Top 5 Attractions in Athens

Although the idea of starting a blog has always been in my mind, it was actually during my trip to Greece when I decided to stop procrastinating and take action. This is indeed the first story I share, my first post, and much more are coming in the future. I wish you to enjoy it.

Since I studied Classical Culture in my high school time, more than 20 years ago, I always dreamt to gaze the actual cradle of civilisation. Although I did not have much time to visit a lot of places, it was fair enough to absolutely enjoy Athens. Here it is my top 5 places.

Date of the visit: April 2019

Acropolis

The symbol of both the city and the country. Since you get close to the hill, it actually smells like being on the ancient times.

As soon as they enter the enclosure, the traveler is immersed in a trip to the past. The heat, plus the Mediterranean climate, plus the environment makes visitors feel part of Classical Greece, imagining what life could be like for those who did live that time.

From the entrance, you will immediately meet with the Parthenon, a million times seen in photos, but much more spectacular in real, as well as the Erecteion and its famous Porch of Caryatids, where it is said that Pericles used to give speeches about democracy. The views of the city are also amazing. It is doubtlessly the attraction number one.

**Acropolis as seen from the ancient agora.**

**Panoramic view of Athens from Acropolis.**

Museum of Acropolis

Recently opened, it is located right at the foot of the Acropolis hill. It actually contains actual sculptures that once were part of the Parthenon.

In the first and second floor, there are antiques, ornaments, pottery and art pieces that were all found in the Acropolis. It is very interesting to read the explanation and meaning of every art image, on regards to the old traditions. If you like mythology, this is definitely your place.

**Original Sculptures found in Acropolis.**

Up in the third (and last) floor, there is a panoramic cafe, a shop, and an interactive video, where the visitor will be shown how the Parthenon actually looked like in the past. It is about 10 minutes long, and shown in both, English and Greek languages with subtitles.

To end the visit, I recommend to drink a coffee outside (if weather conditions are good). You will be able to enjoy an exceptional view of the Acropolis.

Ancient Agora

Located next to the Acropolis, it is the ideal place to walk and relax, as well as, in my opinion, the best place in the city to experience a trip to Antiquity.

In the past it was the neuralgic centre of the city, and today you can still see traces of several public buildings that were part of this place.

Among them, the most significant is the Temple of Hephaestus, due to the fact of being on a hill located, as well as its excellent state of conservation.

It is probably the best place to see the Acropolis. It is also a perfect place to rest and recharge before continuing to visit the city.

Also, the Stoa of Attalos, a building completely restored in the last century, which currently houses the Agora Museum, really grabs attention.

It is curious, that this area was unbelievable buried until the mid-nineteenth century, in fact, the excavations still remain today.

Panathenaic Stadium

This complex is really unique, due to the fact that is restored based on how it really looked in the ancient times, as well as it is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.

The measurements are not standard if compared with the contemporary stadiums, but it is perfect to imagine a recreation about how the races and spectacles were carried out in the past.

It was fully refurbished and restored for the 1896 Olympic Games, for it was the main venue. It also held the archery competition during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. All this in an environment surrounded by cypresses, trees so characteristic of Mediterranean countries.

Aegina

I chose to visit the island of Aegina due to the fact that I was previously recommended by a Greek friend, and the experience was absolutely worth.

It takes around 45 minutes to arrive using the fast service ferry from Piraeus. Once there, you will be able to see a traditional Mediterranean village with a beautiful skyline, as well as the classical harbour for fishermen where nowadays they still sell freshly caught fish.

On the other side of the island, it lies the tiny village of Agia Marina. It is possible to reach there by bus (see in the link below information about it). There is a beach, but the best attraction is the Temple of Aphaia. It was honoured to the homonymous goddess and was built in the 500 BC. Located on the top of a hill, the temple and the views are both amazing.

In the souvenir shop at the exit, I bought a beautiful Greek vase, in the old style, and with the stamp of the archaeological museum. Few times in life do you have the opportunity to acquire a document in such a valuable place.

Besides the tourism, the economy of the island is also sustained based on the production of pistachio. Every shop in the island is selling pistachio bags produced there.

As it is not really a place for mass tourism, the traveler experiences the authentic Mediterranean atmosphere.

In short, Athens is a fundamental place on any traveling map. It is the cradle of Western civilization and therefore should be a must for all those who love both travel and culture.

Useful Information

It is possible to visit the most interesting points just walking. However, to go to Piraeus, you will need to use public transport. I recommend metro, the line 1 (green) ends at the harbour.

From the airport, the train ticket costs 10 € one way. They can be directly purchased at the box office. For further information about transport, you can check:

https://www.athenstransport.com/english