We went to Greece for a vacation in September of 2015. That was our second honeymoon and our first stop was Athens- a city so vibrant and cosmopolitan yet so connected with its indomitable history. If you love Greek mythology, wish to have a glimpse of history and enjoy the sights and sound of modern Greece, this is the city you must visit. I have penned down the top seven places you must visit in Athens along with the relevant pictures from our trip. Hope you enjoy seeing Athens through our eyes.
1) The Acropolis :
You haven’t visited Athens if you skip going to The Acropolis. Few sights in the world compare to that of Acropolis in Athens, with its Parthenon temple keeping watch over centuries of civilization. A reminder of the glory of ancient Athens, the Acropolis was the center of the ancient city and functioned as a citadel in its protected hilltop location. The most symbolic building is the Parthenon, the largest temple of the period dating from 447 BC to 338 BC. There are symbolic structures like The Erechtheum, Poseidon, Theatre of Dionysus and Propylaea. The whole site is well organised for walking around and immersing in the ancient rich history. It left us romanticizing those ancient times and how we would be leading our lives!
2) The Acropolis Museum:
It is situated in central Athens’ Makrigianni district. It was designed by architect Bernard Tschumi with Michael Photiadis and inaugurated in the summer of 2009. The museum has its collection across three levels : The gallery of slopes of the Acropolis, Archaic Gallery and Parthenon Gallery. Offering a unique look into the past of Greece. This Museum is a must visit for any traveller in this age-old city.
3) Mount Lycabettus :
Mount Lycabettus is a limestone hill, 300 metres above sea level. Twilight is the best time to go to the hill and have a cup of coffee. You can venture this hill be hiking of taking a funicular from Kolonaki. We went to Lycabettus is the evening and we were welcomed first by sunshine, a play of hide-and-seek by sun and clouds and gusty winds, then rains. The view of the city from the hill is simply remarkable. You see the Athens with the Acropolis on a table top hill overlooking the entire city. Breath-taking! There is a small church up the hill which you can visit. This picture below shows the city from the top of the hill. Isn’t is beautiful?
4) National Archaeology Museum:
This museum was founded in the 19th century and is one of the greatest antiquities museums in the world. Its vast and outstanding exhibits give you the opportunity to travel back in history. Without a doubt its treasures will fascinate you. If you are planning to visit it just once make sure you have plenty of spare time. For more information visit the official site.
5) Streets of Plaka:
Plaka is a beautiful, historical neighbourhood situated right under the Acropolis. It is at a walking distance from the Acropolis and is full of amazing restaurants and shops. The main attraction of this neighbourhood is its charming village ambience. We stayed near Plaka and there was a reason to it. The food served at restaurants in Plaka is mouth-watering and got us drooling. It is the best place to eat after a visit to the Acropolis. Thus, we loved indulging in the delicious Greek cuisine.
6) Monastiraki Flea Market:
This lively area of shops, stalls and eateries is a dream come true for lovers of food and fashion. You can browse through various shops offering second-hand books, vintage clothes, collectables, leather ware and accessories and bargain your way to glory. These shops are open on all days of the week but busiest on Sundays. The whole set up is quite picturesque
7) Panathenaic Stadium:
The Panathenaic Stadium is the world’s only stadium which is entirely made up of marble. It was built in 1896 for the first modern Olympics by Lycurgus and has also been used as a venue for selected musical and dance performances on various occasions. It is one of the top tourist attractions in Athens.
Anchal how cheap or expensive is Greece when you went? Thinking of a European soujourn and planning to include Greece on my list.
It was on the cheaper side at that time. But vacations are never cheap right 😂 Make sure you book the tickets well in advance. Saves a lot of money.
Greece is next on my list. This was an informative post. Are there any child-friendly activities?
I remember a lot of families with kids. I guess they all found something for the kids too.
It’s almost like a virtual trip! Thanks for the share
You’re welcome 😊
Athens is amazing! But we just went to Akropolis because we were there in the Christmas Eve!
Lovely pics & you have written a great post!
Thank you 😊
Wow..that’s a very detailed post. I love open markets especially when vacationing..
Me too 😍
Your post is giving me another vacation goal. This place is on my bucket list now!
Great 😍
Greece is beautiful! On my bucket list after reading your post!
Awesome 😊
Now this looks like an interesting Travelogue…Lovely photography
http://www.simpleindianmom.in/5-easy-ways-to-control-children-out-of-your-home-without-using-physical-force/
Thank you so much
OH Athens beckons! Your post makes me want to go there right now.
Plan a trip soon 😍
I love travel diaries. The pictures were amazing
Thank you 🙂
Wow this makes me want to go now
❤️❤️
You have nicely taken the prompt. Adding this to my travel bucket list.
Thank you so much 🙂
Thank you for the virtual tour of Greece 😉
Lovely place indeed and lucky you gal!
Would love to got there for sure….but when 😎😎
Haha. Someday for sure 😍 Greece is a must visit country
Beautiful pictures and place. Definitely on my travel wish list. Thank you for sharing this .
Hope you visit soon 🙂
You gave a virtual tour…I am keen on Panathenaic Stadium which is an all marble stadium…
Hope you visit soon 🙂
beautiful pics and greece is in my list since long …
wow! This looks absolutely stunning…If ever I go and visit these beautiful places, I will surely revisit your blog 😉
Do people have second honeymoon too? 😉 well Athens is so beautiful from your eyes.
How beautiful! I love history and would love to see the ancient sites of Greece. Gorgeous photos and great tips. Makes me want to pack my bags and go. My husband just spent a few months in Germany, wish he could have gone here too.
Absolutely beautiful. I’ve never been but it’s definitely climbing to the top of my bucket list.
Greece looks so beautiful! I want to go one day with my husband- he went as a teenager but I think it would be a fun trip to take together
This place is so amazing. I’ve always wanted to visit Athens. Thanks for sharing these are really nice tips for visiting Athens, Greece.
This is a nice info. Adding to my travel destinations.
Thanks
Salim Shaikh
Your photos are beautiful!
Never been in Athens, but I’d love to visit it.
Great list! Loved going to Athens myself, but I think I missed some of these, guess I have to go back 🙂
Can’t wait to go to Europe next year, Athens is on the list for sure!