Thinking of Greece immediately brings to mind pictures of the deep blue ocean waters of the Aegean Sea, rows of stacked white houses, and sun-drenched lunches consisting of juicy ripe tomatoes, the freshest olive oil, and a faint smell of fresh oregano lingering in the air. While this is all typically Greek, there’s more to it. Greece is a land of variety and diversity, and the best place to experience it is in the capital city of Athens.

Steeped in 5000-year-old historical tradition, yet bustling with creative energy as a culture capital in modern Europe, Athens is a wonderful mix of “ancient history and contemporary cool.”[1] Whether you want to wander down the Byzantine cobblestoned paths, experience the rich art and culture of centuries past, or simply enjoy a cocktail with stunning views of the Acropolis in the background – there’s something for everyone.

Athens is the world’s ancient capital, and the heritage can be experienced all around town with landmarks that are centuries old. There’s an obvious attention on Greek Mythology, given that the city itself is named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena. According to local legends, after a competition between Athena and Poseidon about who will be named protector of the city resulted in Athena’s victory, the city was named after the Greek goddess. The legend further states that while Poseidon gave the city a spring with seawater, Athena offered an olive tree as she touched the ground of the sacred rock of Acropolis – and this olive tree is something you can see even today at the Acropolis!

Spoiled for choice is how I felt in Athens, as there was so much to see and do, and so little time for it all. Here are my top recommendations for a getaway in Athens.

SEE

A few ancient sights

A long but beautiful walkway circles the centre of the city and connects a few ancient sites like the famous Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, and the Ancient Agora. This heritage trail is usually laced with buskers, artists and musicians that bring it to life.

The Acropolis: Of all things to do in Athens, the Acropolis somehow always makes it to the top of the list. The word Acropolis means ‘the highest point of the city’ in Greek. It is an ancient citadel located above the city Athens, and contains several ancient buildings –the most famous being the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus: This former temple is smack in the middle of Athens. At the time of construction, it was possibly the largest temple in the region. Today, only 15 out of the 104 original colossal Corinthian columns remain, and it’s a site not to be missed.

Ancient Agora: This was ancient Athens’ heart: a hub of administrative, commercial, political and social activity. Socrates expounded his philosophy here; in 49AD St. Paul came here to win converts to Christianity – with so much historical significance, this one is sure to be on any history buff’s bucket list.

Insider Tip: Allot about two hours to see everything. Admission is free on the first Sunday of the month. A combo ticket (€30) permits entry to the Acropolis and six other sites within five days.

DO

Get in the mood with a leisurely stroll

Plaka is the old town neighbourhood of Athens, which is largely pedestrian only, as many of the streets have been closed off to automobiles. This area is overflowing with cafes, local boutiques and captivating architecture. It’s a perfect place to get lost in, giving you a chance to discover quaint cafes and bars. It’s best to explore in the early evening – go for a leisurely stroll, stumble upon a bar, sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine. You can also wander over to Monastiraki and Psirri to check out vibrant street art culture.

Visit a couple of museums

Athens boasts of one of the world’s best art collections, and some of them truly unmissable. Among them is the Acropolis Museum, home to riches that were once in the Acropolis. Another one is the National Archaeological Museum, which is a world-renowned treasure trove of Greek antiquities. Even if museums aren’t really your thing, these two are definitely worth checking out.

Take a breather

You’ve seen all the touristy sights, and been to the museums. Now what? Take a breather at the National Garden (designed by Queen Amalia in 1838), which is a pleasantly un-groomed park, and a welcome shady refuge from summer heat and traffic. If the weather permits, pack a picnic basket with some fresh bread and feta cheese and relax – sometimes taking it slow is the best way to go.

Insider Tip: Right outside the garden and in front of the Parliament mansion you can also see the changing of the Presidential Guards, the Evzones, which takes place every hour. Watch the change here instead of at the Syntagma Square if you want to avoid the tourist rush.

EAT + DRINK

Experience local Flavours

Athens has a thriving dining scene, which is no wonder because eating and socializing is an important part of Greek culture. The vibrant restaurant and bar scene is marked with casual, al-fresco dining, and most places serve a plethora of small plates and drinks late into the night. There are an abundance of cafés scattered around the city – locals take their coffee seriously, and frappes are the popular favourite.

Local restaurants highlight the use fresh produce and quality ingredients, with things like feta cheese, olive oil, and fresh fish taking centre stage. Athens also has quite the nightlife especially during the summer months. Beer and wine are commonplace, while modern Athens also boasts of cool craft cocktails. Also don’t miss trying ouzo, the popular aperitif best enjoyed with small plates as dinner stretches on late into the night.

Grab a quick bite

A busy day requires some refueling every now and then, for which there are a plethora of street food options available. Lukumades for example is a great place to grab a drink and try a Greek delicacy – Lukumades are Greek donuts that are fried golden-brown and crisp, with a soft centre and coated in honey + cinnamon. They’re often topped with cream or chocolate and nuts, and are oh so delicious!

Greek cooking prides itself on keeping things simple and celebrating fresh ingredients. Ella is the ideal reflection of this mantra. With a delicious menu, great staff and the complimentary sweet treats at the end of meal, Ella is the perfect way to experience Greek cuisine (try their Greek Salad and Fava Beans).

Other things you should try: Fava Beans, Moussaka, Souvlaki, Dolmadakia and Baklava.

SHOP

Plaka is the place to go looking for souvenirs, Avyssinias Square for antiques, and Varvakios Agora for food supplies and local ingredients. If you’re looking to tap into the luxury market, head over to the Kolonaki neighbourhood for the latest upmarket fashion. A walk down Ermou street gives you a brief taste of the commercial side of the city. Walk down the adjoining streets to find cute cafes and restaurants.

Other Tips:

Don’t get a car, cabs are cheap and easy (plus neighborhoods like Plaka are pedestrian only).
Enjoy a sunset fit for the Gods at the Temple of Poseidon. It stands at Cape Sounion, 70km south of Athens. Although the crowd is an inconvenience, watching the sunset here is a must do!
Another view not to miss is the sunset from Mount Lycabettus