View of The Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill and The Aegean Sea from Areopagus Hill in Athens, Greece (July 2007)
Two other must-visit places in Athens, in addition to the Acropolis, are Areopagus Hill and Lycabettus Hill.
Areopagus Hill: Also known as Mars Hill, this rocky outcrop is located very close to the Acropolis entrance. It offers iconic views of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Hephaestus. Historically, it served as a meeting place for philosophical and legal discussions and is where the Apostle Paul delivered one of his sermons.
Lycabettus Hill: Standing at 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens and offers panoramic views of the city, including the Acropolis, the Attica basin, and the Aegean Sea. It's particularly popular for watching the sunset, as the city lights begin to illuminate the ancient landmarks.
Getting There: You can hike up a paved trail, take a taxi part of the way and walk the rest, or opt for the funicular railway which takes you directly to the top.
Views: Many locals and tourists gather at the summit to witness the sunset.
Amenities: A cafe and upscale restaurant with impressive views, Orizontes restaurant, are located at the top. There's also the Saint George chapel.
While both hills offer fantastic views, it's worth noting that Lycabettus Hill provides a more distant panorama of the Acropolis, allowing you to see the entire cityscape, while Areopagus Hill offers a closer and more direct view of the Acropolis itself.