01 Visit the famous Acropolis
The Acropolis is the symbol of Athens, so a trip here is a must! But what is actually behind it? The Acropolis is probably the most famous city fortress of ancient Greece, whose ruins on Athens Castle Hill still watch over the city today. The entire complex includes several buildings. The most famous of these is the Parthenon, the ancient temple complex that gives the Acropolis its face. However, there are also several other ancient buildings such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia and the Theater of Dionysus. These will all take you back in time.
For the famous view of the Acropolis, you should also head to Areopagus Hill. The hill is known as the “tourist mountain”, but the view of the Acropolis from here is unmistakable.
By the way: admission is free for EU citizens under the age of 25.
02 Enjoy views over Athens
You can't get enough views over Athens. We were therefore particularly happy that our Airbnb had a roof terrace with a magnificent view of the Acropolis. But don't worry! If your accommodation doesn't have a rooftop terrace, there are plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy a great view over Athens.
There are 100 addresses for that roof terrace feeling. A popular one is the rooftop of Hotel A for Athens. My favorite in terms of views, however, is the view from Lycabettus Hill, as from here you can look out over the Acropolis all the way to the sea. The hill is particularly popular at sunset. No wonder, because it's too beautiful. But then it's also crowded.
The view from Philopappos Hill is just as good. But it's less crowded here. So if you want to enjoy some peace and quiet with a view over Athens, then you've come to the right place.
03 Explore the streets along the Acropolis
Not only the Acropolis is worth seeing. The Anafiotika and Plaka districts stretch out below the Acropolis. Both are known for their unmistakable Greek alleyways.
Anafiotika is called “Little Mykonos” for a reason. Here, on the back of the Acropolis hill, you have the feeling of escaping the city for a moment and being on a Greek island. The streets are so picturesque that it's fun just to stroll through.
The streets of Plaka are similarly picturesque, but much busier. In addition to a few eateries, there are mainly small shops selling Greek souvenirs and the like. This certainly makes Plaka one of the most touristy places in Athens. But not without reason. Because, as we all know, tourists are always attracted to beautiful places...
04 Old buildings are part of Athens
If old buildings impress you as much as they do me, then the Athens Academy is the right place for you! The Academy is the leading sponsor of non-university academic research and the central scientific institution in Greece. Its work is divided into three sections: 1. science, 2. literature & fine arts and 3. ethics & political sciences. And there is a building for all three sections. Whereby one is more beautiful than the other.
Not far from the Athens Academy is the Central Market of Athens. You can buy all kinds of food there, from fish to fruit. The market is open daily from 7 am to 6 pm, except on Sundays.
05 Off the beaten track in Exarchia
Exarchia is the alternative district in Athens. The hub of the district is Exarchia Square. From here, you can explore the surrounding streets. On the one hand, you will stroll past empty, run-down buildings. On the other hand, you will discover cool graffiti and bars. I would recommend going on a little discovery tour through this very different district of Athens and then sitting down in one of the bars.
After a little rest, you can head to the Archaeological Museum of Athens, which is just a stone's throw away. Here you can really get to grips with ancient Greece.
06 Stroll through the National Garden
The National Garden and its surrounding area are perfect for a stroll. In addition to the beautiful greenery of the park, you will pass the Zappeion, the Olympieion, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Greek Parliament on Plateia Syntagmatos. Every hour on the hour, there is also a changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After this, you have already ticked off some of the most famous sights in Athens.
The Zappeion is a congress building from 1888, which was built as the site of the Olympic Committee. It is fitting that the Panathenaic Stadium, the venue of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus are just around the corner.
07 On the trail on Antiquity
Learning more about ancient Greece was my main goal on my vacation in Athens. And where better to do that than on the site of the ancient Agora of Athens. The central market square was once the economic and political center of Athens. Today, you will find the many, partially well-preserved remains of the Agora on the site. The entire complex has much more to offer than just the old market square. You can also marvel at the Temple of Hephaestus, which impressively overlooks the city. You'll feel like you've been transported back in time...
By the way: admission is free for EU citizens under the age of 25.
08 Monastiraki - explore the old town of Athens
Monastiraki is the old town of Athens, home to some of the city's most important sights. But when I think back to Monastiraki, there's one thing in particular that sticks in my mind: the Flea Market, which stretches from Monastiraki Square into the surrounding streets. There you'll find a variety of stores that don't necessarily sell flea market goods, but handmade products such as soaps and oils, to handmade sandals and hats, as well as simple T-shirts and souvenirs. I really enjoyed strolling through the streets here and shopping away from the well-known fashion chains.
Pittaki Street is also not far away. This street, which was once shunned and used more as a urinal, has been transformed into a tourist attraction. Today it shines in new splendor after designers have given it a special makeover.
09 The home of Olympic Games
Greece is considered the home of the Olympic Games. That's why you should definitely discover the Olympic Center of Athens. We thought the same thing and took the streetcar out to the Olympic sports complex. Apart from a nice photo, however, we didn't get much out of it. The complex felt totally deserted. We only saw the occasional runner trying to get into shape. So I can't really recommend a visit here unless there is a special sporting event coming up. Because then the sports facility might come to life...