Things To Do In Athens Tourism Sightseeing and Athens Attractions - The Home of Democracy

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Things to do in Athens tourism hotspots and sightseeing are the subjects of this page.

Greece has always been recognised as the ‘birthplace of civilisation’.

And it's capital city is where democracy was first instituted.

Greece is also revered as being the home of the wisest, most forward-looking men of ancient times.

The most wonderful myths and legends surround Ancient Greece and of course there is the abundance of classical sculpture and architecture making it a tourism destination.

It is a long time since we visited Athens sightseeing but I’m sure the main attractions are unchanging. I had always wanted to visit the Acropolis so when the chance came I jumped at it.

The most famous tourism spot and visited site in the city is of course the Acropolis topped by the Parthenon. It is recognised the world over and its history is pretty well known too. The temple was dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city.

Another sightseeing and tourism draw is the Ionian temple of Nike, which is being restored

There is evidence that the rock has been used from as far back as the Neolithic period but the Parthenon as we know it was probably constructed between the sixth and fifth century BC.

While we were there we saw a Son et Lumiere advertised at the Parthenon but did not manage to go. I’m sure it is still held and if I go again I would make the effort to go. I am sure it is most impressive and informative sightseeing event.

If you are interested in sculpture there is the Archaeological museum, which houses some of the earliest classical sculpture. Here you will see how the art form developed as it rose above many of the previous more crude images and became more lifelike seeming to have movement.

There is more to the city than the Acropolis and tourism.

I enjoyed mixing the ancient culture with the up to date real city.

There is a very famous flea market held each Sunday and it is a great place to see Athenians mixing with tourists to buy and sell just about everything. It is not a market as most people would picture it. It is mostly made up of small shops and to be truthful you could buy the same stuff elsewhere in Athens, but the atmosphere is great.

A friend and I left our husbands in the hotel and went to the market where I tried to haggle. I wanted to buy some tee shirts and said to one shopkeeper I could get them in another shop down the road cheaper. To which he replied ‘You should get them there then madam’ - Oops! I thought tourism and haggling went together.

We stayed just south of Athens in a place called Vougliameni. It is about 20 km from the centre of the city and is situated on a peninsular. It is a long time since we were there but I remember it as being a lovely antidote to the city of Athens as it was so peaceful.

We found it was also, very easy to get into the city for sightseeing and for a few evenings strolling around Athens eating moussaka and drinking red wine at street cafes.

The port of Piraeus, is very busy and is a good place to catch a boat cruise around some of the many islands. We did this one-day and it was very enjoyable as it was an extremely hot day so the sea breezes and covering on the boat were most welcome.

I remember we visited Poros and Hydra but I do not remember which the other ones were. They were all very pretty and I know one of them did not allow motor vehicles of any kind, just donkeys.

Many people love to holiday on the islands, which are geared for tourism, but just a brief visit was enough for me.

I like places where there is lots to see and do but it is a good thing we are all different.

The good thing about visiting this city is that there is culture in abundance for sightseeing but you also have the beaches, the sailing and lots of lovely food and shopping.

Remembering my visit makes me want to go again.

Who knows?

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