Things You Should Do When Visiting Athens
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Athens is one of those cities where there is so much to do, it can be hard to determine how to spend your time. This is one of those rare cities where the past and present successfully merge to create something completely wonderful. An ideal trip itinerary would include a mix of activities that celebrate all sides of the city. Here are some ideas for the best things to do while here:
Tour the Ancient Acropolis
If you only have time to see one site from ancient times, the Ancient Acropolis, which is the home of the Parthenon, is it! The Parthenon is an ancient temple that was constructed to honor Athena, the goddess of wisdom and the patroness of the city of Athens. If you have the chance, take a tour of the Ancient Acropolis and also visit the Acropolis Museum, which houses most of the archaeological findings from the Acropolis. In case you have time to spend the whole day here, consider taking a guided tour of the whole Acropolis!
Visit the Anafiotika Neighborhood
Of all the older neighborhoods in Greece, the Anafiotika is definitely worth a visit, which originates in the 1800’s. Here, you will be able to witness some of the homes that were built during the reign of King Otto, the king who came into power after the Greek people won their independence from the Ottoman Empire. The notable thing about these homes is that they were built by legendary masons who came from Anafi, Greece. They’re also a fine example of homes in Greece from that time period.
Go to the Benaki Museum
Although people may automatically think to only explore the world of Ancient Greece, it’s nice to get reminders that there are other things in the world to explore. The Benaki Museum, which has several campuses throughout Athens, has everything from Chinese porcelains to Islamic art and offers a nice way to spend the day. If you’re a fan of modern art, check out the newest annex, which is located in the Rouf area of the city.
Experience the Nightlife
Even though the city is lively throughout the day, there’s something special about the night. Athenian nightlife is hopping, especially in the warmer months! This is when native Athenians, who are finished with their work day, gather their loved ones and hit the town. Travelers do the same thing, and they often meet in the same restaurants, tavernas, and bars. Whether you want to experience something traditional or a bit more modern, Athens is one of those cities that has a nighttime experience that will seem tailor-made just for you!
Climb to See the View
Do you want to view the city from above? Mount Lycabettus sits just over 700 feet above the city. You can easily trek up this mountain yourself using a path that begins at Aristippou Street or you can pay the fee to take the transportion, which leaves from both Kolonaki and Aristippou Streets. For an extra treat, do this hike just before sunset so that you can watch the city burst with color as the sun dips below the horizon.
If you only have a short amount of time in Athens, consider doing at least one of these top activities!
Categorized in: About Athens, Greece, Greek Travel Guide
This post was written by Greek Boston
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