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VietnamAthens is fast becoming one of the most accessible cities in Europe, and with the rise of budget airlines its not expensive, either to get there or once you arrive. As a country, Greece has received a lot of bad press for its part in the decline of the Euro and its impact on the recession, but you wouldn’t know it, not in Athens. Its still a city deep in history and culture, with a thriving spirit and nightlife ready to rival most capital cities in Europe. And for us Brits, the mainland is somewhat forgotten as a tourist destination, with the majority choosing island destinations such as Crete, Rhodes or Corfu.
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So if you do decide to break the mould, be original and book your trip to Athens, what is there to do? Where do you go? How do you get the most out of your trip? We came here for one week, and I don’t think it was possible to have crammed any more in if we tried, so here’s the best things to do in Athens, according to us!
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The Acropolis
Simply the thing to see in Athens, every where you turn you can’t miss the mighty Parthenon towering over its Athenians, reminding visitors of Athens’ place in history and giving you a serious sense of insignificance. The walk to the top is easier than it looks, and you can access it from any side.
It’s one of those rare places where you can’t take enough photos, I’ve only experienced that before at the Opera House in Sydney. You could spend a week on the Acropolis and get lost in the architecture and history of these incredible ancient structures. The most famous, the Parthenon, dedicated to the Goddess Athena, was started in 447 BC and completed in 438 BC. Yes 438… BC!! Just take that in for a second.
Okay it was later destroyed and rebuilt, but still. Its an incredible tribute to the power of Ancient Greece and the Athenian Empire. Be sure to take some time to experience the Acropolis museum on your way down and you’ll get brilliant photos of the Temple of Zeus with the Parthenon as your backdrop. Your ticket will also include the famed marketplace of ‘Agora’, the Monastiraki side of the Acropolis, spanning over a few sites there are many more Ancient wonders to be found.
Mount Lycabettus
Mount Lycabettus, at 277 metres above sea level is the perfect place to get the best view over Athens, and a great sunset spot. There is a funicular railway that will run you to the top, but its not a difficult walk and only took us 30 minutes, why not burn off that gyros wrap and Ouzo from the night before? Once at the top you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, and its only then that you get an idea of its shear size. At the top you’ll find a large open air theatre and a restaurant with a great view, although the prices are as steep as the walk up! You can also drive most of the way up and stop in the car park for a moment of romance with your other half.
Enjoy Greek Food
After spending 8 weeks living and working on the Island of Kos 8 years ago, I was particularly excited about the Greek food, since then its always been one of my favourites, and we have very few Greek food restaurants in England. Our first Greek food experience was at an authentic restaurant a short walk from Monastiraki on Mitropoleos street, you’ll find mostly locals and some tourists here, its a bustling street full of thriving restaurants, all reasonably priced, and we sampled a few. It was here, eating my favourite dish, an open pork gyros kebab with a tzatziki side and bottle of Mythos, with a Greek duo playing live acoustics beside us, that I thought ‘This is Athens’.
Go to a Football match
Nothing captures the spirit of Athenians quiet like the intense rivalry between Olympiakos and Panathinaikos, the two biggest clubs in Athens. Known as the ‘derby of eternal enemies’. Its not a match many travellers would get to experience, and reports like Europe’s maddest derby? by the BBC paint an unfair picture of the fans. I managed to get tickets for just €50, I sat with Olympiakos fans, felt their passion, and discussed their hatred for their rivals, something I can deeply relate to growing up between Portsmouth and Southampton. There have been problems here in the past, but since away fans were banned from the game 6 years ago, they’ve seen a lot less problems particularly in terms of hooliganism and fighting off the pitch.
My tip – if you do manage to get tickets to any game, at Olympiakos or Panathinaikos, be sure to ask where the hardcore regular fans sit, often behind one of the goals, as this is where the flares and fireworks are normally set off, so you’ll probably want to avoid it.
Travel & Accommodation
From the UK, you can fly with Ryanair from London Stansted or Easyjet from London Gatwick, Manchester or Edinburgh. There’s a great selection of hotels and hostels in the centre, if you want things on your doorstep try to stay near Monastiraki Square or Syntagma. We chose to use the up-and-coming Air BnB, where we found an apartment out of the centre and near the port of Piraeus. Only 20 minutes away on the metro, it was a cosy little studio apartment for £168 for a week, and although there were a few ‘characteristics’ of the apartment that weren’t ideal, we couldn’t complain at the price.
More for the list
Lake Vouliagmeni: a natural spa known for its healing powers, you’ll also get a great fish pedicure thrown in for free. Its only 25 minutes outside of the city, and a highly recommended day or afternoon relaxing away from the hustle and bustle. General admission from €9.
Boat trip: from one of the ports in the Piraeus harbour. Our catamaran trip was organised by Incrediblue, an online marketplace for boat rentals. Athens from the sea is a great sight, and what better way to relax than to spend a day at sea sunbathing with a glass of bubbly? It might also take you down to Cape Sounion if the seas are calm…
The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion: possibly the best sunsets in Greece after Santorini. It is an hour away from Athens, but well worth the journey.
The Central Food Market: a 10 minute walk from Monastiraki Station, you’ll find fruit, fish, vegetables and meat from all over Greece at a very reasonable price. Or try some of the local spices, cheese and sweets and buy them for your loved ones back home.
The Monastiraki Flea Market: whether you’re in the market for vintage clothing, rugs, vinyl or jewellery, you’ll find it here. Just be wary of pickpockets who target this busy area of Monastiraki.
Stroll through Anafiotika: take a wonder through this 19th century neighbourhood on the northern side of the Acropolis hill.
Want more? For more useful resources and websites related to Athens, take a look at the Athens Travel Guide section on Nomadic Notes.
There are many more places that could have made this list, what was your highlight? Did you find any hidden gems? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below, thanks for reading.
Thank you to Curve for sponsoring this article!
Great photos, I also love the look of your posts. Great design! I can say that Greece is very high on my list. Some friends went there a few years ago and really enjoyed it. They rented their own boat and enjoyed the water as well. I have always wanted to ride on a catamaran, so perhaps on a future trip to Greece. Pinning this for reference. Thanks for sharing! -Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
Hey Alexandra! Thank you for your comments.
I’m glad you like the design, yes add Greece to your list, put it at the top!! I’m heading back soon to see the rest 😀
I guess I will never have one week for Athens, but the post did give me some very nice ideas what to do, when I amback. I have been there for several times and cannotget enough of it, especially the old town and Acropola. I also LOVE the photos!! Happy travelling!
Hi Nina, I’m pleased you found it useful. I think I could go back several times, and still find things to add to this blog. Maybe I will write an Athens part 2 🙂
This post is excellent. Very informative and full of good ideas for anyone thinking of visiting Athens or Greece. The photos are really good and the content is very inspiring.
Hi Jamie! Thanks for your kind words about the photos, if you get a chance add Athens to your holiday list, just keep your wits about ya 😀
I wasn’t expect to read about the football part. But it is a great think to do. Nice article! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Hey George, thank you I thought the football would be a bit different to your usual Athens blogs. It was a great experience, so recommend it to all footie fans 🙂
Great article! It covers a lot of things that other relative posts don’t. I currently live in Athens for a few months and i can say that the diversity found in all the aspects of this city, is truly astonishing!Great places to eat and grab a drink or just walk and stare the magnificent ruins from a distant past. This city never stops amuzing me. I’d like to add a few more places(in the center or the suburbs) that everyone should definetly give a try:
“Karamanlidika” — Delicatessen, Greek, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
“Davinci Gelato” — The best gelato in the city
“The Art Foundation”— A unique coffeeshop built inside an old, Othomanic Prison. Great coffee flavors!
“Attica Zoological Park” —Excellent attraction for all animal lovers!
Thanks Apostle, I appreciate your comments 🙂
Thank you for adding these places, I’ll definitely check them out next time I’m in Athens, and hope my readers do too – Yamas!
I have added Athens to my bucket list and plan to visit as soon as poss.
Great photos and info for anyone new to the city.
Thanks Martin! You’ll have a great time there, I’ll looking forward to seeing the photos!
Lovely blog, Scott! Glad to have connected with you on Twitter.
Athens is such a great city and has so many things to offer! My favourite pastime was sightseeing, taking photos of the incredible monuments and strolling round the market. Shame we didn’t check out the boat trips, they sound fun!
Thanks Hitch 🙂 Great to connect to you too!
There was so much to see, I think I need to go back to take it all in, I don’t think I really scratched the surface when it comes to the monuments
That lake looks GREAT! Now I wanna go too. I highly recommend you visit Thessaloniki as well, such a fabulous Greek citybreak.
Thanks Esther I’ll definitely check out Thessaloniki 🙂
Thumbs up from an Athenian (and Olympiacos fan!). Next time you visit Athens, do not miss to grab a cup of coffee at Flisvos Marina (accessible by tram), definitely a highlight of the city. Glyfada area (with some of the best beach cafes, bars and clubs) is also a must in the south. You should also pay a visit to northern Athens, especially Kifissia (metro green line), a beautiful green suburb with old mansions and high-class stores.
Hey Ignis! Great to meet another Olympiacos fan (I was for the day!) 🙂
I’ll be sure to check those places out next time, as I will visit Athens again in the near future, thank you for the comment
hi! Nice article, full of positive energy! Athens is a metropolis with many hidden things to see and experience. Don’t miss Kifissia in the northern suburbs, accessible easily with metro line 1. It’s an area full of art deco mansions, maple trees and flowery gardens, fancy stores, restaurants and coffee places and also museums! If you like shopping there is “the mall” also easily accessible with metro line 1, the “metro mall” in the south, the riverwest and McArthur discount village! Pay also a visit to the amazing Zoo near the airport of Athens!”Allou” fun park can claim easily a few hours of your time and offer great views of Acropolis from it’s high rise attractions!for drinks and clubbings numerous areas… I prefer Gazi (kerameikos metro station line 3) and Panormou area!(ps: friday and saturday night the metro closes at 2 am!)have fun and enjoy your stay in Athens!
Hi George! Brilliant thank you for the tips, its great to have lots of options for things to do. I’ve made a note of these for next time, thank you for the comment 🙂
I’m headed to Athens for a month in October, looks like I’ll have plenty to do. Great post, thanks!
Yasmine| http://peekingduck.co
I’m headed to Athens for a month in October, looks like I’ll have plenty to do. Great post, thanks!
Yasmine| http://peekingduck.co
Great article! As a photographer I worked on a video project about Athens in October 2015. When planing trip I have a custom to bookmark best articles and this was in my top 5 🙂
My video – Athens in motion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fTIm-7DIx4
I recently visited Greece and before starting to read the blog I thought I must have missed few things written in your blogpost but Glad to say I did all those mentioned here.. A great post btw
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