Discover Athens: 8 Hidden Gems & Landmarks

Athens may not be at the top of the list when it comes to popular city trip destinations in Europe. However, the Greek capital has not only an exciting history but also impressive sights, a vibrant nightlife, and, last but not least, the famous Greek cuisine. Franzi takes you on a journey through Greece's capital and showcases her 8 favorite spots - from landmarks to true hidden gems.

Anyone visiting Athens should definitely avoid merely ticking off one sight after another. It's much better to get to know the city by immersing yourself in the chaos. Wander through bustling markets, relax in small cafés and taverns, stroll through narrow streets, and ascend to the massive Acropolis. These eight highlights should not be missed on your exploration.

For those searching for authentic Greek vibes, there's no need to travel to the islands. You can find holiday spirit in Athens when wandering through the winding alleys of Anafiotika. This hillside district was built in the style of a Cycladic village, obvious by the whitewashed terrace houses and the partly marble-paved pathways.

One striking feature of Anafiotika is the many street cats that definitely don't look like strays. This is because they are cared for and well-fed by the locals. By the way, the authorities only tolerate Anafiotika. This informal settlement emerged in the 19th century due to a severe housing shortage. It is thanks to the support of the people that this beautiful area hasn't yet been demolished and redeveloped.

Those who hike up through Anafiotika cannot miss the Acropolis. Athens' most famous landmark has been part of UNESCO World Heritage since 1986 and has additionally been awarded the European Heritage Label.

The former city fortress stands stoically on its rock at 156 meters high and has a rich history. In prehistoric times, a royal palace stood here, later a temple for earthly deities. In 500 BC, the Persians destroyed the structure, and it took a while before the Parthenon was built on the same site. This was first converted into a church by Christians, and after some time, it became a mosque under the Ottomans. Only in the 19th century did Greece declare the temple hill an archaeological site and remove all structures that were not from antiquity.

Entry to the Acropolis costs 20 euros. From April to August, the site is open from 8:00 to 20:00, in September and October from 8:00 to 18:00, and from November to March from 8:00 to 17:00 (as of July 2020).

Conveniently, the historic district of Plaka is right next to Anafiotika and the Acropolis, making the entire area wonderful to explore on foot. Plaka is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens and a beautiful counterpoint to the modern city center. It is home to the Frissiras Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Folk Art. Throughout its history, Plaka has transformed from a residential area to a tavern district, and then to a political and literary hotspot in the city. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist districts. Among other things, visitors can find souvenir shops, lovely cafés, and restaurants serving Greek cuisine.

Outside the modern city center, Athens sometimes appears a bit rundown. Locals don't tire of beautifying the ugly walls with street art. Murals can actually be discovered in all of Athens' older neighborhoods. From Plaka to Monastiraki and Psirri, particularly many beautiful artworks can be found.

A particularly famous motif can be seen at the corner of Riga Palamidou and Sarri in Psirri. The 'All Dogs go to Heaven' mural depicts the dog Loukanikos, who was always found at the forefront with the protesters during the riots from 2008 to 2009. After he presumably died from inhaling chemicals in 2014, three Athenian street artists created a memorial for him.

Athens hosts many great flea markets - but there's only one you absolutely cannot miss. The Monastiraki Flea Market is open daily. However, every Sunday it transforms into a bustling bazaar that feels like the whole city comes to shop, bargain, and stroll. From souvenirs to handicrafts, Greek pastries, fashion, and antiques, there's nothing you can't find here.

The Monastiraki Flea Market stretches from Monastiraki Square to Platia Avissinias and from Ermou Street to Adrianou Street. The best time to browse is in the morning since the market stands are usually picked over by the afternoon. This also provides a good opportunity for a late breakfast in one of the many cafés along the street. Haggling is a must at Athens' flea markets, especially for tourists, as prices tend to be inflated a bit. A realistic first offer should be about one-third of the initially quoted price. From here, you can meet somewhere in the middle.

Athens is the cradle of democracy. A little cultural program is therefore a must - even though it is tempting to leisurely stroll through the bustling streets all day. A visit to Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, is worthwhile. It is bordered at the upper end by the Parliament building, which served as the royal palace until 1838 and as the residence of Greek monarchs between 1836 and 1842.

A special spectacle is the ceremonial changing of the guard of the Greek president's honor guard, which occurs here every hour. The elite soldiers ('Evzones') are traditionally dressed in shoes with pom-poms, a pleated skirt, and tights. On Sundays, they even wear their holiday uniform, and there is an additional parade at eleven.

Although Athens is relatively close to the sea, there's no city beach, and anyone wanting to take a trip to the water should plan for about an hour of travel time. However, especially in the hot summer months, it's worth escaping the city for a day to enjoy some refreshment. Particularly popular are the beaches of Vouliagmeni, Vari, Saronida, and Porto Rafti.

Relatively close is Asteras Beach in Glyfada, which can be reached by tram or bus line A2 (stop Kolymvitirio) from Syntagma Square. For a fee, there are sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as a cocktail bar, restaurants, and a beach volleyball court. One of the most popular private beaches is the Apollon Beach at the Divani Apollon Palace Resorts. It takes about 25 minutes by taxi or around 50 minutes using Metro Line 2 (stop Elliniko) or Bus Line 122 (stop Ag. Nikolaos). Entrance, which includes a sunbed, an umbrella, and mineral water, costs 16 euros for one person and 24 euros for two people - a surcharge applies on weekends.

Greek cuisine is among the best in the world, and anyone who doesn't explore the capital culinary-wise misses out on a lot. If you want to try traditionally brewed Greek coffee, you should visit the oldest café in the city. Orea Hellas (meaning beautiful Greece) also serves typical Greek antipasti ('Mezedakia'), which are enjoyed with Ouzo, Raki, beer, or wine.

In Athens, restaurant prices are about a third cheaper than in Germany. It's almost impossible to find a bad restaurant. Many traditional Greek restaurants hide in the winding alleys of Plaka. Popular dishes include, in addition to the above-mentioned Mezedakia, Gyros, Souvlaki, and Dorada. Almost everywhere, there are now vegetarian options, and the vegan scene is also growing.

Refueled, head to the famous Athenian market hall (Varvakios Agora), which extends over the streets of Athinas, Sofokleous, Euripidou, and Aiolou. It houses the largest fresh fish market in Europe, but you can also purchase spices, coffee, antipasti, and sweet treats. If you prefer to be cooked for, visit one of the many market eateries - the selection of fresh salads, appetizers, and grilled items is huge. Here too, you can find Greek coffee made in the traditional 'Hovoli' pot, which is prepared on hot sand.

Athens is rundown, full of smog, and the crisis-stricken Greeks don't like Germans anyway. These are just a few of the prejudices that unfortunately prevent travelers from visiting Athens too often. In reality, Athens is one of the most vibrant and exciting capitals in Europe. Exciting sights, a lively culture, great food, and diverse neighborhoods - these are the ingredients for a perfect city trip. And Athens has more than enough of them.

How do I get from Athens Airport to the city? Athens International Airport is located about 27 kilometers east of the city center. You can reach the city from the airport by metro, bus, or taxi. The best value for money is the metro. Line M3 (the metro station is directly across from the arrivals hall) takes about 40 minutes to get to the city center - one-way fare costs ten euros for one person and 18 euros for two. The cheapest alternative is the express bus X95 heading to Syntagma Square for six euros. Depending on traffic, the journey often takes significantly longer. When is the best time to travel to Athens? The best time to visit Athens is in the spring, as it is usually pleasantly warm from March on. The autumn months of October and November are also ideal for a city trip. The period from late June to September is only suitable for the hardy, as temperatures often rise well over 30 degrees Celsius. It can get quite cold at night year-round, so a jacket is advisable in the evening. How many days are needed for Athens? For a city trip, at least three full days are recommended. Athens is a city for gourmets and culture lovers - stress is out of place here. Is it advisable to travel alone in Athens? Athens is a safe city and is absolutely recommended for solo travelers. Common sense is, of course, still necessary, particularly in markets and busy squares where pickpockets can occasionally be found. It's also wise to take a taxi back to the hotel after a night out.

How do I get from A to B in Athens? The fastest and cheapest way to get around Athens is by public transport. A single ride costs 1.40 euros - the ticket is valid for 90 minutes and on all modes of transport. It gets cheaper for students, seniors, children, and teenagers. Good alternatives are the day pass (4.50 euros) or the 3-day tourist ticket (22 euros), which also includes airport transfer. Tickets are available at all metro and tram stations. Is it advisable to take a taxi in Athens? Taxi rides in Greece are also relatively cheap; a half-hour ride costs around 20 euros. However, caution is advised regarding scams: the taxi meter should always be running on the day rate (Rate 1). If it's on the night rate (Rate 2), you'll pay double. Contrary to the claims of some unscrupulous drivers, the double price doesn't apply outside of Athens. Can the tap water in Athens be drunk? Yes, tap water can be consumed in Athens without worry. Also, there's no need to worry about hygiene with street food and the like. Where can I find affordable accommodations in Athens? The city has many beautiful and affordable places to stay. One recommendation is the charmingly decorated Pension The Frogs - the neoclassical building from the 19th century is only 300 meters from Monastiraki Square with its flea market. For budget-conscious travelers, the lovely Bedbox Hostel is located not far away. Those wanting to indulge a bit and prefer to stay by the sea can choose the Divani Apollon Palace. The resort not only offers a beautiful pool area and a private beach but also operates a free shuttle to the city center every day.