A visit to Greece should be on everyone’s bucket list. These are our recommendations for 6 places to visit in Athens.
There are many reasons why Europe is the best continent to tour. Its vibrant culture, languages, cuisine, and diversity are packed into a relatively tiny geolocation. You can spend one week on the continent and experience something fun or different daily. For instance, you could book a flight from Houston to Paris and visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, the famed Eiffel Tower, or the Musee d’Orsay. You could also choose to visit different locations; however, one hidden gem most people forget is Athens. We recommend a visit to Greece. These are our recommendations for 6 places to visit in Athens.
Athens symbolized Western civilization at its finest. The city’s history stretches back thousands of years but it flourished during the classical era. Athens was also home to the world’s greatest thinkers, including Pericles, Socrates, and Sophocles. Yet, modern Athens is more than a relic of history. Today, it has become a modern capital city that is home to breathtaking tourist attractions.
The Acropolis
People consider the Acropolis one of the world’s best ancient ruins. No trip to Athens is complete without visiting the Acropolis, and with good reason. The landmark ancient city contains various important Greek ruins, including the Temple of Athena, the Parthenon, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, among others.
A visit to Athens must include touring the ancient city of Acropolis. Image by timeflies1955 from Pixabay
Going there with your family will be the most memorable experience of your life. With a registered guide, you can skip the queue and get titbits or inside information about ancient Greek philosophy and democracy. Get to the top and enjoy breathtaking views of mountains, rooftops, and temples imprinted in your memories forever.
Parthenon
The second place you should visit is the Parthenon. The Parthenon is a symbol that represents Greece and is one of the most recognized and important buildings in ancient Greece. The Greeks built the structure at the top of Athenian prosperity with directions from Pericles, one of the ancient Greek generals dedicated to Athena, a Greek goddess.
The Parthenon in Athens. Image by timeflies1955 from Pixabay
The Parthenon was built to thank the Goddess for protecting Athens during the Persian war. The building is a great architectural wonder, and you’ll be sure to notice the perfectly placed marble columns and a few details that are still visible. The Parthenon is decorated with several beautiful structures that are the perfect example of Greek art.
Plaka
If you are interested in Greek food and culture, you should visit Plaka.  Plaka is a popular tourist attraction in Athens. It’s located under the Acropolis, and most people describe it as an island within the city.
Plaka is private and has unique scenery, including ancient trees, cafes, stone walkways, and boutique shops. It is known for its authentic food and serene environment. Visit Saita Taverna and enjoy some tasty bakalairo and grilled meats. You can also visit a few museums along Kydathuneon Street, like the Folk Art Museum and the Jewish Museum, and learn a few historical facts.
Erechtheion
The Erechtheion is located on the Acropolis’ northern side and was dedicated to Poseidon and Athena. The Greeks built the structure between 421 and 406 BC, and it has had various uses ever since. For instance, some groups used it as a Byzantine church, others as a palace during the Frankish period, and later as an Ottoman commander’s harem.
The ancient temple of the Acropolis Erechtheion in Athens. Photo by Artur Sniezhyn via iStock by Getty Images
The structure’s defining image is the Porch of the Maidens, located on its southern end. Six caryatids support the building’s roof, which Alcamenes or Callimachus carved. The caryatids found there presently are casts since five of the originals were relocated to the Acropolis Museum, while the British took the sixth to the British Museum.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Is a trip to Athens complete without visiting the temple of Olympian Zeus? This is the most prominent Greek temple, a massive ancient structure constructed over seven centuries.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, was one of the largest temples ever built in the ancient world. Photo by lkonya via iStock by Getty Images
The temple’s construction is an exciting piece of history by itself. It was completed in 132 BC and dedicated to Zeus Olympios. The structure represents Greek history; however, only 15 of the 104 original columns remain. The columns rose 57 feet into the air and once surrounded a cella within which were placed two gigantic statues.
Eat Like a Local
Although it’s not a “place” to visit in Athens, the food is such a draw that you might want to devote an entire day to check out the local cuisine. Athens has something for you if you love eating but are hurrying to the next attraction. You could buy pastries like tiropita and spanakopita to snack on while on the move. Tiropitais made with cheese and egg, while spanakopita is made with spinach, onions, and feta.
Spanakopita is a treat in Athens. Photo by from_my_point_of_view via iStock by Getty Images
You can also enjoy local foods like koulouri fresh out of the kitchen. The bread (circular) is coated with sesame seeds. Enjoy the tasty bougatsa, a filo pastry filled with cheese or semolina custard and minced meat. You can also try other favorite local foods like souvlaki and tzatziki.
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When You Visit Athens, Greece
Athens contains many archeological sites and is filled with antiquities. These are some of the reasons why most people visit the city. It has countless museums housing the city’s historical and cultural heritage, making it one of the most exciting and educational tourist destinations for families and history lovers.
If you love ancient European history, you should book a flight from Los Angeles to Athens and get to enjoy the best time of your life. Check out Wander for more suggestions of what you can do when you visit Greece.
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