Acropolis of Athens |
Arriving at Athens airport, it’s easy enough to take the train to the middle of the city as there’s just one line that runs into the center. Tickets cost $10.80 (10 euros) and you can buy them from the ticket office or automated machines.
Erechtheion Temple |
How to spend a weekend in Athens
Climb Mount Lycabettus
Visit the Metropolitan Church of Athens at night
Once the sun sets, some of the city's ornate buildings are lit up, one that’s impressive at night is the Metropolitan Church of Athens and surrounding Mitropoleos Square.Metropolitan Church of Athens in Mitropoleos Square |
The place was deserted most nights when I walked past and in the light of a full moon, it was even more beautiful.
Check out the Panathenaic Stadium
On my second day in the city, I walked to The Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world made entirely from marble. It was here that Greece hosted the 2004 Olympics as well as the opening and closing ceremonies for the very first modern Olympics back in 1896. At first, I reached the outer edge, ringed by pine trees and found locals running on a chilly Sunday morning—you don’t have to pay for the track that runs just outside the stadium so it’s a good way of seeing the area if you’re on a budget.
The Panathenaic Stadium |
But I wanted a closer look so headed to the entrance and spent a couple of hours inside, walking and taking photographs. There's also a small exhibit showing Olympic posters from all over the world.
Be mesmerized by Plaka and the Acropolis
Later, I found my way through the narrow lanes of Plaka and up to the world-famous Acropolis. I’d bought a $10.80 (10 euros) single-entry ticket online a few days before arriving in Greece and this allowed me to walk straight through the gates. There are so many amazing temples and monuments to see, so dedicate as much time as you have to see it all. I had an entry time of 2pm and easily spent most of the afternoon walking alongside the Parthenon and mooching around inside the grounds.
The Parthenon |
Odeon of Hero des Atticus |
The areas throughout the Acropolis are well signposted and there’s lots of information in English as well as Greek. Running around the Acropolis is a pedestrianized area where you can also see other monuments such as the Library of Hadrian and the Temple of Hephaestus, so it’s worth returning if you have time.
Don't miss the Benaki Museum
To learn more about Greek Culture and to see some fascinating exhibitions I'd recommend the Benaki Museum on Koumbari St where you can easily spend half a day.
Costumes inside the Benaki Museum |
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