Sure, Athens is an ancient city. One glimpse at the Parthenon reminds visitors and natives alike just how much history the city has. Although it sits perched slightly above some of the city, it is surrounded by glimpses of modern life. Athenians seem to move in tandem, barely glancing at the remnants of its ancient past. Whether you notice the ancient side of the city or not, its influence can certainly be felt. The truth is, there’s something in this city for everyone! Here is a list of reasons why you should visit Athens.
Visit the Ancient Ruins
As someone visiting the city, you won’t want to miss the ancient ruins. You can easily spend your entire stay in the city working your way from one archaeological site to the next. If you have a limited amount of time, you won’t want to miss the Parthenon and the surrounding buildings, including the museum. Other places around the city include the nearby Acropolis, the Temple of Hephaestus, and the Ancient Agora. Consider taking a guided tour so that you can get the most out of your visit.
Shop for Souvenirs
There is so much to see and do on your trip to Athens, you’ll no doubt want to take some time to find souvenirs that will remind you of the country when you get home! There are plenty of souvenir shops located all over the city, and they all have plenty of options for great things to bring home. Do you want to shop where the locals do? Head over to the Eolou and Agios Markos Streets, which is where the majority of Athenians tend to take care of their daily shopping.
Learn About Byzantine History
Sure, the ancient side of Athens can certainly be felt. However, that’s not the only part of history that was important to shaping the way the city is today. Byzantine history and culture also played a big part in shaping the mindset of the Greek people, especially since this was the time period that established the Greek people’s Christianity. Learn more about this part of Greek history at the Byzantine and Christian Museum. The museum gives a nice overview of Athens’ role in this part of history.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Taking in Athens’ nightlife is one of the best ways to see what modern Greek life is all about. Although many of the clubs attract a lot of tourists, there are still plenty that attract the locals, too. In fact, hitting the town isn’t something that is only reserved for the Greek youth – it’s something that all ages can enjoy. Some of the best clubs are located in either Voula, Syntagma Square, or Glyfada. Greek clubs get started late, so make sure you eat dinner in one of the many restaurants and tavernas that can be found throughout the city. Ask at your hotel for advice on the best clubs to visit.
In many ways, Athens is at the heart of Greece. In order to truly understand the country as a whole, you really do need to spend some time here.
