Top 6 Insider Tips for Athens

When one thinks of Athens, the famous Acropolis often comes to mind first, an architectural masterpiece from antiquity. However, the Greek capital is full of additional highlights - today we will show you what else this vibrant metropolis has to offer.

Most of us associate Greece with a sunny beach vacation. Dreamy beaches, picturesque resorts, and cozy, traditional taverns serving local delicacies - all of this, along with much more, attracts countless tourists to the most beautiful coastal areas of Greece year after year. But how about a little detour to the Greek capital for a change? Athens is bursting with magnificent sights, all waiting to be explored by you. We have compiled the best tips for Athens - so get ready for a performance and let the curtain rise for Athens, one of the most impressive cities in the country!

Athens, also known as the former cradle of Europe, is a city full of possibilities. You can reach the Greek capital located on the Attica Peninsula by various means, including plane, car, ferry, bus, and train, yet for convenience reasons, it's best to opt for the flight option. From Düsseldorf, for example, it only takes just over three hours.

Once you arrive at Athens International Airport, which is located about 17 miles east of the city center, you can get to the center via the Metro, bus, or a classic taxi. The metro station is located directly across from the arrivals hall; the M3 line will take you to the center in 40 minutes for about $11. If you purchase a combination ticket that includes the return trip within 48 hours, you can save money and pay only $20. Alternatively, a fast bus, X95, towards Syntagma Square is available for around $6, although it may not be faster due to traffic.

We do not recommend taking a taxi to the city center, as taxi companies have recently gone on strike frequently. If you still decide to take a taxi, make sure to negotiate the total fare beforehand and provide a specific address - otherwise, your vacation could become very expensive right from the start! For luggage, drivers in Athens charge an extra fee of $2 per piece. If you are traveling alone, be prepared for the possibility that the taxi driver may pick up additional passengers if they are heading in the same direction. Once you finally arrive, stored your luggage properly at your accommodation, and have your city map in hand, you can start exploring. But it's best to have a rough plan of where to go and what means of transport to use, as the largest city in Greece should not be underestimated. But see for yourself what awaits you in your Greece vacation.

Whether it's a visit to significant ancient sites or the many exciting museums, a leisurely stroll through the historic old town with all its winding streets, or a cable car ride to the famous mountain of Athens, Lycabettus - yes, you can say a lot about Athens, but you can't say that boredom ever comes up.

It's no secret that the world-famous Acropolis with the Parthenon, once the residence of kings, is the most important attraction in all of Athens. Therefore, you definitely should not miss a visit to this imposing temple complex that looms high over the city. For more than 2500 years, it has dominated the city skyline, is the ultimate landmark, and has rightfully been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. Climbing the approximately 512-foot high limestone hill is well worth it, not only for the impressive structures, such as the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the small Athena Nike temple, but also for the breathtaking panoramic views. After a thorough tour, you should definitely visit the Acropolis Museum, which opened in 2009.

From the Acropolis Museum, head back to Syntagma Square, the most important square in the city. When people talk about the city center, they usually mean this square, as it is the most popular starting and meeting point in Athens, with numerous buses and trains operating here.

Guru Tip: With the Athens City Card, you can enjoy free entry to the most important attractions while skipping all the lines and strolling through the city at your leisure.

People also frequently refer to this spot as the heart of the city. At Syntagma Square, you will find the Hellenic Parliament, once a city palace, surrounded by a magnificent park that is freely accessible. Just a few meters away, you will find another attraction, the Olympic Stadium, the main venue for the Summer Games in 2004. By the way, if you're looking to squeeze in a little shopping, you should start at the most popular shopping street, Odos Ermou, which begins right at Syntagma Square. You will also find a stand of the Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) here. They offer free city maps and museum listings, so be sure to stop by.

Another highlight of Athens is Lycabettus Hill, which rises to about 910 feet, making it the highest elevation in the Greek capital. Once you're in Athens, you should not miss this famous viewpoint, which offers fantastic panoramic views of the entire city. Of course, you don't have to climb it on foot; you also have the option to take a cable car that operates every 30 minutes, costing you $8 for a one-way trip or $11 for a round trip.

If your first tour through historic Athens has left you curious and wanting to learn more about the history of ancient Greece, you should definitely visit the National Archaeological Museum. The museum details the various cultures that have developed in Greece over time and hosts the most important exhibits from ancient Greece.

Other popular attractions in Athens include:

Yes, as you can see, Athens has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing. It's best to let yourself be swept away by all the ancient sights of Athens, take short breaks here and there, and treat yourself to a little snack in between. How about a delicious Gyros Pita?

Admit it: When you think of Greece, the typical Greek specialties come to mind, right? Dishes like Gyros, Souvlaki, and Sea Bream are all very popular here, and cozy taverns and cafés wafting tasty aromas make it nearly impossible to just walk by. And the same goes for Athens - stroll through the winding alleyways of the old town, enjoy the historic flair, and let your nose lead you to a traditional Greek restaurant. The historic district of Plaka is particularly popular for a culinary tour.

An absolutely unforgettable culinary experience is provided by what we like to call a 'mobile venue', Dinner in the Sky, located about a 10-minute train ride from Syntagma Square. Here, you not only get to enjoy an exquisite five-course menu at 164 feet above ground but, as the name suggests, you also get a fantastic view of the city. Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options here as well.

Here, you can enjoy authentic Greek food in a fantastic atmosphere for a modest price alongside many locals. Just try everything - there's something for every lover of Mediterranean cuisine, we promise.

If you want to relax for a bit and enjoy the lovely weather after a few hours of sightseeing, a trip to the nearby beaches of Athens is definitely worth considering. Particularly popular are the beaches of Vouliagmeni, Vari, Saronida, and Porto Rafti. Most of the beautiful beaches and coves are only a half hour to an hour away from Athens. However, it's best to avoid weekends as the locals also like to take trips to the sea during those days.

If you need a 'break from the break' during your vacation and have had enough of the city air in Athens, you can book a day trip to the islands of Aegina, Poros, and Hydra. For about $115, you can explore the most beautiful islands in the Aegean in just one day. You'll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and have about 1.5 hours on each island to explore. There's really a lot to see here: You can visit the traditional, quaint fishing village of Perdika on Aegina, admire the picturesque old houses on Poros, and on Hydra - our favorite - there are no hotels, no nightclubs, no pools, and no cars; everything is banned here - it couldn't be more authentic!

If all of this seems too much like a tourist cliché, we have a few insider tips for you, given to us by a good acquaintance who lived in Athens for 14 years. To experience Athens like a true local, for example, you can visit the market halls on Athinas Street starting at 7 a.m., located halfway between Omonia and Monastiraki Square.

In the colorful halls, you must not only choose between fish, meat, and vegetables but also assert yourself, or risk getting lost among shouting merchants and the noisy Athenians shopping crowd. The bustling atmosphere is no less lively in the narrow streets outside the market, where you will find more stalls. Here, you can also try a typical sesame ring, which Athenians often take to work in the morning. If you can't get enough of markets, we recommend the flea market at Monastiraki Square, which takes place every Sunday morning. Here, hunters and gatherers can find everything their hearts desire.

If you like to let loose even while on vacation, you should visit the former gas factory in the Gázi district near the St. Kerameikos Metro Station in the evening. The area has been transformed into a cultural center, and it has become one of the most popular nightlife districts in Athens. You will find cinemas and clubs here, as well as some really upscale restaurants where you can simply park your car in front of the entrance and have the restaurant service park it for you. If you want to indulge in such luxury, then the vacation is certainly the right time for it - and Gazi district in Athens is the right place. Meanwhile, Exarchia offers a more relaxed atmosphere - Athens' student neighborhood. Here, you will find numerous bars, bistros, and restaurants, where you can spend a cool evening with local, young crowds.

So, did we promise too much at the beginning? In our opinion, Athens is a city that could hardly be more diverse in many ways. Experience the history, culture, and cuisine of Athens, visit ancient sites, exciting concerts, and theater performances, and enjoy Greek cuisine. After that, a little beach or island excursion will make your trip to Athens perfect! What do you think?