Athens is a big city, but most of the major sights and tourist areas are in the centre, around the base of the Acropolis (seen here in the middle of the picture).
The Acropolis is the rock formation that rises 156 metres above the city, seen from the Temple of Hephaestus, which itself is within the Ancient Agora.
The Parthenon (above) is the biggest temple on the Acropolis. This 2,500 year old building was badly damaged in 1687 during the Great Turkish War. In recent years, work has been undertaken to reconstruct parts of the building.
The Erechtheion (above) is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and the god Poseidon. It is particularly famous for the six maidens on the southern portico.
Located on the southern slope of the Acropolis is the Odeum of Herodes Atticus (above). Built in 161 AD, it is still used as a concert venue today.
The excellent New Acropolis Museum is a treasure-trove of artefacts dating from the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD.
Inside the New Acropolis Museum is also a reconstruction of 160 metres of continuous sculptural decoration of the Parthenon frieze (above).
The stunning Temple of Hephaestus (above) is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples. It overlooks the Agora at the west foot of the Acropolis.
Only 16 of the 104 Corinthian marble columns of the Temple of Zeus remain, but you are still able the grasp the shear scale of the original structure.
The extraordinary marble Panathenaic Stadium (above) was built for the first modern Olympic Games, held in 1896. It seated 60,000 people.
Skip the crowds outside the Greek Parliament and head for the Presidential Residence (behind the National Gardens) to watch the changing of the guard. Known as Evzones, all members are volunteers drawn from the Hellenic Army's Infantry Corps.
After a hard day exploring the sights, head for the gay-popular Rooster for a cold beer or cocktail, some cool tunes and people watching.
At night, head to Syntagma Square (below) to see the Greek Parliament Building (above).
Later in the evening, when you are ready for the gay nightlife, take the metro to Gazi. The gay -popular Del Sol Cafe, located right next to the Keramikos Metro station is a great place to start.
Outside Athens
A bit more time to spare? Consider a visit to Cape Sounion, about 40km south of Athens to visit the Temple of Poseidon. The pure white Doric columns are still majestic against the blue Aegean Sea and sky.
