I arrived in Greece already knowing what was waiting for me. It was my second trip to this country and I was already looking forward to the mild climate and the delicious local dishes.
After landing, you will easily reach the metro station. Personally, I love traveling by metro, so I couldn’t wait to test the Athenian metro network! The ticket from the airport to the center costs €10 and the journey to the city takes about an hour.

The choice of the neighborhood in which to stay proved to be a winning one from a logistical point of view. Monastiraki Square is a very central area, and a very lively neighborhood and here you can find dozens of restaurants, taverns, cafes, discos but also shops of all kinds, post offices and access to the most important and famous archaeological sites.

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Accommodation: Athenshotel.com

The hotel is located 2 minutes walk from the “Monastiraki” station. The property is very clean and the staff is professional and helpful. I didn’t take a simple hotel room, but a loft apartment on two levels, so there was certainly no lack of space.

Included in the price we also had fresh water in the fridge, a kettle and tea bags. The hotel has a common area where you can cook at any time without paying any extra, a gym and a sauna. You can also do your laundry, in the common area there is a washing machine and a dryer.
But now let’s start exploring the city of Athens. Here is my list of the most beautiful places in Athens based on my personal experience.

Visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon

A must-see if you are in Athens are the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Standing out in the whole city and from every angle, the Acropolis is an absolute must-see! The view of the city from up there is very suggestive!
Be careful if you visit the Acropolis in winter. The opening hours are reduced, from 8:00 to 15:00.

I recommend you buy the cumulative ticket for the seven most important archaeological sites in the city, it costs only €30, a real bargain, if you consider that the entrance to the Acropolis alone costs €20. The ticket allows you to skip the queue at the entrance, which can often be exhausting and is also valid for four days, so you can see everything calmly.

The 7 attractions included are: Roman Agora, Acropolis Museum and Acropolis, Ancient Agora and its museum, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Necropolis and ceramists district, Aristotle’s school and Hadrian’s Library. In short, a lot of things to visit.

A curiosity: you will see a lot of cats, they are the new inhabitants of the archaeological sites. This is not to be seen as a situation of degradation, in fact the cats of Athens are very well fed and clean.
They move here and there with elegance and let tourists approach and pet them very willingly. When one of them leaned on my legs to purr, it was a moment of super tenderness!

Visit the Ancient Agora

The Agora was the center of religious and daily life of the ancient Greeks. Now everything is different, but it remains a place of great charm. Walking through the beaten paths, you can feel the history of the site. The best preserved monument is the temple of Hephaestus, which is located on top of the hill: simply superb! If you like walking in the greenery you are in the right place, every attraction is perfectly integrated with nature. It is like entering a different park each time and the spectacle of the magnificence of the monuments is truly sensational!

The Temple of Zeus

So, were we talking about grandeur and magnificence? Well, now we are in the place where everything comes together: the Temple of Zeus!

Zeus was the father of all the Gods, the one who defeated his father Kronos to rule the Universe. His power was enormous, the ancient Greeks worshiped him and he was respected by everyone.

Today only 12 columns remain standing from the original structure of the Temple, but they are enough to imagine the majesty of this architectural work.

Watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square

I suggest you do this experience to immerse yourself in the Greek atmosphere in Syntagma Square, and see the solemn changing of the guard at the foot of the Parliament. During the Christmas period, a stage with music is set up in the square and every evening you will find many people dancing and having fun under the beautiful and illuminated Christmas tree.

Typical Greek dishes

Greek cuisine is one of my favorites. Tasty and cheap. In the Monastiraki and Plaka neighborhoods there are many restaurants and taverns open 24 hours a day, where you can eat at any time of the day or night.

I immediately realized that the portions are very large, and since it is not nice to leave food on your plate, I suggest you split the portion if you are traveling with other people.
You will leave the place full and with your wallet still full.

Visit the Panathenaic Stadium

The entrance fee is €5 and includes an audio guide in English and access to a small museum. The stadium is open daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Originally built in 330 BC, this site hosted the Panathenaic sports festivals, giving the stadium its name. These Panathenaic celebrations were religious festivals held annually and, most notably, every four years. Does that sound familiar?

During these festivals, various competitions were held to honor the goddess Athena. These included horse racing, athletics, wrestling, chariot racing, music contests, and even beauty pageants.

This historic location is also where the first modern Olympic Games, as we know them, were held.

Shopping at Monastiraki Flea Market and Plaka

Athens is a fantastic destination for shopping and nightlife enthusiasts. You’ll find a wide variety of shops catering to all tastes.

Take a stroll through Plaka, with its whitewashed, cobblestone streets that feel like stepping into Santorini. It’s the perfect spot to shop for souvenirs to take home for yourself or as gifts for friends.

Treat Yourself to a Dessert at Little Kook

Little Kook is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Athens. This famous patisserie becomes a magical wonderland during the Christmas season, transforming into a stage inspired by The Nutcracker.

The decorations are incredibly detailed, starting from the sidewalk and extending up to the roof. Expect to see a life-sized carriage, ballerina statues, giant candy canes, Nutcracker figurines, trumpet-playing mice, and many other stunning ornaments.

Many visitors stop by just to take pictures at the entrance. Even outside the holiday season, the decorations change with each season and are always a delightful surprise, making this place a must-visit year-round.

Enjoy Stunning Views from Mount Lycabettus

You can reach Mount Lycabettus on foot, by car, or via the cable car. From the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Athens and the Acropolis, especially at sunset, when the city is bathed in a magical golden light.

At the summit, you’ll also find the Chapel of Saint George, a charming white church that looks straight out of a fairy tale.