Exploring Athens Greece: A Beautiful Blend of Ancient and Modern Culture

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Athens, Greece is a city where ancient history and modern vibrancy seem to coexist. With its rich culture, iconic landmarks, and lively neighborhoods, Athens is a destination that leaves a lasting impression on every traveler. As a history nerd, when we arrived in Athens I was instantly energized.

A Glimpse into History

Athens may be the capital of Greece, but it’s often considered the birthplace of Western civilization. The current site of the city of Athens has been inhabited since before 3000 BCE. It has bear witness of many, many periods of control from Roman rule, Byzantine influence, and Ottoman occupation. You’ve learned of the greats of Socrates, Plato, Pericles and other defining characters of history. What you may remember is that they all lived and worked in Athens. As one of the world’s oldest cities, I felt like I was constantly learning something new while I was visiting the city.

Dominating the skyline of Athens is the iconic Acropolis landmark; home to the Parthenon – a symbol of classical Greece. Among the ancient ruins, you’ll come across original buildings but you’ll also see reconstructed structures, like the Temple of Athena Nike. Don’t miss the Acropolis Museum to really understand the history and what you’ll be seeing during your visit.

Modern Athens

When you learn of Athens in history class, it’s all about Ancient Athens. Truthfully, I didn’t give much thought of modern Athens. I was shocked to see the dynamic metropolis that you see today. Most neighborhoods are a blend of the old and new, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and tavernas. We stayed in Monastiraki neighborhood but if a more contemporary vibe is your preferenece, Psiri and Koukaki neighborhoods have a more vibrant nightlife.

Travel to Athens

Flights

Luckily, Athens is an international airport (ATH) and has direct flights from many different locations. If you’re in the United States, you can fly direct from Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Philadelphia (PHL), and Atlanta (ATL). Munich (MUC) and Frankfurt (FRA) are ideal European layover locations as they also fly directly into Athens. If you’ve never booked international flights and are a bit hesitant, check out 10 steps to planning a trip to relieve some of the stress.

Cheaper Flight Tip

If Athens is just one of the many cities you plan on visiting during your European getaway, I’d suggest Athens being in the middle of your itinerary. I’d usually encourage European travel via trains, but geographically,  Athens is not located close to other major destinations.

Luckily, flights from European cities to other European cities are usually cost efficient, and the quickest way to get to Athens from majority of other European cities. Similar to how the USA has budget airlines like Frontier and Spirit, Europe has RyanAir and EasyJet. These are great options for study abroad students who can pack light for the flight.

If you have more luggage on your trip, Aegean airlines is the Greek airline that you may want to look into. 

Public Transportation

In 2004, Athens was the host of the summer Olympics and it sparked a modern upgrade to the city. The Athens Metro is a great way to get around the city and is a budget-friendly option. A three-day tourist ticket is ~$20 and it includes a round trip from the airport plus unlimited travel for all public modes of transportation.

Realistically, you’ll want to walk to most places to take in the sights, but public transportation is always a great option to have on the busy walking days.

Best time to visit

Similar to Mykonos, consider visiting in Spring or fall. These seasons will still have nicer weather, without being too hot. Spring and fall should also have fewer crowds, allowing a more enjoyable experience in the city.

Where to Stay

I spent hours researching Athens, Greece and where we’d want to stay our last few nights of our Europe trip. There were a few great neighborhoods that I’ll list, but ultimately we decided to stay in Monastiraki.

Monastiraki

Not only is Monastiraki one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, but it’s also in the heart of the city. Monastiraki is where the modern era meets the historical era. The perfect blend of architecture and cultures all while under the shadow of the Acropolis. We decided to stay at the Many Blue Slow Living, and we would stay there again.

The location is walkable to the Acropolis, rooftop bars overlooking the Acropolis, a metro station with direct line to the airport, and last but not least: Lukamdaes. I’ll explain what that is in the food portion of this post. Another accommodation we considered had acropolis views! There’s also plenty of budget friendly accommodations, like this one bedroom apartment and this highly rated hotel for under $100 a night (off-season)!

Plaka

For a charming and historic stay, Plaka is the ideal choice. This picturesque neighborhood nestled beneath the Acropolis, offers cobblestone streets, neoclassical buildings, and easy access to top attractions. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore Athens on foot while enjoying traditional tavernas, cozy cafes, and boutique shops. What’s even better about Athens is how generally speaking, it’s budget friendly. An Acropolis view suite, or the beautiful Phadera hotel are in fantastic locations and offer deals that hard to beat.

Syntagma

If you want to be in the heart of the city, Syntagma is a great choice. Home to Athens’ central square and major landmarks like the Greek Parliament, this area is well-connected by public transport. You’ll find luxury hotels, fine dining, and upscale shopping, making it an excellent choice for convenience and elegance. As it’s considered an upscale area, the hotels aren’t for those balling on a budget. If you’re looking to splurge, Amalia Hotel Athens is relatively inexpensive, while the InnAthens includes breakfast.

Kolonaki

For a more upscale and sophisticated experience, Kolonaki is the place to stay. This stylish district is known for its designer boutiques, trendy restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a cosmopolitan atmosphere and want to be near museums, galleries, and cultural attractions. Athens Flair is a stunning hotel that offers airport shuttles if you don’t want to take public transport. However, this deal is the best I’ve seen for an indoor Jacuzzi in your room!

Psiri

If you’re looking for a hip and artsy neighborhood, Psiri is a fantastic choice. Known for its street art, buzzing nightlife, and trendy bars, it’s a favorite among younger travelers and creatives. This area is also within walking distance of many historical sites, making it both fun and convenient. I enjoy staying at a boutique hotel when we can, and Ederlezi Boutique Hotel is the ideal hotel for a stay in Psiri..

Koukaki

Koukaki offers a quieter and more local experience while still being close to the Acropolis and major attractions. This neighborhood has a relaxed, authentic feel with charming cafes, independent shops, and a mix of modern and traditional accommodations. It’s ideal for those looking to experience a less touristy side of Athens. Enjoy this dreamy view of the Acropolis during your stay.

Where to Eat & Drink in Athens

Pax Burgers

I know this is a bold recommendation in the land of Tzatziki, and I promise I will mention Greek cuisine. This is for the Americans that are at the part of their trips where they’re craving a piece of home – this is the place to go. We were on day 16 of our Europe trip when we arrived in Athens, and we were desperate for a burger. Pax Burgers was high quality and great location in Monastiraki.

Tylixto Gyros

We only ate in the neighborhood we were staying in, and that was fine by us because the Monastiraki neighborhood has quality restaurants. Tylixto Gyros was fresh and filling. A gyro was a perfect on-the-go snack for our walk to the acropolis.

Lukumades

I promised I’d explain was lukumades is. Lukumades is a greek version of a donut, and the Lukumades restaurant takes this dessert to a new level. They’ve taken the original greek dessert, kept the same recipe, but elevated the options with different flavors and pairings. Top your lukamades with something savory or sweet to complete the Greek dessert to your liking.

City Zen

Truthfully, we headed to City Zen for the views. This rooftop bar has a clear view of the Acropolis, and we timed our reservation to watch the colorful sunset set over the city. While we didn’t eat here, I can attest that the drinks were excellent and the staff was lovely. We spent our last night on this trip taking in the stunning skies and the view of Athens, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for this trip. 

What to do in Athens

The Acropolis of Athens

One of the world’s most famous landmarks, I’ve mentioned it already in this post as it’s a defining symbol of this ancient city. The entrance line can get quite long; I recommend skip the line tour. A guided tour is also a great choice. Don’t forget to spend time at the Acropolis Museum!

Hike up to Mount Lycabettus

There’s a tram you can take up, but there’s no views during the tram ride. A hike up to the top gives you a great way to start a day with some exercise and to take in the sites the whole way up.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is considered one of the greatest museums in the world. It houses the the richest collection of Greek antiquity artifacts in the world, and contain artifacts from a variety of archaeological locations.

Monastiraki Neighborhood

If you don’t end up staying in the Monastiraki neighborhood, make time to walk this way to view the area, indulge in the cuisine, and take in the culture. Lukamades can be found here too: a perfect pick me up!

Plaka Neighborhood

Plaka is another vibrant neighborhood that is a must-visit for its charming blend of history, culture, and vibrant local life. Found at the foot of the Acropolis, its winding streets are lined with quaint cafes, family-run spots serving authentic cuisine, and souvenir shops. Strolling through this neighborhood you’ll see glimpses of the past mixed with a lively atmosphere of live musicians.

Athens is more than its ancient landmarks; it’s a city alive with culture, flavors, and a welcoming spirit. Whether you’re marveling at historical sites, enjoying local delicacies, or exploring vibrant neighborhoods, Athens offers an unforgettable experience that blends the past and present seamlessly.

Pack your curiosity and appetite, and let Athens enchant you with its timeless allure.