Updated: Mar 21, 2020
In the heart of Athens lies the most spectacular treasure trove of human history. This should definitely be the #1 spot on your travel destination, bucket list.
Where to Stay in Athens
Hotel
Hotel Grande Bretagne
This is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Athens and across the street from Parliament. It puts you just few steps from all the major ancient Greek sites.
We used our Chase Sapphire credit card points to stay at this pricy hotel.
Airbnb
My best friend stayed in this adorable condo in downtown Athens for 3 nights at $300.
Transportation From Airport to Hotel
To take a taxi to the airport and back is a flat rate of $38 Euros. Bring cash because most of the taxi drivers do not accept credit cards. You will notice that most taxis are not the typical NYC fords that Americans are used to, but a fancier Mercedes-Benz style. I need to buy a Mercedes-Benz in Europe, because they must get unbelievable deals. lol
We did everything on foot and only took a taxi from the airport and back. Also, they drive on the right side of the road just like they do in America, so that’s a plus.
Parliament
Our hotel was across the street from Parliament. If you are there on a Sunday, you can also watch changing of the guards.
Across the street from Parliament seemed to be a popular hang out spot in the evening time with the locals in front of the waterfall. People will hang out on the stairs while local musicians play music.
Breakfast/Lunch
We started off everyday with yummy street bread. I would say it’s equal to an American bagel. 2 for $1 Euro
Shopping at the Monastiraki Flea Market
*** Do not let anyone put a bracelet on your wrist even if they say it’s free. They will try to make you buy it once you accept the bracelet. Nothing is free in life. My husband found out the hard way. He is just too damn nice. We are now proud owners of a “Jamaican” bracelet ***
We headed on foot to the local flea market in Greece. This is where you can find the best souvenirs for the best prices. Negotiate Negotiate Negotiate!
T-shirts for $5 Euros is the standard price.
These head bands can go for $5 Euros to $1.50 Euros. Keep searching until you find them for $1.50 deep within the market.
Looking for an Instagram spot? Visit Little Kook
It’s always fun to run into your best friend at the flea market.
In the main area there is 4 story toy store!
An entire floor is dedicated to boys.
An entire floor is dedicated to girls.
On the outside of the flea market they have typical stores we have in America. I’m sad to say, but the prices seem to be equal to American prices.
Mitropolis Athens Cathedral (Free)
Across the street is the most beautiful church. A lot of the churches in Athens do not allow pictures, but this church will let you take as many as you want. It’s absolutely breathtaking.
Hadrian’s Library – (included in combo ticket)
This famous library was built in 132 AD by the Roman emperor Hadrian and was named after him. This is located just a few steps from the flea market and shopping area.
This is where we bought the combination tickets for $30 euros, which includes a majority of the ancient sites in Athens for up to 5 days. You are only allowed into each ancient site one time. It’s the perfect package for all your site seeing needs.
Savvas -Gyros
Only a few steps from our hotel, this restaurant is on point. We asked around Athens and this place was hands down everyone’s favorite. After sharing a meal for two that could feed an army, I would have to say it’s my favorite spot in Athens. The only important thing missing from this picture was the pita bread that you eat with the meat. Delish.
You can even buy a bottle of Zoinos at the restaurant for $7 Euros. Let’s just say we were feeling really good when we left. This bottle goes for about $7 Euros in the flea market.
Acropolis of Athens- (included in combo ticket)
This is the most famous ancient site in Athens. It contains several ancient buildings located above the city. It requires a bit of hiking to reach the summit, but is totally worth the trek. Once you reach the top, you get to see a breath taking view of the entire city and a couple of the most beautiful temples Greece has to offer.
The sight is massive and teams are working day and night to restore it to its former beauty.
Mars Hill/Areopagus- (included in combo ticket)
Located on the northwestern side of the Acropolis, a few yards from the entrance, lies this relic in history. This is where Paul the Apostle shared the good news to the Jews and Gentiles, that Jesus Christ was resurrected. He saw a city that was “given over to false idols” and taught them about an unknown God that loved them and sent His Son to save and redeem them to Himself. This hill is important to Christians, because many people heard the gospel and were saved on this hill.
Acts 17:16-33
Acts 17:19
Acts 19:20
Acts 17:22-33
Roman Agora (Market)- (included in combo ticket)
Ancient Roman market place where St. Paul spoke about the gospel.
Ancient Agora- (included in combo ticket)
This was the hub in Greek culture, the social, political and commercial “meeting place” of the day. There is temples to the various Greek gods surround Agora.
We loved seeing all the cute turtles hanging out around the ancient sites.
Temple of Hephaestus @ Ancient Agora (included in combo ticket)
This temple is in excellent condition. It is one of my favorites, because no imagination is needed. You can get a feel of what it was like to live during Roman times.
Church @ Ancient Agora- (included in combo ticket)
The church is absolutely beautiful and worth a few minutes of your time.
Museum Ancient Agora @ Ancient Agora (included in combo ticket)
This museum is a classic Greek building that has been restored. It’s absolutely breathtaking. This museum is loaded with ancient artifacts.
Acropolis Museum- $12 Euros
This is a massive museum and 100% worth the money. I suggest you go to the museum before going to the ancient sites. Everything will make more sense if you go here first. We went on a rainy day because we wanted an indoor activity.
**The line was over 2 hour long. We decided to go online to order our tickets and we were able to skip the line.**
Lunch at the Acropolis Museum
We had lunch at the Museum to escape the rain. We were able to enjoy an amazing view of the Acropolis.
We enjoyed a greek sandwich and bread.
I was finally able to try a Greek Cappuccino. I always see the Greeks drinking this coffee, and I was so excited to get to try it. I 100% loved it.
Do not forget your tickets give you access to under the museum, where you will see ancient houses. You have to exit the museum to get to this area.
Temple of Olympian Zeus- (included in combo ticket)
Make sure you take one of these popular Instagram pictures.
Arch of Hadrian- Free
Panathenaic Stadium- $10 Euros
Once inside you can become an Olympic Champion
or you can become royalty.
Metropoleos 3
Itching for Greek food with a twist. This is the place for you. We asked around and locals love their gyros.
National Gardens & Zappeio-Free
The National Gardens has an amazing playground for kids.
A small zoo.
Eat lunch at this adorable cafe in the gardens.
And a payphone which is perfect for Instagram pictures.
My top 2 things to try in Greece.
#1- Greek Coffee
#2- Moussaka -Greek Casserole
I hope you enjoyed my blog and I hope I gave you at least a few ideas that will help you on your next vacation to Athens. Ya mas!
Check out this blog post for additional reading:
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