10 THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN ATHENS

Here comes another out of the series “mini guides“: 10 things to do and see, this time Athens is our destination!

Athens is not only one of the european capitals. Is the capital of history, and ancient myths.

It’s chaotic, dusty, and overwhelming.

In no other places in the world I have been enchanted that way, and my fantasy has been tickled so much wondering on ancient stories, legends and characters.

To me, Athens is a must-go destination.

When you think of Athens probably the first thing that will pop up to your mind is the infamous Parthenon, yet Athens has so much more to offer, here’s just a glance:

 

VIEW FROM LYCABETTUS HILL

 
I was so fascinated by this spot, that I had to make a dedicated post about it, you find it here -> view from Lycabettus hill.

This hill is the highest point in town, and offers probably the best view over it.

A must-do for landscapes lovers, photography addicted, sentimentals and lovebirds.

Check my dedicated post to browse all the attractions on the hill, including a romantic restaurant with a breathtaking view.

 

ATTEND A PERFORMANCE AT THE ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS

 
I made a dedicated post about this as well, here -> Opera at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is an ancient theater part of the Acropolis.

Tourists flocks at the Acropolis to get to see its ruins.

What better way to experience it than access it at night and get to attend a performance in it, just below the Acropolis, the moon shine and the shadows of the olive trees?

One of the most unforgettable moments of my life!

 

SITE-SEEING

 

view from the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Did I just make this word up or it existed already?

Athens is filled with history and culture, and the archeological and historical sites are all over the city.

The most important would include: the Acropolis (which includes other major sites as the The Parthenon, Theatre of Dionysos, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and many others) the ancient agora, which is a big site including many points of interest, the Temple of Hephaestus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and many many others..

Most of them are pretty near to each other, and consist in the “Archeological Park”.

 

GET LOST IN THE PLAKA

 

photo credit: airbnb

 

The “Plaka” is the neighborhood just beneath the Acropolis, and it’s one of the most famous as well as one of the oldest and most charming.

Simply descent the Acropolis on the Eastern side (after the Theater of Dionysos) to find yourself in its little alleys, and eventually to some local tavern offering delicious food!

As I said history can be found everywhere in Athens, and the Plaka is house of one of the most famous historical buildings in town, the Lysikrates Monument.

Don’t miss it!

 

MONASTIRAKI

 

classical tourist pose

“Monastiraki” is one of the most famous and photographed spots of Athens.

It’s one of the most central neighborhoods in town, and it’s chaotic, congested, yet it’s charming and beyond time.

In it, you find the Monastiraki square, one of the most beautiful and distinctive spots in Athens, as well as the Monastiraki Flea Market.

 

FOOD

 

me and a bunch of dolmas

I ADORE greek food.

My absolute favorite is tzaziki, I could literally LIVE on it, but I’m also mad for dolmas – the stuffed wine leafs, the greek salad and the pita bread.

And not to mention the iced coffee.

Be careful, you could grow a million pounds in Greece 

 

ACROPOLIS MUSEUM

 

inside the Acropolis Museum

Usually, I’m not mad for museums.

I like art museums, but that’s all.

This said, the Acropolis museum was really interesting: inside there’s a lot of pieces originally belonging to the Acropolis, and that could not be left there for obvious reasons. So a visit to the Acropolis would not be entirely complete without a visit to the museum as well.

Some of the original Acropolis pieces would include the sculptures of the Parthenon, and the real Caryatids!

The building itself is very edgy and modern, and I couldn’t hold myself from buying a book about greek mythology in its gift shop!

 

PANATHENAIC STADIUM

 
Not an archeological site per se, the Panathenaic Stadium is still a great point of interest to visit once in Athens.

What’s so special about it?

It was reconstructed from the remains of an ancient stadium, and it hosted the first Olympic games back in 1896!

Inside there’s a museum hosting a lot of Olympic Games memorabilia.

 

EAT AT A TAVERN WITH LIVE BOUZOUKI MUSIC

 

photo credit: friendly planet

 

Have you ever watched “My big fat greek wedding”?

Or “Mamma Mia”?

Do you recall that chaotic warmth, that homely atmosphere, that overwhelming music?

That I wanted to experience in Athens, dining at a typical taverna playing live bouzouki music.

Unfortunately, because of the terrible trip we’ve been through, our time in Athens had been penalized, and we had to leave something out of our itinerary.

Luckily I’m going back to Athens in October, and I have a long list of things to do and see

 

MARKETS

 

one of Greece’s many prides

Markets in Athens are chaotic, astounding, unexpected.

There are two markets in Athens: one is the central market, in Athina Street, full of colors and smells that you didn’t even know existed, the other one is the Flea market in Monastiraki where, among a lot of other odd stuff, trinkets of all kinds, local garments, handmade jewelry, counterfeit goods, you can find the real greek leather sandals.

 

And you? Have you been to Athens?

What else would you advice to do and see?