Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city that beautifully marries ancient history with modern culture. In this article, we recount a vibrant weekend spent in Athens, featuring personal experiences, must-see attractions, and culinary highlights.
We began our journey in Athens after facing travel hiccups that included a delayed flight from Denver to Munich, nearly missing our connecting flight, and ultimately arriving without our luggage. On our first day, we opted for a private taxi service from the airport to our hotel in the city center, which cost about 60 US dollars and took roughly 40 minutes. Staying at the Store Hotel, we found ourselves just a block away from Ermou Street, a pedestrian-friendly area brimming with shops and restaurants.
Our first breakfast consisted of a delightful buffet featuring Greek yogurt, spanakopita (spinach pie), and various local specialties. Energized by the meal, we connected with a local tour guide named Sebi from the channel "Greece Explained." We organized a private four-hour historical tour which cost around 350 Euros—but it was well worth the price as we delved into Athens’ rich history while exploring landmarks like the Acropolis and ancient Agora.
Wandering Through History
The tour with Sebi provided us with deep insights into the significance of various sites. We walked through Plaka, the stunning old neighborhood of Athens, and experienced the bustling atmosphere of Monastiraki Square, home to a renowned flea market where we later planned to shop for souvenirs.
Later, we enjoyed delicious Greek dishes at a local family-run restaurant. Our meal featured pickled octopus, horta (wild greens), saganaki (fried cheese), and a variety of meat dishes, satisfying our appetites and introducing us to authentic Greek flavors.
Shopping Spree and Local Delights
The next day focused on shopping and trying traditional Athens street food. We visited a place called Street Souvlaki, where we indulged in grilled meats and kebabs. The affordable pricing combined with the quality of food made the experience all the more delightful. We also experienced The Changing of the Guard, a highly respectful ceremony performed outside parliament.
As the sun began to set, we headed to one of Sebi's recommendations, the GB Rooftop Garden, for dinner—a fine dining experience that offered a breathtaking view of the Acropolis. Starting with lobster ceviche and basil risotto, we relished each course, including a beautiful lamb dish topped with chimichurri sauce. The view, ambiance, and delicious food made it a memorable night.
Meeting the Day at the Acropolis
The following morning, we rose early to explore the iconic Acropolis. With a guided tour that cost about 125 Euros, we learned about ancient Greek mythology and explored sites that stood the test of time. Afterward, we made our way to Philopappos Hill for a panoramic view of the city, before enjoying a hearty lunch featuring local delicacies like lamb chops and grilled octopus.
After a satisfying lunch, we sought out a highly-reviewed ice cream shop. The creamy desserts paired perfectly with the Mediterranean heat. As the afternoon wore on, we decided to visit the Olympic Stadium, discovering the remnants of history while navigating through the National Garden and the Presidential Palace.
For our final evening in Athens, we settled on rooftop dining again. This time, we simply sampled various appetizers while enjoying the picturesque view of the Acropolis, as well as entertainment from a nearby stage.
On our last day, we received the long-awaited news that our lost luggage had been found. We rushed to reclaim it, finally relieved to have our belongings back. Before departing for our cruise around the Greek islands, we made a final stop for the local specialty, loukoum, which proved to be the sweet ending to an adventurous trip.
Conclusion: Takeaways from Athens
Reflecting on our weekend in Athens, we summarized our insights into a few key takeaways:
Walkable City: The central areas are pedestrian-friendly, allowing travelers to explore easily by foot.
Guided Tours: Engaging with knowledgeable guides enriches the experience by providing historical context.
Rooftop Dining: The views offered from rooftop venues in Athens are unparalleled and a must-try.
Combo Tickets for Tours: When visiting multiple archaeological sites, combo tickets can save money.
Savor Local Cuisine: Try various local dishes, especially the grilled meats, fresh seafood, and unique desserts.
Athens is an incredible city filled with rich history, delicious food, and friendly locals. We left with memories to last a lifetime and a newfound appreciation for Greek culture, eagerly looking forward to our next adventure amidst the Greek islands.
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Part 1/8:
Exploring Athens: A Weekend Adventure
Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city that beautifully marries ancient history with modern culture. In this article, we recount a vibrant weekend spent in Athens, featuring personal experiences, must-see attractions, and culinary highlights.
Arrival and Initial Struggles
Part 2/8:
We began our journey in Athens after facing travel hiccups that included a delayed flight from Denver to Munich, nearly missing our connecting flight, and ultimately arriving without our luggage. On our first day, we opted for a private taxi service from the airport to our hotel in the city center, which cost about 60 US dollars and took roughly 40 minutes. Staying at the Store Hotel, we found ourselves just a block away from Ermou Street, a pedestrian-friendly area brimming with shops and restaurants.
First Impressions: A Culinary Exploration
Part 3/8:
Our first breakfast consisted of a delightful buffet featuring Greek yogurt, spanakopita (spinach pie), and various local specialties. Energized by the meal, we connected with a local tour guide named Sebi from the channel "Greece Explained." We organized a private four-hour historical tour which cost around 350 Euros—but it was well worth the price as we delved into Athens’ rich history while exploring landmarks like the Acropolis and ancient Agora.
Wandering Through History
The tour with Sebi provided us with deep insights into the significance of various sites. We walked through Plaka, the stunning old neighborhood of Athens, and experienced the bustling atmosphere of Monastiraki Square, home to a renowned flea market where we later planned to shop for souvenirs.
Part 4/8:
Later, we enjoyed delicious Greek dishes at a local family-run restaurant. Our meal featured pickled octopus, horta (wild greens), saganaki (fried cheese), and a variety of meat dishes, satisfying our appetites and introducing us to authentic Greek flavors.
Shopping Spree and Local Delights
The next day focused on shopping and trying traditional Athens street food. We visited a place called Street Souvlaki, where we indulged in grilled meats and kebabs. The affordable pricing combined with the quality of food made the experience all the more delightful. We also experienced The Changing of the Guard, a highly respectful ceremony performed outside parliament.
Dining with a View
Part 5/8:
As the sun began to set, we headed to one of Sebi's recommendations, the GB Rooftop Garden, for dinner—a fine dining experience that offered a breathtaking view of the Acropolis. Starting with lobster ceviche and basil risotto, we relished each course, including a beautiful lamb dish topped with chimichurri sauce. The view, ambiance, and delicious food made it a memorable night.
Meeting the Day at the Acropolis
The following morning, we rose early to explore the iconic Acropolis. With a guided tour that cost about 125 Euros, we learned about ancient Greek mythology and explored sites that stood the test of time. Afterward, we made our way to Philopappos Hill for a panoramic view of the city, before enjoying a hearty lunch featuring local delicacies like lamb chops and grilled octopus.
Part 6/8:
Sweet Treats and Cultural Experiences
After a satisfying lunch, we sought out a highly-reviewed ice cream shop. The creamy desserts paired perfectly with the Mediterranean heat. As the afternoon wore on, we decided to visit the Olympic Stadium, discovering the remnants of history while navigating through the National Garden and the Presidential Palace.
For our final evening in Athens, we settled on rooftop dining again. This time, we simply sampled various appetizers while enjoying the picturesque view of the Acropolis, as well as entertainment from a nearby stage.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
Part 7/8:
On our last day, we received the long-awaited news that our lost luggage had been found. We rushed to reclaim it, finally relieved to have our belongings back. Before departing for our cruise around the Greek islands, we made a final stop for the local specialty, loukoum, which proved to be the sweet ending to an adventurous trip.
Conclusion: Takeaways from Athens
Reflecting on our weekend in Athens, we summarized our insights into a few key takeaways:
Walkable City: The central areas are pedestrian-friendly, allowing travelers to explore easily by foot.
Guided Tours: Engaging with knowledgeable guides enriches the experience by providing historical context.
Rooftop Dining: The views offered from rooftop venues in Athens are unparalleled and a must-try.
Part 8/8:
Combo Tickets for Tours: When visiting multiple archaeological sites, combo tickets can save money.
Savor Local Cuisine: Try various local dishes, especially the grilled meats, fresh seafood, and unique desserts.
Athens is an incredible city filled with rich history, delicious food, and friendly locals. We left with memories to last a lifetime and a newfound appreciation for Greek culture, eagerly looking forward to our next adventure amidst the Greek islands.
Don't forget to subscribe for more travel insights and experiences!