Zoë Smith is a British travel writer, editor, and digital content creator who has lived, worked, and traveled over six continents, and is currently based near Nantes, France. She has written for Rough Guides, CNN, and Culture Trip, and is digital editor at FrenchEntrée.
Zoë Smith is a British travel writer, editor, and digital content creator who has lived, worked, and traveled over six continents, and is currently based near Nantes, France. She has written for Rough Guides, CNN, and Culture Trip, and is digital editor at FrenchEntrée.
Hi, I'm Zoë!Zoë Smith is a British travel writer, editor, and digital content creator who has lived, worked, and traveled over six continents, and is currently based near Nantes, France. She has written for Rough Guides, CNN, and Culture Trip, and is digital editor at FrenchEntrée.
Hi, I'm Zoë!Zoë Smith is a British travel writer, editor, and digital content creator who has lived, worked, and traveled over six continents, and is currently based near Nantes, France. She has written for Rough Guides, CNN, and Culture Trip, and is digital editor at FrenchEntrée.
With its towering Acropolis and seven hills, Athens has no shortage of impressive vantage points, and the city’s ancient monuments are photogenic from all angles. Whether sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar or visiting the city’s highest point, here’s our pick of the best views in Athens.
Perched on a hilltop at the heart of the city, Athens’ ancient Acropolis demands attention. Exploring the remarkably preserved ruins isn’t the only reason to visit—the Acropolis also affords a panoramic view over the city.
Just west of the Acropolis and a short walk from the ruins, the rocky peak of Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill) has some of the best close-up views of the Acropolis, as well as the Ancient Agora of Athens and the Temple of Hephaestus.
Ride the cable car or take a hike up to the 909-foot-high (277-meter-high) summit of Mount Lycabettus, the highest peak in Athens. The views are fantastic at any time, but the most atmospheric photo opportunities are at sunset, when the entire city is bathed in orange and red light.
Drink or dine with a view at one of Athens’ rooftop bars and restaurants. Head to A for Athens for a view of Monastiraki Square against a backdrop of the Acropolis; splurge on dinner at the 5-star Hotel Grande Bretagne rooftop restaurant; or book a table at the Athens Gate restaurant for a panoramic view of the Acropolis, Mount Lycabettus, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Another popular hilltop vista point is Philopappos Hill, located southwest of the Acropolis. Nicknamed the Hill of the Muses, it’s a tranquil spot for hiking, with a number of trails leading to the Philopappos Monument at the summit and views of both the city to the north and the Aegean Sea to the south.
