Looking for a slice of paradise with a side of history? Greece should be at the very top of your bucket list! The country which is known as the “cradle of western civilization” receives more than 30 million visitors every year. Athens, Greece’s capital, is one of the most famous tourist destinations, with sites such as the Acropolis fortress and the Parthenon temple dating from the 5th century B.C. Looking for the best places to take photos in Athens? From lovely buildings to hidden gems, the Greek capital 🇬🇷 is ideal for great photo ops. Next time you visit Athens or want to experience some authentic Athenian culture, check out at least one of the fun places we’ve listed below!
Travel tip: Several archaeological sites in Athens have an admission fee that must be paid in person at a kiosk, so make sure you plan accordingly when curating your itinerary!
Photo: Lena in Athens for Flytographer. Katie and family capture memories in Athens with a family photoshoot.
1. Acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens is a historic citadel perched above the city of Athens on a rocky🪨 ledge. It houses the ruins of several ancient structures with significant architectural and historical value, the most famous of which is the Parthenon. Since 1975, this historic edifice has been undergoing major restoration and conservation, and several of its temples are currently being built. Nonetheless, for those trying to take the perfect Instagram photo, it’s still a great photo spot.
The entrance fees to the Acropolis varies based on which Acropolis structures you want to view, the time of day, your age, and other considerations. Take note: it is forbidden to touch or stand on the Acropolis stones and marble.
Photo: Lena in Athens for Flytographer. Miirtha captures a Modern Headshot in Athens with a solo photoshoot.
2. The Ancient Theatre
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is a theatre in the Greek city of Epidaurus, positioned on the southeast end of an ancient Greek sanctuary. It is close to Asklepios’ ancient shrine, which was a well-known classical healing facility. It served as a religious and therapeutic center dedicated to Asklepios, the deity of healing.
Thanks to its unparalled preservation and excellent acoustics, the theatre still hosts events to this day, including the famous Epidaurus Festival, which takes place every summer and includes both classic and contemporary dramas. The two hour journey from Athens is well worth the trip!
Photo: Lena in Athens for Flytographer. Tatiana and friend capture memories in Athens with a friend photoshoot.
3. Parthenon
The Parthenon is a former temple on the Acropolis of Athens dedicated to the goddess Athena, the city’s patron. Built in 480 BC, it was the centre of government, banking and religion for the Ancient Greeks; today it is a historically significant example of classical art and architecture. Perched high on the hill, it overlooks the city and is visible for miles around. The view from the top is truly spectacular, so great photos are guaranteed!
Photo: Lena in Athens for Flytographer. Chetna and family capture memories in Athens with a family photoshoot.
4. Streets of Athens
Athens has an abundance of great photo opportunities, ranging from beautiful historical ruins to lively street scenes. In addition to the plethora of sights, street art and murals double as beautiful backdrops for photos. 🎨 Be sure to observe the constant contrast between old and new, degradation and beauty.
You’ll find various Instagrammable places around every sunlit corner that you’ll want to remember. It’s better in the evening where everything looks a lot better and feels like a page from a fairytale. Tip: Stroll the alleyways below the Acropolis toward the Odeon of Herodes Atticus to get breathtaking views of the Acropolis.
Photo: Manos in Athens for Flytographer. Davin and partner capture memories in Athens with a couple photoshoot.
5. Anafiotika
If historical buildings are not your thing, then perhaps Anafiotika is for you. It is a charming little Athens community that’s part of the old Plaka neighbourhood. Away from the noise and bustle of downtown Athens, it is serene and tranquil. The small white buildings with their vivid blue windows, paved alleyways, and the scent of blossoms truly make you forget you’re in the heart of a bustling metropolis. 💐
The area’s architectural distinctiveness can be attributed to its founders, a small group of builders from the Cycladic island of Anafi who arrived in Athens during the 19th century to assist in the city’s reconstruction. Anafiotika is now a popular destination for vacationers looking for places to take photos in Athens.
Photo: Lena in Athens for Flytographer. Trish and partner celebrate their honeymoon in Athens with a couple photoshoot.
6. Plaka
Plaka (or the “neighbourhood of the gods”) is Athen’s oldest neighbourhood, stuffed full of shops, restaurants and character. It reaches almost to Syntagma Square, beneath the northeastern slope of the Acropolis, in a maze of winding alleyways studded with stores and strewn with antiquities.
With narrow cobblestone lanes dotted with little stores offering jewellery, apparel, and local ceramics, it has a village vibe. A visit to Plaka will reward you with colourful neoclassical buildings and excellent photo spots. Aside from the charming alleys and architecture, there are wonderful churches ⛪, museums, and the surrounding Monastiraki Square, which can be reached by walking down Adrianou Street. The ancient ruins of Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora, to name a few, will awe you.
Photo: Lena in Athens for Flytographer. Brandon and partner celebrate their anniversary in Athens with a couple photoshoot in Plaka.
7. Temple of Poseidon in Sounion
Overlooking the Aegean sea high on a bluff, the stunning Temple of Poseidon is the best way to get up close and personal with 2500-year-old Greek ruins. This ancient Greek temple was dedicated to the deity Poseidon on Cape Sounion, Greece. Storms were thought to be signals of Poseidon’s wrath by ancient Greeks, especially sailors, so the temple at Cape Sounion was a hallowed spot where sailors performed ancient cultural practices in an attempt to placate the angry god.
This route is 2 hours drive from Athens, and costs an entrance fee of 10 euros 💶. You can spend your time taking lovely pictures at this photo location.
Photo: Lena in Athens for Flytographer. Erica and partner celebrate their trip to Athens with a couple photoshoot at the Temple of Poseidon in Sounion.
8. Thissio
Thissio is a bohemian neighbourhood with interesting contrasts: a wide pedestrian street, Apostolou Pavlou, leading from the metro station to the Acropolis, is flanked on one side by the temple of Hephaestus and on the other by a series of open-air cafes, cosy wine bars 🍷, and rooftop restaurants with the best views.
It is a historically significant location: the Ancient Agora once stood here, making the region the city’s throbbing heart. It is popular amongst travellers and one of the best places to take photos in Athens. A leisurely stroll to take pictures against the murals and soak up the vibe would be an excellent way to spend time here.
Photo: Lena in Athens for Flytographer. Molly and family celebrate their trip to Athens with a family photoshoot.
9. Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, commonly known as the Olympieion or Olympian Zeus Columns, is a former monumental temple located in the heart of Athens, to honour the chief of the gods. Though construction started in the 6th century BC, it took over 600 years to complete, and lasted only another 100 years before it was pillaged during a barbarian invasion in 267 AD. It was most likely never repaired and was eventually demolished. Only sixteen of the original 104 columns have survived. These remaining columns could be an ideal photo spot for an engagement photo 💍 or just your next Instagram photo.
10. Santorini
Santorini (also known as Thera in Greek) is one of the most popular of the Greek Islands and a wonderful option if you’re looking for mini cruise location from Athens.
This Greek volcanic 🌋 island belongs to the Cyclades group and is located on the southern side of the Aegean Sea, between the islands of Ios and Anafi. The little Greek island of Santorini is a popular tourist destination for a variety of reasons. The magnificent blue waters and scenic towns, the vibrant nightlife in the city, exciting activities such as wine tasting, authentic Greek food, and regular boat trips due to its ideal location for island hopping are just a few of them.
Make sure to take a picture overlooking the Oia Cliffs, one of the best places to take photos in Santorini.
Photo: Kimon in Santorini for Flytographer. Courtney and partner celebrate their honeymoon in Santorini with a couple photoshoot.
Capturing memories in Athens
Just when you think you’ve seen everything this old city has to offer, there are more sites to tick off on your Athens bucket list.. Among the honourable mentions are the Lycabettus Hill, Panathenaic Stadium, the super chill district of Exarcheia, the National Gardens, Hadrian’s Arch, the Olympic Stadium and a host of other great places to go sightseeing, or better still, take the best photos. 📸
Book a local Flytographer in Athens to help boost your selfie game with a professional photoshoot to celebrate your Greek adventure.
“Manos was AWESOME. He made us feel very comfortable and captured our anniversary photos at amazing landmarks in Athens. We were with him for an hour and along the way he shared some amazing history of Greece, the culture and why he picked certain places as backdrops for our pictures. My husband and I were pleased with his work and look forward to having him capture us again, if ever we make it back on this side of the world.”
Davin
“Lena was amazing! She was infinitely patient with us. She was so laidback and relaxed it made the shoot a lot of fun. She had the kids comfortable and posing for the camera in no time.”
Chetna
