Acropolis
The Acropolis is the sacred rock above Athens, crowned by the Parthenon and visible from almost everywhere in the city. Entry is paid, with a combo ticket covering multiple archaeological sites.
Park in Athens
The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a Renzo Piano-designed complex south of the city center with the Greek National Library, the National Opera, a park with a canal and Mediterranean gardens, and a rooftop with panoramic views. Free to enter the park and library. The park is Athens’ newest major green space with free outdoor concerts and events in summer. Budget travelers take the cheap bus or free shuttle from Syntagma, explore the park and the library for free, and see contemporary Athens at its most ambitious.
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Other places worth the walk, and what each one costs.
The Acropolis is the sacred rock above Athens, crowned by the Parthenon and visible from almost everywhere in the city. Entry is paid, with a combo ticket covering multiple archaeological sites.
The Acropolis Museum is a modern glass museum at the foot of the Acropolis, housing the sculptures, friezes, and artifacts from the Parthenon and the other Acropolis buildings. Entry is paid.
Anafiotika is a hidden neighborhood clinging to the north slope of the Acropolis rock, built in the 19th century by workers from the Cycladic island of Anafi who replicated their island architecture in the middle of Athens. Free.
The Ancient Agora was the civic and commercial heart of classical Athens, where Socrates argued and democracy was practiced daily. The site is included in the Acropolis combo ticket.
Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill) is a bare marble rock below the Acropolis entrance where the Athenian court met and where St Paul delivered his sermon to the Athenians. Free.
The Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora) is a covered market on Athinas Street between Monastiraki and Omonia, with a meat hall, a fish hall, and surrounding streets of fruit, vegetable, and spice vendors. Free to browse.
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The whole of Athens