As a baby, 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 mentioned. And my brother has seen loads of capitals.
So I flew to Athens with combined emotions. Wouldn’t it actually be that soiled? Or, like Naples, does the town have attraction 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 – once we appeared over Athens on the roof terrace of our rented residence 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 trendy influences. The trendy influences, although, are fairly totally different from what I keep in mind from Northern Europe. Partially, 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 in the course of the day and at night time. It’s an attention-grabbing, numerous, and vibrant place.
Throughout the day, vacationers dominate the cityscape, squeezing by means of the slender streets from one sight to the following within the blazing solar. Within the night, nonetheless, this image turns and the locals dwell 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!
Associated learn: A Information 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 isn’t just a constructing, however most likely essentially the most well-known metropolis fortress of Historical Greece, whose ruins on the fort hill of Athens nonetheless watch over the town immediately.
The whole complicated contains a number of buildings. Most probably essentially the most well-known amongst them is the Parthenon, the traditional temple complicated that provides the Acropolis its face. As well as, nonetheless, 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 journey tip about the way to purchase tickets to the Acropolis.
Get pleasure from views over Athens
You may’t get sufficient views over Athens. So, we have been particularly glad that our residence 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 get pleasure from an ideal view of Athens.
There are 100 addresses for that rooftop terrace feeling. One widespread one is the rooftop of Lodge A for Athens. My favourite when it comes to views, nonetheless, 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 widespread, particularly at sundown. No surprise as a result of it’s too lovely. However then additionally it is 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’re on the proper handle.
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 recognized for his or her cute, Greek-style alleyways.
Anafiotika is known as “Little Mykonos” for a purpose. 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 retailers promoting Greek souvenirs, and so on. Plaka is actually one of the crucial touristy locations in Athens, however not with out good purpose–vacationers are at all times drawn to lovely locations.
Outdated buildings are a part of Athens
In case you’re as impressed by outdated buildings as I’m, then you definately’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 & fantastic arts, and moral & political sciences. There’s a gorgeous constructing for every part, and so they simply hold getting higher.
Oh, and the Central Market of Athens is just not removed from the Academy. You should purchase every kind of meals there, from fish to fruit. It’s open day by day from 7 am to six pm, besides Sundays.
Information to the very best avenue meals in athens
Off the crushed monitor in Exarchia
Exarchia is the choice 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 suggest you to go on a bit discovery tour by means of this very totally different quarter of Athens after which sit down in one of many eating places.
After a 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 an ideal 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 Historical Greece, my major 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 middle of Athens, immediately you’ll find many well-preserved stays there.
Nevertheless, your entire complicated has extra to supply than simply the outdated market—you may also 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 points of interest.
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’ll find a wide range of retailers peddling items apart from fleas merchandise comparable 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 fulfilling time wandering by means of these streets whereas avoiding widespread trend retailers!
Not far-off lies Pittaki Avenue; this street 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 record!
We have been excited to discover and hopped on a tram that took us straight there. The complicated was nearly abandoned aside from an occasional jogger right here or there however it nonetheless made for some beautiful images.
A phrase of warning nonetheless – 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 count on an excessive amount of out of your journey.
Be part of the Historical Olympia personal day tour.
Conclusion on issues to do in Athens
In case you’re searching 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 could be skilled in several methods relying on the time of day.
Throughout 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, if you happen to’re looking for an unforgettable expertise, spend a while in Athens and revel in all it has to supply!
