8 Photos You'll Wish You'd Taken in Athens

Ancient temples façade in central Athens
Ancient temple's façade in central Athens | © mariadelajuana / Flickr
Ethel Dilouambaka

Athens is one of the most photographed cities in the world. Its many landmarks and monuments have probably even appeared at least once or twice in your social media news feed. But there is so much more to the city than the regular ancient temple shot. Here are some snapshots of Athens you should take the next time you visit.

Athens under a blanket of snow

When most people think of Greece, they often think summer holidays, so it can be hard to believe the fact that Athens, though one of the warmest places in Europe, also enjoys a snow day here and there. It’s a magical moment when it happens, though, as snow covers the city’s monuments with a white blanket, adding an eerie, peaceful vibe to Athens.

Athens under the snow

A simple everyday scene

Postcard from Piraeus

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre

This stunning modern building is the new home of the National Opera and the National Library. The complex is the feat of Renzo Piano and features a beautiful park and an artificial lake. In the summer, the centre organises open-air movie nights, so check the website to learn more about the program.

The SNFCC in Kallithea

Athens Street Art Open Museum

In case you didn’t know, Athens has a major street art scene. So much so that many city tours offer a street art walking tour. While not every piece of graffiti is meant to be a piece of art, many authentic street artists are using the city as their canvas, enhancing the area with their murals. Psyrri, Metaxourgeio and Exarcheia are neighbourhoods where you will see some of the best graffiti around.

Artist: Sonke

Piraeus metro station

Housed in a 1929 building and located right opposite Piraeus port, the Piraeus metro station has been in use since 1869, and thousands of people use it on a daily basis. This number grows exponentially during the summer when the influx of tourists and locals head to the islands through the port.

Piraeus metro station

The Athens 2004 Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA) at sunset

The tradition is to head to Lycabettus Hill to watch as the sun sets over the sea from Athens’ highest point – the view is definitely worth the effort. But switch things up a bit and head to the 2004 Olympic Stadium (OAKA) and have a walk around. During the warmer months, the stadium turns into a playground and park, where neighbours come together to walk, talk and exercise while the young ones play. It’s a beautiful and peaceful moment worth experiencing.

Athens 2004 Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA)

The reflection of the Acropolis on the glass wall of the Acropolis Museum

You may have seen thousands of photos of the Acropolis. Whether it is on Instagram or in a history book, the Acropolis is undeniably an iconic landmark of the city. But to make your shot of the Sacred Rock unique, take a picture of its reflection on the glass wall of the Acropolis Museum – it’s sure to earn a lot of likes on your social media platforms.

Acropolis Museum

Poseidon’s Temple at Cape Sounio

Visiting the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio is another fun thing you can do in Athens. Combine it with a day at the beach along the Athenian Riviera, and end it with a sunset near the majestic hilltop temple. You will quickly understand that sunsets in Greece are simply magical, no matter where you are.

Temple of Poseidon, Sounio

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