Athens
A journey through history
If you are just a tiny bit interested in history this is a place you must visit.
A mix between old, very very old, and new.
One minute you are walking in the agora, the city center 2500 years ago, the next you are in a modern business quarter.
Of course you don’t have to be a history geek to appreciate this city.
And there are plenty of things to do in the Greek capital. If you visit Athens I recommend that you spend at least four days and even then you will only scratch the surface of what this place have to offer.
What to see and do in Athens
Acropolis - The most famous landmark in the city and u must visit when visiting the Greek capital.
Acropolis museum - A beautiful modern museum that shows greek history including art affects, religion and the lives of the people of Greece and more. In peak season (summer) it is a good idea to book your tickets online before you go. You can book a combined ticket to the acropolis and the museum with a guide here.
Parthenon temple on top of Acropolis
Ancient agora - This was the city center 2500 years ago. Walk on the same stones as Perikles, Socrates, and Demosthenes a more. Market place, religious temples, libraries are just a few of the things you will discover.
Museum at the ancient agora
Lycabettus hill - A hill with a stunningly beautiful view of the city and Acropolis. Walk, take the funicular or grab a taxi to get there. There is also a small church and a nice restaurant on top of the hill. Go there in the sunset to get the best view.
View from Lycabettus
Changing of the guards - Every hour 24/7 there is guard changing ceremony in front of the Hellenic Parliament just a few steps off Syntagma Square. The guards are protecting #the tomb of the unknown soldier”. The change is spectacular where the guards, dressed in traditional uniforms, mimic horses on the battlefield and more. Even mor spectacular is the change on Sundays at 11am which include musicians and a big parade.
Changing of the guards
Panathenaic Olympic stadium
Other places of interest
Roman agora - Temple of Olympian Zeus, Theater of Dionysus and other historical sites in Athens. Buy a combined ticket at a reduced price to see them all
National Archaeological Museum - Statues, ceramics and more from Greek history and mythology.
Visit a Greek island - Take a day trip to one ore more of the neighbouring islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Agistri, Metopi and Hydra are e few of the islands nearby. I visited Aegina as a dy trip. Highly recommended.
Day trip to Meteora - Enjoy a spectacular landscape and explore the monasteries.
Day trip to Delphi - According to the ancient Greeks this was the center of the world where they also had an oracle.
Do’s and don’ts of Athens
Even though the Czech capital is a safe city there are somethings to avoid or be careful about.
Be aware of pickpockets - Nothing that is unique for Athens. Unfortunately they appear in all major citys and tourist destinations. Keep your belongings close in crowded areas.
Don’t expect to pay with credit card everywhere - Most places like restaurants and shops accepts credit card but taxis often don’t. Also some smaller shops may take cash only.
Taxi - Either negotiate the rate before you get in or see so the meter is on.
They talk load - Don’t be scared. Greeks like to talk, and they often talk load.
Visit churches - Think about what you are wearing if you want to visit a church. Shorts, short skirts and bare shoulders are a No.
Don’t get to drunk - There is no problem drinking in public in Greece but they don’t like a “drunk behavior”.
Don’t bargain - Maybe it was acceptable to bargain before but nowadays it’s not.
Language
The language spoken is Greek but most people speak English and younger people speak it very well. Everything is written with the Greek alphabet but many signs like in the metro, roads, public toilets etc are written with western letters as well.
It is always good to know a few phrases in the native language, they will appreciate it.
Hello - Geiá sou (Γειά σου)
How are you? - Pós eísai? (Πώς είσαι)
Thank you - Efcharistó (Ευχαριστώ)
Cheers - Stin ygeiá sas (Στην υγειά σας)
How to get to Athens
By boat, train or plane.
Multiple countries have a direct flight to Athens. If you are coming from outside of Europe maybe you will have to change flight somewhere.
If you need to rent a car I highly recommend Rentalcars.com to get the best deal.
Book your flights here
Where to stay in Athens
Stay close to the Acropolis. Monastiraki, Psyrri, Makrygianni, Syntagma and Plaka are good and safe neighbourhoods to stay in.
Last time I was in the city I stayed in Monasteraki and I had walking distance to everything I wanted to see in the city.
There are plenty of accommodations you can choose, from hostels for 20€ to luxury hotels.
I usually book my hotels via Agoda or Booking and I often compare the sites to get the best deal and to read reviews.
Public transport in Athens
You will not need it. Athens is a very walkable city so if you are staying in the city center and don’t mind stretching your legs you don’t have to read any further in this section. But if you want to explore things a bit away from the city center or your accommodation is further away you still have plenty of options.
Take the metro. It is very easy.
Take the bus. But be aware that you will be stucked in traffic.
Same with taxi. See so the meter is on if you take a taxi.
If you want to go from the airport to the city center the easiest and cheapest way is to take the metro. The Metro station is just outside of the airport.
What to eat in Athens
You probably know about Greek food already.
The most famous dishes would be
Moussaka - The Greek lasagna made with minced meet and aubergine (eggplant)
Souvlaki - Grilled meat, chicken or pork, on skewers. Often served with French fries or bread, a small sallad and a dipping sauce (like tzatziki)
Dolmades - Wine/Grape leaves stuffed with rice onion and herbs.
Tzatziki - Yogurt, garlic and cucumber sauce. Used as a dipping sauce for everything greek. Everything.
Greek sallad - Tomatos, Onion and Feta cheese. Sometimes other vegetables as well like cucumber and olives. Often saved as a starter.
Normally you tip 5-15% depending on the amount on your bill.
Greek stew with Feta cheese
Greek dessert, Feta and honey
Avoid the most “touristic” restaurants in Athens. I had a terrible Moussaka experience my first day in the city.
Psirri and Plaka have many cozy and good restaurants.
Also try the local bakeries for sweet treats like baklava. But this require a warning. They are often very, very sweet.
Drink? Water, beer, wine or greek liquor.
The greek wine Retsina is a must try. You may like it, I don’t. I like a glass of Ouzo though and their local beer is tasty.
Greek Kebab
Thank you for reading my travel blog about Athens.
I hope you found it interesting and helpful.
Use the form, under contact, if there is something that you think should be added to this site.
Cheers
Roger