Do you know which world city is known as a city with the earliest human presence (around 11th – 7th millennium BC)? Yes, it is ATHENS – capital and largest city of Greece, which was home of many famous classical Athenians (Homer, Socrates, Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle, Euripides…) historians, writers and philosophers!
If you love ancient history, original architecture, interesting monuments and rich mix of culture then you are in the right place! And don’t forget to watch out for the famous patron goddess of the city – ATHENA – who typically appears in armor with helmet and spear. The owl and the olive tree were sacred to her.
Here are my TOP places to visit in Athens:
- ACROPOLIS of Athens – sitting atop a rocky hills is the most famous of western world’s ancient place with collection of the buildings and temples. The most famous of them is PARTHENON – the temple of Goddess Athena.
- THEATRE of Dionysus – is a major open-air theatre, situated at the foot of the Acropolis Hill’s. It was used for festivals in honor of the God DIONYSUS – God of the grape harvest, wine making and wine.
- TEMPLE of Olympian ZEUS – its colossal columns reminding us it was the largest temple in Greece! Zeus was a king of the Gods and the God of the Sky and Weather.
- SYNTAGMA Square with PARLIAMENT Building – you can observe the traditionally costumed guards with their short kilts and pom-pom shoes.
- PANATHENAIC Stadium – originally is one the oldest stadium in the world that hosted first modern Olympic Games in 1896! Today it is a multi-purpose stadium used for events (concerts, musicals) and athletics in Athens.
WHAT ELSE CAN YOU see in Athens?
ADDITIONAL TIP for your late afternoon once you get really tired from visiting countless amount of monuments in Athens is PLAKA – the city’s oldest Turkish quarter with a very authentic atmosphere. Here you find many boutiques with local souvenirs and can relax in one of many cafés. For those who prefer bit more of a social life I suggest you to visit a LOCAL MARKET with fresh product (such as olive oil, local feta or kasseri cheeses) and practice your negotiation skills. And, finally if you are looking for a calm place you can go to the beautiful NATIONAL GARDENS and relax here a bit!
A FEW WORDS about Greek CUISINE, which is very famous around the world. I have to admit that I love it! Tradition Greek cuisine has a long history with much Mediterranean influence. For me to put it in a nutshell Greek food is simple, fresh, tasty and healthy.
I suggest you to try Greek lamb and feta meatballs, pork Souvlaki with cucumber salad and tzatziki, Greek Feta Pie or special Lemon Soup. The pickled octopus is so original and grilled seafood is delicious but MY FAVORITE dish is a typical Greek street food – GYROS – roasted meat on a vertical spit and usually served in a pita bread with tomato, onion and tzatziki sauce… tasty at every occasion!!
And how about a drink in the evening? In Greece most evening are spent with group of friends and families – at home or in one of many Tavernas over a glass of Ouzo (aniseed flavoured aperitif). Other options for your nightlife include Metaxa (brandy) and Krasi (Greek wine). So have a glass and enjoy the nightlife…and imagine how people lived here in proximity to gods many, many years ago…
Maybe it is a good tip for your next trip?
joylovestravel
Gorgeous pictures Kamila – we went to Athens years ago, I almost forget most of it except the Acropolis and Plaka!! Your fab post reminds me it is time to think about going back!
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Kamila Pala
Thank you, Joy :)! And the spring time is good time for short trip to the South of Europe 🙂 Have a nice weekend. Bye. Kamila
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donnaevaligia
Athens is indeed a wonderful place, so much of our thought is indebted to those old walked again and again squares. I am surprised it is now claimed to be the oldest city in the world: I had heard before the title went to the urban settlements in the Middle East and Mesopotamia. How interesting.
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Kamila Pala
Thanks for nice comment 🙂 I have to say that Athens is one of the oldest n a m e d cities in the world with amazing history and great atmosphere! Bye. Kamila
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theoldfellowgoesrunning
Thank you for sharing. This is an area I would love to visit sometime. There is so much history behind those ancient human wonders of the world! 🙂
~Carl~
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Kamila Pala
Pleased you liked that short article about this fantastic city! I wish you great trip – one day 🙂 Bye. Kamila
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this abundant life
I loved Athens. I just wish I hadn’t been in college when I visited. I just didn’t appreciate it like I would now. Can’t wait to go back.
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Kamila Pala
Do not worry, I am sure, that the city has the same atmosphere…but you can try see this again by “another eyes”! Bye. Kamila
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Sue Slaght
Thank you for transporting me back to amazing Athens! Your photos are gorgeous. Good tip about Plaka which we found to be a great place to wander.
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Kamila Pala
My pleasure, Sue! You are really great travelers and pleased you liked that 🙂 Lovely weekend. Kamila
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backpackerlee
I have never been to Athens, but your choices of the city’s highlights are good choices. 😉 The Acropolis is one of the highlights of Europe!
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Kamila Pala
Warmly recommend you visit Athens – if you are interest in ancient history and good food 🙂 Bye. Kamila
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Suzanne et Pierre
Lovely pictures. I visited Athens in 1981 so I only have vague memories…(Suzanne)
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Kamila Pala
Thank you, Suzanne 🙂 Athens is special city in the Europe – you return anytime and still never get bored…you can try! Bye. Kamila
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mick25117
We must all make plans to go to Greece again and bask in its wonder
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cindy knoke
Great fotos of an incredible city!
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Kamila Pala
Thank you, Cindy! You are right – the city has its own charm and atmosphere 🙂 Have a nice weekend. Kamila
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YellowCable
I enjoyed the photo tour of the place. I like that cat picture – good catch 🙂
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Kamila Pala
Thank you. And about the photos with cat – I understand you… I like this photo too, maybe is the magic cat?! 🙂 Bye. K
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Lucy
Gorgeous shots! I was about to go there last year, but a few people told me that is a very dirty city and there’s not much to see. Your pictures tell a totally different story though 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
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Kamila Pala
Pleased you enjoyed my virtual tour :). Have a nice day. Kamila
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Girl Gone Expat
Great photos and travel trips for Athens! And all the food talk got me hungry, greek food is delicious. Like you say, simple and fresh! But I can do without the Ouzo, it is not my favourite..hehe:)
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Kamila Pala
Thanks for nice words! Greek salad is always very good…and about the ouzo- agree with you – it is so aromatic for me… 🙂 Lovely rest of Sunday. Kamila
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smackedpentax
Athens is one of my favourite cities and the your photos really do it justice. Thanks for sharing and for reminding me that another visit is overdue 🙂
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Kamila Pala
My pleasure! The city has its own atmosphere and long specific history…that is unique 🙂 Bye. Kamila
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Gallivanta
Isn’t the blue sky glorious? I do hope Greece is able to come through its current economic troubles.
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Kamila Pala
Yes, agree with you- th sky is glorious and impressive, indeed…and maybe the gods observe us? 🙂 🙂 Bye. Kamila
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Gallivanta
They would have a clear view. 🙂
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Kamila Pala
🙂
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loujenhaxmyor
Athens was a bucket list that my wife and I eventually did several years ago. Ancient history being one of my favorite subjects, we hit both Rome and Athens during the same 3 week period. I swear that dog looks like the same one we fed cookies to in the Agora area. The meat and fish market center was also pretty incredible.
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Kamila Pala
Really nice to read your comment 🙂 Totally agree with you about the history of both cities..and about the dog – oh yes – could be the same 🙂 🙂 Bye. Kamila
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mick25117
I love Greek history and mythology also and as of recent Roman. My favourite Greek is Homer and his character Achilles and Patroclus
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bebs1
I love dining in small tavernas any time of day. My favorite dish is grilled lamb chops.
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Kamila Pala
You have good taste, Bebs! The small tavernas has fantastic atmosphere and good food :)! Bye. K
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prior
I love the mix of personal, historic and tourist stuff you highlight 🙂 enjoyed this and would love to go Greece someday – maybe in spring…
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Kamila Pala
Pleased you liked that post! Thank you for nice words. Bye and lovely week. Kamila
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prior
❤ hope you have a nice week too
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Sartenada
Lovely post. Your beautiful photos praised truthfully. I have visited it many years ago and found it charming city. From Finland there are charter flights all over Greece, but mainly to its islands. Have You ever visited on some of its islands? What is best man can make short cruises from one island to another. Once we made a cruise from Crete to Santorini.
Thank You Kamila this excellent post.
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Kamila Pala
Thank you for nice comment! 🙂 Athens is nice city but for holidays is better spend some time in the Greek islands…I am sure that very romantic is Santorini (we spent our honeymoon there) and very famous is also Crete..but I have no more tips. Have a nice week. K
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Aquileana
Amazing feature, dear Kamila… Have a wonderful week ahead! Aquileana 😀
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Kamila Pala
My pleasure 🙂 But you definitely know the gods better than me! I wish you nice week, too! K
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365dniwobiektywielg
Oh SUper !!!
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Kamila Pala
Thank you. Pleased you liked that! Bye. Kamila
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Linda Arthur Tejera
Great photos of an amazing historical place! 🙂
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Kamila Pala
Thank you, Linda 🙂
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Meihsiu Hsiao
Talking remembered that the ancient Greek story of the Roman Empire, and the beautiful Aegean buildings, although I’ve never been, but by u travel record, this is a great city.
I think the Greek cuisine is a good choice, I really wanted to try and I’ll travel sites included Greece. 🙂
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Kamila Pala
Thanks for comment and one day -wish you great trip to Athens and Greece! Bye. K
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lolaWi
stunning pictures, Kamila. what a tour of Athens through your lens. i have been in this charming city once long time ago. it’s wonderful to be reminded of its beautiful history. thank you very much! 🙂
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Kamila Pala
Thank you for comment, Lola! My pleasure 🙂
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negativethinkerr
really gr8!!
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DG MARYOGA
You have so strikingly presened Athens!Superb photography and lots of interesting details!
Huge congrats my friend!You made me feel proud!Sending you warm,spring sunshine from Athens 🙂 All the best, Doda xxx
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Kamila Pala
Thank you for nice comment 🙂 Lovely days! Kamila
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megtraveling
Great pictures – the food sounds so tasty and healthy too!
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Kamila Pala
Thanks, Meg!
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Indah Susanti
Great travel information and as well beautiful images! I only familiar with Metaxa but has no clue about Ouzo. Was it delicious?
I was thinking to visit Athens but then in the end we visited BCN and Rome last week..maybe next time and certainly I will use your post as my guide!
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Kamila Pala
Thank you Indah! Pleased you liked that 🙂 Metaxa is very good and I have to say for small digestive the Ouzo is not bad :)! And i wish you great trip to Athens – one day. Bye. Kamila
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LaVagabonde
Great photos, Kamila. The cat looks very healthy and cute. You have given me ideas for things to see and also to eat when I go there. The lemon soup sounds interesting. Thanks!
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Kamila Pala
Oh yes, I saw a lot of nice cats and even dogs in this city 🙂 ! Have a nice weekend. K
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Suyash Chopra
Greece and Athens is heaven for anyone interested in history of human civilization – cradle for human race, I must say. You have written such a wonderful post about this beautiful city with lovely shots.
Sometimes feel sad to hear all the wrong news of this magnificent country regarding their economic woes. I hope it gets faster on the road to recovery 🙂
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Kamila Pala
You are really good observer! Athens is really place where you can meet real history of human civilization 🙂 Pleased you liked that. K
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Suyash Chopra
I love such historical places where we get to know the feats of our previous generation and civilization. Lot to learn from such historical places. I guess thats what enriches our life as well 🙂
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Kamila Pala
🙂 Agree with you! K
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Dalo 2013
What a great look at the greek/Athenian culture and life, the photos and your personal insights in to the place are great ~ nothing quite like learning of a place through its cuisine. Wonderful Kamila and wish you safe travels 🙂
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Kamila Pala
Very nice comment, thank you, Dalo! The history of human civilization is really fascinating and its my hobby – but sometimes is little bit boring 🙂 I prefer share my experiences with a lot of details from normal life…and everybody love good food! Have a nice spring. Kamila
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Mithai Mumblezz
This is so wonderful!! I love ancient history and you wrote it so beautifully……feel like booking a flight now!! Athens its rich history and culture…..so interesting 🙂
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Kamila Pala
That is fantastic to hear that you have same hobby like me! Especially, Athens has its own charm and atmosphere…you return anytime and never gat bored 🙂 ! Bye. Kamila
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Mithai Mumblezz
Would love to visit someday 🙂
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Margaret Lynette Sharp
Great photos 🙂
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Kamila Pala
Thanks, Margaret!
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deutschtrailer
Beautiful Pictures, thank you very much Kamila Pala….💗💗💗
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Kamila Pala
Pleased you liked that ! Bye Kamila
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dilip
Your pictures capture the beauty and the rich Greek culture very well. Fascinating – and thanks Kamila.
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Kamila Pala
Thank you, Dilip! The history of human civilization is really fascinating and Athens is the city with own special charm and atmosphere 🙂 Have a nice rest of weekend. Kamila
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Steve Schwartzman
That’s a lot of photographs for one post, but I can understand why Athens deserves so many. I hope to visit scenic and historic Greece someday, as you have.
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Kamila Pala
Really special and photogenic destination 🙂 ! Bye. K
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RMW
Thanks for the memories… visiting the Parthenon was certainly one of the most memorable highlights of my life but for sheer enjoyment you can’t beat the Plaka area. I remember eating delicious octopus and drinking plenty of Ouzo. Love your photos.
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Kamila Pala
Good to hear that 🙂 Parthenon is really impressive monument – agree with you! Bye. Kamila
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Margaret Lynette Sharp
I’ve just tweeted this one. Lovely photos!
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Kamila Pala
Thank you, very kind of you!!! 🙂
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restlessjo
Incredibly beautiful, isn’t it, but a little fraught at times 🙂 Lovely guide!
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Kamila Pala
Agree with you! 🙂
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Amy
Glorious city via your lens, Kamila! Great photos, thank you for the tour. 🙂
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Kamila Pala
Amy,thanks a lot for nice comment 🙂 Bye. Kamila
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Beachbums1
Thanks for such an informative post and great photos. Greece (particularly Athens) is at the top of my husband’s travel wish list. One day…
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Margaret Lynette Sharp
tweeted this awesome post 🙂
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Kamila Pala
Very kind of you! Have a lovely day! K
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andy1076
Great pictures..! I never been there but the scenery and history constantly draw me to it.
So, when can I book my appointment for a tour through the feline guide? 😄
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sangriastainedlips
Your photos are amazing! I’ll be going to Athens in August so this is getting bookmarked!
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Kamila Pala
Great to hear that – but be careful – it is high season – hot and many tourists 🙂 🙂 but I wish you really fantastic trip! Bye. K
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Ami (Yearful of Sundays)
Thanks for your suggestions! Greece is in the news and they can do with more tourists than ever, now, to help boost the economy. I haven’t had a chance to visit this magnificent country yet, but I’m awed by its rich history and I love its cuisine (whatever little I’ve had a chance to sample), so I hope I can visit soon. Lovely pics as well!
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Adrenaline Romance
Very beautiful city although it looks a bit crowded in the photo. Still, we would definitely grab the opportunity to see those ancient wonders.
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Kamila Pala
Great combination of nice weather, tasteful food and still interesting and original monuments – in September or October time is really my tip 🙂 Bye. K
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Margaret Lynette Sharp
Tweeted this fab post 🙂
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Kamila Pala
Thanks, pleased you liked that! 🙂 K
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ishitasood
So much history in these pictures. I didn’t know a lot until I read this post. I blog on Italy at http://www.ishitasood.blogspot.in
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Kamila Pala
Thanks for interesting! Yes, history x modern life x pictures and great experiences… 🙂 Bye. Lovely summer :)! K
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