A city so rich in history and so underrated. To say that some buildings that have been there for years BC still make us dream to this day. The Acropolis, probably the landmark of Athens, dominates the city and you can see it from most corners of the city.
Before leaving for Greece, several people had advised me to spend only one day in Athens or even not to go there at all. After spending 2 days there, I am of the opposite opinion. There is so much to see in Athens and the atmosphere is so nice. So continue the article if you want to know more.
First, to get to Psyri from the airport, you can take a taxi for about 45€, but I recommend the metro instead for 9€. You have to take it in the direction of Nikaia until the Monastiraki stop. The metro runs every 30 minutes.
What to do in Athens
First start by buying the combined ticket at a cost of 30€, this way you will have access to 7 different sites for 5 consecutive days including the Acropolis. You can then walk through the streets of Psyri and admire the colorful alleys. The sites are all close to each other so you don't necessarily need a specific itinerary, but if you want to be strategic in your travels, here is an example of an itinerary.
Day 1
Hadrian's Gate
Olympus temple of Zeus
Panathenaic Stadium (5€, not included in the combined ticket, but you can see it very well from the outside)
Place Syntagma: for the changing which is done every hour.
Day 2
The ancient agora
Hadrian's Library
Acropolis Museum (10€, not included in the combined ticket, but highly recommended)
Acropolis
I advise you to visit the Acropolis at the end of the day in order to watch the sunset from the hill which is right next to it. The view is breathtaking.
Finally, walk down the streets of Psyri and shop for some wonderful souvenirs. You will discover special places without expecting them.
In the evening, take part in the Drunk Tour of Athens. You will then have the opportunity to meet lots of people who have also came to party and you will visit 3 clubs. These vary from day to day, but normally you have 1 shooter at the first, the second (Atic urban rooftop) offers you unlimited beers and sangria for 1 hour and finally, you will go to a bar with Dj to end the evening, all that for 20€. In my opinion, this is the best way to meet people when you arrive and to discover the lively places of the city.
Where to eat
In Greece, the best way to eat well is to stop whenever you want at gyros and souvlaki stands. You will then eat very well for less than 5€. Theikon grill house is a good option.
Finally, there are a lot of fancier restaurants if you want to treat yourself. Personally, I really liked Flint restaurant. The food is good and the staff is very welcoming, but the portions are rather small.
Where to go out
During my trip to Athens, I was surprised by the atmosphere that reigns in the streets. The bars are playing music all over town and everyone is partying. Note that most clubs close at 2 am.
Here are some options:
Boo-bar
Atic Urban Rooftop
Juan rodriguez
Ghost House: karaoke, entry €5 which includes 2 beers or 2 glasses of wine.
Dos gardenias: bar with Latin music, people dance in the street like in the movies. This one is my favorite.
Otherwise, you can just walk down the streets and go wherever you want.
Where to sleep
Several choices are available to you, but I recommend the Selina hostel, I am never disappointed with this chain of hostels and here you have a rooftop with a view of the Acropolis which is great and an incredible staff. You can book on hostelworld : https://hostelworld.prf.hn/click/camref:1100lri2H
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