Athens is an amazing city to visit and explore. There is so much history in one city it can be a bit overwhelming. The city is easily accessible via the train system. You can move from one portion of the town to another quickly. Like any big city, you definitely want to be aware of your surroundings and hold onto your purse while riding the train system or walking through town. Athens is a friendly city but also a large city with pickpockets and other unsavory individuals.
Athens Greece Travel Tips
The Acropolis is easily accessible via the train, on/off bus, or via a taxi. You can’t really miss the Acropolis looming over the city. The train stop drops you off a couple of blocks from the main entrance that also gives you access to the theater of Dionysus. This entrance was a bit less crowded than the other entrance during our visit. You do not have to fight through the cruise and tour visitors using this entrance.
The walk up to the Acropolis is a bit of a workout. The front entrance told us it normally takes at least 25 minutes to reach the top for guests in good shape. There are benches and pull offs if you need to stop and take a rest. The great thing about the Odeon of Herodes Atticus entrance is there are many places to stop for photos along the way giving you time to rest on the way up the hill.
Once you reach the top of the hill the views are amazing. If you can visit the Acropolis on your own you will have time to explore the entire area and take in the details of the buildings.
When you walk down the hill you can easily jump on the on/off bus or continue walking in the city.
Pondrouso Street is an amazing street market filled with local shops that include t-shirts, local art, soaps and so much more. Keep an eye out for the Olive Land store. This is a family-owned store that sells amazing olive wood products. We picked up a ton of gifts and olive wood spoons during our visit.
Also try and meet Nick the Greek at the T-shirt stand down the way. You can ask for him and a shop keeper can point you to his stores. He has business cards from all around the United States in his store. The cards are from friends, family, and people from Athens that have moved to the States to live the American dream. Nick the Greek epitomizes the Athenian spirit and friendliness. He embraces you with his warmth and love of the US.
Right down from the t-shirt shop is a great taverna. They have live Greek music and amazing food. Try the Mousakka! John said it was the best he has had anywhere in Athens or Greece!
Syntagma Square is a busy square with tourist shops, fruit stands, and locals hanging out. At night we found live music and a vibrant eclectic scene.
Athens is a city that has been through a lot. You will find street art and graffiti on almost every corner. The city has been through its ups and downs but it is so worth visiting. The Athenian people are friendly, open and excited to have guests in their city. They will open their arms and share their love of Athens with you if you give them the chance.
If you are looking for what airline to fly to Europe check out Tap Portugal Business Class and the different flight options available.
Make sure to calculate how much a trip to Greece cost so you are prepared for the trip. It is really easy to spend more money once you are in Greece.
I dream of spending 10 days in Greece and exploring more of this amazing country.
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Andrew Darwitan
I enjoy Athens. Other than Acropolis, I like those little known gems like Kerameikos and Ancient Agora which provide good alternatives to the scaffolding of Parthenon. And I enjoy walking along the streets of Psirri where the hippie stuff and graffiti arts come alive. There's indeed lots to experience in Athens!
Tammilee
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for sharing this great info on Athens. It is such an amazing city!
Chrysa
Athens is definitely on my "to visit" list. It looks absolutely gorgeous there!
Jen
I went to Athens years ago. It was an amazing city the history, the views, the people! I want to go back with my family.
Ellen Christian
My Mom went to Greece several years ago and had a great time. I'd love to go some day.
Scott
That is one place I would love to visit someday. WE used to live in Europe, but never made it over to Greece.
Dede
When I taught social studies, Greece was one of my favorite units. Would so love to go there for a visit! I especially want to see the beautiful architecture.
Ascending Butterfly
I have always wanted to visit Greece, thanks so much for sharing your experiences in Athens, it's definitely on my top 10 list of places I still have yet to visit! I'm so nervous about visiting there right now with the Financial Crisis they are currently experiencing, but I figure by the time I save up enough to get there, it should have blown over by then! LOL 🙂
rochkirstin
It's great that Athens has an integrated train system that makes it easy for tourists and travelers who have never been to the place to navigate and move around without having to ride a cab. I would love to visit the shops, fruit stands, and some bars at night to enjoy the food and ambiance. I'm sure Athens is worth visiting.
Joanne T Ferguson
What great travel tips Tammille! Greece has always been on the bucket list for me! I grew up around old world Greek families in new York and I miss the foods, I miss the cultural difference and of course the Greeks zest for life!
Christi from sexymoxiemama.com
Greece is such a beautiful country. I have never had the opportunity to travel there (yet) but I find your photos fascinating. When I finally get a chance to travel there, I will keep your tips in mind.