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]]>Combined Ticket
The tickets for the Acropolis are best bought in advance, and the official Hellenic Heritage website offers two types of tickets. One of them will set you back by €20, but it only covers the Acropolis and the slopes, so it’s better to pay €10 extra for a combined ticket.
This ticket also includes admission to some of Athens’ most significant historic sites, including Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos, Aristotle’s School [Lyceum], Olympieion, and Roman Agora, and you’ll have five days since the first entrance to explore them.
Early Bird
Acropolis opens its doors at 8 a.m., and the earlier you are there, the better. This is a great way to beat the crowds, avoid the heat, and enjoy this historic site to the fullest. Going there in the evening is also an option, but you won’t get to see too much if you’re there too close to the closing time.
Dress Accordingly
Acropolis doesn’t come with a specific dress code, but it’s highly recommended to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes and consider putting on sunscreen and wearing a hat during warmer seasons.
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]]>Aegina
If you’re in the mood for a hustle-free day trip that doesn’t require a long ride, consider checking out the island of Aegina, best known for its beautiful beaches and the ancient Temple of Aphaia.
Corinth
The Ancient Corinth is connected to many Greek and Roman myths and legends, and you can explore it during your visit to Athens because it’s located in close proximity to the Greek capital.
Hydra
The charming island of Hydra offers one of the most unique day trip experiences near Athens. It owes its peaceful allure to the fact that it’s completely car-free, and you can enjoy its cobblestone streets and traditional architecture during your visit.
Mycenae
Mycenae has been described as a city “rich in gold” in Homer’s legendary poems, and you can witness the history of this ancient civilization first-hand while in Greece.
Delphi
If you have enough time on your hands for a three-hour ride, a visit to Delphi is a must! This archaeological site is inviting you to delve into Greek history and mythology and it’s home to many well-preserved ruins, including the Temple of Apollo.
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]]>The Acropolis
An absolute must-see, and the image most people have when they think of Athens, this ancient site is one of the most prestigious in the world. The most famous ancient structure here is the Parthenon, the temple built for the goddess Athena who was the patron deity of Athens, but there are several other foundations and buildings, some of which date as far back as 570 BCE. As well as the ancient sites, take in the view of the modern city from the flat rock that the Acropolis sits on. Be warned, striking out for the top in the heat of the midday sun is to be avoided. Get there early or enjoy an evening stroll around the ruins to soak up the atmosphere without getting sunstroke.
The Acropolis Museum
Once you’ve seen the Acropolis, head to its museum which houses many of the precious artefacts which have been found around the ancient sites by archaeologists. These include some beautiful marble statues, coins, offerings to the goddess Athena and other deities, and some stunning mosaics. The museum also has a lovely café, where you can get a refreshment if all the history is proving a little much.
Plaka
Visit the neighborhood of Plaka, situated beneath the hillside on which the Acropolis sits. Walk through its winding streets, visit its tiny jewelry shops, stop for an espresso or ouzo, and just enjoy the relaxed vibe of this gem. You can even catch an al fresco movie, at the Cine Paris, to go with your evening meal at one of the delightful tavernas.
Athens can sometimes be forgotten, as visitors flock to the islands of Greece with their azure seas and pristine sands. But don’t overlook the capital—whether you use it as a base from which to explore other parts of Greece, or if you book a long weekend, you are sure to have a fantastic and fascinating stay in this ancient place.
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]]>Athens, Greece
One city that deserves a top spot on your bucket list is Athens, Greece. Known as the cradle of Western civilization, Athens boasts iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Wander through the ancient ruins and immerse yourself in the birthplace of democracy.
Rome, Italy
Another must-visit destination is Rome, Italy. With its impressive ruins, such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, Rome offers a glimpse into the glory of the mighty Roman Empire. Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the historic center, enjoy mouthwatering Italian cuisine, and toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain for good luck.
(@gmarcod91)Istanbul, Turkey
Don’t forget about Istanbul, Turkey, a city that straddles Europe and Asia. With its blend of Eastern and Western influences, Istanbul mesmerizes visitors with its stunning mosques, bustling bazaars, and enchanting palaces.
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]]>The post Journey Through Time in These Charming Ancient European Cities appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Athens, Greece
Athens is widely considered to be the cradle of Western civilization. Today, it stands proudly as one of not just Europe’s oldest cities, but one of the oldest cities in the world, dating back 3,400 years. Visitors can explore the Acropolis, an ancient citadel and home to the magnificent Parthenon, to feel as if they’ve gone back in time while taking in views of Greece’s modern-day capital. Afterward, take a walk through the Agora and visit the National Archaeological Museum.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
One of Europe’s oldest cities is also one of its best-kept secrets. Plovdiv is an 8,000 year old city located in southern Bulgaria, and its rich history and fascinating landmarks make it an ideal destination for history lovers and adventure travelers alike. At the center of Plovdiv is an ancient Roman amphitheater, which still functions as a space for theater and concerts. Also worth a visit is the Kapana creative district, a quaint, yet trendy neighborhood marked by its cobblestone streets and specialty shops.
Lisbon, Portugal
As Europe’s second oldest city, Lisbon offers a unique balance of ancient charm and modern flair. Most notable among its historic buildings is the imposing Castelo de São Jorge, a castle built by the Moors in 1050. The city’s Alfama neighborhood, which was established in the 8th century, is now a hub of shops and cafes, as well as the iconic no. 28 passenger tram.
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]]>The post Check Out These Lesser-Known Museums in Athens, Greece appeared first on Traveler Dreams.
]]>Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art is dedicated to celebrating the distinctive and unique style of sculpture created in the Cycladic islands from the fourth millennium BCE to the second millennium BCE. These simple and beautiful figurative forms are truly captivating, inspiring titans of modern art such as Modigliani, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Giacometti, and more. You will soon see why!
Byzantine and Christian Museum
The Byzantine and Christian Museum houses a collection of over 25,000 artworks and artefacts related to religious life in Greece. This treasure trove of early Christian iconography, frescos, and heirlooms is one of the most impressive in the world.
The Jewish Museum of Greece
The Jewish Museum of Greece is an important tribute to more than 2,000 years of Jewish life in Greece and how most of that life was extinguished during the Holocaust. Learn about little-known Greek Jewish culture and traditions through the diverse permanent collection, photo archive, and video testimonies.
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(@aurelielili_travels)The History
The birthplace of philosophy, democracy, arts, and more, Athens has a mind-blowingly vast history. The city is renowned for its array of 5th-century BC landmarks, the most famous being the Acropolis which perches dramatically atop a rocky crag. Walk in the footsteps of Socrates, marvel at the classical art in the National Archaeological Museum, and take a stroll through the Roman Agora.
The Food
From souvlaki to spanakopita, Athens has a culinary scene that any foodie will love. To eat like a real Athenian and experience truly authentic Greek cuisine, head to Diporto by the central market. With no sign and no menu, you’ll eat what you’re given and wash it down with generous carafes of local wine. Yamas!
The Vibes
Athens is an undeniably cool city. Head to the chic neighborhood of Monastiraki and you’ll find young Greeks sharing meze, conversation, and plenty of ouzo until the early hours of the morning. With an unpretentious feel, heaps of street art, and cafes on every corner, the vibrant nightlife of Athens feels anything but ancient. Be prepared to stay up late!
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]]>Stavros Niarchos Park
This green space is made up of a few tree-lined trails, perfect for jogging and cycling, leading to a vast central park that is ideal for picnics, football games, and yoga. Check out the schedule for free yoga classes and outdoor movie nights, as well as other events taking place at the adjoining Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.
Diomedes Botanical Garden
Just a short metro ride from the city center will take you to Diomedes Botanical Park. This is the Eastern Mediterranean’s largest botanical garden, where you can see the ivy dedicated to the god of wine Dionysus among other famous plants from Greek mythology.
National Garden and the Zappeion
The National Garden was originally built as a walled royal garden in the early 1800s and is now a beloved Athenian park. The greenery can be a bit wild, but the tall palms and dark thickets provide a rare shady treat in the summer months.
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]]>Bring Your Student Card
The majority of the historical sights in Athens offer free entry for students. If you have one, make sure that you remember to bring your student card.
Avoid Taking Taxis
Like many cities in Europe, Athens is particularly notorious for taxi scams. Where possible, get the bus or the metro. If a taxi driver tells you the metro’s closed, check on your phone first because it’s a popular tourist scam.
Get an Air BnB on the Outskirts of Town
Air BnBs are a great way to experience the charm of local culture. If you’re on a budget, stay just a little outside the city center. You’ll get more for your money and you may even get those fabulous Parthenon views.
Free Walking Tour
Athens boasts some of the most informative free walking tours in Europe. Not only will you learn a ton about ancient Athens, you’ll also learn the best place to get authentic Gyros and what tourist traps to avoid.
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]]>Taverne Klimataria
A beautiful tavern which is located just near the Greek capital central marketplace. It is operating in the same location since 1925—a fact that the lovely owner Maria takes great pride in. The main specialty is homemade food, including roasting big chunks of meat in clay pots for long hours. The result is absolutely amazing. On the weekend, you can listen to live music as well.
Address: Pl. Theatrou 2, Athens 105 52
Opening Hours: Every day from 12pm to 2am
To Triantafyllo tis Nostimias
With some enjoyable sights of the Greek National History Museum (Old Parliament), this place offers dishes of Greek and Mediterranean cuisines. Here you will find great grilled sardine, calamari and grilled salads with great service.
Address: Lekka 22, Athens 105 62
Opening hours: Every day from 12pm to 9pm
Stamatopoulou Palia Plakiotiki Taverne
At the heart of the old city not far from the Acropolis, you will find this nice tavern. The menu offers a big selection of fresh and grilled salads and some of the classic Greek cuisine. Around 9pm the action starts with some live music, which you are invited to dance to between one glass of traditional Ouzo to another.
Address: Lisiou 26, Athens 105 58
Opening hours: Every day from 12pm to 1am
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