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.
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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Privacy detailsAreopagus 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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Privacy detailsOdeon 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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Privacy detailsAnafiotika
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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Privacy detailsPlaka 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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Privacy detailsTemple 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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Privacy detailsPanathenaic 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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Privacy detailsMonastiraki 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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Privacy detailsLycabettus 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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Privacy detailsChanging 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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Privacy detailsStavros 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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