Best Views in Athens
The best views in Athens include views from the Acropolis and of the Acropolis from the top of some of the city’s several hills and from hotels and restaurants.
From the Acropolis
Although the view of the Parthenon on top of the Acropolis is the single most recognisable view of Athens, the views from the Acropolis are also something special.
On one side you can look north across the city centre to see Lykabettos Hill, and in the distance the range of hills that surround Athens. To the south the view is towards Piraeus and the sea.
Of the Acropolis
Many hotels and restaurants boast of their bars and terraces with views of the Acropolis, which are particularly impressive at night. They’re not all expensive, either. The inexpensive Attalos Hotel, for example, which is a personal favourite, has great Acropolis views from its Roof Garden.
The Best View in Athens?
We’ve enjoyed the views – and the superb food! – in the Tudor Hall Restaurant at the top of the King George Hotel on Syntagma Square. We haven’t stayed there (we wish!) but the Penthouse Suite allows you to sit in your private outdoor pool and gaze at the Acropolis – that has to be one of the best views in Athens! But there are other less expensive rooms that also have Acropolis views.
Aeropagus
Just to the northwest of the Acropolis is Aeropagus, a rocky outcrop that stands 115 meters (377 feet) high and gives you views both of the Acropolis and of the city. The Athenian governing council used to meet up here, and it is where St Paul delivered his sermon known as the Aeropagus Sermon.
Our Pick of the Athens Guides
Filopappos Hill
Filopappos Hill is southwest of the Acropolis and is 147 meters (482 feet) in height. It was once known as the Hill of the Muses, as it was believed that those inspirational goddesses known as the Muses were buried here.
Lykabettos Hill
Lykabettos is the highest point in the city centre at 277 meters (908 feet), so naturally provides some of the best views. Don't forget your camera as it's from here you will want to try to get your perfect shot of the Acropolis. If it's a clear day, you will be able to see down to the port of Piraeus, where the Aegean glistens in the far distance, hinting at the beckoning Greek islands beyond. See our full page on Mount Lykabettos/Lycabettos.
The Pnyx
The Athenian Assembly used to meet in the amphitheatre on the side of the Pnyx hill, and it gave them an impressive view of the Parthenon on top of the nearby Acropolis. Fewer visitors make it here, which is a shame as from the Pnyx you get an excellent view of the front of the Parthenon, which makes for some good photos. Professional photographers often shoot the building from here with a telephoto lens, to get the best results.
Sunset at Cape
Sounion
OK, so this one isn’t in Athens itself but it isn’t far and apart from its historical interest, the Temple of Poseidon out at Cape Sounion also adds drama to one of the most stunning views around the city of Athens. Many people make their way out here for the sunset, and when the conditions are right the rewards are tremendous.
You can see across the bay and out to sea, with several islands visible in the near and far distance. It immediately makes you want to be on a boat, out on the Aegean and sailing out towards those romantic-looking dots of land in the distance.
This, then, is our choice of some of the best views in Athens. But sometimes they surprise you as you walk around, like this reflection of Lykabettos Hill in a modern building, taken by Donna.
Other Athens pages
Ten Best Museums in Athens
Greece Travel Secrets lists the ten best museums in Athens, with the top two being the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum.
Athens: Travel Information and Advice about Athens, Greece
Athens is a top vacation destination. The Greece Travel Secrets Athens guide has information on hotels, museums, Athens airport and all the best things to do.
Monastiraki and Around
Around Monastiraki is the flea market, Athens cathedral, Kerameikos Cemetery, the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art and the Psirri and Gazi nightlife districts.
Athens Culinary Tours
Athens culinary tours are among the food walking tours offered by an unusual company, Culinary Backstreets.
Athens Food Tours
Athens Food Tours are being introduced by new company The Greek Fork, and will include tours of the Central Market, and the best street food.
Artistic Athens
This extract of Artistic Athens in the Lonely Planet book Culture Trails takes visitors on a journey through the artistic side of Athens..
A Drive around Attica
This drive around Attica offers visitors high hills, beach resorts, small villages and classical sites like Marathon and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.
The Best Hotels in Athens
Greece Travel Secrets gives its choice of the best hotels in Athens from budget and moderate options through to 5-star luxury choices.
My Athens: a Portrait by Travel Writer Mike Gerrard
In My Athens on Greece Travel Secrets travel writer Mike Gerrard describes what he loves about Athens including the Acropolis and eating!
Food Tours in Athens
Greekality is a Greek company offering food tours in Athens including street food tours, wine and nightlife tours, vegan tours and cooking classes.
Athens National Historical Museum
The Athens National Historical Museum is in the former Greek Parliament building and houses an archive of historical artefacts and documents.
Changing of the Guard in Athens
The Changing of the Guard in Athens takes place outside the Parliament building at the top of Syntagma Square and is a must-see for visitors.
A Walk around Kolonáki
This walk around the Kolonaki neighbourhood of Athens starts and ends in Syntagma Square and takes you to several museums, Kolonaki Square and Mount Lykabettos.
Easter in Athens
Easter in Athens is, like everywhere in Greece, the biggest religious celebration of the year and this page tells you what to expect over the Easter weekend.
Athens Weather and the Best Time to Visit
The Greece Travel Secrets website looks at the Athens weather, the chance of rain, the climate in summer and winter and the best time to visit Athens.
Monastiraki Flea Market
Greece Travel Secrets visits the Monastiraki Flea Market, followed by Sunday lunch at Sigalas on Monastiraki Square
Amusing Children in Athens
Amusing children in Athens is easy as there is lots to do including a children’s museum, planetarium, beaches, and easy excursions to the nearest islands.
Piraeus
Piraeus is the port of Athens from where many ferries to the Greek islands depart, and it also has an Archaeological Museum and the Hellenic Maritime Museum.
Pictures of Athens
Pictures of Athens from the Greece Travel Secrets website
Where to Eat in Athens and Piraeus
If you're wondering where to eat in Athens and Piraeus we have a few suggestions including some favorites around the Acropolis, Omonia Square, and Syntagma.
Athens International Airport
Athens International Airport is east of Athens city centre with its own Metro train station, buses to Athens and Piraeus, taxis and car rental offices.
Athens Museum of Cycladic Art
The Athens Museum of Cycladic Art houses a remarkable collection of Cycladic figurines and other items and is one of the best museums in Athens.
Athens Airport Car Rental
Athens Airport car rentals include Alamo/National Car Rental, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, all with offices at the airport.
The Best Things to Do in Athens
The best things to do in Athens, Greece, include top archaeological sites like the Acropolis and must-see attractions such as the National Archaeological Museum
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square or Constitution Square is the main square in Athens and has a metro station, the Greek Parliament building, hotels, cafes, and a post office.
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