Bottom line
Few places can boast the rich tapestry of history, culture, and cuisine that Athens, Greece does. Even though I only had a couple of days to soak it all in, my whirlwind tour of Athens was nothing short of breathtaking. My Athens, Greece vacation included visits to the Philopappos Hill, Acropolis of Athens, the Roman Agora, the Ancient Agora, and neighborhoods, like Ancient Plaka and Ermou Street.
Historical sites
Arriving in Athens in the afternoon, my adventure began almost immediately. I shook off the travel fatigue and wandered up the Philopappos Hill after a large meal at the famous O Thanasis taverna in Monastiriki Square. I wasn’t sure what to expect as walking up the hill was spontaneous and simply an attempt to walk off some of the food I had just eaten. But the hill rewarded me with its ancient monument that stood as a testament to time and a panoramic view of Athens and the iconic Acropolis. This ancient world and its quiet grandeur unfolded before me under the setting sun, setting the tone for the following days.
View of the Acropolis of Athens and Athens from Philopappos Hill
Day two began early, as I joined a guided tour via Viator to explore the Acropolis and the accompanying Acropolis Museum. As I walked the well-worn paths of the ancient Greeks, the wealth of history that surrounded me was overwhelming. The tour guide’s in-depth knowledge and captivating storytelling brought life to the marble ruins, making the tour an invaluable part of the experience. While I generally avoid guided tours, I found this intimate walking tour, which felt almost like a private walking tour, to be indispensable in gaining a deeper understanding of the history behind the beautiful architectures.
The Acropolis of Rhodes
After basking in the majestic history of the Acropolis, I ventured on my own into Ancient Plaka, wandered through the brief but memorable Roman Agora, and spent a significant amount of time in the Ancient Agora. Each location, with its unique character and historical background, offered a new perspective on Athenian life and culture.
The Ancient Agora. “Agora” means “gathering place” or “assembly”.
Apart from the historic sites, the city pulsed with life at Monastiraki Square and along the bustling Ermou Street, which I particularly enjoyed for its street performers and opportunity for people-watching. I also enjoyed strolling through the charming neighborhoods of Ancient Plaka and Anafioka, each with its labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, where I was surrounded by picturesque old houses, vibrant bougainvillea, and the delightful smells of Greek cuisine wafting through the air from nearby cafés and tavernas.
Tastes of Athens
However, the journey wasn’t just through the sights, but through the tastes as well. Greek cuisine was a part of my trip that I was looking forward to, and while it didn’t quite hit the high notes that cuisine in some Asian cities does for me, it was enjoyable nonetheless. I had a list of dishes I wanted to sample, including Loukoumades (Greek donuts with honey or some other sweet sauce), Saganaki (a type of fried cheese), Greek yogurt, the ubiquitous Gyro and Souvlaki, and the traditional Greek salad. Each of these dishes added a new dimension to my Athenian experience.
Loukoumades (Greek donuts) with pistachio praline and sweet cream was a highlight of my culinary Greek adventure.
Despite not being the highlight of my trip, the food in Athens definitely had its moments. The city’s historical grandeur, bustling streets, and distinct dishes all played a role in creating a unique adventure. A quick sprint through Athens is no easy feat, but it was a challenge that I found worthwhile. Even though I had limited time, I managed to take in a good deal of what this ancient city has to offer, and would certainly consider doing it all over again.