The heart of the ancient Greece is not what it was before. But even that fact doesn't put away the tons of tourists that arrive everyday. For me Athens was quite disappointing and I don't understand how such a "poor" city can be so expensive. I feel for the locals there and had the feeling that many resort to tourism in order to make a decent living. Just by watching the flock of people that pay the full price of 20€ for the Acropolis, the iconic archeological site of Athens, you do get the impression that only tourism matters. I visited the Acropolis in the start of Summer and at the time there was some kind of restoration works that prevented me of actually see its main landmark, the Parthenon. Besides this one, the other ruins like the Theatre of Dionysus, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion were opened to the public and I did like the ancient and new-restored theater Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Having the Parthenon on the top of a hill, you'll get used to the 360º views around it as well as of the surrounding mountains. On the west side of the Acropolis there's another historical site called the Areopagus Hill, which may be the best place to get quality photos from the Acropolis grounds. Starting a descending route on the north side back to the old town, you'll find many tiny but cute restaurants sitting on stairs and enjoying all possible space. Located just beside it, and by a few minutes walking, are the Ancient Agora of Athens and the Temple of Hephaestus, more Greek old ruins for your satisfaction. Something I found good in the city was that for a big capital most things are still accessible by foot (and I do walk a lot). The Syntagma Square located in front of the Hellenic Parliament also brings in many tourists, groups and tours, and different busses (for ex. to the airport) depart from there. Furthermore into the National Garden and next to the Presidential Palace is the site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896 - the Panathenaic Stadium - still open to ceremonies and concerts and whose length I must say is really impressive.
A bit tired of seeing the same old monuments, yes I know Athens is famed for them, I decided to take the subway and explore a bit further than the city centre. I stopped in the Faliro train station, located between the Karaiskaki Stadium and the Peace and Friendship Stadium, and walked always close to the waterfront until a friendly un-touristic restaurant street called Akti Koumoundourou. I speak for the Paranka restaurant, which serves great fresh fish and has a casual vibe. Stay there for the evening and take the best of a nice sunset by the water.
A bit tired of seeing the same old monuments, yes I know Athens is famed for them, I decided to take the subway and explore a bit further than the city centre. I stopped in the Faliro train station, located between the Karaiskaki Stadium and the Peace and Friendship Stadium, and walked always close to the waterfront until a friendly un-touristic restaurant street called Akti Koumoundourou. I speak for the Paranka restaurant, which serves great fresh fish and has a casual vibe. Stay there for the evening and take the best of a nice sunset by the water.
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