Read This Before Going to Athens

I really thought I had already written a guide on Athens…

But, when a subscriber told me about their upcoming trip, I looked through my archives and couldn’t find a link to send them! Sometimes I find myself losing track of what I’ve written and what I have yet to write…

So, finally, here’s the long-overdue guide on what to do in Athens:

When people think of Greece, they often think of Santorini or Mykonos, but don't sleep on Athens! Athens = the birthplace of modern-day Western civilization.🤯

There's a lot to do in Athens and it's an ideal home base/starting point for visiting other places in Greece. Make sure to take tours of the Greek ruins as much as you can! Athens has so much history, but without a tour guide, you're just staring blankly at rubble without context.

Top Things to Do in Greece

Acropolis

First thing…GO SEE THE ACROPOLIS! It’s home to a must-see site - the Parthenon. You can also visit smaller sites here like the Theatre of Dionysus. Did you know that Dionysus was eventually known as the god of wine and pleasure?...Sounds like a fun guy to party with! 🥴Make sure to book a tour here.

Acropolis Museum

Take a closer look at Greek statues and heritage at this museum. I recommend grouping this with the Acropolis since they’re close to each other. Mini Rant: It's messed up that so much of Grecian history is being held in other countries like the United Kingdom. Give it back!

Ancient Agora of Athens

This is where democracy came into being so a MUST-SEE. Famous philosophers like Socrates and Plato would hang out here. Moreover, it has a great collection of Greek art. My favorite story is about Alexander the Great visiting the town outcast. This man was homeless by choice and would preach about Athenian hypocrisy. Anyway, during his visit, Alexander the Great said that he would grant him anything that he wanted. The outcast said, "Move out of the way, you're blocking the sun." 😎

There are several museums in Athens worth checking out, but I don't want to overwhelm you. If museum hopping is something you're into, just let me know because I will go in!

Areas to Stroll

Monastiraki

This is a great area for experiencing city life. However, beware of pickpockets! And don't forget to haggle if you buy any trinkets. Monastiraki is a central point for subway transportation and is full of flea markets and small food stands. An awesome place to go for a stroll!

Plaka

This is a main square in Athens with many places to walk to and sightsee. Even though it's quite a touristy place, it’s definitely worth checking out.

Short Stops

Here are quick stops that you can make on your journey through Athens:

Syntagma Square: Go here to watch the changing of the guard.

Mars Hill: This place has a beautiful view of the Parthenon. It's where Apostle Paul preached Christianity.

Nightlife

Psyrri: This is one of my favorite places for nightlife in Athens. It's known for upscale dining and bars. #bougie
Gazi: Here you can experience cultural events and concerts in an old industrial factory. The crowd also tends to be a bit younger.

Thissio: Another trendy area with tons of hipsters, upscale restaurants, and cafes.

For my salsa dancing friends:🕺🏽💃

Addictiva Athens Bar: This place has dancing on Thursday and Saturday nights.
Roha's Cocktail Bar: They have a great Friday night party!
Felices Latin Party Bachata Salsa Athens: Parties are on Saturdays so check social media.
Omikron 2: Omikron hosts parties on Wednesdays, but honestly, the parties were just ok.

Day Trips

Hydra - A quaint and peaceful city. Ideal for couples looking for a romantic moment with scenic views.

Delphi - The perfect destination for history buffs!

What would YOU like to do in Athens?