Once the heart of ancient Greece, a powerful empire, and home to some of the most stunning sculptures in the world, Athens Greece is my pick for one of the most educational places you could visit.
How to get to Athens
Multiple airlines fly into Athens International Airport (ATH), it simply depends on your location. Once landed, the below options are the best options for transportation into the city:
By Taxi - Taxi is a rather tricky aspect in any country, as prices may vary depending on whether you're a tourist or a local. The fixed cost should be €38.00 in the day and €50.00 at night. From the airport to town your more likely to be quoted this fare but on the return be careful, know the price ahead of time. (Taxi driver quoted €85.00, to begin with, and settled for €35.00. Research the prices ahead of time)
By train - Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) takes you from ATH to Syntagma Square (central Athens) for €8.00 one way and €14.00 round trip. Trains are available every 30 minutes.
By bus - The X95 connects ATH to Syntagma Square at a cost of €6.00. The journey is roughly an hour. The bus is more convenient as the bus stand is right outside the arrival hall. Remember to validate the tickets after purchase as they are checked before you leave the city.
Where to Stay
Vacation lodging is always a personal preference. Anywhere around Syntagma Square is a great area. You're are close to high-end shopping during the day and an active nightlife at night. I stayed at the hotel Dorrian a few minutes away.
Where to eat
Syntagma Square has a KFC and a McDonalds if you're feeling homesick. You can also try local cuisines. Most of my meals came from Philos Athens.
Thins to do
Get lost in Acropolis - The Acropolis of Athens is home to such great monuments such as the Pantheon and the Theater of Dionysus. Entry is €10.00 and you are welcome to stay as long as you like. Most of it is under construction, in an effort to preserve the monument but it is still an impressive site.
Acropolis Museum - A museum dedicated to the findings of Acropolis. Entry is €5.00
Temple of Olympian Zeus - You can see clear views of the temple from Acropolis or you can visit up close. This is the site of the outdoor sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. Cost €2.00
Syntagma Square - No matter the time of day, this square has constant traffic. From its fountains to their light shows, this area is the center of the city. Also, the start of the hop on and hop off bus for tours and most transportation to the airport or the port of Piraeus.
Kerameikos - An ancient burial site in the city of Athens. It is open from Tuesday to Sundays from 8 am to 3 pm. It's a great place to learn the history of the Peloponnesian war.
Editors Note: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any parties mentioned. None of the entities mentioned has reviewed, approved or endorsed the content listed in this post.
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