When we were in Greece, we stayed in Kalamata (you can read all about it HERE). We were only about a 2 hour drive from Athens and a few other historical sites that we wanted to see, so going was an absolute no brainer! We saw the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, Panathenaic Stadium and loads more! We drove straight into the city center and the day was wonderful [ly hot]. But really, it was one of the most exciting days we had. I think Athens is definitely the type of place, that if you don't prepare, you can end up wondering around the whole day and only do one or two things on your list. Because of that, along with a little photo diary, I though I would share my top 5 tips for visiting Athens. (plus 1 more because I like you all and you get a bonus tip...also because I thought of one more while writing this :) )
Tip Number 1 | Do Athens in 2 Days
Do not try to do all of Athens in 1 day. I absolutely wish we had had the time to have two days in Athens. Because of the time of year, we were exhausted just from the heat after a few hours, and to be able and sit in a restaurant and rest for a bit, as opposed to rushing around trying to fit everything in would have been perfect.
Tip Number 2 | Utilize the Open Top Bus Tour
Instead of using taxis, or public transport, use the open top bus tours. These cost about 20 euros each, and you can hop on and hop off in most of the significant places around the city. They also usually have an offer on that allows you to use your ticket for 48 hours from when you first board your first bus.
Tip Number 3 | Don't be Afraid to Drive into Athens
Literally every single site, review, and advice I read before the trip noted that you shouldn't drive into Athens, and that you should utilize the metro system and public transportation. My thoughts are that if you have rented a car and are successful at driving anywhere else in Greece, then Athens is no different. Sure the Greece driving culture is a bit eh... terrifying, but if you stay alert, then you will be absolutely fine. If you park HERE, then you will end up about a 5 minutes walk from a stop on the open top bus tour in front of the Archeological Museum. We paid less than 10 euros and left the car all day. It worked out perfectly.
Tip Number 4 | Don't Skip the Panathenaic Tour
This is one of the stops on the bus tour, and my favorite place we visited in Athens. We saw most people hop off, take a few photos in front, realize it costs 5 Euros to enter, and then leave. I would have paid at least double that if I went again! The 5 Euros gets you entry and a self guided radio tour. Tom and I had so much fun learning about the history of the site, and finding all of the hidden details built into the marble.
Tip Number 5 | Buy Your Acropolis Tickets at the Temple of Zeus
If you plan on visiting the Acropolis before about 3:00, then I would suggest purchasing the tickets at the Temple of Zeus. The lines are absolutely ridiculous at the actual Acropolis site, and you definitely don't want to waste time standing in line for at least an hour. The ticket will include entry to the Temple of Zeus site, Acropolis, and a few other worth while spots.
Tip Number 6 | Enter the Acropolis via the "Slopes"
We lucked upon this entrance, and boy am I glad we did. You miss quite a lot by entering the Acropolis site where all of the buses drop you off. You'll see a gorgeous amphitheater, a reconstruction of the site, and a gorgeous panoramic view of Athens.
I hope those tips will prove to be helpful. Have you been to Athen's? Feel free to share your tips in the comments below.
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