The most photo worthy spots in Athens
There is no other city where I feel so alive as in Athens. My favorite city in the world, without any doubt! Walking through Athens means walking through centuries of history and seeing the Acropolis rising everywhere. A city full of vibrant lights, where life is celebrated with tons of tasty food and drinks and where you’ll hear the laughter of the locals until late at night.
Athens is the city of graffiti but also the city of the most breathtaking viewpoints. A city that might seem ugly at first sight but soon you’ll find delightful little corners everywhere. That makes photography in Athens so interesting and I’m happy to guide you. This list contains all my favorite photo locations in Athens and this is a mix of popular spots and hidden gems.
Acropolis
Let’s start with the most obvious one. Going to Athens and not visiting the Acropolis is the same thing as going to Paris and not see the Eifel Tower. This is one of the oldest and most-well preserved sights in the world and just that alone is a reason to visit the Acropolis.
As for photography, well this is 2018. I remember visiting the Acropolis in the middle of the weekend in 2014 and one could easily take a picture without any crowds on it. But forget about that now honey, times are changing and if you want to snap that perfect Acropolis photo then you must be there early.
I usually don’t give this advice as it is something that I never do myself. I mean, who prefers early mornings over late night cocktails?! But I guess my love for Athens motivated me to get up at 6 and be at the Acropolis at 8 for opening. We did not buy any tickets on forehand but that was okay as we were pretty much the first people at the cashier (note: this was on a Friday).
We sure needed a nap that afternoon but being at the Acropolis for opening hour was o so worth it. I took all the time I needed for my pictures and the lighting was just so much better. It’s a good thing we did that because it only took one hour for the Acropolis to become crowded!
Pláka
Pláka is the cutest neighborhood of Athens if you ask me. The pastel streets are located at an angle and its stairs became the spot of many cozy bars and restaurants. My favorite place to drink a fresh orange juice!
Anafiotika
Above Pláka you will find Anafiotika, the oldest neighborhood of Athens. Anafiotika was constructed in an era when Athens needed craftsmen from the islands, especially from Anafi. The story goes that the craftsmen could build their own houses on the condition that the job had to be done in just one night. Well, nothing but respect for these men as they did pull it off!
The result? Little white houses with colorful doors and shutters in narrow streets. Walking around in Anafiotika will make you feel like you left Athens for a quiet Greek island. The view from up there is not bad either, showing Lykavittos hill in all its glory.
Philopappos Hill
Philopappos is the place to be for the best Acropolis background photo. The entrance to the hill is right across the entrance of the Acropolis itself. You can walk all the way up to the monument however it’s not really necessary as you’ll see several viewpoints during your climb.
Monastiraki
This is one of the – if not the - prettiest squares in Athens but it’s also the most touristy one. It sure is a nice scenery for pics but the crowds make it very challenging to take a good photo. The best thing to do is to shoot a Monastiraki photo from above, for example at A for Athens rooftop bar.
Syntagma
Another tourist hub of Athens but large enough to find yourself a good photo spot. From the fountain to the pastel-colored government building, Syntagma won’t disappoint you.
National Gardens
Monastiraki and Syntagma might be packed however you’ll find an oasis of calm right next to the government building. Palm trees will welcome you when entering the National Gardens and give you that instant tropical feeling.
The garden is a haven for runners, dog owners, families or just anyone who wants to escape the busy city life. While walking through the garden you will see plants from all over the world, several statues and you will find a lake with lots of ducks and turtles.
I visited the National Gardens twice, once in spring and once in fall. I enjoyed the walk here both times, but I say visit in spring for photos. Flowers, anyone?
Panathenaic Stadium
The Panathenaic Stadium was built for the first modern edition of the Olympics. This marble stadium is an impressive sight and the perfect spot to pose like a champ. Nobody needs to know that you haven’t run since that gym class that you hated so much in high school!
Lykavittos Hill
Lykavittos is the highest hill of Athens and it’s the most beautiful place to watch the sunset. The climb is very doable, but you also have the option to take the funicular. At the top you’ll find a fancy looking restaurant, a tower and a little white church.
Now let me tell you something about the top of Lykavittos: this is NOT the spot for amazing photos. It is very tiny, full of people and if you manage to find a spot to sit down then someone will be blocking your view. Not the most relaxing way to watch the sunset, right?
Instead, find a corner at the edge of the stairs while you are walking up. Same view as the top, no photobombers and plenty of space for you and your beer. Now get that camera ready!
Another tip for you: I noticed that a lot of people left right after sunset. Please don’t do that, stay a little longer and enjoy seeing Athens lit up completely while the pink skies fade into darkness.
National Archaeological Museum
Go to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens for a modern version of the classical Greek architecture. The museum exhibits a diverse collection of ancient statues but the building itself is the true beauty here. Tall, strong pillars with a tympan where the sun kisses the golden statues while the wind brings the flag to life.
Strefi Hill
Because we can never get enough of panoramic Athens views, right? Strefi hill is located at the edge of Exarcheia neighborhood and you’d pass by it without even realizing it’s a hill at first. I have a little confession myself: I never knew where Strefi hill was until this last trip. Turns out I lived only three streets away from it. Oops. I just realized that I missed out on lots of pretty sunsets!
Oh well, better late than never. What I really liked about Strefi hill is that you get to see the Acropolis and Lykavittos both at the same time. Two of Athens biggest landmarks in just one image. Plus, it is a very calm spot. Most likely you will be the only tourist here and the few other people you’ll see are locals enjoying their own hidden spot.
Have you visited Athens already?
Ayo! AR x
