What to Do in Athens in a Day

Ahh, Athens! The capital city of Greece. A city that connects the past to the present. A destination that yearns for rest and relaxation. A haven for tradition and virtue but also a place for pleasure and glee. There seems to be no other city quite like Athens. It's no wonder so many people go here when they can, be it for a vacation or even for a lifetime. But what is there to do here? What can you do in a day to really feel that you've explored the city? Well, here are a few suggestions you might fancy.

 

The Acropolis: A Must-See!

If you didn't go to the Acropolis, did you really go to Athens? For many people out there, ranging from historians and scholars to tourists with cameras handy, this ancient citadel is the number one reason to go to the Greek capital. It's a place you just know and feel has a ton of history, most of which helped shape the world the way it is today. Of course, there's the iconic Parthenon, arguably the defining monument of Greece similar to that of the Eiffel Tower for Paris or the Colosseum for Rome. One visit to this pillared relic and you'll finally understand what's so great about Athens. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Climb Up Mount Lycabettus

What is it with European cities and their hills and mountains? It seems most of them have at least one. Though there's no reason to complain, especially since these hills and mountains provide the perfect vantage point to really see the city in its essence. A landscape image that will stay etched in your mind. Here in Athens, such a spot exists in Mount Lycabettus. While most people will be busy going to Acropolis, climbing up this natural wonder will give you a view only a few have really appreciated. Get your camera phones or digital devices ready! You won't want to miss your shot from here! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

A Hike Up the Luscious Greeneries

Since you're already climbing up a mountain, what's stopping you from hiking through the luscious greeneries of the Greek capital? Athens is one of the very cities in Europe that combines an urban metropolis with a natural oasis. The reason this place continues to fascinate both locals and tourists alike is that it's as much in tune with nature as it is with human life. It's famous for its lively community, yes, but a good number of hills, trails, and gardens harken botanical bliss that's unseen in other cities of its kind. And for another benefit, a hike in Athens is a great way to keep fit! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Visit the Museums

It's already a well-known fact that Athens is one of those cities that's a paradise for historians. Anyone into history will want to visit or even live in the Greek capital to learn as much as one can. Fortunately, one doesn't have to go all "Indiana Jones" and look to the more rural parts of the city to discover its past. A good many museums here chronicle all of there is to know about Greece, such as the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum, and the Acropolis Museum, among many others. You can spend a whole day learning about the country in each and every one of them! 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Shop at the Markets

Compared to other European cities, it's a different kind of shopping that you ought to do here. Athens boasts a flurry of markets that sell the sweetest fruits, the most sumptuous vegetables, and the freshest produce in the continent. Try an apple that was freshly plucked and tastes as sweet as a kiss from a goddess herself with every bite. Invest in a few fish—wrapped in newspaper, of course!—that was just caught this morning and will make for a fine feast later that same evening. Or perhaps a few Greek delicacies will be enough to tantalize your taste buds for the rest of the day? 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

A Foodie Trip of Athens

Speaking of Greek delicacies, markets aren't the only places you'll find them! Athens has its fair share of culinary hotspots as well, each putting its own spin on the hearty cuisine of the country. You'll find that the hip areas of Plaka and Koukaki are congregations of both well-established businesses and family-owned taverns, offering a foodie trip you won't find in the likes of Paris, London, and Rome. It's here where you'll taste the true flavor of the Mediterranean, the spices that fascinate the world over, and the passion enthused in their preparation. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Go to The Theatre

If you ever wanted to watch a real-life Greek tragedy, visiting Athens is one of your very few chances to do so. Here, in the world-famous Odeon of Herodes Atticus, locals still put on plays akin to those their ancestors did in ancient times. You won't find a happy face or sad face mask, per se, but what you will witness is a centuries-long tradition that laid out the foundation of modern theatre that people know and enjoy today. Relive the classic stories you learned back in school during Literature class and finally understand the emotion and intensity behind such long-standing tales. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

 

Only spending a day in Athens wouldn't be a waste if you know what you want to do here. Fortunately, the Greek capital is a city that satisfies diverse tastes, ranging from learning more about history to filling up stomachs with delicious Mediterranean dishes. 

If you have more time to spare here, you're better off choosing a luxury Athens apartment as your accommodation. There's nothing wrong with luxuriating here a bit. Many people do!