In Septembre
2015, I decided to ditch the Canadian gloomy month in exchange for stunning
Greece. I first started from the Peloponnese and slowly made my way to the Greek
islands. Then, of course, I finished my travel with Athens, the must-see Greek
capital. That is the thing about travelling, you always end up with a ton of
things to see only 24 hours before you fly home. I tried to squeeze in as much
activities as possible and was actually pretty happy about my short stay in
Athens. So without further due, here is my guide to democracy's hometown.
1. 8h00:
Wake up in the Polis Grand Hotel (http://www.polisgrandhotel.gr/), head
downstairs for breakfast. There you will discover a variety of foods, from
western breakfast to traditional Greek sweets. Of course, I would highly
recommend you eat the Greek yogurt along with their homemade granola and a hit
of honey, but If you are feeling the whole sausage and eggs thing, then go
ahead, there are pretty good too ;).
2. 9h00: It
is time to start your wandering day! Get out of the hotel by the main entrance
and start your walk on Oktovrious street. Since Athens is a big city, many of
the main attractions are accessible by subway or walking. If you really want to
discover the beauty of this Mediterranean city, I recommend walking the whole
thing and avoiding the big boulevards. So, as you walk the Oktovrious street,
you will stumble on many cafes and
monuments. We are heading to the Roman Agora and the famous Acropolis.
3. 9h30: I recommend visiting the Acropolis during the fresh Greek morning,
because Athens gets really hot over the afternoon. The Parthenon definitely is
worth the detour. You can't go to Athens and not visit Athena's temple, it's
rude! At the entrance, pay for the whole visit, it will only cost you 12 Euros
and you will get to see all of the historical sites nearby. Start with Dionysos
theater and make your way up to the main entrance. Believe me, that is the only
workout you will need for that day. Right in front of you is the famous temple
of Athena. Forever in construction, forever beautiful. It is breath-taking. It
has been there ever since 420BC and is still standing tall! Explore the
acropolis, take your time to create beautiful memories of this place and head down
for the Fillopappou hill.
4. 10h30: The Fillopappou hill is often ignored by most of the tourists, but
offers a stunning (and I mean, STUNNING) view of the Acropolis. Of course, you
will have to climb a few unstable rocks between the olive trees to take the
best picture but, hey! It's worth it! You will be rewarded by an amazing view
on the city of Athens and the Acropolis. Take your time, explore the monuments,
and head down to the ancient agora.
5. 11h00: When walking to the ancient agora of Athens, you will meet many of
merchants trying to sell you overpriced gifts and postcards, do not buy it. You
can find cheaper ones of better quality further from the acropolis. Your ticket
allowed you to go to the agora, so don't miss it. Many artefacts are exposed
there and you can fill up your water bottle!
6. 11h30: When walking near the agora, don't forget to stop by Hephaistos
temple. It is a jewel of the Greek architecture. The well conserved sculptures
of Heracles' adventures are worth the detour. Take a moment to admire the
landscape around you and go to the exit near the train trails.
7. 12h00: By now, that Greek yogurt has been digested over and over again. So
here is my tip: get out of the acropolis and head to the Monastiraki Flea
Market. Sit down at a small restaurant and order a gyros. Yes, gyros are not a Greek
dish, it is Turkish, but it is sooooo tasty. It consists of meat (mainly pork
or lamb), tomatoes, onions, tzatziki and pita bread. It should not cost you
more than 2 Euros. In the flea market, you can buy all sort of souvenirs at a
fraction of the price.
8. 13h30: Since it is getting very hot, the Acropolis Museum is the greatest option. It has the AC you need. There, you will discover the
ruins which were found on the site of the museum and the complete collection of
the Parthenon's artefacts. You can learn about
ancient Greece society and culture by taking the audio guide in a wide
range of languages.
9. 16h00: As
the evening goes, it should be getting colder outside. Head to Lempesi street
and turn left on to Losif Ton Rogon. You will see the Temple of Olympian Zeus,
that is where you are going. You can wander in the National Gardens until you
are tired, take a few pictures of the Greek Parliament and its guards before
you start your walk to Lycabettus.
10. 17h00: Get out of the National Gardens by Sekeri Street, go straight ahead
and turn right on to Pindarou street. You can take the funicular or, if you are
up for the challenge, climb all the way to mount Lycabettus, either way, the
view will be breath-taking. All of Athens can be seen from this big rock who is
known in mythology as the "the hill that is walked by wolves". Don't
miss Saint-Gorges chapel and head down for your dinner.
11. 18h00: By
this time of the day, you must be getting pretty hungry. Athens has loads of
good restaurants, but few have authentic
Greek cuisine. Head to Likavittou street and walk on it until it transforms in
Kolokotroni, then, turn right on Praxitelous. Follow the street and turn left
on Everipidou, you will see the Karanmanlidika sign. This restaurant have that friendly
service and fresh ingredient that is typical of Greek gastronomy. I guarantee
you and your wallet will be full at the end of the dinner. Now is the time to
get to your hotel, there is a surprise waiting for you. Take Everipidou street
on your left and turn left again on Aiolou street, which will turn into
Oktovrious street. Head straight to the Polis Grand Hotel.
12. 21h00:
Those who have an early flight must want to go to bed. You can go ahead. But If
you are not sleepy or need one more glass of wine before sleeping, head to the roof
garden. You will have the night view on the Acropolis all for yourself.
I know
there is more to Athens than what is on this guide, but you will see the
essentials and have a small taste of its rich culture. I hope you have a
wonderful trip and come back with loads of memories.
Enjoy,
The little traveller's boots
Xox
