5 Great Things To Do in Athens

5 Great Things To Do in Athens

There are a lot of activities to do in Athens. This guide highlights some of the best ones for a fun-filled holiday.

Start with a walking tour

After your flight from Los Angeles to Athens, nothing will keep you entertained like joining a walking tour. From the Academy of Athens to Hadrian’s Arch, there is so much to see. The best part is that it is completely free. It may seem a bit difficult to find your way around, but with a good map, you’ll manage.

On your walking tour, you can visit the mini museums in metro stations to get a glimpse of the ancient city. During this tour, you can learn about how Athens worked in the past. You’ll also learn about how the city was built, the previous riverbeds, and where volcanoes erupted in the past.

If you have a tight budget, you can go on the tour alone. However, it is still affordable to take a tour guide. It costs less than €10 per person.

Climb the Hill of Muses

This cave carries more history than we know. Some believe it was a prison for Socrates. Visiting this ancient cave will give you insight into how the cave was used in the past and the more recent past to keep antiquities safe from looters during the Second World War.

The surrounding environment offers a breathtaking view for nice photos. This hill leads to the city center, so don't be scared to visit.

Get a bird's-eye view of the Ottoman village

It is not enough to trek through the city or visit ancient sites. If you want Instagram-worthy pictures, a great spot is the Ottoman village of Anafiotika. You can find it at the Plaka Stairs and the Acropolis. This hidden gem doesn't get lots of tourists, so you can get incredible views.

Visit the Acropolis

This not-so-hidden gem is over 2500 years old. If you want to experience democracy in its earliest stages, the Parthenon is an excellent place to visit. The luxurious marbled steps remind you of the concepts of freedom of expression and philosophy and housed the likes of Plato and Socrates. It stands taller than all the buildings in Athens because of a law prohibiting higher buildings.

It costs less than €30 to visit this majestic beauty. You can visit alone or come in the company of friends.

Visit the Hydra Island

If you want to get lovely pictures with the Santorini effect, then you must visit Hydra Island. This island boasts white-washed cobblestone streets with stone mansions at least several hundred years old. The best part is that you can ride donkeys on the island, as cars are illegal there. The cost of the trip is less than €20, and it only takes 90 minutes from Poros.

Final Thoughts

Athens is the capital of Greece and it was also the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis. After a wonderful trip to Athens, Greece, you can begin to plan your next trip, perhaps with a flight from Houston to Paris.