If you are on a plane with a 4-5 day itinerary to Greece, you should spend at least one day in Athens as the capital. If you spend 3 days in Athens you have time to explore the city, see the sights and visit the surroundings.
Athens is rich in history and culture, with ancient ruins that litter the city and its fascinating museums. It has a great history, culture and is a city where democracy has been established and which has maintained the interest of the world over the years, both positive and negative news. Athens has never lost its vibrancy and uniqueness, and even in difficult times that are a thing of the past, it is still a city that rewards visitors.
The choice is to take one of the many day trips in Athens, including the popular day trip to Delphi. Many people travel to Athens to make the time for a day trip from Delphi, the site of the oracle and the heart of the classical Greek world. If you explore the winding streets of Plaka and admire the great temples of Olympians and Zeus, you will never be stuck with just sights.
With this visit to Athens you will visit the ancient Greek ruins of the Acropolis, a world-class museum, dine in a local tavern and enjoy the view from the rooftop café and still have time for a half-day tour of the Poseidon temple in Sounion.
The Acropolis is the most famous archaeological site in Athens, together with the Parthenon and other notable buildings that contribute to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built on a hill overlooking the city, the entrance to the archaeological site is located in the Acropolis Museum. More information about the museum can be found on the official website.
The museum has one of the most extensive collections of ancient Greek sculpture, jewellery and ceramics in the world. It was opened in 2009 and has a glass floor where you can walk through the ruins of ancient quarters. Also on display is a 2000-year-old analog computer found in a shipwreck on the island of Antikythera.
Despite the crowds, it is one of the best places to stroll and sunbathe in history. A small paradisiacal oasis in the city centre, where you can explore and marvel at ancient ruins, tambourines, many beautiful trees and flowers, a pond and a small zoo. Relax in the Botanical Museum, in the cafés or go shopping when it’s fun.
City travelers are likely to visit the city’s various historical sites and attractions. Visit the ancient Acropolis and the Parthenon dedicated to Athena, goddess of wisdom, craftsmanship and war. Combine the old town with its numerous urban attractions, exquisite cuisine, nightlife and pristine beaches for a perfect holiday in Greece.
Many popular museums, old temples and colourful markets are concentrated in the city centre and can be visited on a walking tour. Instead of staying in the Acropolis, Kolonaki, Koukaki, Monastiraki or Plaka neighborhoods, you can walk to any of the places suggested below. The oldest shopping street in the modern city Adrianou Street is the perfect place to explore and enjoy souvenir stalls, small shops, restaurants and cafés that pour out onto the street.
The best way to conclude your walk through Plaka is to find a place to eat in one of the rooftop bars or restaurants where you can enjoy the magnificent views.
If you want to spend more than 2 days in Athens yourself, consider other museums such as the famous Acropolis Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. You can also go to the top of Lycabettus Hill to enjoy a great view of the city, visit the Benizelou Mansion, visit the remains of an Ottoman House in Athens, hunt around the city for some of the best street art and, of course, continue to enjoy huge amounts of Greek food – which is one of my personal favourite things to do in Athens. The Meteora experience is an overnight stay, so if you only have one day off, you can visit the Epic Monastery or take a long day trip through Athens.
If you come on 18 May, Greece will celebrate International Museum Day and open all the museums in the country free of charge to everyone.
Travelling around the city is made easier by the fantastic public transport system that provides buses and trains to take tourists to the city’s most popular areas and historic sites. If you are enjoying your holiday in Athens or on the south coast of Greece, take a trip to the beaches near the city centre to find some of the golden sandy beaches. Athens has fun activities and the beaches can be reached by train, bus or taxi, but the trip is worthwhile if you enjoy relaxing days on the beach and soak up the glorious summer sun during your holiday in Athens.
Visiting Athens can prove to be unique and can offer cultural proposals that are not just for the summer.
Photo by takis kolokotronis from FreeImages
