Things to Do in Athens

As a baby, I used to be all the time fascinated by historical Greece and dying to go to Athens. The place might you be nearer to the ancients than in Athens. In any case, 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.

However 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 combined emotions. Would it not 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 favored the town already at first sight – after we seemed over Athens on the roof terrace of our rented house and noticed the Acropolis towering in entrance of us, it was simply unimaginable!

However even my infantile concepts of such an historical metropolis weren’t 100% met. Due to course, Athens has many historical buildings that basically blew me away.

Nevertheless, the town has understandably additionally gone with the occasions, so it has some fashionable influences. The trendy influences, although, are fairly completely different from what I bear in mind from Northern Europe. Partly, the construction jogged my memory of Spanish cities; partially, Amman in Jordan. Not stunning 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 through the day and at evening. It’s an attention-grabbing, numerous, and vibrant place.

In the course of the day, vacationers dominate the cityscape, squeezing by the slender streets from one sight to the subsequent within the blazing solar. Within the night, nevertheless, this image turns and the locals dwell their lives on the streets of Athens. Good music, nice conversations, and the most effective 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 true Athens!

Associated learn: A Guide to Athens, Greece

Go to 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! However what is definitely behind it?

The Acropolis is not only a constructing, however most likely the most well-known metropolis fortress of Historic Greece, whose ruins on the fortress hill of Athens nonetheless watch over the town as we speak.

All the advanced consists of a number of buildings. Almost definitely probably the most well-known amongst them is the Parthenon, the traditional temple advanced that provides the Acropolis its face. As well as, 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 also needs to go to Areopagus Hill. The hill is named a “vacationer mountain”, however the view of the Acropolis from right here is unmistakable.

By the way in which, the doorway is free for EU residents beneath 25 years outdated.

Learn as properly our travel tip about how to buy tickets to the Acropolis.

Take pleasure in views over Athens

You may’t get sufficient views over Athens. So, we had been particularly completely satisfied that our house had a rooftop terrace with a terrific view of the Acropolis. Nevertheless, don’t fret! In case 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 common one is the rooftop of Hotel A for Athens. My favourite when it comes to views, nevertheless, is the view from Lycabettus Hill, as you possibly can look over the Acropolis to the ocean from right here. The hill may be very common, particularly at sundown. No surprise as a result of it’s too lovely. However then it is usually crowded.

The view from Philopappos Hill is equally good. Right here it’s much less crowded. So if you wish to take pleasure in some peace and quiet whereas trying over Athens, then you might be on the proper deal with.

Discover the streets alongside the Acropolis

The Acropolis is unquestionably price seeing, however don’t miss out on the neighborhoods of Anafiotika and Plaka under it. Each are identified for his or her cute, Greek-style alleyways.

Anafiotika is named “Little Mykonos” for a cause. 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 by right here.

Equally picturesque, however a lot busier, are the streets of Plaka. Along with some eateries, there are primarily small retailers promoting Greek souvenirs, and many others. Plaka is definitely one of the vital touristy locations in Athens, however not with out good cause–vacationers are all the time drawn to lovely locations.

Previous buildings are a part of Athens

If you happen to’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 & high-quality arts, and moral & political sciences. There’s a phenomenal constructing for every part, they usually simply preserve getting higher.

Oh, and the Central Market of Athens shouldn’t be removed from the Academy. You should purchase every kind of meals there, from fish to fruit. It’s open every single day from 7 am to six pm, besides Sundays.

Guide to the best street food in athens

Off the crushed observe in Exarchia

Exarchia is the various neighborhood in Athens. The hub of the neighborhood is Exarchia Sq.. From right here you possibly can discover the encircling streets.

On the one hand, you’ll stroll previous empty, run-down buildings. Then again you’ll uncover cool graffiti and bars. I might advocate you to go on a little bit discovery tour by this very completely different quarter of Athens after which sit down in one of many eating places.

After a little bit relaxation you possibly can go to the Archaeological Museum of Athens, which is only a stone’s throw away. Right here it is possible for you to to comply with within the footsteps of historical Greece.

Stroll by the Nationwide Backyard

The Nationwide Backyard and the encircling space make for a fantastic strolling tour. Along with 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 fashionable Olympic Video games had 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 Historic Greece, my most important purpose was to go to the positioning of the traditional Agora of Athens on my trip. As a result of the central market was as soon as the financial and political middle of Athens, as we speak you will discover many well-preserved stays there.

Nevertheless, your complete advanced has extra to supply than simply the outdated market—you may as well admire the temple of Hephaestus with its spectacular view over the town. You’ll really feel transported again in time.

By EU residents beneath 25 years outdated get in free of charge!

Monastiraki – exploring the outdated city of Athens

Monastiraki is the aged quarter of Athens, abode to a few of its most famous sights.

Recalling Monastiraki brings one specific imaginative and prescient that lingers in my thoughts – The Flea Market which meanders from Monastiraki Sq. into the adjoining lanes. There you will discover a wide range of retailers peddling items aside from fleas merchandise corresponding 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 pleasurable time wandering by these streets whereas avoiding common trend retailers!

Not distant lies Pittaki Road; 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!

Try these underrated Athens attractions!

The house of the Olympic Video games

Greece is the birthplace of the Olympic Video games, which implies a go to to its iconic sporting hub in Athens must be on the high of your listing!

We had been excited to discover and hopped on a tram that took us straight there. The advanced was nearly abandoned aside from an occasional jogger right here or there nevertheless it nonetheless made for some pretty images.

A phrase of warning nevertheless – except you’re fortunate sufficient to catch a particular occasion happening, this spot could not provide a lot else than scenic views so don’t anticipate an excessive amount of out of your journey.

Be a part of the Ancient Olympia private day tour.

Conclusion on issues to do in Athens

If you happen to’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 ambiance, which might be skilled in numerous methods relying on the time of day.

In the course of 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, if you happen to’re in quest of an unforgettable expertise, spend a while in Athens and revel in all it has to supply!