Sightseeing and scenic rides in Athens
Athens is a city of views, and the hills are the easiest way to see it from above. Lycabettus Hill rises in the middle of the city and is often called the best view of Athens, with the Acropolis and Piraeus spread out below. Kastella, closer to the port, gives a view over the harbor, Zea and Mikrolimano. Both hills give wide views over Athens and its surroundings.
Places to go
Lycabettus Hill
Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in central Athens, a wooded rise that gives the city's best known view. You can climb it on foot or ride part of the way up.
Acropolis
The Acropolis is the ancient citadel above central Athens, with the Parthenon at its heart. You climb the rock on foot to reach the ruins and the views over the city.
Ancient Walls of Piraeus
The Ancient Walls of Piraeus are the remains of the defensive circuit built to guard the port town in ancient times. Stone gates and wall stretches still show the line of the fortifications.
Philopappou Hill
Philopappou Hill is a pine-clad hill in central Athens with shaded paths, a nature walk and a viewpoint at the top over the city. It is one of the few green places in the middle of the city to walk in.
Kastella
Kastella is a hilltop neighborhood in Piraeus, built on Profitis Ilias hill, with steep alleys that climb above the harbor. The top rewards the walk with a wide view.
Mikrolimano
Mikrolimano is a small harbor in Piraeus, full of fishing boats, small craft and luxury yachts. Its waterfront tavernas are the reason most people come, for fish and seafood at lunch.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Hop-on Hop-off Athens Highlights Tour (Athens, Piraeus & Beach Riviera)
Private Views of Athens from Mount Lycabettus by Underground Railway
What to expect
Most visitors start with Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in central Athens. A funicular runs up from Aristippou Street in Kolonaki every half hour, so you can ride up and walk back down the path. The summit gives the best view of the city, with the Acropolis on one side and Piraeus on the other. On clear days you can make out Aegina.
Kastella is a hilltop above the port, reached on foot. At the top you find a church and a cafe, and the view covers the main port, Zea and Mikrolimano. Agios Vasileios is another hilltop church, with a view over the whole city. Both are easy to add to a visit, though the walking and climbing make this a moderate outing, not a flat one.
Where to go
- Kastella hilltop. A walk to the top for a view over the main port, Zea and Mikrolimano, with a church and cafe on top. By walk.
- Agios Vasileios church. A church on a hilltop with a view over the whole city. By taxi.
Getting there
Taxis are the simplest way to reach the hills. Kastella is closer to the port and can be walked to from the waterfront.
When to go
Spring and late autumn are the best seasons for the city views. Clear days give the best chance of seeing Aegina from Lycabettus, and the haze can be heavier on busy traffic days.
Good to know
- Wear comfortable shoes; the hill paths and steps are steeper than they look on a map.
- Bring water and sun protection, especially in the warmer months.
- Check the sky before you go up, since Aegina views need clear weather.
Questions
What is the best view in Athens?
Many visitors pick Lycabettus Hill, which is often called the city's best view. From the top you see the Acropolis and Piraeus, and on clear days Aegina is visible across the water.
How do I get to Lycabettus Hill?
Take a taxi, or ride the funicular that runs up every half hour from Aristippou Street in Kolonaki, then walk back down.
Can I see Athens views near the port without a long trip?
Yes. Kastella is a walkable hilltop above the port, with a view over the main port, Zea and Mikrolimano, and a church and cafe at the top.
