Top 10 Best things to see in Athens, Greece

I didn't get to spend much time in Athens, but it certainly did whet my appetite to go back someday. I did get to see some of the things below, but if you should ever get the chance to go, do try to stop at some of these places. :)

1.) The Acropolis- It is said of the Acropolis, that it is the crown jewel of Greece. The temples on the Acropolis are among the most, if not the most influential buildings in Western Culture.

2.) The Agora- In this grassy area, you can just imagine Socrates addressing his public, or hear Paul the Apostle preaching, or see where democracy was born. Below the Acropolis, the Agora is the heart of the ancient city of Athens.

3.) National Archaeological Museum- Here you will see amazing finds from the world's greatest cultures. Amazing collections include the gold treasure of the Mycenae, and the first sculptures to show the complexity of the human form.

4.) Museum of Cycladic Art- like the name implies, you will find the world's largest collection of Cycladic art here. Some of these 5,000 year old icons still inspire artists of today. It shows the matriarchal island culture that was such an important part of Greece and continues to be.

5.) The Roman Forum and Tower of the Four Winds- This is the showpiece of the new commercial center after the Romans abandoned the ancient Agora. The octagonal structure is impressive, and housed a very creative water clock. The depictions around the tower are fascinating.

6.) Benaki Museum- It is said that this museum houses a first-rate collection of Greek art. It spans from the Neolithic times down through present day, and is located in a beautiful renovated Neo-Classical mansion. The rooftop has an amazing view, and the history is very intriguing.

7.)Kerameikos- This is cemetery where you can see an interesting cross-section of life and death. It has elaborate tombs, temples, an ancient brothel, and sacred roads. It is along the edge of the city.

8.) The Byzantine Museum- The Byzantine Empire has a rich history, and is very complex. You can see some of this come through some of its amazing works. There are many icons of course, and precious metalwork, etc.

9.) Filopappos Hill- This is located in the city center. It has a wonderful view, and a great combination of of monuments that include ancient Byzantine and modern Greek Culture.

10.) Temple of Olympian Zeus- This is the most colossal temple in ancient Greece. It is near the monumental arch that divided Athens between the Greek Hero Theseus, and the Roman Emperor Hadrian.

I would hope to go back to Greece sometime, and get to visit all of these places! I have only really seen the Acropolis, including the Parthenon of course, and the Tower of the Four Winds. We only had one day there, so we were lucky to see all we did. We saw much more as well, just not in the "top 10 must see places". I would love to hear of anyone's experiences in any of these places if you have been there, or know much about them.