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House to the mesmerizing Acropolis, symbolic of Historic Greek civilization, the town of Athens is one you may’t miss when touring to Europe. With a plethora of issues to do in Athens in and across the metropolis, be ready for action-packed days stuffed with exploring the capital.
From beautiful pure lakes, offshore Mamma Mia-style islands, and unending ruins of Greek historical past Athens has lots to supply. On this article, we’ll present you 25 of the most effective issues to do when visiting Greece’s historic capital metropolis!
The Finest Issues to do in Athens
Go to the Acropolis
In all probability essentially the most well-known landmark in Athens and even Greece, a go to to The Acropolis is a must-do exercise in Athens. The Acropolis of Athens is an historic citadel on a rocky outcrop and an incredible spectacle with unbelievable historical past. The Acropolis itself affords among the finest views overlooking the town!
- Price:
- Head to The Acropolis simply earlier than sundown. The views of the sprawling metropolis are much more spectacular in golden hour!
Stroll by the Nationwide Gardens
When you’re trying to get away from the cobbled streets of Athens and swap it up for some luscious greenery, then the Nationwide Gardens are in all probability your finest wager. Situated simply behind the Greek Parliament constructing, the nationwide gardens are stuffed with pure magnificence, together with hundreds of timber, a number of species of wildlife, and some lakes.
The gardens are additionally dwelling to a conservatory the place vegetation are cultivated earlier than being replanted – a must-visit when heading to the park.
Eat Scrumptious Avenue Meals
Athens arguably has among the finest road meals in Europe and it’s fairly low cost too! You should strive the native specialty of Gyros, which is both meat or greens tossed in a tremendous mix of herbs and spices, tucked right into a crispy and heat pita with french fris (potatos), or tzikiki.
Our favourite spot is certainly To Souvlaki Tou Kosta, which is a small family-run enterprise that has been going since 1946. For about €5 one can have a scrumptious meal on the fly. Contemplate trying out their nice meat-free choices, they’re simply as tasty and extra sustainable.
Wherever you go be sure you have some road meals, it’s the most effective issues to do in Greece.
Have a cocktail at a Rooftop Bar Overlooking the Acropolis
There are plentiful rooftop bars scattered all through the town, and we’d advocate choosing one which has a view of Acropolis. Having a drink because the solar goes down over the Acropolis is one among Athens’s finest issues to do. Most of those can be positioned close to Monastiraki Sq. and also can provide views over the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Mount Lycabettus.
A agency favourite amongst guests is 360 Cocktail Bar, the cocktails listed here are unbelievable and its prime location has arguably the most effective views of the Acropolis from a rooftop bar. Whereas the costs are excessive at €9- €12 per cocktail how usually are you able to say you drank a gin and tonic whereas overlooking among the oldest ruins on the planet.
Climb Philopappos Hill
Philopappos Hill is a pure gem nestled within the coronary heart of Athens’ metropolis middle. It consists of distinctive surroundings overlooking the monumental websites of the Parthenon and the Hill of the Muses. Spend your day exploring the windy handmade cobble roads, whereas exploring a few of Athen’s finest cultural heritage websites. The stroll isn’t too tough and will be tried by newcomers so is ideal for a leisurely day trip.
Ensure that to go to the cave-like room hidden within the hill’s rock, it’s labeled the Jail of Socrates and is commonly missed by guests to Philopappos Hill.
Discover Anafiotika, an Island on the Mainland
Immerse your self amongst Greek island vibes with out truly leaving the mainland within the cute pocket of Anafiotika. The attractive and tranquil space is positioned in Downtown Athens, simply off the slopes of Acropolis Hill, and was constructed by builders from the Aegean Island of Anafi.
It is stuffed with spectacular road artwork, white-washed cubic homes, and delightful little church buildings making you neglect that you’re within the bustling metropolis of Athens. Discovering Anafiotika is usually a mission itself, you wouldn’t randomly stumble throughout it when exploring the town and it isn’t effectively signposted, nonetheless, this provides to the enjoyable and permits it to stay one among Athens’ hidden treasures.
Go to the Monastiraki Flea Market
On a Sunday, the streets of Monastiraki are became a flea market consisting of outlets painted by monks from Mount Athos. The outlets embody Artist workshops, quite a few stalls promoting clothes, crafts, and souvenirs together with loads of scrumptious meals stalls. The market is stuffed with vibrant colours and has influences from quite a lot of numerous cultures together with Jap Europe, Albania, Turkey, and naturally Greece.
Be careful for pick-pocketers as this has change into more and more extra of an issue in Athens; with the huge crowds within the flea market together with numerous vacationers, it’s a paradise for pick-pocketers.
Take a Journey to Coastal Piraeus
Dubbed as ‘Coastal Athens’ the town of Piraeus is positioned only a 30-minute drive from downtown Athens. Piraeus is usually visited because of its prime location permitting entry to the plethora of close by Greek Islands.
The port metropolis gives quite a lot of marina-front eating places and bars boasting a bubbly environment and is nice for an evening out. You may get there by way of uber/taxi for €20 or take the native bus for €4. Ensure that to go to the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus when visiting!
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Discover the Charming Streets of Plaka
Plaka is the oldest and arguably the nicest neighborhood in central Athens and is positioned simply beneath the Acropolis, making it an ideal cease after visiting the well-known landmark. The realm is packed with family-run outlets with quite a lot of completely different stalls: together with ceramics, jewellery, and meals outlets from a numerous vary of cuisines. Plaka additionally consists of among the best road artwork from well-known fashionable Greek artists, so maintain your eyes peeled to view some nice paintings.
If shopping for jewellery, it’s best to bear in mind that those which are hand-made by the artists may have extra worth than the mass-produced items. Look on-line for recommendation on the most effective stalls, we liked the Byzantino Jewellery Retailer.
Watch a Film in an Open-air Cinema Overlooking the Acropolis
End your day at one among Athen’s open-air cinemas. Right here you may watch a film below the celebs whereas snacking on some signature selfmade delicacies. One of the widespread cinemas is Cine Thisio which has a beautiful view of the glowing Acropolis and presents an incredible collection of films.
You will need to word that these cinemas are closed within the winter months, schedules begin from Could and end in October. Tickets price €6 Monday-Wednesday and €8 Thursday to Sunday. Ensure that to ebook upfront in case you are going within the peak months as these are usually very talked-about amongst vacationers and locals.
Go to the Panathenaic Stadium
A go to to Panathenaic Stadium is a must-do exercise for sport and historical past lovers. The primary Fashionable Olympic Video games have been held at Panathenaic Stadium and it’s the oldest working stadium on the planet. It’s additionally probably the most widespread UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Europe. Constructed-up with white marble tiles and a capability of over 60,000, the outside of the stadium is spectacular. Common admission is €5. That is decreased to half worth for college kids at solely €2.50. As there isn’t a lot shade it’s finest to test it out within the evenings for cooler climate.
Expertise Athens’ Hedonistic Nightlife
The locals of Athens like to get together and the town is understood to have among the finest nightlife in Europe. If you’re heading on an evening out don’t anticipate to sleep till the early hours of the morning. There are a number of completely different choices for a wonderful night time out, from heading to one among its well-known seaside golf equipment or sipping on native Greek spirits down a cobbled again road. When you’re searching for the next finish out of doors vibe head to Astir Seashore!
Go to to Monasteries of Meteora
The Monasteries of Meteora present a unbelievable panorama view of spectacular mountains and boulders. The fascinating area gives a surreal really feel with among the most unusual and delightful websites in all of Greece.
The simplest method to journey right here is by practice which will even present extremely scenic views of cities, lakes, and rivers. The UNESCO World Heritage Web site gives the right mixture of historical past and nature with the mountaintop monasteries being described as a marvel of human creativity. The fee to enter the Monastery is €3 every and day journeys from Athens working about €60. It’s finest to ebook upfront because it’s a preferred vacation spot!
Ebook a Day Journey from Athens
Climb to the Highest Level in Athens
A lot much less touristy and arguably extra spectacular than Athens Hill, climbing Lykavittou Hill or Mount Lycabettus, was one among my favourite issues we did in Athens. A brief however steep trek, the climb will take you between 25-35 minutes to succeed in the height. Regardless of its steepness, it’s effectively price it as whenever you attain the highest you may be blessed with spectacular views of Athens’ sprawling metropolis. Pack your self a picnic and gaze into the space earlier than heading again down the way more relaxed route.
Go to the Historic Agora
Regardless of being usually ignored in favor of its extra well-known neighbor The Acropolis, The Historic Agora is arguably simply as stunning and is one other a kind of unbelievable issues to do in Athens. On arrival you may be introduced with panoramic views from all completely different ranges, together with spectacular structure. There are ruins unfold throughout Historic Agora moderately than one attraction so be sure you depart loads of time to discover. The fee is €8 however entrance can be included within the multi ticket buy accessible on the Acropolis ticket middle.
Discover the Athenian Riviera
Athens can generally be overpowering with its busy metropolis middle, so a enterprise half-hour out in direction of the coast is usually a stress-free change of surroundings. Right here you will see that picturesque coastal areas: assume glistening turquoise waters, pristine and rocky coastal hideaways, together with stunning seaside facet eating places.
Relying on the place you go, you could find quiet coastal cafes or electrical nightclubs rivalling the likes of Santorini and Mykonos – the Athenian Riviera has one thing for everybody.
Contemplate eating on the coastal restaurant of Krabo, it has a wonderful location on a secluded bay within the space of Kavouri. It has a easy and stylish aesthetic with beautiful views overlooking the ocean.
Go to the Temple of Poseidon
On the tip of the Athenian Riviera is the spectacular Temple of Poseidon. An unbelievable website for many who are all in favour of early Greek Civilization, this temple lies round 40 miles from Athens’ metropolis middle. Right here you may wander across the temple while having fun with unbelievable views of the Aegean Sea.
On a transparent day, you may see among the space’s surrounding islands, together with Kea, Kythnos, and Serifos. You may also take a dip within the calm waters of the Aegean Sea and spend the afternoon hanging out at one of many close by seashores. The fee is €10 for Common Admission and €5 for college kids.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
On the Odeon of Herodes Atticus lies an historic theater stored in pristine situation regardless of it being inbuilt 161 AD. Situated just some minutes stroll from the Acropolis in Athens, it’s an incredible bonus exercise for historical past buffs.
Not solely is it a spectacular historic monument that’s nice to look at, it has additionally now change into a restored music venue the place the likes of Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, and Liza Minnelli have carried out. Make sure to verify to see if there are any stay performances earlier than your go to.
The fee ranges between €10- €20, however can be included within the Acropolis particular ticket. When you don’t purchase the Acropolis particular ticket, and don’t wish to pay the total price to see this landmark, then you may nonetheless get an incredible view of the traditional theatre in your ascent to the Acropolis.
Take a Dip at Edem Seashore
Make a journey to the area of Anavyssos, the place you may take a dip in the most effective locations to swim near Athens. The seaside is supplied with pristine waters and is dwelling to a variety of actions to discover, together with jet-skiing, renting a ship, kayaking and waterskiing. Within the night you may wind down at one of many native eating places, of which many provide stay music making a vibrant environment.
Don’t neglect to seize a meal or a drink at Edem Taverna, its positioned centrally on the seaside and infrequently has an incredible collection of stay music.
Take a Day Journey to Delphi
Surrounded by alpine meadows and spectacular valleys dropping down into the slopes of Mt Parnassos, lies the traditional village of Delphi. Not solely is Delphi packed stuffed with attention-grabbing archeological websites however it’s also one of many loveliest day-hikes within the Mediterranean.
You may spend your days climbing by the mountains experiencing hanging views of picturesque villages and alpine hills. Go to the well-known websites of Corycian Cave and the Sanctuary of Apollo, earlier than heading for a cup of espresso within the stunning village of Arachova. Common admission is €12, and be sure you go to the Sanctuary of Athena, in addition to The Sanctuary of Apollo as it’s usually missed regardless of being simply as stunning.
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Have a Picnic in Kifissias Park
Metropolis parks are at all times a must-visit when travelling to a brand new place; they current a tranquil environment, which is definitely an effective way to flee metropolis crowds after days of sightseeing. Situated centrally, you should have loads of store choices to choose up a picnic, so whip up a conventional Greek feast of baklava, native wine and bread, together with some hummus and loosen up in Kifissias Park.
Take a Crusing Journey to the Saronic Sea
A number of excursions from the Athenian Riviera take you on a unbelievable day trip on a stunning catamaran to the Saronic Sea. Spend the day exploring the mesmerizing islands of Agistri, Moni, and Aegina, the place you should have the chance to swim and sunbathe at completely different places.
Discover the Saronic Sea’s underwater marine life with choices to snorkel or dive, these will strike up an urge for food for lunch that can encompass scrumptious Mediterranean-Greek meals, together with an array of drinks.
Ebook a Full Day Tour Across the Saronic Islands
Go to the Acropolis Museum
Immerse your self on the planet of the Acropolis Museum, one among Athens’ high sights which comprises among the Most worthy collections of historic Greek artwork and structure on the globe. A latest improvement built-in 2007, it’s positioned just under the Acropolis hilltop and has an unlimited and distinctive structure that comes with an historic Athenian neighborhood fashion. Price of admission ranges from €5 -€10 relying on the season.
Discover Olympieion: Temple of Olympian Zeus
Make a journey to discover one of many largest and most luxurious temples in Europe. House to arguably a very powerful and well-known God in Greek Historical past: Zeus, these ruins undertaking a monumental presence. Regardless of solely eight pillars remaining it’s simple to think about how grand the temple was in its full kind. Situated centrally, the temple is just 500 m southeast of the Acropolis and 700 m south of Syntagma Sq.. The fee is € 12 for Common Admission or €6 for College students/U25.
Swim in Lake Vouliagmeni
Situated only a 30-minute drive from central Athens are the crystal-clear waters of Lake Vouliagmeni. The lake lies in a stupendous nature reserve surrounded by huge rocks with scattered vegetation. Water temperatures are comparatively gentle so you may spend the day hopping out and in of the water with out getting too chilly.
The lake can be dwelling to many small fish that can gently nibble in your toes when getting into the water. At first it offers you a tingly feeling however after a whilst you get used to it.
Foods and drinks on the lake will be comparatively costly however as you’re given a wristband on entry you may depart and enter everytime you’d like. We’d advocate taking a picnic and consuming it on the seaside just some minutes stroll away from the lake.
Day Journey to Hydra Island
A well-liked exercise for these trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town is to catch a ship over to the attractive car-free island of Hydra. Hydra island is likely one of the Saronic Gulf Islands and is positioned only a 90-minute ferry trip from the mainland, a return ticket will price you round €30.
When you arrive on the island there are a number of nice out of doors actions, from visiting one of many many hidden coves scattered throughout the island to taking a hike as much as Profitis Ilias Monastery, or simply having fun with the vibe of a automotive free Greek island!
Ebook a Journey to Hydra!
Extra Athens Journey Ideas
- The Athens Metropolis Cross affords admission to the primary sights and museums in Athens. When you’re planning on doing quite a lot of sight seeing it could be price getting!
- Security: Athens has a little bit of a fame for being dirty and soiled and whereas these are legitimate factors that I agree with it doesn’t imply that Athens is unsafe. The principle factor you must fear about is pickpockets, particularly after darkish. At all times be away of your environment, and think about an Anti Theft bag.
- The Finest Time to Go to Athens, and Greece for that matter is Could, June, September, and October when the climate is cooler. July and August are scorchers and may have you consistently searching for warmth aid.
- How Lengthy Ought to You Spend in Athens? Is actually as much as you! When you’ve got additional time and are actually into historical past and archeology then you could wish to keep as much as 4-5 days exploring. For me I at all times discover someday in Athens to be sufficient to see the primary sights earlier than heading on to the attractive Greek islands.
Get Round Athens
- By Aircraft: Many journeys to Greece begin and finish in Athens. Athens airport is a serious hub within the Aegean, Balkan and East Mediterranean areas with worldwide carriers from all over the world flying out and in. Air Canada, American and Delta preserve continuous flights from North America whereas Aegean Airways is likely one of the most distinguished airways in Greece.
- By Automotive: Top-of-the-line methods to get round mainland Greece is by way of rental automotive. If you’re touring to Athens for someday after which have plans to proceed elsewhere in mainland Greece it could be price it to ebook a rental automotive. We use Uncover Automotive Rent for leases, and final time have been capable of get a automotive rental in Greece for round €30 a day. That being mentioned in case you are staying in Athens for a number of days having a automotive will change into extra of a problem and hindrance as you attempt to discover the primary sights. The streets are chaotic and parking is a nightmare.
- By Metro: The Athens Metro will get you between locations like Piraeus – Kifissia, Anthoupoli – Elliniko, and Nikaia – Doukissis Plakentias – Airport. Tickets begin at €1.40.
- Bt Tram: The Athens Tram is moderately restricted, however it may be used for vacationers who wish to get between the coast and metropolis middle. Tickets begin at €1.40.
- By Bus: The Metropolis of Athens has a comparatively good bus community that can get you to a plethora of locations (mixed with some strolling.) Bus routes present up on Google Maps and is the most cost effective method to get across the metropolis. You may also ebook a Hop On Hop Off bus to get you to all of the vacationers websites.
The place to Keep in Athens
Transferring Onward from Athens
Most guests use Athens as a method to attain the Greek islands. In addition to Corfu, Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos, only a few Greek islands have worldwide flights. Guests will take pleasure in Athens at the start or finish of the Greece journey.
There are two methods to get to the Greek islands from Athens. By aircraft or by ferry. Some island teams just like the Cyclades or the Saronic Islands are only some hours ferry trip away from Athens whereas some like Crete require an in a single day journey by way of ferry.
Athens has three primary ferry ports, Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrion with Piraeus being the primary that can join you simply. I wish to mess around on Ferry Hopper to see what islands I can journey to simply. Some nice locations near Athens are Hydra, Spetses, Milos, Naxos, and Paros.
READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you loved this information on what to do on Athens! Hopefully, you discovered it helpful. Listed below are a number of related articles for extra journey round Greece!
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