Athens is renowned for its historical landmarks, but the city also offers a plethora of modern attractions worth exploring. From vibrant flea markets in the Thissio neighborhood to green retreats with panoramic views from Lycabettus Mountain, there’s much to discover. Join Saul Schwartz, a US-based traveler, as he explores modern Athens and shares the best spots to experience in Greece’s capital.
Saul and his wife, Fern, spent five nights in Athens. While the ancient sites are a major draw, they found plenty of contemporary attractions to enjoy. Using the “Top Ten Athens” guidebook proved helpful, and communication was easy since most locals spoke English. Visiting in November meant fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures around 21°C / 70°F.
To get their bearings, they joined a free walking tour offered by Athens Free Walking Tour. The two-hour tour, beginning at 10 a.m., was led by an informative guide fluent in English. Starting in the tranquil Thissio neighborhood, their tour included a stop at a local café for snacks.
The tour commenced at the Ekklisia Agii Asomati ke Agious Georgios Church, an 11th-century structure characteristic of Byzantine architecture. While they couldn’t enter due to an ongoing service, they admired its exterior, lit candles, and decorative bell.
Exploring Thissio further, they visited the bustling Flea Market on Ermou Street at Plateia Avissynias, particularly vibrant on Sunday mornings. Here, they saw the sculpture of Theseus and heard tales of his heroic exploits. Additionally, they wandered through the charming Plaka neighborhood, with its winding alleys and cobblestone streets, making a quick stop at a café.
The tour concluded at Monastiraki Square, where they observed an interesting excavation revealing an underground river. The square buzzes with shops and restaurants, making it a worthwhile part of their tour.
In Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, they enjoyed the illuminated fountain and marveled at the luxurious King George Hotel with its elegant marble-filled lobby.
Adjacent to the square is the Hellenic Parliament, an imposing neoclassical building originally constructed in 1842 as a royal palace. While not open to public tours, its architecture is noteworthy.
Fronting the Parliament are the Evzones, Presidential guards dressed in traditional attire. Their impressive changing of the guard ceremony, featuring high-kick movements, occurs every thirty minutes.
At the Parliament’s base lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a poignant tribute to Greek war casualties since the war of independence.
For a stunning view of Athens, Saul and Fern took the funicular on Aristippou Street to the top of Lycabettus Mountain for 7.50 Euros round trip. Alternatively, there are steep paths to hike up. At the summit, they admired the Chapel of St. George and enjoyed panoramic views.
Near Constitution Square, they discovered the National Gardens, an unexpected green refuge originally planted as royal gardens in 1839. Walking through, they noted the presence of youth but found the gardens serene.
Bordering the gardens is the Zappeion Conference Center, hosting international events and integral to the revival of the modern Olympic Games. The building features classical architecture with a central atrium and Corinthian portico, surrounded by beautifully maintained grounds.
Close by, they briefly explored the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium. Known for its all-marble construction, it remains a significant modern monument and serves as the Athens Marathon’s finish line.
Their cultural explorations included a visit to the Jewish Museum, which documents Jewish heritage and history in Greece. The museum offers exhibits on various themes, including the impact of World War II on the Jewish community, and showcases artifacts related to Jewish traditions and life.
Getting around Athens was convenient using the metro system, which employs paper tickets called Athena tickets. The metro is clean, safe, and easy to navigate with signage in Greek and English. Special tickets are required for airport travel.
For a casual meal, they enjoyed the cafeteria at the top floor of the Hondos Center Department Store, offering great views of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Mountain. They also noted Gregory’s at the airport for its reasonably priced salads and snacks.
Their accommodation, the Hilton Athens, provided exceptional service, helpful staff, and rooms with striking views of the Acropolis. The hotel offered extensive amenities, including a fitness center, a diverse breakfast buffet, and an executive lounge with a panoramic city view.
Across from the Hilton, they admired “The Runner” sculpture by Cortas Varotsos, a dynamic piece made from thousands of glass pieces stacked to create a blurred runner effect.
In summary, while Athens’ ancient sites are unmissable, Saul and Fern equally enjoyed exploring its modern attractions. Their tips highlight the value of blending classic and contemporary experiences in this historic yet vibrant city.
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