more unique items, as many of the bigger shops sell mass-produced wares. Or you can just sit at one of the cafes and watch the world go by. Whatever you do, it’s the place to experience the real hustle and bustle of Greek working life.

For a real flavour of the pomp and circumstance of the Greek military, you should check out this highly ritualised ceremony which takes place every hour on the hour. The Greek Evzones in their traditional uniform change the guard which stands at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Parliament Building in Syntagma Square.

Usually, just four guards are involved - two replacing two - but if you come on Sunday at 11am, there is a marching band and an entire regiment of guards, making for quite a spectacle. The guards wear a very particular uniform, the most notable features of which are the kilt known as the fustanella and dress shoes with pompoms. This is a recreation of the uniform worn by the Klephts, highly regarded guerrillas who fought against the Turkish occupation of Greece from the 15th to 19th centuries.

The Evzones are an elite unit, trained to stand motionless except when changing guard - which is a highly elaborate ceremony involving slowly raising each leg high in the air before taking each step.