Top Ten Greek Destinations: # 1 – Athens – The Acropolis
Say what you like (or don’t like!) About Athens, no one’s trip to Greece can be completed without a visit to its supreme symbol, the rock outcrop called the Acropolis, crowned with Athena’s sacred temple, the Parthenon.
It looks great all day, but visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Skip the sound and light show – cold in temperature and cheesy in tone. New pedestrian lanes make it easy to visit via the Athens metro. It is definitely one of the must-see visits in Greece.
Planning for the future? You can book your own tour directly in advance – Athens half day sightseeing tour with Acropolis and Parthenon
Next – # 2 The best museum in Greece
When visiting the Parthenon, you can choose the option of a ticket that provides entry to several additional attractions, such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the New Acropolis Museum, and the Panathenaic Stadium. If you have time to use the multi-ticket, it is a good value and a good inspiration to make sure you see these other iconic sites in Athens.
Tips for visiting the Acropolis and the Parthenon
As with other sites in Greece, the floor of the Acropolis is littered with marble pavers and fragments that have been worn away by countless feet. These stones can be slippery, especially when it rains. Wear good shoes. What is the difference between the Acropolis and the Parthenon? The Acropolis refers to the hill itself, the site of the “upper city.” The Parthenon specifically means the temple structure built to honor Athena Parthenos, or Athena the Maiden, and which once enclosed a magnificent statue of Athena made of gold and ivory.
No trace remains of the statue, such valuable materials were looted in ancient times, but remember that for the original visitors, there was no question who the temple was. Now stripped of its marble friezes and in permanent reconstruction, it is easy to forget Athena even in her largest temple in Greece.
More viewing options for the Parthenon
You can also enjoy viewing the Parthenon from a distance – many roof garden restaurants offer diners a view of the Parthenon lit up at night. One of the favorites is the Premiere restaurant located on top of the Intercontinental Hotel in Athens.
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