The Best Views of Athens – 10 Amazing Viewpoints
We fell in love with Greece long time ago and moved there. To us, it’s the prettiest country in Europe. Being locals, we know where you can find the best views in Athens.
Of course, the Parthenon presides over the city. But that’s not all. Athens has a couple of hills with epic views. You can even see the Mediterranean Sea!
All you have to do is follow our tips and you will enjoy our city to the max. You’ve got nothing to worry about. As anywhere in Greece, the food and drinks are superb, and everywhere.
The Acropolis
Visiting the Acropolis and eating are the main reasons to visit Athens. Since nothing in the center can be higher than the Acropolis, you will see it at every turn.
The views from the Acropolis will take your breath away. We have to be honest. Our city can be scorching hot during the summer. Thus, visit the Acropolis early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Don’t rush and be sure to check the views on your way there. Try different paths on your way down. You will see the entire city including the coast.
Philopappos Hill
We live near Philopappos Hill and walk about it almost every day. We are convinced it’s the best place to enjoy the views. The hill is in front of the Acropolis.
Access the hill through the Prison of Socrates remains. Your first viewing point is nearby. You will see the Acropolis above you. There are several paths that take you to the top.
Philopappo’s monument is the highest point. It was intact to until the 15th Century. The 360 views over the city will leave you speechless. No entrance ticket and far less tourists than the Acropolis.
Areopagus Hill
We have to be honest. Areopagus Hill is super touristy. What where you expecting? The hill is in front of the Acropolis and offers unforgettable views over the archaeological remains and the center.
That said, you will always find a spot to enjoy the views, even in high season. Though the hill is steep, the way up is easy.
Most people visit the hill for sunsets. Avoid. We have a better spot to catch the sunset. We recommend going to Areopagus early in the morning or late in the evening.
Nymphs Hill
There are three hills in front of the Acropolis. A pedestrian road divides Philopappos from Nymphs. To our amazement, most tourist visit Philopappos and miss this one altogether.
Our home is at the foot of Nymphs. We go there to read and chill all the time. The best way to reach the hill is through Akamantos street. You will see the National Observatory of Athens.
Then you will see Doridis Observatory from 1902. The esplanade with the awesome views is next. This is where the ancient Pnyx is. However, to catch the best sunset in Athens turn southwest to the Sunset Panoramic Lookout.
Mount Lycabettus
The highest hill in central Athens is Mount Lycabettus. It’s the one behind the fancy neighborhood of Kolonaki. You will recognize it from the giant Greek flag on top.
You can access the hill from Kolonaki square. There are stairs that take you to the hill. Be sure to turn around and enjoy the views as you go up.
Take your time and rest under the shade. If you don’t feel like walking, you can take the funicular on Aristippou Street. There’s a good coffee house at the top of the hill.
Strefi Hill
Exarcheia is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Athens due to its incredible street art and fun bars. It’s rough around the edges and that’s why we like it!
The neighborhood is safe. Strefi Hill is the small but steep hill that towers above Exarcheia. Walk along Themistokleous to the basketball courts at the foot of the hill.
This is a local favorite’s spot, so you will hardly see in any tourists. Be sure to check the street artists that perform in the park. Continue to the top and prepare to be dazzled.
Hymettus
Hymettus is the big hill with a giant forest on top east of the city center. You need to take a bus or an inexpensive taxi to get to its foot.
The place is full of pine and cypress trees. It’s very quiet and you can breathe fresh air. You can walk for as long as you want. There are several viewpoints.
Our favorite spot is Kaisariani Monastery. The frescoes inside the medieval monastery are gorgeous. There are several paths around that take you to Church of the Ascension.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)
Not everything is ancient in Athens. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a contemporary masterpiece next to the sea designed by Renzo Piano. It’s big and beautiful.
The national opera and library are in the center. A big green parks surrounds it. In fact, the park covers the roof of the center. You can go all the way to the top to enjoy the views.
There are chairs and a good coffee house. The center is in Kallithea, a traditional neighborhood. From there, you can go to the seafront and enjoy views over the water.
Jacqueline de Romilly Square
To us, this is the nicest place in the entire city. We live two blocks away. The Jacqueline de Romilly Square faces the Agora and the Acropolis. Besides, there are cute cats everywhere!
There are also great bars, taverns, and restaurants. Everyone in the city visits to walk around, eat, and socialize. It’s a great place to meet locals.
We strongly recommend completing the loop around the Agora. Most tourists miss it all together. From the square walk a bit to the open air movie theatre and enter the pedestrian street that leads to the Roman Forum. This is probably the most beautiful street in Athens.
Rooftop Terraces
Athens has incredible rooftop restaurants and bars, which you can enjoy even in winter. The city enjoys great weather all year round and is a foodie’s paradise.
We always go to A for Athens. It’s on Monastiraki square. The square is another great place to enjoy views over the Acropolis. Bar Anglais is nearby. It’s the perfect spot for cocktails.
To eat in an authentic tavern with views, we always go to Savvas, a block from Monastiraki. To read with views over the national palace and the hills, we go to Public, on Syntagma square.
How to Choose Your Viewpoint
Athens is a great city to walk about, in particular around the historic core. You can walk around Plaka, Thissio and Monastiraki for hours enjoying the views.
Our only concern is the heat. If it gets too hot, don’t rush and avoid the sun. Wait till the afternoon. Athens has splendid evenings, even in the hottest months.
Since the city is safe, you can go everywhere at all times. The easiest and grandest views are from Nymphs and Philopappos. If you are too tired or can’t climb, treat yourself to cocktails and food at a rooftop terrace.
Where to Stay in Athens
Athens has many hotels, but few with Acropolis views. Our favorite is the Electra Palace Hotel. The views from the rooftop pool of the 5 star property are epic.
One of the best places to stay in Athens is Monastiraki square. The 360 Degrees has super comfy rooms with Acropolis views.
Our final recommendation goes to Phidias Hotel. This little gem is on Athens nicest pedestrian street, Apostolou Pavlou. The best rooms have balconies overlooking the Acropolis. The onsite restaurant on the plaza is delicious.
