THE MIDDLE EAST & EUROPEAN SERIES PT7
ATHENS, GREECE
Athens was a city that almost passed me by during the past few years. For whatever reason I didn’t often consider it but new it had plenty of potential.
ATHENS HAD PROPELLED INTO MY TOP 5 EUROPEAN CITIES!
On paper Athens has it all; sun, food, café culture, architecture and history like no other. So what is there not to like? Nothing!
WHERE IS ATHENS?
Athens has me
PELLA-INN
I arrived pretty late from Istanbul and checked into Pella-Inn an extremely basic but affordable hostel near the city centre. In large cities such as Athens beggars really can’t be choosers when it comes to decent accommodation so I was happy to get somewhere convenient! I didn’t do much as I knew tomorrow was set to be a hectic day, there is just so much to see here
ACROPOLIS / PARTHENON
As usual I was up at the crack of dawn and made my way to the busiest site in the city, The Acropolis. This was to ensure I avoided the crowds and after seeing how bad they were at 8a.m. I would hate to see them any later. Apart from the lack of crowds in the morning you will also have the privilege to see the short but intriguing ceremony of the Greek flag being hoisted into the air.
Located conveniently in the centre of the city, The Acropolis is an ancient citadel that contains the Parthenon plus several other structures of historical and architectural significance. It can be seen from almost anywhere in the city and it is believed the area has been inhabited for over 2000 years and rebuilt countless times due to invasions and wars.
TIPS:
- Tickets on sale 8 so be there 7:45
- Get the city ticket which allows access to various other sites.
- It may look deceivingly convenient.
- Make the Parthenon your first stop so you can get a decent photo before the crowds.
- Getting a guide is a good idea.
- Don’t miss the Theatre of Dionysus
Athens has me
PANATHENAIC STADIUM
After checking out the Acropolis Museum (watch the short screening on the top floor) it was now time to head to the Panathenaic Stadium, where the Olympic games were born. Its $5 in for a 15min self-guided audio tour and is always fair quiet as most tend to take their photos from outside the gates.
The stadium was originally built in 330BC and then rebuilt in marble in 144AD making it the only stadium in the world of its kind. I just thought it was incredible to sit there and think the first ever Olympic Games was held right at this spot! Be sure not to miss the museum under the stand where you can see how the Olympic Torches have evolved over time.
RELATED READ: A NAKED SWEDE AND ANGKOR WAT
AGORA OF ATHENS
It was back towards the front of the Acropolis and into the Ancient Agora of Athens, an archaeological site located north west of the Acropolis. It’s original use was as a place of gathering and houses historic buildings such as the Temple of Hephaestus and the church of Holy Apostles.
STAY SAFE:
- Watch out for pick pockets and vendors
- If someone approaches you DO NOT acknowledge them with even a hello
- Be sure to wear your bags to your front
- Don’t show off any valuables
SUNSET
For me there was only 1 place to watch the sunset and that was from Mount Lycabettus (Lykavitos). The top is small so it doesn’t take many people to fill it however there are benches scattering along the path on the way up which also make for a good photo. Saying that the best image is of the flag at the summit.
Athens has me
TEMPLE OF OLYMPIAN ZEUS
After a bite in the quaint yet busy Plaka (Scholarchio) it was off to the Temple of Zeus. There is only a small portion of the original 104 columns that remain. Construction began over 2500 years ago and the plan was to build the greatest temple in the ancient world. However it was not completed until the reign of Hadrian in the 2nd century AD, over 600 years after it was initially started.
RELATED READ: MY FIRST AND FAVOURITE BUNGEE
360 DEGREES
If you are interested in visiting a bar or restaurant with great views then I can recommend 360 degrees Athens, myself and Jenny headed there and it has spectacular views of the Acropolis day & night! Order the white Sangria after a long day walking in the sun!
RATINGS….
- PEOPLE – 8/10
- BACKPACKING – 8/10
- SAFETY – 7/10
- WEATHER – 8/10
- THINGS TO DO – 8.5/10
- FOOD – 7.5/10
- VALUE – 8/10
SUMMED UP….
- HIGHLIGHT – Everything!
- LOWLIGHT – N/A
- MVP – JennyC
- VISIT AGAIN – Absolutely
- RATING – 9/10
FINAL THOUGHTS
I knew Athens might have something to offer when I began doing my research but it completely surprised me and it has gained pride in my top 5 cities in Europe!
NEXT UP
The Great Pyramid of Gize, the last remaining ancient wonder of the world and getting scammed again. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
105/229
This post is part of The Middle East & European Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
