attractions

9 top sites

activity level

medium

total distance

4.1 km | 2.6 mi

Ok, but how do we get to the starting point? While taxis are available globally, most have us now rely on the convenience of ridesharing apps like Uber, Lyft, Bolt, etc. Since this is updated frequently, best to confirm options before your trip.

Are we geography alumni or GIS technologists? No, but we are travel aficionados and now, mapping experts. How we got here is by exploring, leaving no stone unturned, even getting it wrong from time to time, so that you don’t.

What’s up with the ratings?
No, this isn’t our opinion — afterall, we hardly know eachother.

All ratings are courtesy of Tripadvisor.

How much time to budget?

Kerameikos Archaeological Site

1h

Ancient Agora of Athens

1h 30min

Temple of Hephaestus

15min

Anafiotika Cafe

1h

Roman Forum

1h

Hadrian’s Library

15min

Monastiraki Square

30min

athens day one

Having last visited Athens in 2016 and 2017, we were excited to book a cruise on the Celebrity Infinity out of Piraeus, to the Greek islands and Turkey for August 2024.

What we didn’t bargain for was the heat, as it was mid August, and Athens is quite unforgiving around this time.

Leading up to this trip, we were determined to design the most robust 2-day itinerary, complete with all the must-see top sites and attractions. Though we experienced a few hiccups along the way.

Enjoy Athens day one -— the most comprehensive self-guided tour of Athens “The Classic City,” complete with distance/time data, directions, navigational map links, insider’s tips, etc.

Starting at Kerameikos Archaeological Site, and visit 7 of Athens’ top sites and attractions including Ancient Agora of Athens, Temple of Hephaestus, Anafiotika Cafe, Roman Forum, Hadrian’s Library, and Monastiraki Square.

Athens weather

Kerameikos Cemetery

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Kerameikos, the ancient cemetery of Athens, is a remarkable archaeological site showcasing burial customs from ancient Greece.

Located outside the ancient city walls, it was both a potters' district and a sacred burial ground dating back to the 12th century BCE. The site is divided by the Sacred Way, which led to the Eleusinian Mysteries, and the Dipylon Gate, the main entrance to ancient Athens.

Highlights include intricately carved tombstones, the Pompeion, and the Street of Tombs, revealing insights into ancient funerary art and rituals. Paid admission — Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.

Ancient Agora of Athens

650 meters | 5 minutes

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The Ancient Agora of Athens, once the vibrant heart of Athenian public life, is a fascinating glimpse into ancient Greek society.

Established in the 6th century BCE, it was the social, political, and commercial hub where citizens gathered for markets, debates, and festivals. Today, highlights include the remarkably preserved Temple of Hephaestus, dedicated to the god of craftsmanship, and the Stoa of Attalos, now housing a museum with artifacts that offer insight into Athenian life.

Walking through its ruins, you can explore paths where Socrates and other influential figures once walked, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Paid admission — Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.

Temple of Hephaestus

0 meters | within the Agora

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Located in the Ancient Agora of Athens on a hill called Kolonos Agoraios, the Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples. While you cannot go inside the structure itself, you can walk around it.

Built in 449 BC, it honors Hephaestus, the god of metalworking and craftsmanship, and Athena Ergane, the goddess of pottery and crafts. The temple’s Doric design features stunning columns and intricate friezes depicting mythological battles, including the labors of Heracles.

Unlike many ancient structures, it remained largely intact due to its conversion into a Christian church in the 7th century. Paid admission — Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.

Anafiotika Cafe

400 meters | 6 minute

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Having done some research, we had decided on Anafiotika Cafe minutes away.

Important Do not confuse it with the restaurant/cafe at the bottom of the steps called Anefani, though the sign looks similar.

Anafiotika is at the top of the steps. Apparently, they are in a legal battle with the OG restaurant for similarities in their name/logo.

We were greeted and served by David, this awesome waiter, spent an hour or so here, ordering refreshing salads, grilled halloumi cheese, and a couple fredo espressos, of course. FREE admission — items available for purchase.

Roman Forum

350 meters | 4 minutes

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Built between 19 and 11 BC, the Roman Forum of Athens aka. Roman Agora, was the city’s commercial hub during Roman rule. Replacing the older Greek Agora, it housed shops, markets, and public spaces.

The forum’s centerpiece is the striking Gate of Athena Archegetis, a monumental entrance flanked by four Doric columns. Nearby is the Tower of the Winds, an ancient weather station and clock.

Unlike the bustling Greek Agora, the Roman Forum represents Athens' shift under Roman influence. Paid admission — Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.

Hadrian's Library

170 meters | 2 minutes

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Hadrian’s Library was a grand structure in the heart of Athens dedicated to learning and culture.

Built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD, it featured a vast collection of books, lecture halls, and reading rooms, making it the intellectual center of the city during Roman times.

The library’s impressive courtyard, lined with Corinthian columns, added to its grandeur. Though much of it was destroyed by invasions in later centuries, the remains still hint at its former glory.

Visitors can explore the ruins and imagine ancient Athenians engaged in scholarly pursuits amidst its majestic halls. Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket

Monastiraki Square

53 meters | 1 minute

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Monastiraki Square is one of Athens’ most vibrant and historic areas, known for its lively atmosphere, street markets, and diverse architecture.

The square is a cultural crossroads, blending Ottoman, Byzantine, and modern Greek elements, with notable landmarks that include the 18th-century Tzistarakis Mosque and the Byzantine Church of the Pantanassa.

Monastiraki is also famous for its flea market, where visitors can shop for everything from antiques to souvenirs.

With the Acropolis towering above and ancient ruins like the Roman Agora nearby, Monastiraki Square is a bustling hub that showcases the layers of Athens' rich history and modern life. FREE admission.