Welcome to Athens, the Cradle of Western Civilization!

Athens is one of the world’s great cities. After all, it has 3,000 years of history and culture. Yet, for some reason, many travelers skip Athens and go directly to the Greek Islands. In my view, this is a big mistake you might regret. Athens is definitely worth visiting and should not be skipped.

Like Rome, Athens is an open-air museum. A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3 km pedestrian zone, one of the largest in Europe. I love pedestrian zones. They make it so much nicer to walk around a city without worrying about cars.

Athens beautifully marries the ancient with the modern. Walking through its streets, you’ll find yourself surrounded by ancient monuments next to modern restaurants. It’s a city with an astonishing number of cultural attractions, historical monuments, exquisite gastronomy, marvelous hotels, fantastic nightlife, and magnificent beaches.

Where to Stay

I recommend staying in Plaka, the historic heart of Athens. With charming narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and its proximity to major historic sites, you'll be right in the middle of the action.

Luxury Options:

1. Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens -holds a prime location along the Athens Riviera, providing ocean views while remaining just a short drive from all the city's major attractions. It also sits on 75 private acres, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a bit of solitude. 

2. Hotel Grande Bretagne - A landmark hotel with luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and a rooftop restaurant that provides a breathtaking panorama of the city. Hotel Grande Bretagne. landmark right in the heart of the city that celebrates 150 years of history this year,

3. AthensWas Luxury Hotel is located in an absolutely perfect location on Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian street. It's just a few steps away from the Acropolis Museum, the sacred Acropolis Hill, and Plaka (Old Town). Also, they have an incredible rooftop restaurant with one of the best views of the Acropolis.

Mid-Level Options:

1. Ava Hotel & Suites - This boutique hotel in Plaka offers spacious suites with kitchenettes, which are ideal for a longer stay.

2. Herodion Hotel - A comfortable and stylish option just a short walk from the Acropolis Museum.

3. Plaka Hotel - Located in the heart of Plaka, this hotel offers clean and cozy rooms with easy access to all major sites.

How Long to Stay

I recommend visiting Athens for three to four days to see all the sights. This allows you to explore the major attractions, discover hidden gems, and take day trips to nearby sites.

Best Time of Year to Visit

The ideal time to visit Athens is from late March to early June and from September to early November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, the skies are clear, and the tourist crowds are smaller, making for perfect photography conditions. From June to August in Athens, you will have a lot more crowds at the Acropolis and unpleasantly hot weather.

Getting Around the City

Athens is well-connected by an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, and the metro. For more convenience, services like Uber and Bolt are available. Walking is also a great way to explore the city's narrow streets and discover hidden corners. Athens is a walkable city. If you enjoy slowly taking in the sights and popping in and out of shops and cafes, this is the way to go. You never know what you may find along the way.

Where to Eat

Greek cuisine is one of the most delicious cuisines in the world. Greece is a country rich in tasty and unique foods, and eating is a large part of the culture, as well. So visiting without trying a wide variety of the foods would be to miss out on a major part of the culture and history of Greece.

Foods You Must Eat and Drink in Greece

• Moussaka—Moussaka is an eggplant and ground meat casserole topped with a thick, creamy layer of bechamel sauce. Sometimes, it’s made with potato or zucchini instead of eggplant.

• Fava: Fava is not, as one might assume, made of fava beans. Fava is made of split yellow peas and resembles a bright yellow hummus. It’s served with lemon, onions, olive oil, and parsley.

• Saganaki -If you like cheese, you’re going to fall in love with saganaki. We ended up ordering it as a starter before almost every meal. 

• Tzatziki: A Greek menu staple, tzatziki sauce is a creamy, tangy cucumber dip made with Greek yogurt that accompanies souvlaki, pita bread, dolmades, keftedes, and other dishes.

• Dolmades: Dolmades are stuffed grape leaves. They are one of the most delicious Greek foods. They are usually made with rice and aromatic herbs, though some versions may be made with meat.

• Greek Salad: Yes, I know, you’ve had a Greek Salad before, but you probably haven’t had it prepared the “right” way — how the Greeks prepare it. A traditional Greek salad (also called Horiatiki) includes tomato, cucumber, green pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and a large brick of feta cheese.

• Souvlaki—The most typical version of souvlaki is lamb. Chunks of lamb are marinated in lemon and olive oil. Then, they’re grilled with onions. They’re often served with rice or pita and eaten alongside a Greek salad.

  Some restaurant recommendations:

1. Tavern Klimataria - A traditional taverna offering authentic Greek cuisine and live music. Tavern Klimataria

2. Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani - A unique deli-taverna where you can enjoy delicious meze dishes. Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani

3. Dionysos Zonar’s - Located near the Acropolis, this restaurant provides not only fantastic food but also an amazing view. Dionysos Zonar’s

4. Ergon House - A modern eatery with a twist on traditional Greek dishes and an in-house market. Ergon House

5. Lithos Tavern - Known for its delicious seafood and traditional Greek dishes. Lithos Tavern

Coffee Shops:

1. Tailor Made - A stylish coffee shop with exceptional brews. Tailor Made

2. Mokka Specialty Coffee - Perfect for coffee aficionados looking for a unique coffee experience. Mokka Specialty Coffee

Photography Gear to Bring

• Camera Models: Nikon Z7, Canon EOS R5, Sony A7R IV

• Lenses Options:

  • Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm): Great for capturing the grandeur of ancient ruins and expansive cityscapes.

  • Standard Zoom (24-70mm): Versatile for street photography and general use.

  • Telephoto Lens (70-200mm): Ideal for detailed shots of architectural elements and candid photos from a distance.

  • Prime Lens (50mm f/1.8): Perfect for portraits and low-light conditions.

• Tripod: Essential for night shots and long exposures.

• Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: You don’t want to miss a shot because you ran out of juice or storage!

Top 10 Photography Locations

There are so many beautiful locations to photograph in Athens. Here is a list of some of the best locations:

Acropolis and Parthenon -

The Acropolis of Athens is the highlight of visiting Athens and a bucket list destination. If you can only photograph one spot, this would be it.

Acropolis refers to the entire fortified citadel, which also includes famous buildings such as the Parthenon, Propylaia, Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and others.

The Athenian Acropolis has over 3,000 years of history, making it arguably the most historically significant site in Greece. You could easily spend a few hours walking around and taking photos.

Propylaea

The Propylaea is a gateway - forming the main entrance to the Acropolis. It was built in the 430s BC.

It was supposed to be the gates to the Acropolis, but it was never completely finished. You will find the Temple of Athena Nike to the right of the Propylaea. This temple was dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike and was where ancient Athenians would worship for victory in war.

Areopagus Hill

The hill offers a stunning view of Athens, including the Acropolis and the surrounding areas. This is one of my favorite spots to photograph the Acropolis.

The Areopagus is notable in Christian history as the place where the Apostle Paul delivered one of his most famous sermons, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 17:16-34). In ancient times, the Areopagus was the site of the Athenian council, known as the Areopagus Council. This council was a prestigious and powerful institution that dealt with judicial and legislative matters.

Mount Lycabettus -

Offers panoramic views of the entire city, especially beautiful at sunset.

Mount Lycabettus, also known as Lycabettus Hill, is a prominent limestone hill in Athens, Greece. It is one of the city's highest points and offers a variety of attractions and experiences for visitors.

Plaka -

Plaka is an absolutely beautiful area of Athens, with picturesque cobblestone streets full of shops and restaurants. The main street of Plaka is Adrianou, which is a great place to wander through boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

The charming old neighborhood has narrow streets, colorful houses, and vibrant street life. Plaka is one of Athens's oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods.

Church of Agia Ekaterini

The Church of Agia Ekaterini (Saint Catherine) is a beautiful historic church located in the Plaka neighborhood.

The Acropolis Museum

If you enjoy history, you’ll love the Acropolis Museum, which opened in June 2009. The museum contains all sorts of artifacts, statues, and artwork found at the Acropolis’ excavation site. The museum houses over 4,000 artifacts from the Acropolis site, spanning the Archaic, Classical, and Roman periods

The Holy Church of Saint Sophia

This is a beautiful small Greek Orthodox church located in Plaka on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. "Sophia" means "wisdom" in Greek, symbolizing divine wisdom.

Arch of Hadrian (Hadrian's Gate)

The Arch of Hadrian is located on Amalias Avenue, near the Temple of Olympian Zeus entrance. It was constructed in honor of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who ruled from 117 to 138 AD.

Ancient Agora of Athens

The Ancient Agora of Athens is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in Greece, offering a fascinating glimpse into the social, political, and commercial life of ancient Athens. This was one of the most interesting areas to walk around and photograph.

If you do inside the church there are beautiful frescos on the ceiling

The word “Agora” means marketplace or central area. The Ancient Agora is the best-known example of a classical age agora in Greece. Founded in the 6th century BC, this would have been the center of town, with merchants selling goods and also where important decision would have been voted on by Athenians.

Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora)

The Roman Forum of Athens, also known as the Roman Agora, is another important archaeological site located in the heart of Athens. It was a central area of the city during the Roman period, in the 1st century BC, and served as a marketplace and administrative center.

The Roman Agora is similar to the Ancient Agora in that it was considered the central market of the town. However, the Roman Agora was the central public area during the Roman-controlled era of Athens.

Olympic Station

The Olympic Station in Athens, known as "Olympiakó Stádio", is a major sports complex that was a central venue during the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Anafiotika -

This is a picturesque, charming area on the slopes of the Acropolis with whitewashed houses. Anafiotika. It is known for its island-like atmosphere, narrow streets, and quaint, whitewashed houses.

Temple of Olympian Zeus -

The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is one of Athens's most significant ancient monuments. The temple was dedicated to Zeus, the god of the sky, and was seen as the father and protector in Greek Mythology.

This temple took over 600 years to build, starting in the 6th century BC and not finishing until 131 AD.

Visitors to the Temple of Olympian Zeus can explore the ruins and marvel at the remaining columns, which provide a sense of the temple’s original grandeur and scale.

Syntagma Square -

Famous for the changing of the guard and lively atmosphere. Syntagma Square. Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, is one of the most important and well-known public squares in Athens

Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square is one of the most vibrant and bustling areas in Athens.. It is known for its lively atmosphere, historical significance, and diverse array of shops, cafes, and landmarks.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus -

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, also known as the Herodeion, is a magnificent ancient theater located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis.

Today, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is one of the main venues for the Athens Festival, an annual event that features performances by renowned Greek and international artists. The festival takes place during the summer months, attracting large audiences.

Performers such as Maria Callas and Nana Mouskouri, Luciano Pavarotti, and Frank Sinatra have given performances here.

Festivals and Holidays

• Athens Epidaurus Festival (June - August): A celebration of arts with theatre, music, and dance performances.

• Athens Marathon (November): Join or capture the excitement of this historic race.

• Easter: Experience traditional celebrations with processions and local customs.

Wrapping up

Athens is a fantastic city to visit and photograph. I would recommend spending a few days here before going to Santorini or Crete.

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