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Athens is certainly one of my favourite cities in Europe. The Greek capital might be the oldest in Europe with monuments courting again properly earlier than the time of Christ. Town typically will get neglected by vacationers unexpectedly going to locations within the Cyclades like Mykonos and Santorini and that’s a disgrace. There’s a lot to do in Athens and you’ll positively spend a while right here.
I’ve spent prolonged time in Athens and have stayed within the metropolis for a while. For the aim of this publish, I gained’t get into the digital nomad / long run keep facet of Athens however relatively specializing in the best way to plan your journey to Athens as a vacationer.
When you’re planning to remain in Greece for an extended time, be sure that to learn my Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini Itinerary. Conversely, when you don’t fancy visiting essentially the most touristy and overdeveloped islands within the Cyclades, learn my information to the extra lovely and fewer touristy islands within the Cyclades.
How lengthy to spend in Athens?
Oh my how robust this query is. I’ll hold it easy. If all you care about is simply seeing the primary websites just like the Acropolis and different historic monuments, you solely want a day to see the city.
Nevertheless, if you wish to see the actual Athens, then you definately’ll want for much longer. I spent three nights in Athens and felt like I barely scratched the floor. Athens is a type of cities like Mexico Metropolis that I really feel like is much less of a landing and verify off all of the websites sort of city however relatively one which I may spend weeks and even months dwelling in to actually get a really feel for the power of town.
In essence, it’s the juxtaposition of the traditional with the trendy that basically enthralls vacationers like myself. The fashionable concrete Jungle each which method till you search for and see an historic monument nearly 3,000 years outdated.
Town is completely gigantic and homes 1/3 of all the inhabitants of Greece. From the highest of Mount Lycabettus, you’ll be able to see Athens stretch on so far as the eyes can see which makes you are feeling such as you’ve seen so little simply strolling by the standard Monastiraki streets.
What to do and see in Athens
There are such a lot of issues to do in Athens that you simply’re seemingly not going to get round to every thing throughout your keep. In comparison with different European capitals like Rome or Paris, there aren’t as many “European metropolis” issues to do like large cathedrals, galleries, picturesque streets and so on. Nevertheless, there are various distinctive issues that you simply’ll discover in Athens that may’t be present in different cities.
For an inventory of every thing to do in Athens, be sure that to learn my What to do in Athens information. Here’s a abstract of some of the highest highlights you will need to do whilst you’re in Athens!
- Acropolis
- Acropolis Museum
- Historic Roman Agora
- Hadrian’s Arch
- Temple of Zeus
- Nationwide Historical past Museum
- Lycabettus Hill
- Stroll round Monastiraki
- Temple of Poseiden day journey
Athens 1 day Itinerary
When you’re staying one full day in Greece, I’d give attention to an important and most well-known Greek ruins just like the Acropolis and some different websites. The Acropolis is a should go to irrespective of how a lot time you may have within the metropolis. Not visiting the Acropolis is like not visiting the Pyramids whenever you go to Cairo.
Acropolis
Unquestionably, the primary sight of curiosity in Athens would be the Acropolis. This is likely one of the authentic seven wonders of the world and is likely one of the most properly preserved historic Greek monuments on this planet.
The title Acropolis is Greek for the best level within the metropolis (Akro means excessive, and polis means metropolis). Basically, each city in Greece has an Acropolis as a result of it’s simply the best level within the city however in fact Athens is a little more well-known than that.
The Acropolis consists of the Parthenon which is the long-lasting historic Greek temple that’s just about the one image vital to explain Greece, numerous different temples, and theaters. It’s very spectacular and can verify off all of the containers to your Historic Greek repair. Nevertheless, ultimately, I’d nonetheless say the Pyramids of Giza had been rather more spectacular.
You possibly can spend loads of time right here relying on how into the historical past you’re however typically I feel 1-2 hours is sufficient. Throughout the summers, you’ll be able to count on a big crowd always of the day. One of the best ways to keep away from the crowds is to return right here within the very early morning or keep till it closes.
It’s exhausting to take a nasty photograph right here so shoot away!
Admission Price: €20 in the summertime months, €10 between Nov and Apr
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday From 8am to 8pm
*You should purchase the Athens Cross for €30 which is able to mean you can go to quite a few sights in Athens together with the Acropolis. Positively price it when you plan to do most issues.
Roman Agora
The Agora, whereas not within the Acropolis, is a should go to sight as properly. It’s essentially the most properly preserved Historic Greek temple in all of Greece. After seeing the Acropolis which is nearly half gone, the Agora provided a glimpse of what these buildings appeared like totally standing.
The Agora, translating to “a spot of gathering”, was as soon as dotted with statues, retailers, markets, colleges and it was the place Socrates used to lecture his younger disciples.
The entire complicated solely takes about 20 minutes to see however is properly well worth the go to particularly when you’ve bought the Athens Cross.
Have a souvlaki at Kostas for lunch
Greek meals is certainly one of my favourite meals in Europe. To eat one thing fast and scrumptious, be sure that to strive the Greek road meals like gyros and souvlaki. Because you’re solely right here for a day, it’s greatest to have a fast lunch so you’ll be able to have time to discover the remainder of Athens sights.
Kostas is known for its tender grilled cubes of pork meat wrapped in a scrumptious pita served with tzatziki sauce. Gyros are very low cost in Athens (€2.50) so you’ll by no means break the financial institution.
In order for you one thing extra than simply road meals, I’d enterprise over to the native restaurant known as Atlantikos which isn’t removed from the Roman Agora. This restaurant is an area no frills no thrills restaurant (my favourite fashion) specializing in seafood. The costs listed here are very cheap and you can be amazed at how scrumptious the seafood and Greek meze might be.
Go to the Plaka and Anafiotika
Probably the most distinctive a part of Athens needs to be the Anafiotika neighborhood. This neighborhood is positioned proper on the base of the Acropolis with good views over town. It options homes constructed within the conventional Cycladic fashion that you simply’ll discover on lovely islands like Mykonos and Santorini.
I really like the Cyclades and every thing concerning the islands so what a shock it was once I may discover the long-lasting white stone homes in the midst of Athens! Within the early nineteenth century, King Othon employed the perfect builders from Greece to refurbish his palace. These builders got here from the Cyclades and from the island of Anafi (therefore the title). The king let the builders keep at gifted them land close by to the Acropolis the place they construct properties for his or her households within the conventional fashion.
You’ll find the neighborhood excessive up within the Plaka district of Athens and it’s the proper place for some good photograph alternatives. You’ll must stroll by Plaka to get to the Anafiotika neighborhood. Alongside the way in which, cease for a fast espresso on the idyllic steps of the Plaka at Klepsýdra or Dióskouroi and soak within the Athens air.
Get pleasure from rooftop drinks with views of the Acropolis
For golden hour, head to one of many many rooftops in Athens with lovely views of the Acropolis. That is certainly one of my favourite issues to do in Athens as I feel the view is completely lovely.
One of the best bars to do that are A For Athens and Couleur Locale. Each bars serve nice drinks with a laid again vibe looking on the Acropolis.
Dinner within the metropolis
Lastly, to finish an amazing day, take pleasure in a scrumptious dinner of Greek meals out within the metropolis. There are numerous Greek eating places in Athens starting from native however vibrant eating places to upscale and fancy. Monastiraki and Psyri have infinite restaurant choices so that you can select from.
Head over to a spot like Lithos Taverna, Bandiera, or Maiandros and feast away. Greek meals is understood for its recent elements, beneficiant parts, and scrumptious flavors. It’s very straightforward to overdo it since you wish to strive every thing.
When you nonetheless have power after dinner, go take pleasure in a cocktail at one of many world ranked cocktail bars at locations like Baba Au Rum or the Clumsies!
Athens 2 day Itinerary
With two days in Athens, you’ll be able to see much more sights and in addition unfold out your sightseeing. The at some point itinerary is a bit hectic and depends on loads of issues going proper (not loopy sizzling climate, not loopy massive crowds and so on.). With this two day Athens itinerary, you’ll be able to see many of the sights with out dashing an excessive amount of.
I’d schedule a two day itinerary with the next:
Day 1: Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Temple of Zeus, Roman Agora
Day 1 of the 2 day itinerary begins off with the Acropolis like within the day 1 itinerary. You possibly can spend extra time right here to actually soak it in. As at all times, I like to recommend visiting the Acropolis within the early morning earlier than the crowds get there, or for sundown earlier than it closes.
After you’re completed with the Acropolis, spend 1-2 hours touring the Acropolis museum the place you’ll be taught concerning the totally different artifacts found across the Acropolis over the centuries. Lastly, make your method over to the Roman Agora to complete the day.
If you’re visiting in the summertime, be sure that to e-book a present on the Odeon Amphitheatre which was certainly one of my favourite issues in Athens.
Day 2: Olympic Stadium, Strolling Tour, Nationwide Historical past Museum, Lycabettus Hill
On day two, begin your day trip with an ideal Greek pastry of spanakopita. There are infinite bakeries on the town however in case you are staying in Monastiraki, make your approach to Bougatsadiko Psirri which is known for his or her bureks and spanakopitas.
Strolling Tour
After a fast breakfast, make your approach to the temple of Zeus for the Athens free strolling tour.
I’m an enormous fan of free strolling excursions in cities and Athens isn’t any totally different. The free strolling tour I did right here was extremely informative and I discovered issues that I positively wouldn’t have discovered if I hadn’t gone.
We walked by all the primary sights and received a lot of tales from the information about Greek tradition, historical past, and meals. We even visited a neighborhood adjoining to the Acropolis that could be a little mini Cyclades inside the metropolis. I had no thought this existed however actually it felt like I used to be strolling by a village in Milos. It’s because builders from the Cyclades had been recognized to be the perfect and had been introduced in to assemble loads of the official buildings again within the day. They settled close to to the Acropolis and had been allowed to construct in no matter style they wished.
Olympic Stadium
I had completely forgotten Athens was the house for the 2004 Olympics (and naturally the unique Olympics). They constructed this big stadium modeled within the conventional sense for the opening and shutting ceremonies in 2004.
It has since been largely unused and only a relic from that these video games. I’m unsure why they wouldn’t use such an attractive construction however I assume it’s the identical cause they don’t wish to reconstruct any of the Historic buildings?
However, it’s largely only a big stadium in the midst of town these days that vacationers can go to. It’s €5 for the doorway price and you’ll stroll across the stadium to your want. There weren’t many guests in any respect through the occasions I visited so you’ll be able to guess on taking some incredible pictures.
Mout Lycabettus
Don’t miss a go to to Mount Lycabettus which is the last word sundown spot for my part. It’s close to to town heart and might simply be reached by foot or taxi. You possibly can both take a cable automotive from the doorway for €5 or stroll your self to the height. From the doorway of the cable automotive, it is just about 200m to the highest and isn’t a troublesome hike.
The views listed here are merely gorgeous as you’ll be able to actually grasp simply how large of a metropolis Athens is. You possibly can even see the Mediterranean from the perspective.
There’s a cafe and restaurant right here the place you should buy cocktails to benefit from the view. The restaurant may be very costly however may very well be price it when you’re eager for some good views!
Athens 3 day Itinerary
When you’ve got three full days in Athens, then you’ll be able to actually take all of it in.
I’d observe the 2 day itinerary as per the above part and add a day journey out of Athens for the third day. There are quite a few day journeys which are on provide from Athens to wonderful close by sights.
A few of my favourite locations to go are the Temple of Poseidon (Cape Sounion), the temple of Delphi, and the Epidaurus Amphitheatre within the Peloponnese peninsula.
Day 1-2: Comply with the identical itinerary as above
As I already talked about, when you’ve got three days, merely observe my two day itinerary above.
Day 3: Temple of Poseidon
The Temple of Poseidon is positioned south of Athens on the very southern tip of the peninsula. This temple is extremely lovely as it’s perched excessive up on the hill overlooking the Mediterranean. The temple was constructed within the 400s BC after the defeat of the Persian invasion.
Historic Greeks, particularly seamen, believed storms had been indicators of Poseidon’s wrath, and subsequently the temple at Cape Sounion was a sacred place the place sailors and the overall inhabitants got here to supply animal sacrifices and different presents to appease him and discover favor.
I’d suggest visiting the Temple of Poseidon for the sundown. The solar setting over the Aegean with a view of a 2,500 yr outdated historic temple is simply gorgeous.
You possibly can both e-book a day journey to the Temple of Poseidon (particular day journeys exist only for sundown), take a bus, or hire a automotive to go to the temple. It’s a 1.5h drive from Athens metropolis heart or a 2h bus journey.
The place to remain in Athens?
Athens is blessed with so many alternative lodging choices. From the extremely luxurious accommodations to essentially the most fundamental hostels, you can find what you want in Athens.
One of the best half? It is vitally low cost right here. I extremely suggest staying in and across the Acropolis. This contains neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki sq.. That is the place all of the bars, eating places, and vacationer points of interest are so it helps to remain near every thing. When you’re staying within the heart, you’ll be able to just about stroll to all of the factors of curiosity.
Athens is blessed with a plethora of gorgeous Airbnbs. I used to be visiting in July and had my pickings of wonderful listings all for beneath €100. You possibly can even get flats with rooftops or balconies which have a view of the Acropolis. I particularly focused these as a result of I had at all times envisioned staying subsequent to the Acropolis after staying subsequent to the Nice Pyramids of Giza in Cairo.
My particular Airbnb was positioned only a 5 minute stroll south of the Acropolis and provided unobstructed views! This neighborhood is unquestionably extra of an area’s neighborhood however I liked it. It was solely a 15 minute stroll to the primary a part of Monastiraki sq. as properly.
Getting out of Athens
If Athens will not be your final cease in Greece and also you want some inspiration, the logical subsequent step is to go to the Cyclades islands! These are a few of my favourite islands on this planet and possibly a number of the most unusual issues you’ll be able to see in Europe.
From Athens, you’ll be able to take a ferry to the islands or you’ll be able to fly to a bigger island like Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, or Santorini. Whether or not you’re simply visiting one island or wish to create an Cyclades island hopping itinerary by utilizing the great Greek ferry system, there’s an itinerary for everybody!
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