As a toddler, I used to be at all times 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 blended emotions. Wouldn’t it actually be that soiled? Or, like Naples, does the town have allure at second look? Or would my infantile notions of antiquity be confirmed?
Athens is a metropolis that’s much less soiled than marketed. I preferred the town already at first sight – once we seemed over Athens on the roof terrace of our rented house and noticed the Acropolis towering in entrance of us, it was simply unbelievable!
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.
Nonetheless, 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. Partially, 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 stunned by my first impression of Athens and much more impressed by the second!
I actually loved my time within the metropolis, each throughout the day and at night time. It’s an fascinating, numerous, and vibrant place.
Through the day, vacationers dominate the cityscape, squeezing by means of the slim streets from one sight to the following within the blazing solar. Within the night, nevertheless, this image turns and the locals reside 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 actual Athens!
Associated learn: A Information to Athens, Greece
Go to the well-known Acropolis
The Acropolis is among the most well-known landmarks of Athens, so a visit here’s a should! However what is definitely behind it?
The Acropolis isn’t just 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 immediately.
The whole complicated contains a number of buildings. Probably essentially the most well-known amongst them is the Parthenon, the traditional temple complicated 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 below 25 years previous.
Learn as properly our journey tip about tips on how to purchase tickets to the Acropolis.
Take pleasure in views over Athens
You may’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. Nonetheless, don’t fret! In case your lodging doesn’t have a rooftop terrace, there are many choices so that you can get pleasure from a terrific view of Athens.
There are 100 addresses for that rooftop terrace feeling. One fashionable one is the rooftop of Resort 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 could be very fashionable, particularly at sundown. No marvel 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 get pleasure from some peace and quiet whereas wanting over Athens, then you might be on the proper deal with.
Discover the streets alongside the Acropolis
The Acropolis is unquestionably value seeing, however don’t miss out on the neighborhoods of Anafiotika and Plaka beneath it. Each are identified for his or her cute, Greek-style alleyways.
Anafiotika 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 by means of right here.
Equally picturesque, however a lot busier, are the streets of Plaka. Along with some eateries, there are primarily small outlets promoting Greek souvenirs, and so forth. Plaka is definitely one of the vital touristy locations in Athens, however not with out good motive–vacationers are at all times interested in lovely locations.
Previous buildings are a part of Athens
Should you’re as impressed by previous buildings as I’m, then you definitely’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 wonderful constructing for every part, they usually simply maintain 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 day-after-day from 7 am to six pm, besides Sundays.
Off the overwhelmed monitor in Exarchia
Exarchia is the various neighborhood in Athens. The hub of the neighborhood is Exarchia Sq.. From right here you’ll be able to discover the encompassing streets.
On the one hand, you’ll stroll previous empty, run-down buildings. Alternatively you’ll uncover cool graffiti and bars. I’d advocate you to go on a little bit discovery tour by means of this very completely different quarter of Athens after which sit down in one of many eating places.
After a little bit relaxation you’ll be able to go to the Archaeological Museum of Athens, which is only a stone’s throw away. Right here it is possible for you to to observe within the footsteps of historical Greece.
Stroll by means of the Nationwide Backyard
The Nationwide Backyard and the encompassing space make for a terrific 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 location of the Committee of the Olympics.
The Panathenaic Stadium, the place the primary trendy Olympic Video 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 Historic Greece, my important aim was to go to the location of the traditional Agora of Athens on my trip. As a result of the central market was as soon as the financial and political heart of Athens, immediately you will discover many well-preserved stays there.
Nonetheless, all the complicated has extra to supply than simply the previous market—you can even admire the temple of Hephaestus with its spectacular view over the town. You’ll really feel transported again in time.
By EU residents below 25 years previous get in at no cost!
Monastiraki – exploring the previous city of Athens
Monastiraki is the aged quarter of Athens, abode to a few of its most famed 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 quite a lot of retailers peddling items apart from fleas merchandise similar to soaps and oils made by hand, sandals and hats crafted with nice care, together with informal t-shirts plus souvenirs on your assortment.
I had an satisfying time wandering by means of these streets whereas avoiding fashionable style shops!
Not far-off lies Pittaki Road; this highway was as soon as uncared for and used primarily as a public rest room however has now been reworked past recognition after designers gave it an beautiful makeover!
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 have been excited to discover and hopped on a tram that took us straight there. The complicated was nearly abandoned apart from an occasional jogger right here or there however 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 might 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 Historic Olympia personal day tour.
Conclusion on issues to do in Athens
Should you’re on the lookout for a metropolis that has one thing to supply throughout each the day and night time, then Athens is the place for you. It’s a metropolis with a novel and vibrant ambiance, which may be skilled in several methods relying on the time of day.
Through the day, vacationers can discover the wealth of historic websites, whereas within the night the locals come out to get pleasure from good music, nice conversations and scrumptious wine.
So, when you’re seeking an unforgettable expertise, spend a while in Athens and revel in all it has to supply!
Journey Dudes
I am certain you have had related experiences I had while touring. You are in a sure place and a fellow traveler, or a neighborhood, tip you off on a little-known seashore, bar or lodging. Nice journey suggestions from different vacationers or locals at all times add one thing particular to our travels. That was the inspiration for Journey Dudes.
