The Luxe Nomad's Top 8 Things to Do in Athens

Happy Monday, Luxe Nomads! As you may have noticed, we recently added a new addition to our site – the NEW Hotel Athens in the beautiful and historic city of Athens, Greece. So whether you’ve decided to book a holiday or daydream about visiting Athens, here’s a list of what you need to see while you’re there! After all, when in Athens…

 

1. Visit the Acropolis

 

 

It’s inevitable that you need to visit this spot when you visit Athens, especially when it’s one of the most prominent features in the city. As the Acropolis sits high above the sprawling metropolis, it naturally has the most beautiful views – perfect for capturing that memorable photograph. A word of advice during the summer months: it’s better to get there early to avoid the heavy crowd and the summer heat.

 

2. Take a photo in front of the Parthenon

 

 

Once you get into the Acropolis, there is just so much to see from the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Parthenon. While you should make sure to see them all, the Parthenon is without doubt the one landmark to take a photo of since it is the most recognised ancient buildings in Greece.

 

3. See Athens by night

 

 

If you think Athens is beautiful during the day with the beautiful architecture and winding narrow roads that lead to a new experience or a delicious watering hole, then you need to see Athens at night – it’s a completely new city! Walk the streets and see where they take you: whether to a local tavern with delicious Greek cuisine or a small street concert with traditional music, you’re bound to soak up the lively Mediterranean vibe!

 

4. See the sunset at Cape Sounion

 

 

If you have time for a day trip, Cape Sounion is 63km from Athens, at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula in Greece. Here you will find the ruins of an ancient Greek temple of Poseidon (God of the Sea), where the ruins bears the deeply engraved name of English Romantic poet, Lord Byron. To add to its romantic atmosphere, you can find the most beautiful sunset here shimmering over the Aegean Sea – perfect for couples!

 

5. Shop at Byzantino

 

 

If you have heard of the shop Byzantino, then you’ve no doubt only heard great reviews. Located in Plaka, only 10 minutes from the Acropolis, the store sells exquisite handmade “museum-copy” jewellery that replicates traditional Greek pieces using only the best material, at great prices. Byzantino’s jewellery are one of a kind and you will definitely stand out when you come back home wearing one of their designs.

 

6. Go to Mount Lycabettus

 

 

Another one of city’s best views can be found at the top of Mount Lycabettus. Standing at 745ft above the city, it presents outstanding views of the Attica Basin and Aegean Sea, and is considered to be one of the most romantic spots in Athens – especially at twilight. If you’re hungry, there are small cafes on the way up and a tiny white-stuccoed chapel of St. George for more photo opps.

 

7. Eat at a local tavern

 

 

The Old Tavern of Psarras is Plaka’s oldest restaurants and has the best Greek traditional cuisine in all of Athens. Found on Erechtheos street, you can expect fresh seafood and salads, delicious skewered lamb and pork with deep fried sliced zucchini and so much more that will keep you full for quite a while.

 

8. Watch the changing of the guards

 

 

It’s quite a typical touristy thing to do, BUT the changing of the guards outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a high-profile monument commemorating unidentified dead soldiers in front of the Parliament Building, is a spectacle to behold. Every 15 minutes, the guards will goose-step past each other with their pleated skirts, long socks and bobbles on their shoes.

 

Photo credit: mrroaming, hamphoto, youthtothemoon, keytours, autocarhire, TIME