You could quickly amass quite a list of conceivable
Athens tours and still have plenty
to add just when you thought you were done. Athens
is a city with a particularly long and densely filled
history and you could easily exhaust a day visiting any
number of the city’s
attractions. The cradle of Western civilization
awaits you with a number of sights that would make for
a wonderful day trip in Athens.
The Acropolis
The Acropolis is the attraction that most defines Athens, and it is a must for any Athens tours. The Acropolis was always a strategic point for various cultures, but it’s true glory was recognized during the city’s Golden Age. In the 5th century BC, under the great ruler Pericles, most of what is found on the Acropolis was built. Soon to open at the Acropolis is the new Acropolis Museum, and it will be quite the venue.
Syntagma Square
The ideal location from which to start almost any day
trip in Athens, Syntagma
Square is the heart of the city and the most significant
plaza in the entire country. Here you will find
the Parliament Building and the curious guards who stand
watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Nearby,
sit and relax in the National Garden or spend a couple
of hours at the also close Benaki
Museum. Both the garden and museum are ideal
for Athens tours.
The Ancient Agora (Roman Agora)
Located both at the northern base of the Acropolis,
the remains found along these stretches give insight and
understanding into how this great city must once have
looked and functioned. Major developments at the
ancient agora for the
new Athenian Empire started as far back as the 6th century
BC. For the next couple of centuries it would remain
the center of civic affairs as the greatest names in Greek
history laid the framework for modern civilizations
to follow. This attraction worthy of inclusion on
Athens day trips includes the best preserved classical
temple in Greece, a museum dedicated to excavations of
the agora and remains of the Temple
of Olympiad Zeus. The Roman agora is just
beyond the end of the ancient agora and has many notable
ruins.
Lykavittos Hill
This is the best place to go to get a full panoramic
view of Athens. Rising to 910 feet above sea level,
on a clear day you can even see out to the Saronic Gulf
from here. Take the funicular in Kolonaki,
or walk up the steps to get to the top of this Athens
day tour attraction. On top of Lykavittos
Hill there is a restaurant, a viewing deck and a small
church. This is a great spot for a romantic dinner.
Panathinaiko Stadium
Also known as Kallimarmaron, which means “beautifully marbeled”, this stadium was erected thousands of years ago, redone in marble in 329 BC, renovated and enlarged by Herodes Atticus in 140 AD, and was used as a venue for the Panathenaic Games of ancient Greece. This worthy addition to any day trip in Athens itinerary would be renovated again in the 1800's and serve as an Olympic venue for the 1896 Modern Olympic Games in Athens. It even served as an archery venue in the 2004 Olympics, as well as the finish for the men’s and women’s marathons.
This wonderful museum is usually mentioned among the top ten museums in the world. Not only does the impressive collection feature excavation finds from Athens, but also from around all of Greece. You can imagine that in a country this full of pertinent history that quite a unique collection of items could be amassed. This is a must museum if you plan on visiting one on your Athens day tour. The building itself is an immaculate offering among the neo-classical structures of the city.
Plaka
This is arguably the best neighborhood in Athens and
it is mostly closed off to everything but foot traffic.
There are many nice restaurants found in the Plaka, and
on Sundays you should check out the Plaka
flea market, also known as the Monastariki flea market.
The Plaka market is open all week, though other days do
not match the Sunday affair, and the famous shopping street,
Ermou Street, can be found nearby. Plaka is a great
place to start when looking for Athens hotels. The
Athens Cathedral can be found in the Plaka, as well as
two of the best-preserved small Byzantine churches.
If nothing else, this is a great spot to grab a cup of
coffee and people watch while you take a break on your
Athens day tour.
