17 Best Photo Spots in Athens: Most Beautiful Places + Map

Wondering where are the best photo spots in Athens? You are in the right place! I will help you discover the most beautiful places in Athens and make sure you get some wonderful postcards from your trip.

Athens is the capital of Greece and one of the coolest European destinations. And this title was given for a good reason. Athens is filled with cute corners, historical sights, and hip cafes.

This means that there are endless opportunities for photography lovers. In this article, you will find exact locations, the best time to visit these places, what equipment to use, and many more photography tips. 

My guide of the best photo spots in Athens is going to ensure that you don’t miss a single photo opportunity during your visit! I will add the exact location on Google Maps for every location – just click on the link to find it.

*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

But before we dive in…

Best Photo Spots in Athens

Below you will find only the best photo spots in Athens together with photo inspiration, location on the map, and some additional photography tips. An additional section for the most Instagrammable cafes in Athens is included, so keep on reading and discover the most beautiful places in Athens with me.

Acropolis – Parthenon, Erechtheion, Odeon of Herodes Atticus

No doubt that the Acropolis is the most popular attraction in Athens. For a good reason! The history and the beauty of the place are simply breathtaking, but Acropolis can be challenging when it comes to photography. Lucky for you, I am here to make this experience a bit easier for you.

Most of the guides suggest visiting the Acropolis at the opening time and that is what I did, but the place was packed even at the end of the season. So I decided to give it another try and visit it 2 hours before closing time on a weekday.

And that is when you can see it relatively empty and take some epic photos with a golden hour. I was one of the last to leave the place, so the whole experience was pure magic. If you are particularly interested in history, come here 3 hours before closing time.

Also, it says that the last entrance is 30 minutes before closing time, but you won’t be able to see anything in those 30 minutes.

The admission fee to visit the Acropolis is 22 euros and it includes all the sights. The best for the photos are Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

I highly recommend buying the Acropolis Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket to save some precious time. Also, the price difference is very small and totally worth it.

For my photo, I used a 24mm lens and a wide angle is a must in this place. While a zoom lens can take some very cool details. Also, wear something colorful to pop out as everything around you will be beige.

Location: the main entrance on the west side (right next to this canteen) and the side entrance.

Anafiotika

Anafiotika is one of the hidden gems in Athens as so many tourists miss it. Not only it is one of the best photo spots in Athens, but also a great getaway if you want to get away from the crowds and the noise.

Anafiotika lies under the Acropolis, so you will be greeted with some epic views. Then it is time to get lost in the white house filled streets and hunt for some photo opportunities.

Trust me, there are many. You can capture the beauty of the Acropolis, take some photos with the flowers and cute houses or just snap some local cats who live in Anafiotika.

Considering that this is the best-kept secret of Athens, this place is not very crowded and you can take photos any time of the day. Just keep in mind that the light can get harsh in the afternoon.

Also, since most of the houses are white, wear something colorful. I used a 35 mm lens, but you can also play with a wide angle.

Location: the best photo spot in Anafiotika

Plaka

Plaka is connected with Anafiotika, however, this is a more lively area compared to Anafiotika. It gets particularly busy late in that afternoon, so come here for breakfast and then head to Anafiotika. Before or after you can combine it with more photo spots from this list.

The best photo spot in Plaka is right next to Melina Mercouri Café (highly suggested!) where you will find a huge flowering bougainvillea tree. But I suggest you walk around the small alleys and I can guarantee that you will find many more photo opportunities around.

I suggest you walk Panos Street, pass by Klepsýdra restaurant, visit the Holy Church of the Holy Unmercenaries of Kolokynthis – Metochion of the Holy Sepulchre, and see Stairs Athens.

Walk in the Plaka will take you a bit more than one hour and you will be able to create some of the best photos from Athens here, so don’t miss out! Similar to Anafiotika you will need a wide-angle lens and a 35 mm lens.

Location: the main street of Plaka

Pnyx

Athens is a city of seven hills. Pnyx is one of the hills and one of the best photo spots in Athens. I still can’t get over the view that you get from here. Luckily I have these photos to look back and keep these memories forever. And you can do the same.

I suggest you wake up early for this pretty place and head there before the sun is up. Because once it starts to rise, it is magical and you should already be there enjoying the view. Let me mention, that this is one of the best views of the Acropolis, so it is going to be worth it.

Various workshops are also often held here, which are an introduction to Athens’ democratic legacy and Athenian debates and voting — the bright and the dark side of Athenian democracy – you can join them here —>.

I suggest you take an Uber and head to Epifanous Street. Once you get out of the car, follow directions to Pnyx Panorama – you will see multiple shortcuts with the stairs.

The climb is very easy and will take you around 15 minutes, however, wear some comfortable shoes as there is no real pavement that leads you up to the hill.

A 35 mm lens can take some good photos, but 50 mm or anything else that is zoomed will work wonders.

Location: Pnyx Panorama

Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary

This church is an important attraction of Athens and should take part in every travel guide of Athens. For photography lovers, this is also one of the best photo spots in Athens.

The exterior and the shape make it a wonderful backdrop for your postcards. And once you are done with your photos, don’t forget to visit the inside.

You certainly don’t need to wake up for sunrise, but this square gets busy. Between tourists and locals passing by, it can be challenging to take a photo, so I suggest you arrive early.

The good thing is, that this spot will take you around 15 minutes. And Plaka is just around the corner if you are planning to combine these things.

I used a 24 mm lens for my photo and once again, I think you should wear something colorful as the church has mostly pastel colors.

Location: Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary

Ancient Agora of Athens

The Agora was the heart of Ancient Athens, today it’s an archaeological site located near the Acropolis and it is one of the most relevant and important places in Athens for its history. This area went under a great number of changes during the last 5000 years.

Unlike the Acropolis, the Agora is far way less popular but, on the other hand, it will give you the chance to see two magnificent sites.

The Temple of Hephaestus is probably one of the best-preserved classical temples in Athens and the Stoa of Attalos is a building from the Hellenistic period brought back to its original state. Also worth mentioning is the Holy Church of the Holy Apostles of Solakis which dates back to the 10th Century.

I really recommend you visit the Ancient Agora. Apart from the history behind this place, it is one of the best photo spots in Athens and it is filled with beauty.

This is one of the best things to do in Athens besides the Acropolis and as a bonus, you can visit the site without the big crowd around you all the time. The admission fee is 10 euros. Click here to see opening times and other available tickets.

Get the skip-the-line access and tour to Ancient Agora here

Location: entrance of Ancient Agora of Athens

Hadrian’s Arch

When I first saw this location, I was ready to give up and leave as is it located next to a very busy street in Athens, however, with a bit of patience, everything is possible. And eventually, I ended up loving the results.

The arch was built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman emperor Hadrian and to honor him for his many benefactions to the city. It still deserves a visit if you do not plan to take photos. Perhaps a quick stop on your way to the next location.

You can capture Hadrian’s Arch from the street just like I did or head to the park and take your photo from the opposite side. The background is certainly prettier from the street, but as you already know, it takes patience. If you don’t want to deal with the cars, just go directly to the park.

Location: Hadrian’s Arch

Zappeion Hall

The Zappeion is one of the most iconic buildings in Athens. It is located in the central area and it is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which is a perfect green space in the busy center of the Greek Capital.

It is a perfect way to refresh and recharge your batteries during your busy Athens itinerary. And one of the best photo spots in Athens.

You can visit Zappeion Hall, however, it is open from Monday to Friday, so plan your time accordingly. Inside you will see a beautiful circular hall composed of neoclassical columns and some impressive details.

If you want to recreate my photo, you will need a big zoom lens. More than 100 mm. However, you can also take some photos near the building with a 35 mm lens.

Location: Zappeion Hall

Academy of Athens

The Academy of Athens was established in 1926 as an Academy of Sciences, Humanities, and Fine Arts. The exteriors are neoclassical style and shaped in marble and rich in details.

Here you will see the statues of philosophers Plato and Socrates and Gods like Athina and Apollo. This façade is definitely one of the best photo spots in Athens you don’t want to miss it.

If this wasn’t enough to impress you, the interiors are equally stunning. The Neoclassical style dominates the design of the palace and you can find rooms with marvelous columns and paintings. 

There are many spots where you can take epic photos. You can frame it with some trees from the lower part or just capture the main building once you go up the stair. My personal favorite was sitting down on the stairs and using a wide-angle lens to create a bit different perspective.

Location: Academy of Athens

The Ioannis Sykoutris Library

This is technically part of the Academy of Athens, but it is a separate building, so deserves a special mention as well. You can easily combine these 2 spots as they are 5 minutes walk away from each other.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to visit the Library but don’t make my mistake and plan accordingly. It looks absolutely stunning inside, but it is closed on the weekends.

It opens at 9 am, so I suggest you head to this area 30 minutes before, take a photo with the Academy of Athens, The Ioannis Sykoutris Library and then visit it inside.

Also, both of these buildings are in pastel colors, so wear something bright or colorful to pop out. Even here wide angle lens is the best option, so you could capture the building together with the stairs.

Location: The Ioannis Sykoutris Library

Roman Forum of Athens

Roman Forum is a famous historical landmark of Athens and sooner or later you are going to come across this attraction as it is located between Plaka and Monastiraki. If you buy a ticket for all the sights, Roman Forum is included. If not, you can also take photos without entering.

After seeing all the beautiful attractions of Athens, this one won’t be at the top of the list, but as you are passing by, it certainly deserves a stop. Especially if you have the combined ticket.

The best part is right at the entrance, however, considering the massive size, a wide-angle lens is a must!

Location: Roman Forum of Athens

Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus is the tallest peak in Athens 227 meters above sea level and it can be easily recognized by its iconic shape. The best spot is Lycabettus Hill Viewing Area and you can visit it during the sunset as there will be enough space for everyone.

You can either climb up to Lycabettus, take the cable car, or ask the taxi driver to bring you to Prasini Tenta Cafe. The cable car will cost you 10 euros per round trip and you can see the timetable here.

But I have to say that without the zoom lens, you won’t be able to capture much. Stay a bit longer after sunset and play with long exposure as well!

Location: Lycabettus Hill Viewing Area

Most Instagrammable Cafes in Athens

While Athens is best known for its ancient culture, the city will surprise you with the great number of modern cafes around the capital. There are many Instagrammable cafes in Athens, so here is a little list for you. Best rooftop bars are included in this list as well!

Little Kook

Little Kook is probably the most photographed and famous cafe in Athens. This themed cafe is more than just a coffee shop. It will take you directly into a fairytale world. As soon as you approach the place you will see decorations all over the street creating an outstanding atmosphere all around. Little Kook is equally spectacular inside with its lovely decorations.

This is hands down one of the best cafes in Athens. Opening times are from 9 am to 12 am, so right before 9 am is the best time to take the photos. Keep in mind that the decorations change for Halloween and Christmas, so it might look different than my photo.

Location: Little Kook

Ellyz

Ellyz is the pink fairytale heaven covered in flowers and cute decorations. And as pretty as it looks from the outside, they serve some delicious cakes. It is certainly not a cheap place in Athens, but I believe a lot of you would love this romantic cafe. And this one was my personal favorite as well. 

Opening times are from 9 am to 1 am. I was there at 9 am, so I found this cute table still empty. Don’t forget to go up to the second floor as well! Oh and wear something pastel or light pink.

Location: Ellyz

A for Athens Rooftop Bar

A For Athens is probably the most famous and most loved rooftop bar in Athens. You have a fantastic view of the Acropolis and Monastiraki Square.

While sunset is the best time to enjoy this view, it can get very crowded and the tables with an Acropolis view are limited. You will certainly need to make a reservation.

However, a lot of visitors don’t know that you can visit this rooftop bar before opening time and try their continental breakfast for 15 euros. Breakfast is served from 7.30 am until 11 am. This way you can easily get the table with the best view.

Location: A for Athens Rooftop Bar

MS Roof Garden

MS Rooftop is one of the least popular and it’s easy to visit for breakfast, however, the view from the breakfast terrace is not as nice as the one from the restaurant that opens for lunch. This will certainly cost you more than an average restaurant in Athens, but overall, it is cheaper than other rooftop bars in Athens.

Location: MS Roof Garden

Attic Urban Rooftop

Attic Urban Rooftop was probably my favorite rooftop bar in Athens, especially for the atmosphere. You have a wonderful view of the Acropolis and a wooden swing with flowers to take some epic photos.

You don’t see much of Monastiraki Square, but it is one of the best viewpoints in Athens. Also, you can visit from 9.30 am until midday for some Freddo Espresso and avoid the crowds. 

Location: Attic Urban Rooftop

The equipment that I use for my photos

• Nikon D850 FX-Format Digital SLR
• Nikon Nikkor AF-S 14-24 mm f/2.8G ED
• Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G
• Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D
• Tamron SP 70 – 200 mm f/2.8 di VC G2

Further reading for the best photo spots in Athens

Or read more about: Athens | Mykonos | Greece

In conclusion…

This is the end of the best photo spots in Athens and I’m sure that after reading this article you are impatient to get to Athens and create some unforgettable postcards. I believe that these photography tips will help you take epic photos and find the exact locations of the best photo spots in Athens.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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