Athens is one of the most fascinating cities on the planet. End of.
Sadly, most travellers just pass through the city on the way to one of the thousands of beaches (and other attractions) Greece has by the bucketload.
So if you’re flying into Athens and ferry hopping from Piraeus here’s our tips on a few activities to squeeze in on a stopover. They are inevitably touristy, but we think they’re worth it.
Late afternoon – The Acropolis
There’s no avoiding it, nor should you. Over a million tourists visit each year – and it feels like it. But the ancient, hilltop citadel is unmissable.
The Acropolis is home to the iconic Parthenon which is the main event for most, but make sure you spend time absorbing the splendour of the quieter Erechtheion (Temple of Athena), the Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Late afternoon or early morning (open from 8am) are the best times to visit due to the heat. Tip – you will need to pre book your ticket.
Evening – explore Monastiraki
The central, lively area of Monastiraki is one of the best places to get a distilled taste of this incredible city. There’s a flea market – make sure you haggle. Plus, if you didn’t have time for the Acropolis earlier, you can bag a roof top view here – they all come at a price though. Our tip is to have a drink at one of the many of restaurants on Adrianou with close up views of the remarkably intact Temple of Hephaestus. For us, it’s almost as good as the Parthenon.
Our tip is to have a drink at one of the many of restaurants on Adrianou with close up views of the remarkably intact Temple of Hephaestus. For us, it’s almost as good as the Parthenon.
Plus, if you didn’t have time for the Acropolis earlier, you can bag a roof top view here – they all come at a price though. Our tip is to have a drink at one of the many of restaurants on Adrianou with close up views of the remarkably intact Temple of Hephaestus. For us, it’s almost as good as the Parthenon.
Morning – Acropolis view or Food Market
If you didn’t manage to visit the Acropolis in the early evening, go now – open from 8 am.
If you want a more peaceful, informative activity (with epic views of the Acropolis) hit the Acropolis Museum.
This beautiful museum showcases the Acropolis and you can splurge on breakfast with the iconic view from the second floor from 9 am.
For a more traditional, atmospheric and budget, conscious, breakfast hit Athen’s Food Market. We love Mokka for coffee and pastries. Or just wander round the stalls and pick up sesame seed Koulouri pastries and a coffee on the go. Tip stock up on fresh produce and fruit for a picnic on the ferry.
The market is a just a 5 minute walk from Omonia metro which takes you direct to Piraeus Ferry Port in 20 minutes.