Avoid This Common Mistake When Planning Your Getaway To Greece

Greece is a country that has enticed visitors with its beauty for centuries. Sunshine, sparkling blue waters, amazing food, and white sand beaches — truly, what's not to love? Most who plan a trip to Greece set their sights on spending their time on the islands, and while that is an excellent way to spend time in Greece, it's not the only way. Whether by ferry or plane, for most international travelers, Athens serves as a gateway to most of these beautiful destinations. Unfortunately, Athens has had a bad rep through the years, known more as a tourist waystation than a place to stop and explore. This is a big mistake. 

The ancient city is much more than just a place to catch a cruise. Perhaps not necessarily a beach destination, what Athens lacks in island vibes, it makes up for in culture, history, and incredible food. Whether your ideal vacation is spent exploring ancient architecture like the famed Acropolis or wandering through one of Athens' colorful neighborhoods, one thing is certain: treating this incredible city as a layover on the way to your island destination is a mistake too many travelers make. 

Although most flock to the islands of Greece during the summer months, Athens can reach temperatures upwards of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. While spending your time on an island in this heat may seem feasible, spending your days in the city will be miserable. For a quieter and more comfortable time in Greece, try visiting during spring or autumn instead. Most visiting Athens flock to the most popular sites, the Acropolis and Parthenon — and why not? It seems almost sacrilegious to visit this ancient city without spending some time here, so here's a tip: plan ahead. As of 2023, the Acropolis has put a cap on the number of visitors per day and has implemented a time-slot system. That means you could plan your entire trip around exploring the Acropolis at 8:00 a.m., but if you don't book ahead of time, you'll be out of luck.

At the bottom of the monument is the Acropolis Museum, which offers visitors a more in-depth look into many of the surviving structures. For a "locals only" activity, head over to Areopagus Hill, an overlook steeped in mythological significance. Today, it stands as a fantastic place to gather with friends and have a drink while soaking in the beauty of the Acropolis. To continue your journey back in time, consider a visit to the Ancient Agora. Built in the 6th century BC and once the epicenter of Athens, it was used as a marketplace and a place for political gatherings. Once you enter the Agora, head over to the Temple of Hephaestus, where history and architecture buffs will delight in finding Athens' best-preserved temple. 

While the entire city is steeped in history, visitors can enjoy a host of other activities that shift their focus to other things. Sometimes, the best days in a city are those spent simply wandering. For those who enjoy weaving through colorful, photogenic streets, sipping coffee at quaint cafes, and stumbling upon fabulous souvenir shops, the Plaka neighborhood is for you. Although seemingly touristy, the area is a great place to sit and relax after a busy day of sightseeing. While in Plaka, visitors should also visit the nearby, somewhat hidden village of Anafiotika. Created in the mid-1800s by Greek workers from the island of Anafi, they went to work recreating a mini replica of their homeland. Wander its narrow, cobbled streets past whitewashed buildings with brightly painted doors and shutters reminiscent of casual island life. 

For something fun and free, head to the Parliament building at Syntagma Square to watch the changing of the guard every hour. On Sundays, visitors can stroll through the Monastiraki flea market and pick up a fun souvenir to bring home or get a reprieve from the hot sun in the shade of the National Garden, a nice free escape from city life. See how the locals live and spend some time wandering through the Central Market, or enjoy a snack at the nearby Rick Steves recommended Karayiannis Ouzo Bar. 
Of course, one of the best ways to see the life of a city is on foot, but if you're pressed for time, public transportation is a great and safe way to see Athens. With a metro, overground train, tram service, and an extensive network of buses and trolleys, getting around the city is easy.