Travel Guide to Athens, Greece

Athens:

Funky Fact: Greece is made up of thousands of islands, its hard to choose just s few when planning a trip.

1. The Acropolis

The Caryatid Porch on the Erechtheum Temple at the Acropolis. There are six elegant female sculptures supporting the ceiling.

2. Parthenon

Built in celebration for the Hellenic victory after the Greco-Persian Wars. The Parthenon was used as the cities treasury and was built in 447 BC.

3. The National Garden

This tranquil place is home to hundred of local exotic and rare plants as well as ponds.

4. Arch of Hadrian

This triumph arch was built in 131/132 CE. It was originally an entrance to the old town and its stunning ancient marble towers over the nearby busy road.

5. Edem Beach

Very close to the city, it’s easily accessible by a 20 min. tram ride. The sandy beach is very crowded during the summer months, but worth the trip to beat the heat.

6. Rooftop Bars

Watch the sunset over the city from one of over a dozen rooftop terrace. It’s magical to watch the city light up and sky light up with color.

7. Greek Coffee (A Freddo Cappuccino)

A Freddo Cappuccino is a greek specialty made by mixing crushed ice, a shot of Espresso and sugar until it becomes light and frothy. 

8. Monastiraki Flea Market

This market is an unbroken row of shops, stalls, souvenir sellers and antiques.

9.  The Guards at Parliament

Greek guards called “Evzones” are members of the Presidential Guard that guard Parliament. Every hour guard swap place is a lovely changing of the guards and stand proudly in perfect stillness.

10. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus 

This stone Roman theatre is in the Acropolis and was built in 161 AD and can sit around 5,000 people.

11. Roman Baths

This Roman bath complex was built in the 3rd century AD and was uncovered by accident when a vent for the new metro was needed. It’s remnants are now preserved and covered from the elements.

12. Gyros

The gyro was born in Greece in 1922, when the hundreds of thousands of Greek and Armenian refugees brought cuisine with them and it mixed with the onions, olives, yogurt common in greek cuisine.

13. Tower of the Winds

The octagonal marble clocktower functioned as a ‘timepiece’ and estimate time using a sundial. It’s considered the world’s first meteorological station and was also used for forecasting with a water clock, and a wind vane.

14. Mary Christ Mosaic

The arched entrance to the Agioi Theodoroi Greek Orthodox Byzantine Church. This dazzling mosaic glitters with gold leaf and is sure to welcome you to the stunning church.

15. Greece Silver Egg

Silver eggs have mythical roots in Grecian history its believed that Chronos (the personification of time) created the silver egg of the universe. Today, beautifully carved silver souvenirs adorned with patterns, animals, and religious imagery can be found in specialty shops all over Athens.

16. Little Kook

This seasonally themed coffee and cake bakery is ever changing with a constant rotation of creative decor. Its themes are usually fairytale-inspired and their menu contains sweet and savory crêpes, cakes and other sweet treats.

17. Gelato

Athens has dozens of gelaterias where Italian gelato traditions mix with fantastic Greek ingredients.

18. Street Art

A surprising find is around every street corner. Athens is filled with streets covered in Graffiti and some of the most talented muralists in Europe. Take a walking tour in town and you’re sure find hundreds of stunning pieces.

19. Sunset at Lycabettus Hill

This 90 min. hike will reward you with breathtaking sweeping views of the city. Lycabettus Hill being the highest peak in Athens is the best place to take in a stunning sunset vista of the city.

20. Agioi Theodoroi Church 

This Ancient Greek Orthodox Byzantine Church. This stunning ancient structure will give you a peek into other Athens. Built in 1043, the incredible construction showcases the beauty of Byzantine architecture.