What I love about visiting Athens

[voula_slat]

I am planning another trip to Greece and plan to go to Athens. I have been so many times! I thought I would share with you what I love about it.

• The Acropolis: Standing majestically above the city, the Acropolis is an iconic symbol of ancient Greece. The Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike are awe-inspiring examples of classical architecture.
• Plaka District: Wandering through the narrow streets of Plaka feels like stepping back in time. This charming neighborhood is filled with neoclassical buildings, quaint cafes, and souvenir shops.
• Sunset at Lycabettus Hill: Watching the sunset from Lycabettus Hill offers panoramic views of the city and the Aegean Sea. It's a magical experience, especially when accompanied by live music at the hilltop chapel.
• Monastiraki Flea Market: Bargain hunting at Monastiraki Flea Market is a must-do in Athens. You can find everything from antiques and handmade crafts to clothing and jewelry.
• Street Art in Exarchia: The Exarchia neighborhood is known for its vibrant street art scene. Exploring its graffiti-covered streets is like visiting an open-air art gallery filled with political statements and creative expressions.

To those of you who have been to Athens, what do you love about it? I am looking for ideas!

 

[Vangelis]

I spend most of my time in Exarcheia. I walk around finding and photographing street art in the different laneways. I enjoy the restaurants there which are much more traditional Greek than most of the ones in Plaka and Monastiraki. I enjoy the cocktail bars on Koletti street at 1am. I love the vegan souvlakis at Cookoomela Grill on Themistokleous where the owner knows me so well now that he takes out the tsipouro every time I walk in the door even before I have a chance to order!
I also like going to some of the museums, the National Archeological Museum and the Akropolis Museum being my favourites. Also, I always try to go see a concert or preferably a play at Ωδείο Ηρώδου του Αττικού. There is something very special about seeing something at an ancient theatre at the foot of the Akropolis were who knows what famous people have also been walking around 2,000 years ago.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

I spend most of my time in Exarcheia. I walk around finding and photographing street art in the different laneways. I enjoy the restaurants there which are much more traditional Greek than most of the ones in Plaka and Monastiraki. I enjoy the cocktail bars on Koletti street at 1am. I love the vegan souvlakis at Cookoomela Grill on Themistokleous where the owner knows me so well now that he takes out the tsipouro every time I walk in the door even before I have a chance to order!
I also like going to some of the museums, the National Archeological Museum and the Akropolis Museum being my favourites. Also, I always try to go see a concert or preferably a play at Ωδείο Ηρώδου του Αττικού. There is something very special about seeing something at an ancient theatre at the foot of the Akropolis were who knows what famous people have also been walking around 2,000 years ago.

This is some great insider advice! Thank you for sharing your experiences! It seems to me like the Plaka might be catering to tourists, as opposed to giving a truly modern Greek authentic experience. Great advice about seeing a concert at the theater - I bumped into one of those once on one of my visits and it was so memorable - such a cool feeling.