Athens / 12 photo spots
12 Instagram spots in Athens, marble included
Marble temples, whitewashed island lanes and a marble stadium: Athens stacks 2,500 years of photo sets into a few walkable hills. Start on the Acropolis early, save Lycabettus Hill for sunset, and work through these 12 spots in between.
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Photo spots on the map
7 of 12 photo ideas have sourced location coordinates. The initial view is for orientation. An area marker does not indicate an exact photo position.
Select a highlighted number to show its sourced location on the map. Every name links to the photo spot.
If the map does not load, use the OpenStreetMap link or the photo spot list.
All photo spots
- Odeon of Herodes AtticusSourced place
- AnafiotikaApproximate area
- Ancient Agora of AthensApproximate area
- Temple of Olympian ZeusSourced place
- Panathenaic StadiumSourced place
- Monastiraki SquareApproximate area
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural CenterApproximate area
Map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
Destination reference: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Spot coordinates: Wikidata, CC0. Selection, association and some calculations by You, Me, Away.
Parthenon on the Acropolis
The Parthenon has crowned the Acropolis rock since 438 BC and still owns every skyline. Enter at opening time and shoot the columns from the northwest corner before the tour groups arrive.
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Areopagus Hill
The smooth marble rock of Mars Hill sits just northwest of the Acropolis entrance. Climb it for the classic free view of the Propylaea gateway, best in the last hour before sunset.
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Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The stone theatre on the south slope of the Acropolis still hosts summer concerts. Shoot the arched facade from the pedestrian street below, with the Parthenon peeking over the rock above.
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Anafiotika
Whitewashed cubic houses and blue shutters built by masons from the island of Anafi, tucked under the northeast slope of the Acropolis. Wander the lanes early, keep quiet, and frame the alleys against the rock.
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Plaka and the Mnisikleous Stairs
Plaka is the oldest quarter in Athens, a grid of neoclassical facades and taverna tables under the Acropolis. The stepped Mnisikleous Street, lined with cafe chairs on every landing, is the money shot.
Open in Google MapsAncient Agora of Athens
The civic heart of ancient Athens, with the near intact Temple of Hephaestus on its low hill. Shoot through the trees in the afternoon, when the temple and the Stoa of Attalos catch warm side light.
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Temple of Olympian Zeus
Fifteen colossal Corinthian columns are all that remain of one of the largest temples of the ancient world. Step back far enough to stack the columns against the Acropolis in the background.
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Panathenaic Stadium
The only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, home of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Climb to the top row for the full horseshoe, then take the podium shot by the Olympic rings.
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Monastiraki Square
Flea market stalls, a domed Ottoman mosque and the Acropolis filling the background. Come on a Sunday morning when the market spills into every side street.
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Lycabettus Hill
At 277 metres this is the highest point in central Athens, crowned by the white chapel of St George. Ride the funicular up for sunset and stay until the Acropolis lights come on.
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Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square
Evzone guards in pleated kilts and pom pom shoes change every hour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The full ceremony with the embroidered white uniform happens on Sundays at 11 am.
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Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Renzo Piano's glass opera house and library rise over a saltwater canal near the sea in Kallithea. Shoot the illuminated facade across the canal at blue hour, then take the park hill for views back to the Acropolis.
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