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MORE PLACES OF INTEREST IN ATHENS
KERAMEIKOS
Not far from Kerameikos are three more important sites to visit: the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, and Hadrian’s Library. All three of these sites are on the combination ticket.
Depending on how quickly you move, you may want to take a break before or while visiting these three sites. They are all located near each other, along with the restaurant that we recommend for lunch.
ANCIENT AGORA
For 5,000 years, this area was used as a marketplace, gathering place, and residential area. The ground of this large site is littered with the ruins of buildings and walkways.
Located in the Ancient Agora is the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved Greek temples. It was constructed in the 5th century BC to honor the god Hephaestus, the patron god of fire, metal working, and craftsmanship.
HADRIAN’S LIBRARY
Next, walk to Hadrian’s Library. This was constructed in 132 AD under the rule of Roman Emperor Hadrian. It was built to house rolls of papyrus books.
PLAKA
Spend the early afternoon wandering the streets of Plaka, one of the best places in Athens to go shopping. This neighborhood stretches from the Acropolis to Syntagma Square.
Ermou Street is a pedestrian street lined with popular stores like H&M, Sephora and Mango. The older and more interesting streets are located closer to the Acropolis. The Anafiotika area is a charming, older section of Plaka with narrow, photogenic streets and shops.
PANATHENAIC STADIUM
If you are running low on energy, you can give this next site a pass, but we thought it was interesting.
The Panathenaic Stadium dates back to 330 BC. In 144 AD, it was reconstructed in marble by Herodes Atticus.
In 1896, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics. Then, in 2004, it was used as an Olympic venue. This is also the site of the last exchange of the Olympic torch before it leaves Athens for the host country.
Getting Here: From the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, you can get here by walking through the National Garden. It’s a 1 km walk and takes about 15 minutes.
TEMPLE OF OLYMPIAN ZEUS
This is the final stop of the day. The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built to honor Zeus and it was planned to be the greatest temple in the ancient world. However, construction was not completed until the 2nd century AD. Not long after its completion, it was pillaged by a barbarian invasion. Now, fifteen of the original columns still stand.
This temple is included on the combination ticket. To get here, it’s a 10-minute walk from the Panathenaic Stadium and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
SUNSET VIEWS OF THE ACROPOLIS
End the day with a sunset view of the Acropolis, in one of the many exceptional rooftop bar restaurants the city has to offer.
PSYRRI
Continue to the funky, eclectic Psyrri neighborhood. Filled with great restaurants, unique bars, a vibrant nightlife, and small boutique shops, this is a very cool spot to go out for dinner and drinks. Wander the maze of streets, go wine tasting at the Cinque Wine & Deli Bar, or have dinner at Lithos Tavern, a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Greek and Mediterranean food.
VARVAKEIOS CENTRAL MARKET
From the National Archaeological Museum, it’s a 10-minute walk through a slightly gritty neighborhood to get the Varvakeios Central Market. For sale at this busy market is meat, fruit and vegetables, spices, seafood, and more.
MOUNT LYCABETTUS
For a sprawling view of Athens and the Acropolis, walk or take the Lycabettus Cable Car to the peak of Mount Lycabettus. From here, you get to see just how big this city is, with the Acropolis proudly rising up in the center from the low, white buildings.
