Issues to Do in Athens

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 spite of everything, 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. Would it not actually be that soiled? Or, like Naples, does 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 appreciated town already at first sight – once we regarded 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 actually blew me away.

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

Throughout the day, vacationers dominate the cityscape, squeezing by way of the slender 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 one of the 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 the most well-known metropolis fortress of Historical Greece, whose ruins on the fortress hill of Athens nonetheless watch over town right now.

Your entire advanced consists of a number of buildings. Probably 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 must also go to Areopagus Hill. The hill is named a “vacationer mountain”, however the view of the Acropolis from right here is unmistakable.

By the best way, the doorway is free for EU residents below 25 years outdated.

Learn as properly our journey tip about learn how 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 joyful 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 get pleasure from an excellent view of Athens.

There are 100 addresses for that rooftop terrace feeling. One well-liked 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 may be very well-liked, particularly at sundown. No marvel as a result of it’s too stunning. 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 trying over Athens, then you might be 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 beneath it. Each 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 town for a second and are on a Greek island. The streets are so picturesque that it’s enjoyable simply to walk by way 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 motive–vacationers are at all times drawn to stunning locations.

Outdated buildings are a part of Athens

If you happen to’re as impressed by outdated buildings as I’m, then you definitely’ll love the Athens Academy.

It’s the main establishment of non-university educational analysis in Greece, and its work is split into three sections: science, literature & fantastic 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 shouldn’t be removed from the Academy. You should purchase all types of meals there, from fish to fruit. It’s open day by day from 7 am to six pm, besides Sundays.

Information to one of the best road meals in athens

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 encircling streets.

On the one hand, you’ll stroll previous empty, run-down buildings. Alternatively you’ll uncover cool graffiti and bars. I might advocate you to go on a bit of discovery tour by way of 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. Right here it is possible for you to to comply with within the footsteps of historical Greece.

Stroll by way of the Nationwide Backyard

The Nationwide Backyard and the encircling space make for an excellent strolling tour. Along with the park’s stunning 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 be taught extra about Historical Greece, my important purpose 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, right now you could find many well-preserved stays there.

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

By EU residents below 25 years outdated get in at no cost!

Monastiraki – exploring the outdated 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 could find quite a lot of retailers peddling items aside from fleas merchandise reminiscent of 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 pleasant time wandering by way of these streets whereas avoiding well-liked trend retailers!

Not distant lies Pittaki Avenue; this highway was as soon as uncared for and used primarily as a public bathroom however has now been remodeled 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 suggests a go to to its iconic sporting hub in Athens ought to be on the prime of your record!

We have been excited to discover and hopped on a tram that took us straight there. The advanced was nearly abandoned apart from an occasional jogger right here or there however it nonetheless made for some beautiful pictures.

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

Be a part of the Historical Olympia non-public day tour.

Conclusion on issues to do in Athens

If you happen to’re on the lookout 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 may be skilled in numerous 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, in case you’re in quest of an unforgettable expertise, spend a while in Athens and luxuriate in all it has to supply!