Why you should visit Athens, Greece

Athens is the capital of Greece and the main selling points to attract tourists are calling it the cradle of democracy and Western civilisation. More than 85% of tourists are usually visiting this European gem during the summer, which may lead to overcrowding in the most interesting places. Making plans to visit it during the winer sounds like much better idea. The weather is also mild, city’s taverns have a lot of more breating space and you can basically take a peek inside every corner of Greek’s ancient architecture. Here are some of the best reasons why you should come and visit Athens, not only for their popular football teams.

The Acropolis 

If you are not familiar with the term, every Greek city had an acropolis. It’s hiltop fortified with big walls to protect town’s temple and treasury chamber. The only acropolis spalled with a capital letter is Athens’ one. The reason behind this is 2,500 years old. Greeks have won the war against Persian and the final battle has left this acropolis devastated in ruins. It remained that way all until 450 BC when one of the biggest commanders in Greek history Pericles started the reconstruction. The main goal behind this is to make a symbol of dominant and victorious Athenian democracy. It was designed by some of the greatest architects of that time Ictinus and Callicrates. The current landscape is just breathtaking and will leave you impressed. The Acropolis has easily made it to the top of our must visit list when it comes to Athens.

Visiting Piraeus

Piraeus is the third biggest city in Greece, and it is incredibly close to Athens. It is located on a peninsula with three massive harbours, and many know it more as a part of the capital than as an independent city. If you are a sports fan, this town has a lot to offer. Local basketball and football teams are very consistent when it comes to participation in the biggest events and playing big games, so at least once per week there is one sports event in Piraeus. Harbour is definitely another place you should visit, as it houses one of the largest merchant navies in Europe. Walking through the Long Walls, which are connecting the town with Athens is also very unique experience.

The Temple of Zeus

From our personal opinion and experience, The Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of the most beautiful monuments not only in Europe but in the world. It’s interesting to mention that construction of this temple was started by tyrans Hippias and Hipparchos. Their intention was to build the largest temple at that time, but that happened during the time when democracy was rising. Both of them were overrulled soon after and the construction was paused for more than 500 years! It was the Seleucid Emperor Antiochus IV who restarted it. However, he died before seeing the completion.  It was eventually finished by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 125 AD. He ordered the placement of massive statues of Zeus and himself. This temple was preserved for more than one century before being demolished by the Herulians. Still, it’s an amazing place to visit, even though there are only 15 out of the original 104 marble colums still standing.

Athens’ Taverns

A big majority of old taverns in Athens haven’t changed it’s furnishing for more than seventy years, which makes them very unique. You should definitely visit a couple of them and check the menus. Our favorite is called Diporto, with an amazing location near the farmers’ market. Don’t be discouraged to find out it is actually located in the basement of an old warehouse. There are plenty of great dishes available, and don’t be surprised to meet the owner Dimitris Mitsas. He is working in the tavern everyday, serving chickpea and bean stews, homemade horiatiki salat which usually comes with hot peppersa and feta cheese.  The only downside it is closing early at 6pm. If you are looking for a place to have a dinner, check the location of Bayraktaris. This tavern is located in the heart of Monastiraki area and prices are way more affordable than other places. Gyros, kebabs and delicious steaks have earned a ton of positive reputation to this restaurant.

Mont Parnes Regency Casino

Even if you are not big fan of gambling we still encourage you to visit the place. Their lobby is looking classy, and you can at least have a drink and see people having fun playing slot machines. It is located on the slopes of Mount Parnitha.