Let’s start with the obvious—the Acropolis. To be clear, the Acropolis is the hill, while the Parthenon is the temple atop it, which was built to honor the Greek goddess Athena. This staple in any Athens travel guide is a tale of two great views: From the top, you get an up-close look at the Parthenon with a stunning backdrop of the entire city below. The only drawback is that the Parthenon itself won’t be in your cityscapes.

You could be forgiven for assuming that the 490-foot (150-meter) Acropolis was the highest point in Athens, but that's not actually the case. Towering above the Acropolis at around 900 feet (277 meters) tall, it’s Mt. Lycabettus that can claim that crown. Whether you take the funicular or hike up, the payoff is huge. Head to the viewing area at the top by the Holy Church of St. George—one of the best Athens observation decks for evening photos—for the ultimate vantage point.

At the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, 360-degree views meet contemporary culture. The multifaceted cultural space and architectural icon, set amid a huge park, houses the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera. Here you can simultaneously look across to the Acropolis and the Piraeus cruise port beside the turquoise waters of the Saronic Gulf. The Lighthouse offers both indoor and outdoor areas, and has an elevator.

Athens is home to some seriously stylish rooftop bars, but A for Athens, Attic Urban Rooftop and 360 Cocktail Bar—all located just steps away from Monastiraki Square—top the list of where to see the skyline in Athens. Not only do you get delicious cocktails, but you also enjoy a prime view of the Acropolis: the perfect blend of party energy and historical grandeur. Rooftop bars in Athens particularly come into their own at sunset when the city turns golden.

Philopappos Hill (Filopappou) is one of those rare city spots that feels both central and serene. You’re in prime position to admire the Parthenon and Odeon of Herodes Atticus amphitheater, or to turn your gaze to the azure Aegean. Despite its location within spitting distance of the Acropolis, there’s something wonderfully regular about Philopappos Hill and the park around it: You'll often see Athenians out simply walking their dogs.

For a quintessential Athens view that’s a little different from the usual Acropolis-focused panoramas, head to Syntagma Square, where you can watch the Evzones in action. Every hour, the two Evzones switch places with their replacements in a ceremonial changing of the guard that unfolds over several minutes. The soldiers’ unique movements—slow and meticulously choreographed—combined with the backdrop of the Parliament Building, make for a deeply symbolic and visually striking moment.

For a slightly off-the-beaten-path (yet still easily accessible) vantage point, head to Strefi Hill in vibrant Exarchia, a neighborhood known for its edgy, alternative feel. Just a short walk from the city center, this quiet hill offers panoramic views of the Acropolis, Mt. Lycabettus, and the sprawling city below. The climb to the top is a bit of a workout, but the reward is more than worth it—an unobstructed view of Athens from a less-crowded spot.

When it comes to landmarks with great views in Athens, the Panathenaic Stadium is high on the list. Also known as Kallimarmaro, the stadium is not only a historic venue, home to the first modern Olympic Games, but also the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. From the radiant stands, you’ll get a sense not only of the scale of the stadium, but also its place within the cityscape.

Tucked away on the eastern slopes of Mt. Hymettos, the Kaisariani Monastery is one of the most serene Athens viewpoints. This 11th-century monastery, built over the ruins of an ancient temple to Aphrodite, provides a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The idyllic surroundings, with cypress trees, olive groves, and wildflowers, set the perfect backdrop for panoramic views of Athens and the Saronic Gulf.