{"id":91562,"date":"2014-11-24T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-11-24T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/inside-athens-in-just-48-hours\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:52:29","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:52:29","slug":"inside-athens-in-just-48-hours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/inside-athens-in-just-48-hours\/","title":{"rendered":"Inside Athens In Just 48 Hours"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"View
Pastel Hues of Athens looking down from the Acropolis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The view from my one-bedroom apartment overlooks a secret garden, one of many that Athens <\/a>keeps between the pastel hues, burnt orange and warm greys that dominate the city\u2019s skyline. There\u2019s a generous balcony and I sit with freshly brewed coffee and a map, planning the next 48 hours in this iconic city that birthed Democracy. Around me my multi-leveled neighbours put out laundry, chat in their kitchens and water plants. I feel very much at home.<\/p>\n

Just off the 3-day\u00a0TBEX<\/a> Conference\u00a0where I joined travel bloggers and writers from around the world to learn new trends, I\u2019ve extended my stay to see more of this place I never imagined I\u2019d visit. So far my time has revolved around the\u00a0Megaron Conference Centre<\/a>, City\u00a0of Athens Technopolis<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Skyfall<\/a>\u00a0bar.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve bid farewell to travelling friends and am ready to immerse myself deeper into this unfamiliar metropolis \u2026<\/p>\n

What I found is that Athens is an equal mix of ancient and modern, grunge<\/em> and grace, iconic monuments and world-class museums. Past and present blends well here, as does the abundant street art with edgy fashion and the ancient landmarks alongside bustling cafes offering al fresco dining. It\u2019s a city that\u2019s seen a few rough financial years, yet is visibly sophisticated and cosmopolitan, living up to that truth that out of hardship is born creativity. It\u2019s evident in the people, their charm and friendliness. Athens is a happy welcoming city.<\/p>\n

Should you find yourself here for a couple of days, these are the things\u00a0you should have on your to do list:<\/p>\n

Historic Sites<\/h2>\n

The Acropolis<\/strong> is one of the most important ancient sites of the Western world, crowned by the Parthenon<\/strong> it stands as custodian above the city and is visible from almost everywhere. The marble shines white in the sun and reflects in the illuminated light of the night. It\u2019s a must visit, also to see the incredible investment of \u20ac 8 000 000 being made by the European Union in its restoration. Allow time to walk up the hill and linger here. The views from up there across the city are endless.<\/p>\n

Other significant sites include the Acropolis Museum<\/strong> with its collection of Archaic and Roman artefacts. Ancient Agora<\/strong> in the heart of old Athens where Socrates developed his philosophy and where in AD49 St Paul came to convert to Christianity. There\u2019s the Temple of Olympian Zeus<\/strong>, the Benaki Museum, Hadrian\u2019s Arch and Library and the Ottoman Monuments. Also the Panathenaic Stadium<\/strong> which hosted the first Olympic Games in 1896. The\u00a0National Archaeological\u00a0Museum<\/strong> with its unbelievable collections is a must see, but do allow yourself time. Everywhere you walk in these areas you will find statues, street art and monuments to admire.<\/p>\n

Changing of the Guards<\/h2>\n

In front of Parliament at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider<\/strong> the evzones<\/em> or presidential guards stand watch. The changing of the guards takes place every hour and is a must see, especially at the 11am change which involves more guards and where the ceremony is more complex. The uniforms of the evzones<\/em> refer to different areas and eras in Greek history, with pleated kilts or fustanella<\/em>\u00a0and pom-pom decorated shoes. After the ceremony when they are checked and in place, you may have your photo taken with them on a \u2018don\u2019t touch, don’t salute, don’t talk to\u2019 basis. These are the most advance\u00a0trained soldiers in the Greek Army and have a minimum height requirement of 1.8m.<\/p>\n

The city\u00a0centre<\/h2>\n

Take half a day and start at the city\u2019s main Syntagma Square<\/strong> opposite Parliament, where nearly every major event in Greek<\/p>\n

\"Pushing<\/a>
Pushing Forward. On Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, Athens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

history has been celebrated or mourned. This is a good place to know, as its the hub of public transport; buses, trolleys, trams and the metro stop here. As does the City Sightseeing<\/a> Hop-on Hop-off bus which is always a good idea.<\/p>\n

Syntagma Square is the starting point of the famous pedestrianised Ermou Stree<\/strong>t which leads to Monastiraki Square. This important shopping street\u00a0offers top end stores,\u00a0fashionable cafes, souvenir kiosks and newspaper stands. The\u00a0Flea Market<\/strong>\u00a0with its colourful vendors and endless shopping opportunities may find you a rare antique or in my case, a pair of strappy\u00a0sandals\u00a0and a branded sweatshirt.<\/p>\n

Plaka<\/strong> is a must as it is the oldest part of the city located just below the Acropolis. The architecture differs here where residential living meets jewellery stores, tourist shops and side street cafes. \u00a0There are\u00a0street musicians, flower sellers, and photographers everywhere you look, especially on Adrianou Street.<\/p>\n

Don’t neglect a walk on\u00a0Vasilissis Sofias Avenue<\/strong> with it\u2019s beautiful buildings, embassies and museums, the historic Hotel Grande Bretagne which was the Nazi headquarters during WWII and the National Gardens<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Take in the street art<\/strong> and graffiti as you go; it’s to be found in every form from scrawls, fat cat and shadow lettering, to stencilled messages and art formed murals.<\/p>\n

There are dogs tagged and taken care of by the municipality, there for all to talk to and love, while stray cats exude an unrivaled sense of ownership.<\/p>\n

The Coastline<\/h2>\n

All this and I never got to the coastline during this visit, except to see it from a distance, but Athens offers a string of beaches, which means you don\u2019t have to get on a ferry or cross over to an island to enjoy the Aegean Sea. Resorts, tucked away coves and Blue Flag beaches for diving, water-skiing and relaxing is on offer at the well organized beaches. If you\u2019re there for longer than a couple of days, this is the area.<\/p>\n

Eat<\/h2>\n

There are restaurants, bars and coffee shops filled with locals and tourists. Most have free Wi-Fi, good local wine, excellent coffee and are staffed by gorgeous looking bearded\u00a0hipsters.\u00a0<\/em>There is local food to be found everywhere, with special emphasis on\u00a0souvlaki, moussakas, stuffed vine leaves, kebabs, double cream tzatziki\u00a0<\/em>and perfect feta.\u00a0I learnt that Greek yoghurt tastes better in Greece as its made of 80% sheep milk and made more than one stop at a yoghurt shop for a giant bowl full, topped with honey.<\/p>\n

Armed with a local simcard, I used\u00a0Google maps to get around on my own and\u00a0had\u00a0downloaded the \u2018I am an Athenian too<\/a>\u2019 app which invites you to\u00a0\u2018take a photo, add a stamp, share it\u2019 – such fun and incredibly interactive.<\/p>\n

Having booked a guide with\u00a0Trafalgar Travel for my one full day<\/strong>, I valued the closer look that this\u00a0brought to the destination, how it\u00a0saved time with most direct routes and meant I didn’t have to queue for tickets at any of the places we visited.<\/p>\n

Also\u00a0watch:<\/strong><\/p>\n