Our next day was spent exploring more of the ancient ruins and some of the modern Athens. Of course nothing compares to Acropolis and its Partenon.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit all sites that we’ve wanted, but I’ve listed them in the end of the post anyway.
Day 3 in Athens
The Choragic Monument of Lysicrate
The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates is a circular monument located in the ancient Agora of Athens, Greece. It was built in 334 BC by the Athenian choregos, or patron of public theatrical performances, Lysicrates, to commemorate his victory in a musical competition at the Great Dionysia, a religious celebration held every year.
This monument is among the most significant examples of the Greek temple-like structure known as a “choragic monument” which were created to celebrate successful dramatic productions. It is composed of four white marble Corinthian columns which support an entablature, or beam structure, made of Pentelic marble and decorated with a frieze depicting scenes from the mythological play which won the competition.
The monument was preserved over over two thousand years until it was damaged by Allied bombing during World War II in 1941. In the 1950s, Greek and international archeologists undertook a massive restoration effort to reestablish the monument’s former glory.

Don’t miss a Temple of Hephaestus, Altar of Aphrodite Urania and Stoa of Attalos (reconstructed temple) nearby.
The Panathenaic Stadium (Παναθηναϊκό Στάδιο)
The Panathenaic Stadium is an ancient stadium located in the center of Athens, Greece. It was originally built in 330 BC, and served as the site of the Panathenaic Games, a Panhellenic Games festival honoring the goddess Athena. The stadium was renovated in 140 AD during the Roman Empire, and once again by Herodes Atticus in 144 AD. The venue remained in use for over 1,500 years before being abandoned in 1776. In 1895, it was restored for use for the Olympics once again, and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in Athens. It continues to be used as a venue for modern events, concerts, and sporting competitions.

The Arch of Hadrian (Πύλη Αδριανού)
The Arch Of Hadrian, also known as Hadrian’s Gate, is a significant historical monument that dates back to the 2nd century AD. It was constructed to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who visited Athens during his reign.
The arch served as a gateway between the ancient city of Athens and the Roman-established neighbourhood of Athens. It was built using Pentelic marble, a common material in ancient Greek architecture. It consists of a central arch flanked by two pilasters with Corinthian capitals. The arc marked the boundary between the old city and the new Roman influence.
The arch is adorned with elaborate decorations, including reliefs depicting scenes from mythology and the military campaigns of Emperor Hadrian. These reliefs showcase intricate details and provide insights into the cultural and historical context of ancient Athens.
Over the centuries, the Arch of Hadrian has undergone various modifications and restorations. It has also suffered damage from wars and natural disasters.
If you stand straight in front of it, you will be able to see Acropolis through it as shown in the picture below. Nowadays, some tall buildings are obstructing some of the view, but I can imagine in ancient time you had a perfect view from here.



The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Ναός του Ολυμπίου Διός)
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is an ancient temple located in Athens, Greece. Construction began in the 6th century BC, but due to various reasons, including political turmoil and lack of funds, it took several centuries to complete.
The ambitious project was initiated by the Athenian tyrant Peisistratos, who envisioned this temple as a way to showcase the wealth and power of Athens. However, it was his sons, Hippias and Hipparchus, who oversaw the initial construction. The temple was dedicated to the supreme god of Greek mythology, Zeus, who was considered the king of the Olympian gods.

The temple was built on the southeastern edge of the Acropolis, right next to the Ilissos River. It was designed in the Doric style, characterized by its simple and sturdy appearance. The temple was enormous, with dimensions of approximately 96 meters long and 40 meters wide.
Despite its impressive size, the temple faced numerous setbacks during its construction. Peisistratos’ sons were overthrown in 510 BC, resulting in a halt to the project. It remained unfinished for many years until the ruler of Athens, Antiochus IV of Syria, resumed construction in 174 BC. However, Antiochus’ ambitious plans were also left incomplete due to his untimely death.
Finally, in 132 AD, Emperor Hadrian of Rome took on the task of completing the temple. Hadrian not only finished the construction but also added several architectural features, including Corinthian columns, which were not part of the original design. The temple was consecrated in 131 AD and stood as an impressive monument for centuries.
Unfortunately, the Temple of Olympian Zeus suffered significant damage over time due to natural disasters and human activity. Earthquakes in the 3rd century AD caused severe destruction, and looting during various periods resulted in the removal of many of its original decorations. Today, only a few of the temple’s columns remain standing. Unfortunately, on our visit it was being renovated so there was not much to see.

Zappeion Garden (Κήποι Ζαππείου)
Zappeion Garden in Athens is a delightful green space located near the Zappeion Hall. It is a tranquil oasis that offers a serene escape from the bustling city. The garden features well-maintained pathways that wind through lush vegetation, creating a picturesque setting for visitors to explore.
The garden is adorned with a variety of trees, plants, and flowers, providing a pleasant and refreshing ambiance. The carefully manicured lawns and colorful blooms add to the park’s charm. The garden also boasts beautiful fountains and water features that add to its aesthetic appeal.



National Garden (Εθνικός Κήπος)
The National Garden of Athens is a beautiful green oasis located in the heart of the city. It was originally commissioned by Queen Amalia in the mid-19th century and covers an area of 15.5 hectares.
The National Garden features several notable landmarks, including the Zappeion Hall, an impressive neoclassical building that has served as a venue for important events and conferences. There is also a small lake, where visitors can relax and watch the ducks and turtles. It is a home to a divers collection of plants, trees and flowers, including rare and exotic species:
The National Garden in Athens is home to a variety of rare and exotic plants. Some of the notable species found in the garden include: Cycads (ancient plants are known for their palm-like appearance and have been around since the time of dinosaurs), Mediterranean Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens), Dragon Trees (Dracaena draco), Baobabs (Adansonia), Ginkgo Biloba, Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum), Aloe Vera, various species of bamboo.
The garden also houses a small zoo, known as the “Garden of Animals,” which is home to a variety of species, including birds, turtles, and more. It serves as an educational and recreational area for visitors of all ages.





Syntagma Square (Πλατεία Συντάγματος) and Changing of the Presidential Guard
Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, is located in front of the Greek Parliament building, formerly the Royal Palace, constructed for King Otto in the 19th century. It is named after the Constitution that King Otto was forced to grant after a popular and military uprising on September 3, 1843. The square is a major transport hub with access to metro lines, buses, and trams connecting various parts of the city. One of the key attractions of Syntagma Square is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every hour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Changing of the Guard is performed by the Evzones, an elite ceremonial unit, wearing traditional uniforms including kilts and pom-pomed shoes. The guards are changing every hour, but the most spectacular one is on Sunday 11:00 am. Crowds normally gather around, so be early.
We went to the normal changing ceremony on Monday at 12:00pm. It was already 42C and while filming my One Plust 10T phone kept overheating and stopped working, so I couldn’t take much of the footage of that changing ceremony.




Mount Lycabettus (Λυκαβηττός), Athens
Mount Lycabettus in Athens, Greece is a popular tourist spot known for its stunning views over the city of Athens (up to the port Piraeus) and its proximity to the Acropolis. Its summit offers some of the best panoramas of the city. More about it read in the blog post below.
National Archaeological Museum of Athens (Εθνικό Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο)
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is the largest archaeological museum in Greece, with over 11,000 exhibits, and one of the most important museums in the world devoted to ancient Greek art. It was founded in 1829, shortly after Greece’s independence, and its current building, designed by Ludwig Lange, was completed in 1889. The museum houses some of the most significant artifacts from various archaeological locations across Greece, covering a period from prehistory to late antiquity.
The vast collection includes the prehistoric section with artifacts from the Neolithic era, Cycladic civilization, and Mycenaean artifacts, notably the golden Mask of Agamemnon. Its sculpture collection is extensive, featuring the famous statues such as the bronze Artemision Zeus or Poseidon and the Aphrodite of Melos. The museum also holds the Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek analogue computer, which remains a point of fascination and study for historians and scientists.
The Schliemann collection, named after the archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, showcases invaluable finds from Troy, Mycenae, and other key sites. The museum’s atrium and surrounding gardens, adorned with statues, offer a peaceful setting for reflection and relaxation.
Plaka district (Πλάκα)
The Plaka is the oldest district of Athens, and has been closed to automobile traffic for many years. It was once a nightclub district, but this has changed in more recent years to a tourist-centric area with restaurants, jewellery stores, and cafes. Despite its commercialised nature, it is still an attractive neighbourhood and a great place to visit for enjoyable meals at reasonable prices.
Kydathineon and Adrianou are the main pedestrian streets in Plaka.
Gazi district (Γκάζι), Athens
Gazi district is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene, which includes a wide range of bars, clubs and restaurants. It is also home to the historic Technopolis cultural centre, which hosts a wide variety of events and exhibits throughout the year.
Ermou Street (Ερμού), Athens – Shopping Street
Ermou Street is one of the main shopping thoroughfares in Athens, Greece, located in the city center. Stretching from Syntagma Square to Monastiraki, it is lined with a variety of high-end boutiques, popular chain stores, and charming local shops. The street is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to browse and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for fashion, jewellery, or souvenirs, Ermou Street offers something for every shopper.
Monastiraki district (Μοναστηράκι), Athens
Monastiraki is a vibrant district located in the historic centre of Athens known for its diverse mix of shops, ancient temples, lively nightlife, and an eclectic selection of restaurants. It is especially famous for its bustling flea market, where you can explore the lively streets, and find anything from traditional Greek souvenirs to antiques. In recent years, Monastiraki has even hosted art exhibitions, film screenings, and other cultural events.