9 Reasons to Hit Athens in Winter
Instant Energy: The Natural Way
September 24, 2015
A Weekend In Prague
March 7, 2016
New Year’s 2016 I was faced with a decision: What to do? What to see? Where to go? I knew I wanted to spend it in a country that I had never been to before, but aside from that, the destination was up in the air.
Goa? Nah. Can’t hit India for the first time and not see the Taj Mahal!
Amsterdam? Nope. A bit too cold for my liking.
Brazil? Perfect! But…I’ll take a moment of silence now to simply bask in the thought of waking up on New Year’s Day in Rio, shirtlessly sipping a Caipirinha…BUT the transit would be too time consuming to fit into my condensed schedule.
Athens??? Hmm? Ancient ruins—check! Fairly mild winter—check! Great food—check! Inexpensive—check! Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding! New Year’s in the Greek capital: one of the oldest cities in the world with well over 3,000 years of history? The light went off and the location was set!
This list may not highlight all that Athens has to offer, but for the first time visitor it is definitely a good start. In regards to time, three and a half days would be the bare minimum recommended to explore the city. Additionally, although New Year’s in the Greek capital offers plenty of entertainment options, be aware that most attractions will be closed on January 1st-but fear not friends-Athens is an awesome city any time of the year, especially when the crowds are low during the winter “off-season.”
Syntagma Square
Centrally located near all the best sights, the metro from the airport to the Syntagma Square subway stop is just a 40/50-minute direct ride. The word Syntagma literally means constitution and this location has long been a focal point in Greek history, so it’s only fitting that The Parliament Building is located right above Syntagma.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony
Speaking of the Parliament Building, the Changing of the Guard ceremony is an hourly event that allows you to not only see the decorative uniforms of the Evzone guards (particularly the pompom shoes), but also get a view of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Word to the wise, they don’t want you to walk behind the soldiers! I unknowingly went in for a close-up of the writings on the wall directly behind the guards…an action that was met with the barrel of their guns slamming to the ground, a man yelling something to me in Greek, and me realizing that it was time to just grab the zoom lens from my camera bag and shoot from a comfortable distance.
The National Gardens
Located next to the Parliament Building, like Syntagma Square, the National Gardens offers an area to relax and people-watch while continuing to explore the city. Wooden paths, locals jogging through the park, and an overall tranquil feel are part of what make this place so peaceful. Although nothing particularly special to look at, you can also find the Zappeion building inside the gardens; but it’s the nature of the place that truly makes it stand out.
Panathinaiko Olympic Stadium
Not exactly an ancient ruin, but there is a certain mystique about walking through the same arena as competitors of the first Olympic Games. That alone is reason enough to give this stadium, located across the street from the National Gardens, a visit.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Upon exiting Panathinaiko Olympic Stadium, the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus are hard to miss. This area is packed with picturesque pillars and also provides a rearview of Hadrian’s Arch.
Ermou street shopping
About a ten-minute walk from Hadrian’s Arch is the famous Ermou street. Packed with people and shops, it’s a great place stop for a cocktail while meandering the streets of Athens, see some unique sites, and perhaps stumble upon the church of Kapnikarea where, on the weekend you will most likely hear some authentic live music being played nearby or catch crowds gathered to watch a dance show in the adjacent square.
Monastiraki square
Not far from Ermou street, there are plenty of inexpensive, authentic restaurants (many with great rooftop views of the Acropolis). But there’s much more than food in Monastiraki Square. In this area you can also find everything from flea market style shops on old, side streets; graffiti-splattered, abandoned buildings; and even the ancient ruins of Hadrian’s Library.
Plaka
This beautiful, historic old neighborhood near the Acropolis is the perfect springboard to beginning a tour to the nearby Acropolis sights. With very little traffic and winding streets, you can easily spend an entire day wandering Plaka and pair that in conjunction with visits to the Acropolis museum and the many other ancient ruins nearby.
Day trip outside of Athens
With Greece being such a historic country with so many wonderful sights within a stone’s throw of Athens, it would truly be a shame to not venture out on at least one day trip or at the very minimum, as in my personal case, a half-day trip. My choice was Cape Sounion and The Temple of Poseidon half-day bus tour. The cost was $43 for roundtrip transportation from Athens. It was a scenic ride along the coast on a comfortable bus that even had onboard Wi-Fi! Even more exciting than the Wi-Fi; however, were the coastal views and the temple itself, which was stunningly perched atop a hill.
Where to sleep in Athens?
Anywhere in Syntagma Square is prime location in my opinion. You’ll save money on transport because, with the exception of the Temple of Poseidon, everywhere listed above is within walking distance of this area. I opted to stay at the beautifully designed New Hotel. Conveniently located within minutes of Syntagma Square, in a city filled with countless archeological antiquities, the interior of New Hotel firmly stands out as a modern-day work of art.
The view from my hotel room balcony
Standing atop the Acropolis
55 Comments
So happy you enjoyed your time in my mother country. Did you try souvlaki?
Yes! I absolutely loved it…Greek food is AMAZING!
I love ancient cities and ruins. That’s why I loved Turkey so much when I went there. Athens is definitely on my bucket list and I plan on visiting it soon! Never thought about visiting in during winter tho but maybe you changed my mind, we will see 🙂
adventurousmiles.com
I’ve heard of people rushing through their trip to Athens on route to other parts of Greece. my advice for when you go..take it slow 🙂
Your photography is very well done! You have a great eye for composition!
Thank you.
I have not been to Athens yet and is in my list!! This is a great read!
Thanks!
I’ve always wanted to go to Athens. I will definitely have to make a note of all of these things for when I finally get there!
Don’t make my mistake of just going for 4 day…spread your trip out if you can and hit an Island or other historic city!
Great blog post, it has given me a lot to think about and look forward to reading more of your posts in the future.
Thanks Chris. I’ll be posting twice a week but you can sign up using the contact form and get posts delivered directly to your inbox if you like.
I like your writing style and the pictures a lot! Gonna follow your blog! Maybe you wanna drop by at mine – also a travelblog – too!
I checked yours out a few days back…tons of great stuff about Sri Lanka there. I’m definitely a fan of yours as well so looks like we’ll be following each other 🙂
Thank you for sharing this infomation. It’d be great for travel reference, especially in Athene, Greek. The photos helped complete the story of your trip.
You’re welcome…I’ll be featuring more locations and photos so come back as often as you like!
These all sound like amazing places to visit. Especially Monastiraki square. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for reading. The best thing was that every area had it’s own unique vibe as well.
Oh I LOVED Athens when I went there 15 years ago. Such a wonderful place with so much history breathing through it. You’ve ignited a travel spark in me!
I’d glad the spark is lit…feed the flame 🙂
Wonderful photos! I love ancient ruins which is why I want to go to Machu Picchu. Also, Athens just worked it’s way into my bucket list 🙂
Machu Picchu is very high on my list as well!
i always wanted to visit this place since i was a kid. I love greek mythology and athens has a ton of historical temples that i can go see. great post <3
thank you for reading
What a great experience for you, happy you got to go there… I love your pictures!
Thank you Eloise!
Loved this! Thanks for all the pics. And for the tip… definitely won’t be scooting behind the guards. But you have now added this to my “must visit” list. I even have some friends in Greece. Hmmm.
Well this isn’t “Who wants to be a millionaire”…but it might be time for you to “phone a friend.” 🙂
I was in Athens last year for the first time and I loved it. Your pictures and what you have written now really make me think about returning to Athens at New Year’s Eve!
Hopefully you can make it back!
I have always wanted to visit Athens. Ever since we covered Greek mythology in junior school. It sounds like a brilliant place with loads of history.
It was a special trip as I, too, was also a fan of Greek mythology as a student.
Wow what a stunning array of photos, I agree why not travel and explore, that is what holidays are about! Greece is in my top 3 countries to visit and I think it is the most gorgeous country in the world full stop. I am a huge history geek so it would be perfect for me!
I can definitely agree that it is one of the world’s most beautiful countries and I can wait to go back and explore more 🙂
Pretty jeaslous you got to spend new year in athens! I spent it in my house on my, I played solitare. Not a bad night i must say!
Well, at least you got to stay warm and in the comforts of your own home 🙂
Beautiful pictures! I especially like the ones with the building and landscape. Athens look gorgeous! *sigh*
Thank you!
Wow Athens looks so nice! I was almost to pay a visit there this month but unfortunately my plans changed. This post made me feel like I’ll have to visit there as soon as possible. It’s one of the top places on my Europe bucket list!
There are so many wonderful places in Europe…I can’t wait to get back and explore some more!
I have never been to Athens and reading your post reminded me of The Legend of Olympus books that I used to read when I was little and all the adventures of Zeus and the Greek Gods. I think visiting Greece in winter is much more relaxed and crowds-free than in summer. 🙂
I agree 100%. The chilly weather is an even trade if it means not having to deal with the madness of the summer crowds.
This is a great post with beautiful pictures. Athens is one of the few European cities I still haven’t visited. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Love it professor ???
I lived in Athens for a year and when it hits October, the streets are transformed. It is nothing like the crazy city it is in the summer. Like a whole different place.
I traveled to Greece when I was 19 years old as part of my first foray into the unknown. My one story about Athens is flirting my way into the Parthenon since it was closing for the evening when I arrived. I was headed out on a boat early the next morning and didn’t have time to waste. It worked. lol
Well that’s a most excellent way to get in and see it 🙂
Love this
Athens seems to always be a good idea! Plenty culture and parties as well.
I had no idea there`s a guard changing ceremony in Europe apart from the one in United Kingdom, and not to mention hourly.
I found out about it just before going…it’s a fairly quick ceremony but still pretty cool to see in person.
Lovely photos, lovely post! Will share on Twitter!
Thanks!
Beautiful! Your photos are simply breathtaking, all of them-Thanks for sharing…can’t wait to see more.
Btw I like the changes you made on the blog “the new look” good job and am also proud of you 😉
Very nice pictures. Proud of you