As in any capital, the list of places to see and things to do is endless when it comes to Athens. Let’s take a stroll through the cozy streets of Athens today and see what interesting things are here.
Athens is the oldest city on the shores of the Aegean Sea, the most important city of the ancient world, surrounded by legends and myths. There’s a special atmosphere here. Everywhere you turn, there are ruins of ancient temples and theaters, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Among them are noisy taverns where tourists and locals alike enjoy themselves.
If you’re planning to see Greece, start your journey right here in the capital. Here, I want to share ideas about what to do in the center of Athens, so bookmark this post.
Take a walk along the main streets of the city.
To see the main, central part of the city, stroll through the Plaka district (from Omonia Square towards Syntagma Square). Here, you can best experience the Balkan flavor. Shabby old houses covered with geraniums and bougainvillea will frequently appear along the way. Greeks joyfully sell their paintings, clothes, and souvenirs in flea markets. It’s considered good form to engage in active bargaining with the shopkeeper and spend hours examining absolutely unnecessary trinkets.
Overall, trading here is a bit strange. It’s like walking through the central streets of a European capital, surrounded by boutiques and stylish salons, and then suddenly encountering a bazaar and rows of stalls.
In the morning, Athens is not crowded, making the city even lovelier. Greeks are unhurried and even lazy. They can sit for hours in a tavern with a cup of tea discussing pressing matters for the umpteenth time.
Plaka is scattered with ancient ruins, but at the same time, there are many cafes, boutiques, museums, and clubs. Plaka is the oldest and most charming residential quarter of the city. The labyrinth of streets and stairs leads to one of the slopes of the Acropolis.
Climb up to the Acropolis.
This is the main attraction of Athens. The famous Parthenon is known worldwide and is the main symbol of Greece. The word itself means “the peak of the city.” And indeed, the Acropolis stands on a high hill, visible from any point in the city.
It is even forbidden to build tall buildings here, so that they do not block the view of the Parthenon. The Parthenon is the main and most recognisable ancient temple, the one with the columns. Want to know more about this place? Then read my full post about the Acropolis.
What else can you see on the cozy streets of Athens?
Witness the changing of the guard.
The most unusual changing of the guard becomes another attraction. At the Boule Palace or the Athenian Parliament, Evzones or infantrymen stand guard every day. It’s the most peculiar changing of the guard I’ve ever seen. Infantrymen wear Greek attire – a fustanella with 400 pleats. This large number of pleats symbolizes the years spent under Turkish rule. They wear woolen stockings and red shoes with 60 steel nails and pompons on them. All this is to allow the Evzones can clatter beautifully on the pavement.
Seeing the changing of the guard is as easy as pie. Every hour from Monday to Saturday and once at 10:30 am on Sundays, the infantrymen start marching, and quite amusingly at that. By the way, you can take photos with them, but they won’t flinch or shake your hand; they’ll just stand there with an impassive look.
You can approach them, look them in the eye – nothing will happen to you. They’ll just tap the ground with their rifles as a warning. I wonder if it’s really possible to stand there for half a day without laughing at tourists? I wish I had such endurance and steadfastness!
If you’re looking for more whimsical, picturesque locations, then check out my post about the soaring mountain monasteries of Meteora. It’s truly a magical place!
Visit Panathenaic Stadium.
The Panathenaic Stadium is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. It’s also unique in that it’s entirely made of white marble. It was here that the first modern Olympic Games started in 1861.
Do you know where they originated from? They say there are many versions, but I’ll tell you about the two most realistic ones, in my opinion.
So, according to myth, the origin of the games is credited to the strongman Hercules and his brigade. It all started when Augeas, the king of Elis for whom Hercules cleaned the dung-filled stables, didn’t pay him for the work. Hercules was upset – he didn’t like to fight with people, but he couldn’t forgive such impudence. He returned home, gathered an army, and went to Augeas to punish the scoundrel. As a result, Augeas was killed, and all his possessions were sacrificed to the goddess of victory Athena, who protected Hercules during his life. Moreover, to ensure that the story was remembered for a long time, Hercules decided to hold sports competitions on that meadow for sacrificial offerings once every four years.
However, historians have their own version. In the 9th century, Greece, torn apart by several kingdoms, was shaken by civil wars. King Ifat, tired of this nightmare, went to Delphi to ask the local oracle – what advice do the Gods give? The oracle, who had never been wrong before, told him the following: “You must found games pleasing to the Gods.” Ifat decided that one head was good, but the more, the better, and involved his neighbor – the king of Sparta, Lycurgus, in his plan. After lengthy negotiations between all the Greek kingdoms, their rulers came to a unanimous decision – Elis became a neutral state. And on its land, athletic games in honor of the gods would be held every four years. The most important thing was that during the days of the competitions, it was forbidden to fight, and those who disobeyed faced death. The first Olympic Games took place in 884 BC and continued every four years for several hundred years until the Turkish occupation turned the Greeks’ lives upside down. There was no time for sports anymore…
Want to learn more about Greece? Don’t miss my posts about the cozy village of Afitos and the most beautiful places on the Halkidiki Peninsula.
Take a ride on the Athens metro.
Builders, while laying tunnels in the metro, found quite a lot of interesting things. An ancient aqueduct, a Christian cemetery, numerous vases, and statues. The authorities decided not to bring all this to the surface but left it in the metro. Now it’s a free museum for anyone who decides to ride a couple of stations.
How to get to Athens.
Are you planning a trip to cozy streets of Athens, but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the logistics of getting there? Fear not! Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your journey to this historic and vibrant city.
By Air: Athens is served by Athens International Airport (ATH), which is well-connected to major cities around the world. Many international airlines operate direct flights to Athens, making it easily accessible from various destinations.
Check Aviasales to find the cheapest flights to Athens if you’re traveling from another country.
Metro: The most convenient and cost-effective way to reach the city center from the airport is by taking the Athens Metro. The metro line connects the airport with the city’s major transportation hubs, including Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Station. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
Bus: Several bus routes operate between the airport and various parts of Athens. The X95 bus, for example, runs 24/7 and connects the airport with Syntagma Square, offering a budget-friendly option for travelers.
I highly recommend traveling by car as it is the most convenient and direct option. If you don’t have a car, you can rent one at very reasonable prices here.
The most authentic hotels in Athens.
If you’re longing for an authentic Greek experience, look no further than these handpicked hotels that encapsulate the essence of cozy streets of Athens.
Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel: Situated in the heart of Athens, overlooking the famed Acropolis, Hotel Grande Bretagne is a symbol of timeless elegance and luxury. Dating back to 1874, this historic landmark boasts opulent interiors, impeccable service, and breathtaking views. Indulge in Mediterranean cuisine at the rooftop restaurant while gazing at the Parthenon illuminated against the night sky.
Electra Metropolis Athens: Nestled near Syntagma Square, Electra Metropolis Athens seamlessly blends modernity with Greek hospitality. The hotel’s contemporary design harmonizes with its historic surroundings, offering panoramic vistas of the city and the Acropolis. Guests can unwind at the rooftop pool or savor Greek delicacies at the Metropolis Roof Garden restaurant.
Perianth Hotel: Housed in a neoclassical building in the historic district of Psirri, Perianth Hotel exudes contemporary elegance and understated luxury. The hotel’s minimalist design and curated artwork create a tranquil ambiance, perfect for urban escapism. Guests can savor Mediterranean flavors at the on-site restaurant and explore the vibrant streets of Athens just steps away.
Whether you’re marveling at ancient landmarks, savoring traditional cuisine, or simply soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, your stay at these hotels will be an unforgettable journey through Greek hospitality and culture. Have a great trip!
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