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Athens, Greece: My Must-See & Do List! 🇬🇷
Remember my Rome post from almost two years ago? Since then, I've explored so many cities, but it's rare to find a place that instantly makes you want to rave about it. So, here are my top recommendations for an unforgettable (and budget-friendly!) trip to Athens, including must-see spots, delicious eats, and essential tips!
Athens: More Than Just a City, It's an Idea! ✨
Athens - the heart of ancient Western civilization! It's not just a city; it's an idea. It's the birthplace of countless civilizations, philosophies born under the white stone columns of the Agora, and art, architecture, and culture that have stood the test of time.
I'm a history and culture buff, so I tend to dive deep into the details. But here, I'll share the highlights and essentials:
🌿 Unforgettable Athenian Experiences (Plus My Tips!)
- 📍 Catch the Sunset from Lycabettus Hill: You'll get a panoramic view of the entire city! Watch as the lights twinkle on and the pace of life slows down for over 4 million people. Pure magic!
- 📍 Meet the Athens Cats: There are SO many, and they're ridiculously cute! These furry residents live like they own the city, getting pampered and fed by everyone. 😂
- 📍 Wander the Streets at Dawn: Explore Athens while it's still waking up. Then, hike up the hill and admire the Parthenon in the soft morning light. This moment was incredibly special to me – hard to put into words!
- 📍 See a Live Play: Experience a real, raw side of Athens, where art isn't on a pedestal but lives in everyday life.
- 📍 Hire a Local Guide (and Book a Food Tour!): Delve deeper into Athens' history and culture. If you only do one thing, make it a food tour! Because if you visit a city and leave without understanding it, you've missed out. Reading books is great, but nothing beats hearing stories from a "descendant" of Socrates or Plato, sharing their city with passion and pride. A food tour isn't just about what they eat, but about experiencing their culture – picture yourself in a cozy evening, sharing food, stories, and laughter with Athenians. It's raw, real, and unforgettable. 🥹
- 📍 Dine on a Rooftop with a View of the Parthenon: Enjoy dinner with a view of the illuminated Parthenon. It's Athens at its most tranquil and charismatic.
- 📍 Study or Work at the National Library of Greece: A beautiful space for focused work. The library boasts classic architecture and inspiring natural light.
- 📍 Indulge in Fresh Seafood: Truly, incredibly fresh! I highly recommend Antonia Seafood Athens.
- 📍 Visit the Ancient Agora: Walk where philosophers once strolled, and feel the echoes of Greek philosophy beneath your feet.
- 📍 Feast on Local Street Food: Souvlaki, gyros, grilled eggplant... Delicious and budget-friendly! Try Delicious Gyros pou Gyrevis – gyros for only €2! O Thanasis is also great for fast service and tasty food!
- 📍 Run the Athens Marathon: Runners know this is the origin of the legendary race! My fitness wasn't up to it this time 😫, and I didn't bring my running shoes, but if I return, I'll definitely run at least a half-marathon!
📕 Essential Tips for Your Trip to Athens
- ☀️ Summer Heat is Intense: Temperatures can reach 40–50 degrees Celsius. Wear a hat, sunscreen, and drink plenty of water (seriously!).
- 👜 Beware of Pickpockets: Don't carry valuables. You'll have a much better time if you're not constantly on guard.
- 🐱 Resist Touching the Cats: They're adorable, but they live on the streets and may have fleas!
- 🚌 Public Transport: If you're waiting for a bus, wave clearly, or the driver might not stop.
- ✋ Forget Haggling: Instead of haggling, read reviews before you buy/eat/pay for anything.
