The city of Athens is the largest city in Greece and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With a host of historic sites, Athens is the birthplace of democracy, arts, science, and philosophy in Western Civilization. It has also served as home to several great thinkers such as Plato, Homer, Sophocles, Euripides, and Pericles. Athens is a vibrant city with beautiful landscapes and an inviting Mediterranean climate. With so much to do and so many sights to see in a foreign land, the idea of traveling there can become overwhelming. Don’t worry, we have you covered with a simple yet useful guide for traveling to Athens below.
When to Visit
One of the most important things to consider before traveling to Athens is the time of year and the weather that comes with it. Visiting during winter is doable, but it tends to be rainy while the winters are mild. Summertime is beautiful in Athens, but this is the busiest time of the year and tourist attractions will be overcrowded. Autumn is a great time to visit because you’ll miss the crowds, and the weather is relatively warm. Another great time to visit is during the Spring, where you can experience the beauty of Greece while dodging peak tourist seasons.
Where to Go
There are several attractions, restaurants, shops, bars, and historic sites that are well-worth your time and money in Athens. We’ll explore a few standouts below.
Acropolis: The ancient citadel, also known as the sacred rock, is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Athens and for good reason. This breath-taking site sits on top of a hill and hosts multiple structures built during the 5th century B.C. The Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, was a sacred temple that served as the symbol of Athenian Democracy in Ancient Greece and is a must see for any history buff. Moving up the hill, you can stop at the Sanctuary of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Other popular landmarks include the Erechtheion, the Temple of goddess Nike, and many other archaeological remains. You can explore by yourself or consider purchasing a guided tour.
Ancient Agora: Located Northwest of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora of Athens served as an open-air gathering place used for political, religious, social, legal, and cultural events at the time. You can get in touch with the roots of the Athenian democracy and the former home of Athen’s national library in Agora. Many of the ruins date back to the 2nd Century B.C. and are also home to the Temple of Hephaestus known as the Greek God of fire. If you have time, do yourself a favor, travel East, and check out the historical Roman Agora.
Temple of Olympian Zeus: Another popular spot for tourists is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, dedicated to the head of the Olympian Gods. This used to be the largest temple in Greece at one time, featuring more than 100 columns and several statues of gods and emperors. Most of these have been damaged over the course of centuries, leaving only 15 columns standing to this day.
Athens Central Market: The Athens Central Market is a great stop for anyone looking for food and a piece of authentic Athenian culture. Locals commonly refer to the market as the Dimotiki Agora, meaning public market, where trucks come from various parts of Athens and sell food. You can find olives, an assortment of cheese, spices, fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat, oils and more here. Try to visit the market during the morning hours Monday to Saturday and wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. There are several enjoyable walking food tours that make sure the Central Market is a pit-stop and learn what delicacies are worth your while.
Luggage Storage Athens?
Let’s say you get to Athens, and you want to explore the city before checking into your accommodations, what do you do with your luggage? Bounce has you covered with several convenient locations around the city that can fulfill your needs. Luggage storage Athens needs can be achieved by booking online where you can instantly reserve your space. Go to the location, show your reservation, and you won’t have to worry about luggage storage Athens needs any longer.
Conclusion
Athens is an essential travel destination for those looking to check off something special on their bucket list. Whether it’s the rich cultural heritage, the beautiful sights or the amazing food, Athens has something for everyone who comes to visit the land. Athens is stunning year-round, but Spring and Fall are the best if you want to avoid crowds and enjoy the warm weather. Don’t forget to visit the multitude of historical sites and archaeological ruins such as Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. If you’re a certified foodie, the Athens Central Market will be the perfect place for you to roam. Follow the guide above, and you’ll be sure to have the time of your life in Athens.
