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
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..
Athens War Museum
The Athens War Museum is a fascinating look at Greek history through the lens of warfare from ancient battles to the Greek War of Independence and World War II.
Pictures of Athens
Pictures of Athens from the Greece Travel Secrets website
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.
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
National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is one of the best things to see in Athens, and the best museum in the world for seeing Greece's archaeological treasures.
Athens Eaters Guide
Athens, an Eater's Guide to the City, is published by Culinary Backstreets, who do walking food tours in Athens and the book recommends the best places to eat.
Athens Events and Public Holidays
If visiting Athens it helps to know when major events and public holidays take place, as some shops and attractions may be closed, but to be there at times like Easter can make for a magical trip.
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 Hotels
Athens Airport hotels include the luxury Sofitel at the terminals, Holiday Inn near the airport, and others close by like the Hotel Pantheon.
Athens Car Rental
Athens car rental options include almost all of the major international car hire firms such as Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Europcar.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Athens’Benaki Museum
Athens' Benaki Museum is one of the city’s top museums with an outstanding collection, especially of Greek and Egyptian artefacts, in a beautiful mansion.
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.
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.
Athens Dining Guide
This Athens dining guide doesn't list restaurants but gives practical advice on types of eating places, tipping, hotel breakfasts and picnics.
The Pnyx
The Pnyx hill near the Acropolis is one of Athens' true hidden gems, a place to wander freely away from the crowds and discover ancient places and mysteries.
Restaurants with Acropolis Views
Greece Travel Secrets chooses its top ten Athens restaurants with Acropolis views, perfect for dining by day or by night, including places with Michelin stars.
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 to Santorini
There are lots of flights from Athens to Santorini as well as a ferry service from Piraeus, with flights to Santorini leaving from Athens International Airport.
Best Cocktail Bars in Athens
Two of the best cocktail bars in Athens, MoMix Kerameikos and The Clumsies, are making creative cocktails using that most Greek of Greek spirits, Metaxa.
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.
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