I’m in the early stages of planning an upcoming trip to Athens, and it made me realize something a little funny. It’s been a very long time since it was my first time there.
Every time I go now, I tend to fall into the same rhythm: familiar neighborhoods, favorite walks, the same cafés and viewpoints. I love Athens, but I’d really like to experience it again through fresh eyes instead of repeating my usual routine.
For those of you who remember your first visit, what were your initial impressions of Athens? What surprised you, in a good or bad way? Was it the energy, the mix of ancient and modern, the pace of daily life, or something completely unexpected?
And for anyone who’s helped a first-time visitor plan a trip, what parts of Athens seemed to leave the strongest impression on them?