Discovering Athens: A Travel Guide

After returning from an incredible trip to Greece, I’m excited to share my experiences exploring Athens, which was only one of the many cities we explored. The cradle of Western civilization, Athens is a city steeped in history, mythology, and culture. As a history enthusiast, I had dreamed of exploring this ancient city, and it did not disappoint. Below I’ll share some of the highlights of this great city, but to truly appreciate Athens understanding it’s history can be helpful.

Athens’ history spans over 5,000 years, with various periods and empires leaving their mark on the city which can be divided into several key periods:

1. Ancient Athens (500 BC): This was the Golden Age of Pericles, where Athens became the most powerful state city in Greece. Pericles established democracy and oversaw the construction of iconic structures like the Parthenon.
2. Hellenistic Period (323-146 BC): Alexander the Great’s era saw Athens lose its political influence but maintain its intellectual prowess. The city’s philosophical schools attracted scholars worldwide.
3. Roman Times (146 BC-330 AD): The Romans adopted Athenian culture and invested in the city’s reconstruction, leaving behind landmarks like the Herodion, Hadrian’s Library and Roman Agora.
4. Byzantine Era (330-1453 AD): This period saw the decline of Athens, with the prohibition of philosophical schools and the suppression of Olympian gods.
5. Ottoman Rule (1453-1821 AD): During this time, Athens played a limited role but developed small industries like tanneries, textiles and soap-making.

This brief history highlights the city’s transformation over the centuries, shaped by various empires and influences, lets get to what to do if you visit this incredible city.

When to Visit
The best time to visit Athens is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winters are cool and rainy.

Arrival and Getting Around

Upon landing at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, I easily reached the city center using the efficient Metro system. The Blue Line (Line 3) connects the airport to the city, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes. Tickets cost around €10, and the metro operates from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

No need to worry about renting a car for discovering Athens! Athens has an excellent public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and tram. You can purchase a rechargeable Ath.ena ticket or a tourist ticket for unlimited travel. We chose to purchase a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour which gave us two days of access. It is a great way to get an overview of the city and saves you some walking! This bus tour takes you to major landmarks, including the Acropolis, Panathenaic Stadium, and the National Archaeological Museum.

Accommodation Locations

1. Plaka : A popular neighborhood for tourists, with many hotels and hostels. Plaka is Athens’ most scenic neighborhood, with car-free streets lined with neoclassical buildings and world-class landmarks and galleries.
2. Monastiraki : A trendy area with a range of accommodation options. There is lively nightlife and easy access to other parts of the city in Monastiraki.
3. Budget-friendly : If you are looking to save some money consider staying in a hostel or Airbnb for an affordable option. I felt when in the month we visited the prices for hotels weren’t too bad so we booked a hotel with a free breakfast to save money on food.

Must-Visit Attractions

1. The Acropolis: A breathtaking ancient citadel situated atop a hill in Athens, Greece. This iconic site is home to the Parthenon, a stunning Doric-style temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Acropolis also houses other impressive structures, including the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. Visitors can explore the site year-round, but it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and heat.
   • Make sure to book your tickets in advance since you need to select a time of your visit and it will save you time of waiting in line for ticket purchase.
2. Acropolis Museum: An archaeological museum located on the southeastern slope of the Acropolis hill, on the ancient road that led up to the “sacred rock” in classical times. Founded in 2003 and opened to the public in 2009, the museum is dedicated to housing every artifact found on the Acropolis and the surrounding slopes
3. Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus: An archaeological site with ruins of buildings and walkways. The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved Greek temples and it was built to honor Hephaistos, the patron of metal workers, and Athena Ergane, the patroness of potters and crafts in general.
4. Roman Agora: A market and collection of buildings built in the first century BC during the rule of Julius and Augustus Caesar. The main entrance is through the Gate of Athena. The Roman Agora was built east of the Ancient Agora and it was surrounded by a wall and contained a square with stoas and several shops and trading places.
5. Hadrian’s Library: Located north of the Roman Agora and it was built around 131. The building is named after Emperor Hadrian who commissioned the construction of the library. Despite its name, it was much more than just a library. There were several buildings that all had different functions.

More Athens Adventures

1. Flea Market (Monastiraki Flea Market): The Monastiraki Flea Market comes alive with vendors selling vintage items, souvenirs, and local goods. The girls had a lot of fun walking up and down the streets checking out the different shops.
2. Food Tour: Indulge in Greek cuisine on a guided food tour, sampling mouth-watering dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and traditional Greek desserts. We did this on the first day as a way to get a sample of Greek food to help us know what to order as we had additional meals on our trip.

Off-the-beaten-path

1. Street art in Psirri: Explore the vibrant street art scene in this trendy neighborhood.
2. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: A modern cultural center with impressive architecture and events.
3. Anafiotika: A charming neighborhood in Athens that has narrow streets and traditional houses. It was built in the 19th century by workers from the island of Anafi and has since become a popular tourist destination. The neighborhood is known for its picturesque streets, whitewashed houses with colorful shutters, and traditional Greek architecture. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, take in the views of the Acropolis, and visit the nearby churches and museums.

Other Recommendations:

• Visit the National Archaeological Museum to discover Greece’s rich history.
• Explore the charming neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki.
• Visit the Panathenaic Stadium, a historic stadium that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and offers stunning views of the city.
• Watch a changing of the Guards at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier
• Take a stroll through the beautiful National Garden.

Tips for Discovering Athens

• If you can handle the heat, August is a great time to visit as most Athenians are on vacation.
• Don’t drive in Athens, as driving and parking can be difficult.
• Be aware that pickpocketing is a common crime in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
• Don’t feel pressured to tip, as it is not part of the culture in Greece.
• If you need to use a taxi, pre-book a ride for a hassle-free experience.
• Buy a combined ticket for the Acropolis and other ancient sites to save time and money.
• Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city’s hills and ancient ruins.
• Don’t miss the stunning sunset views from the Acropolis or Lycabettus Hill.
• Try traditional Greek cuisine at local tavernas and street food stalls.

Athens, a city steeped in history and culture, has something for everyone. With its efficient public transportation, delicious food, and iconic landmarks, you’re sure to fall in love with this incredible city. Happy travels!