Many come to Athens for the Acropolis, and indeed the ancient sites are not to be missed. However, unlike other cities like Paris, Barcelona or London, most tourist just stop here for a day or two. Give it a chance and you wont be disappointed. Sightseeing is easy in Athens. It is largely a walk-able city and taking the metro is an easy option. You can do the ancient sites, museums and shopping which will fill up a 3-day visit easily. However, to do something a little unconventional, there are many alternative tours catering to your interests - such as visiting wineries, taking a cooking, visiting side streets and hidden gems, catching a theater show or performance, taking a photography or architectural themed tour, street-art, food tours, nature hikes, golf, ..... AND what more when you travel outside the city? Full of day trips and overnight possibilities, most commonly Delphi, Meteora, Nafplio and Cape Sounio. All are worthy of their popularity. Even so, there are even more places that would charm your pants off! The villages, the local beaches, the winter resorts, Local festivals and events. I guess you will just have to stay here forever.
When you think of Athens, the image of the Acropolis comes to mind. Seeing the ancient sites around the center could take you a full day or even a week depending on how immersed you want be! 1 ticket buys you entrance to the Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora of Athens, Kerameikos Museum, Roman Agora of Athens, Temple of Zeus ... and you can spread your visit over a few days so you can throw in some relaxation, shopping and perhaps a day trip. The Acropolis Museum is a must too, and a separate ticket applies. It is a great way to escape the afternoon heat if you visit in July-August where temperatures can reach 40C! The museum has an awesome view, cafe and gift shop too. Might be a good idea to do the Museum tour before visiting the ancient sites themselves as it would be good to have a little background history.
Visitors to Athens often find themselves walking a whole lot! Especially around Plaka, Monastiraki, Psirri, Syntagma, Kolonaki areas.
Popular purchases include Souvenirs & local crafts, clothing, Natural products (olive oil based, herbs, sweets) and jewelry. Bargain hunting in flea markets and antiquing are another popular pastime. Aside from the 'touristy' areas there are alternatives too, you could get lost in one of the Athen's suburbs, by taking the metro or tram. Or venturing a little off the beaten track of Athens, were many streets are coming alive again, with new small businesses and young craft-makers. If you are not comfortable going about it alone, there are small group tours run by locals who show you hidden gems. For hardcore shoppers looking for branded items, you can head on to McArthurglen Designer Outlet mall - about a 30 minute cab ride.
Food fads come and go, but the one that seems to be growing in popularity over the last couple of years, happens to be the healthier wrap/sandwich option of FALAFELS. Stores are popping up all over the center and many cafes have included them on their menu. In this post (click pic to read more), we take on the ultimate taste test to bring to you the real deal on the 'Falafel Wars' in Athens between 3 of the popular falafel shops and 1 modern cafe option alternative for good measure.
Experience the city like a local. Check to see if there are events happening during your travel dates. Many locally organized gatherings, product tasting and launches, band gigs, summer festivals, seminars ... many are at no cost or at a small fee. You get to mingle with the locals and make friends with like-minded individuals. With the help of facebook you could search out hobby groups and organize your own meet-up.
Peiraias Port. Most people only know it as the ferry departure or arrival port. I might be a little biased as I live close by and spend a lot of time ambling along the streets. It is a little rough around the edges but dig a little deeper and you will find many hidden gems, old shops, and bustling shopping streets, great restaurants, seafood tavernas and even quite a but of history thrown in. Quaint little harbors at Pasalimani and Microlimani are great getaways for a nice dinner out, away from the Athens center. Click the pic to go to full album of Peiraias.
Souvlaki (or Gyros) is like the #1 go to meal option to most travelers. You can find it on almost every street corner, and its filling and affordable too! After your 3rd souvlaki meal, you may start to wonder what else is out there.
Even some locals, have not tapped into the growing alternative food scene in the city. Here is just part 1, click the image to read on .
Green Innovator - Eumelia Organic Agrotourism / Agritourism Farm & Guesthouse.
Click to read the enlightening Q&A
Want an exhilarating memory of your trip? How about exiting the airplane at an altitude of 4200m, safely strapped to an experienced tandem master? I bet that never crossed you mind when planning you trip to Greece. At Skydive Athens, you can do just that! Try a tandem jump, come on, you know you want to. Enjoy the scenery from a whole new perspective.
Delphi, one of the most popular day trips from Athens. It's a pretty long drive both ways, so unless you have more than 3 days allocated in Athens, it does eat up a chunk of time. You could pair it with a overnight to Meteora which many do. Travel with a small group and you could rent your own private car w/driver. It is worth it? Enjoyed seeing the countryside and the short stop at Arachova. Take your time, don't rush about.
You don't have to go to a Greek island to enjoy the summer. One the way to a popular secret beach 1.5hr from Athens. Shhh.....
Chalkida. One island that you can easily visit from Athens is Evia Island which is connected by land. A short drive (about and hour or so depending on which part of the island you are heading to. It is one of the largest islands in Greece. Well known for its thermal waters, beaches and food.
Sunday Flea Market in Peiraias! Bargain hunting, antiques, clothes, souvenirs ... less tourists compared to the one in Athens.