Now is the best time of the year to visit Athens. It’s cool and there are less tourists which makes it easier to get around. The wonders of this 2,500 year old city, its civilisation and enduring culture, has no equal. Ruins from antiquity, gleaming museums and cutting edge architecture, share space with a thriving contemporary city. It’s all here waiting for you.
A good place to start is with the Acropolis followed by the Acropolis Museum which is a must-see. Focussed on the archaeological findings of the Acropolis it consists of four levels. Yes, it’s vast . It houses the most dramatic sculptures of Greek antiquity. You will be blown away.
Acropolis Museum exhibits Images: GRACIE
Not to be missed at the base of the building are excavated ruins of an ancient Athenian neighbourhood. It’s brilliantly exhibited. You can walk above and view below. It’s amazing.
A stroll around the Temple of Olympian Zeus offers a bold view of the skill and expertise of ancient Greece. The massive towering columns are overwhelming. Originally, 104 existed now only 16 remain. Images below.
Hadrian’s Arch is right nearby. It acted as a boundary between the ancient Greek city and new Roman section. This monumental gateway deserves a close-up look.
Hadrian’s Arch Image: GRACIE
The Panathenaic Stadium is the only stadium built entirely of marble. Originally built in 400BC it was excavated in 1869. In 2004 it was used as an Olympic venue and is also the location for the handover of the Olympic flame for both Summer and Winter Olympics.
Essential view is the hourly changing of the Presidential Guard in front of the Parliament Building. Head for Syntagma Square the most central part of Athens.
A stroll through the Plaka area is a must. And if you get hungry? The choice is limitless. Bars, cafes, restaurants and street food abounds. It’s a foodies’ paradise. It’s option overload.
Feel like a day trip from downtown? Go by land or sea, island, coast or hinterland, all is within reach. Endless possibilities await.
