Athens, Greece is a city steeped in history, offering a wealth of cultural and historical attractions for visitors to explore. Here are some of the top things to do in Athens (some might be obvious to you):
- Acropolis: This ancient citadel is one of the most famous landmarks in Athens, and a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Greek history. This really should be part of the Wonders of the World.
- Parthenon: The Parthenon is a temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare, and one of the most iconic landmarks in Athens.
- Ancient Agora: The Ancient Agora is a historical marketplace that was once the center of public life in Athens. Visitors can explore the remains of shops, public buildings, and temples.
- National Archaeological Museum: This museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of ancient Greek artifacts in the world, and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Greek history and archaeology. Be sure to check the hours on the official site. We were way too trusting with what Google provided.
- Mount Lycabettus: This hilltop provides panoramic views of Athens and is a great place for a scenic hike or a relaxing picnic.
- Monastiraki Flea Market: This bustling outdoor market is a great place to pick up souvenirs, try local street food, and experience the lively atmosphere of Athens.
- Plaka: This charming neighborhood is known for its narrow, winding streets lined with cafes, shops, and tavernas, making it a great place to explore on foot.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just soaking up the local atmosphere, Athens has something to offer everyone. Let’s start with where you should stay…
Where Should I Stay?
Our local Greek friends recommended the following areas to get your hotel or Airbnb:
- Koukaki
- Pagkrati
- Petralona
- Syntagma
- Mets
Places to avoid:
- Exarchia
- Omonoia
- Patisia
- Kipseli (location is undergoing gentrification, probably getting safer)
Next, if you’re planning to work and play, let’s talk about internet speed, read below
How is the internet speed?
The internet in Athens, Greece has been reported to have some issues with reliability and speed, however, the situation has improved in recent years with the implementation of fiber-optic networks and government initiatives. Some users still experience slow or unreliable connections, particularly in rural areas. Overall, the internet infrastructure in Athens is considered to be average compared to other major cities in Europe.
Throughout my time in Greece, I have never achieved more than 10mbps in my WiFi. Unfortunately, I did not have an ethernet cable to test for a wired connection. If you’re planning to work and take virtual calls, be aware you need to connect via audio only (no video) and the expectation you might get disconnected. I’m hoping Greece will have better internet in the future, currently, it is the slowest among European countries
Here are other places we visited in Greece and thought we should mention…
Oracle of Delphi
The Oracle of Delphi was a fascinating and enlightening experience. The ancient temple and its surrounding ruins were well-preserved and provided a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural significance of the site in ancient Greece. The scenic location, perched on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, added to the awe-inspiring atmosphere. The museum on site displayed interesting artifacts and provided context for the history of the Oracle. Overall, it was a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient history and mythology.
They sell 3 types of tickets when you arrive:
- ticket to Oracle of Delphi
- ticket to the Oracle of Delphi museum
- ticket to both
It’s well worth it to get tickets to both locations when you arrive. Once you’re done hiking to the Oracle, you’ll get to enjoy the cool AC in the museum. There’s also a cafe that sells, coffee, drinks, sandwiches, and pastries in case you get hungry after the hike. The hike isn’t too bad, but watch your steps. Speaking of steps…
WATCH YOUR STEPS (notice the caps?)
Walking in Greece can pose some hazards, particularly with regard to uneven and poorly maintained sidewalks and steps. However, it is important to note that with proper caution and attention, the danger can be minimized. It is recommended to watch your step, wear comfortable shoes, and be mindful of uneven surfaces, particularly in older, historic areas. Additionally, it is a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night. Overall, while there may be some challenges, walking in Greece can still be a safe and enjoyable experience with proper precautions.
My wife loves heels and boy did she fall a lot. I eventually have to force her to wear flats just so she stops falling. You’ll notice a lot of local Greeks wear flats. There’s a reason why. 😉 If you insist on wearing anything with heels, just be VERY VERY careful. I digress… On the way to Delphi, if you’re coming from Athens, you’ll eventually arrive at the town of Arachova
Arachova, Greece
Arachova, Greece is a picturesque mountain village located in the region of Central Greece. It is renowned for its breathtaking views, traditional architecture, and lively atmosphere. During the winter, Arachova transforms into a ski resort, offering a range of ski slopes and activities for all levels. In the summer, visitors can hike in the surrounding mountains, relax in the village’s thermal springs, or explore the local shops and taverns. With its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and charming atmosphere, Arachova is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and authentic Greek experience.
Be aware, this town has very aggressive shop owners (probably because they needed the money during the off-season), and we eventually had to ignore them just so we can do our thing. Having said that, this town is very beautiful. The red-tiled roofs blanket the mountainside along with picturesque clouds, I’m in awe of the beauty. During the winter season, this is where Greek politicians and celebrities come and stay and enjoy the scene. Be sure to stop here before or after your visit to Oracle of Delphi. You can’t miss the town, it’s on the way
Other Places I visited in Greece – Evia Island
Evia Island, Greece is a stunning destination with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Located in the Aegean Sea, this second-largest Greek island is known for its picturesque villages, lush forests, and sparkling beaches. Visitors can explore historic sites, such as the ancient city of Eretria, or relax and soak up the sun on the sandy shores of the island’s many beaches. For those who love outdoor adventures, Evia offers opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and fishing. With its charming villages, natural beauty, and endless activities, Evia Island is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a mix of culture and adventure.
If you’re the outdoor type and really enjoy the trees, plants, and beaches, this is the island where all the local Greeks hang out and NEVER tell you about it. Don’t get ripped off going to Santorini where it is overpriced and crowded. I will give them the nice Adobe and colored rooftops, but it is worth it? There’s a lot of exploring in this big island and you’ll get to experience how local Greeks enjoy their summer. Also, let’s talk about drinking water…
Drinkable Water in Greece
If you’re in a metropolitan area like Athens or Thessaloniki, probably safe to drink the water from the tap. If you’re in a rural area like Evia Island, always drink bottled water. If you’re in doubt, watch what the locals do and copy them
Food You Must Try
Try everything, and if I have to pick one thing, it would have to be Souvlaki
Souvlaki is a Greek dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Perfectly seasoned and juicy pieces of marinated meat are grilled to perfection and nestled into warm pita bread, topped with fresh veggies like tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. Every bite is bursting with flavor and the combination of textures will have you reaching for more. Whether you prefer chicken, pork, or beef, souvlaki is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine.
Or you can just get meat on the stick Souvlaki, that’s how I like it. Unfortunately, now I’m back in the states, the Souvlaki here isn’t very good now that I tried the REAL Souvlaki. Segue slightly, let’s talk about pizza…
As for coffee, there are coffee shops everywhere. Coffee in Greece is meant to be sip not drink and people watching is a thing something you should experience
Here are the places we tried and recommend:
Spondi – 1 Michelin Star resto
Rabbit Punch – cafe and great hot dog, don’t try the pizza there
Monsieur Cannidale – French theme cafe, great pasta and sald
La Nonna – Awesome Italian style pizza, must try!
Ellyz Cafe – Everything is pink here, must see and try and food was great!
Little Kook – Alice in Wonderland themed, must see, the food was okay, but I think we ordered the wrong things. Menu is extensive here
Pizza is Weird in Greece
Unless you go to a real pizza joint like La Nonna, local Greek tends to prefer their pizza crust thick and a little crumbly. One of the best food (besides Souvlaki) I tasted was the thin-crusted Italian-style pizza and the worst food experience was a Greek-style pizza. If you want a superb pizza experience, check out La Nonna in Athens
Avoid AirCanada Like the Plague
AirCanada is one of the airlines that provide connecting flights to Greece. We had a very bad experience with customer service
Let’s start with what the internet thinks of AirCanada:
- Flight delays and cancellations causing inconvenience to travelers – luckily this did not happen to me, but I believe they’re ranked last among Canadian airlines for punctuality and delys
- Poor customer service, including long wait times for assistance – This I experienced first-hand. The agent’s name is Aaron and here’s a trip advisor review that basically said the same thing. Just hang up if you know it’s him and even better, don’t fly with AirCanada. You’ll thank me later
- Uncomfortable seating, especially in economy class – We flew Premium Economy, that was fine
- Limited in-flight entertainment options – I thought it was enough entertainment for me, but this varies between people
- Overpriced food and drinks – I thought it was reasonable. Free booze in Premium Economy helped
All in all, just avoid AirCanada for everything, it’s not worth your time and headache dealing with them
Final Thoughts
It’s a good time to go to Greece now since USD and Euro is close to 1 to 1, which means more bank for your bucks!
My time in Greece was a truly enriching and memorable experience. From the stunning natural beauty to the rich cultural heritage, Greece offered a wealth of fascinating sights and experiences. The warm hospitality of the local people and the delicious cuisine only added to the overall enjoyment of my time in the country. Whether exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on the beach, or immersing yourself in the local culture, I came away with a deeper appreciation for the rich history and vibrant character of Greece. The memories and insights gained during my time in Greece will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come. Get out there and travel!
