As a baby, I used to be at all times fascinated by historical Greece and dying to go to Athens. Where might you be nearer to the ancients than in Athens. After all, a few of their buildings or ruins are nonetheless standing! With so many issues to do in Athens, I used to be dying to go to this metropolis for the longest time.
But simply earlier than my long-awaited journey, my brother put a damper on my anticipation. “Athens is the dirtiest capital I’ve ever seen!” he stated. And my brother has seen loads of capitals.
So I flew to Athens with blended emotions. Would it actually be that soiled? Or, like Naples, does the town have appeal at second look? Or would my infantile notions of antiquity be confirmed?
Athens is a metropolis that’s much less soiled than marketed. I appreciated the town already at first sight – after we regarded over Athens on the roof terrace of our rented house and noticed the Acropolis towering in entrance of us, it was simply unbelievable!
But even my infantile concepts of such an historical metropolis weren’t 100% met. Because after all, Athens has many historical buildings that actually blew me away.
However, the town has understandably additionally gone with the instances, so it has some trendy influences. The trendy influences, although, are fairly completely different from what I bear in mind from Northern Europe. In half, the construction jogged my memory of Spanish cities; partly, Amman in Jordan. Not shocking given Greece’s very southeastern location inside Europe.
I used to be pleasantly shocked by my first impression of Athens and much more impressed by the second!
I actually loved my time within the metropolis, each in the course of the day and at evening. It’s an attention-grabbing, various, and vibrant place.
During the day, vacationers dominate the cityscape, squeezing via the slim streets from one sight to the following within the blazing solar. In the night, nevertheless, this image turns and the locals reside their lives on the streets of Athens. Good music, nice conversations, and the very best wine are preprogrammed.
So take your time in Athens for each: the vacationer days to get to know all of the sights; and the colourful nights to expertise the actual Athens!
Related learn: A Guide to Athens, Greece
Visit the well-known Acropolis
The Acropolis is without doubt one of the most well-known landmarks of Athens, so a visit here’s a should! But what is definitely behind it?
The Acropolis isn’t just a constructing, however in all probability the most well-known metropolis fortress of Ancient Greece, whose ruins on the citadel hill of Athens nonetheless watch over the town right now.
The complete advanced consists of a number of buildings. Most probably essentially the most well-known amongst them is the Parthenon, the traditional temple advanced that offers the Acropolis its face. In addition, nevertheless, there are a number of different historical buildings such because the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia and the Dionysus Theater. These will all make you dream of an historical time.
For the well-known view of the Acropolis, you must also go to Areopagus Hill. The hill is called a “tourist mountain”, however the view of the Acropolis from right here is unmistakable.
By the best way, the doorway is free for EU residents beneath 25 years outdated.
Read as properly our journey tip about the right way to purchase tickets to the Acropolis.
Enjoy views over Athens
You can’t get sufficient views over Athens. So, we have been particularly completely satisfied that our house had a rooftop terrace with a terrific view of the Acropolis. However, don’t fret! If your lodging doesn’t have a rooftop terrace, there are many choices so that you can take pleasure in a fantastic view of Athens.
There are 100 addresses for that rooftop terrace feeling. One standard one is the rooftop of Hotel A for Athens. My favourite by way of views, nevertheless, is the view from Lycabettus Hill, as you’ll be able to look over the Acropolis to the ocean from right here. The hill may be very standard, particularly at sundown. No surprise as a result of it’s too lovely. But then additionally it is crowded.
The view from Philopappos Hill is equally good. Here it’s much less crowded. So if you wish to take pleasure in some peace and quiet whereas wanting over Athens, then you’re on the proper deal with.
Explore the streets alongside the Acropolis
The Acropolis is certainly value seeing, however don’t miss out on the neighborhoods of Anafiotika and Plaka beneath it. Both are identified for his or her cute, Greek-style alleyways.
Anafiotika is known as “Little Mykonos” for a motive. You’ll really feel such as you’ve escaped the town for a second and are on a Greek island. The streets are so picturesque that it’s enjoyable simply to walk via right here.
Similarly picturesque, however a lot busier, are the streets of Plaka. In addition to some eateries, there are primarily small outlets promoting Greek souvenirs, and so forth. Plaka is definitely one of the touristy locations in Athens, however not with out good motive–vacationers are at all times drawn to lovely locations.
Old buildings are a part of Athens
If you’re as impressed by outdated buildings as I’m, you then’ll love the Athens Academy.
It’s the main establishment of non-university tutorial analysis in Greece, and its work is split into three sections: science, literature & positive arts, and moral & political sciences. There’s a lovely constructing for every part, and so they simply hold getting higher.
Oh, and the Central Market of Athens will not be removed from the Academy. You can purchase all types of meals there, from fish to fruit. It’s open daily from 7 am to six pm, besides Sundays.
Off the crushed observe in Exarchia
Exarchia is the different neighborhood in Athens. The hub of the neighborhood is Exarchia Square. From right here you’ll be able to discover the encompassing streets.
On the one hand, you’ll stroll previous empty, run-down buildings. On the opposite hand you’ll uncover cool graffiti and bars. I might suggest you to go on a bit of discovery tour via this very completely different quarter of Athens after which sit down in one of many eating places.
After a bit of relaxation you’ll be able to go to the Archaeological Museum of Athens, which is only a stone’s throw away. Here it is possible for you to to comply with within the footsteps of historical Greece.
Walk via the National Garden
The National Garden and the encompassing space make for a fantastic strolling tour. In addition to the park’s lovely greenery, you’ll additionally get to see a few of Athens’ most well-known sights, just like the Zappeion, the Olympic Stadium, and the Greek Parliament. The Zappeion is a historic congress constructing from 1888 that was initially constructed to be the positioning of the Committee of the Olympics.
The Panathenaic Stadium, the place the primary trendy Olympic Games have been held in 1896, and the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus are additionally close by.
On the path of antiquity
To study extra about Ancient Greece, my primary aim was to go to the positioning of the traditional Agora of Athens on my trip. Because the central market was as soon as the financial and political middle of Athens, right now you could find many well-preserved stays there.
However, the whole advanced has extra to supply than simply the outdated market—you too can admire the temple of Hephaestus with its spectacular view over the town. You will really feel transported again in time.
By EU residents beneath 25 years outdated get in totally free!
Monastiraki – exploring the outdated city of Athens
Monastiraki is the aged quarter of Athens, abode to a few of its most famous points of interest.
Recalling Monastiraki brings one explicit imaginative and prescient that lingers in my thoughts – The Flea Market which meanders from Monastiraki Square into the adjoining lanes. There you could find a wide range of retailers peddling items apart from fleas merchandise akin to soaps and oils made by hand, sandals and hats crafted with nice care, together with informal t-shirts plus souvenirs to your assortment.
I had an pleasing time wandering via these streets whereas avoiding standard style retailers!
Not far-off lies Pittaki Street; this highway was as soon as uncared for and used primarily as a public rest room however has now been remodeled past recognition after designers gave it an beautiful makeover!
The dwelling of the Olympic Games
Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, which suggests a go to to its iconic sporting hub in Athens must be on the prime of your checklist!
We have been excited to discover and hopped on a tram that took us straight there. The advanced was virtually abandoned aside from an occasional jogger right here or there however it nonetheless made for some beautiful images.
A phrase of warning nevertheless – except you’re fortunate sufficient to catch a particular occasion going down, this spot could not supply a lot else than scenic views so don’t count on an excessive amount of out of your journey.
Join the Ancient Olympia non-public day tour.
Conclusion on issues to do in Athens
If you’re searching for a metropolis that has one thing to supply throughout each the day and evening, then Athens is the place for you. It’s a metropolis with a singular and vibrant environment, which might be skilled in several methods relying on the time of day.
During the day, vacationers can discover the wealth of historic websites, whereas within the night the locals come out to take pleasure in good music, nice conversations and scrumptious wine.
So, for those who’re searching for an unforgettable expertise, spend a while in Athens and revel in all it has to supply!