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When you visit Greece, plan to stay in Athens 3 to 4 days. You will want to visit the many museums and ruins, as well as relax at the many patio restaurants. 

Many of the monuments in Athens were built beginning in 449 BC under Pericles after the Persians were finally defeated. This was a large scale rebuilding program that vaulted Athens into its Golden Age. This was also the period in Athen's history when democracy flourished. 

The first place I would visit is the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. It will provide you with an overall perspective of Greece. You'll find artifacts and art from all regions of Greece and all periods in her long history such as the Statue of Poseidon; Aphrodite, Eros and Pan; the bust of Augustus; the mask of Agamemnon and colorful frescoes from Santorini and Tiryns.

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The ideal time to visit the Acropolis is mid afternoon because it provides the ideal conditions for picture taking. Photos taken in the morning tend to be harsher while those in the afternoon softer, warmer and fuller. From the Acropolis you'll get a great view of not only the magnificence of the Parthenon (447-438 BC), the Erechtheion 420 BC but also the surrounding area. Make sure you visit the Acropolis museum while you are there.

Below to the south of the Acropolis are the Theatre of Dionysos and the Odeion of Herodes Aatticus. Take a walk through the ancient agora. Visit the museum in the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos. One of the best preserved temples overlooking the Agora built by Pericles is the Temple of Hephaistos 449-430 BC.

Other places worth visiting are the 3 hills adjacent to the Acropolis: The Areopagus, Pnyx and Filapappou Hill. They provide you with an excellent panoramic view of the Acropolis and its surroundings. The Kerameikos is the ancient cemetery for Athens. You will also want to see the Roman influence on Athens by visiting Hadrian's Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's library and the Roman forum. There are also many smaller museums to check out such as the Byzantine Museum.

	Temple of Hephaistos in the Athenian Agora Front and side views
	The Parthenon on the Acropolis, Athens View of the Acropolis
	Panoramic view of the Acropolis and surrounding areas
	The Erechtheion and the Porch of the Caryatids on the Acropolis
	View of Odeion of Herodes Atticus from above and the Parthenon, Odeion from below
	View of Odeion of Herodes Atticus Walls of the Acropolis
	Thrasyllos Monument on side of acropolis Dionysus Theatre and statuettes
	Dionysus Theater from Acropolis Seats of theater
	Views of the Athenian Agora
	Odeion of Agrippa Stoa of Attalos in the Agora
	Agora from the Acropolis
	Parthenon Frieze at Acropolis Museum Caryotid at Acropolis Museum
	Ostraka (pieces of pottery with names on them) used to ostracize Athenian politicians Three gods seated Poseidon, Apollo, Artemis - East Frieze of the Parthenon, Acropolis Museum
	From the National Museum in Athens Funerary Urns from Kerameikos (Athen's ancient cemetary)
	Statue of Poseiden Aphrodite, Eros and Pan from Delos 2nd Century BC, Athens National Archaeological Museum
	Hadrian's Library and the Roman Agora Andronikos Kyrristos Clock in the background
	Hadrian's Library Panoramic view of the Temple of Olympian Zeus
	Presidential Palace and Mount Lycabettus in background View of Athens and the Temple of Olympian Zeus
	Hadrian's Arch

My short video on Greece and the Greek Islands