A Journey through Athens with Our 10-Month-Old
A Memorable Family Adventure
Athens, the capital of Greece, is renowned for its ancient archaeological history. It is a must-visit destination when traveling to Greece as most international flights land here.
We have decided to stay in Athens for three nights, as we believe that two days are sufficient to explore the majority of the tourist attractions. However, if you have an extra day, we recommend considering a day trip to Meteora, which is located near Athens. Local travel agents in the city offer excellent tour packages for this excursion, and you will be able to find a lot of local travel agents while roaming around in the city.
Day 1:
Upon our afternoon arrival in Athens, we made our way to Syntagma Square, where we had booked a fantastic Airbnb. The location proved to be ideal as we could easily explore most of the tourist attractions on foot. Getting from the airport to Syntagma Square was a breeze, thanks to the convenient metro ride costing only 9 Euros per person. After some much-needed rest, we took a leisurely stroll to the nearby Parliament to witness the mesmerizing changing of the guard ceremony. To satisfy our taste buds, we dined at a traditional restaurant called Mezze Athens, where we savored our first authentic Greek meal, which left us craving for more.
SIM Card Tips: If you’re in need of a SIM card, Syntagma Square is a convenient location to purchase one from local shops. While some shops may charge higher prices, it is possible to find a reliable shop offering SIM cards at a reasonable cost, typically around 20 Euros. It’s recommended to explore different options and compare prices to ensure you find the best deal that suits your needs.
The Greek Yogurt
We tried some Greek yogurt, purchased some from a nearby store, and it instantly became apparent how delicious and diverse Greek yogurt can be, made from various types of milk such as cow, buffalo, and sheep. This discovery led us to enjoy Greek yogurt every other day, and even our daughter developed a fondness for it.
Day 2:
We kicked off the morning by heading towards the Parthenon after grabbing a quick breakfast. I decided to try Greek coffee, but since I prefer my coffee with milk, it wasn’t something I tried again.
The Parthenon:
A former temple on the Athenian Acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. It was partly destroyed due to an explosion during “Great Turkish War’.
Accompanied by our baby in a stroller, we asked at the information center for a stroller parking area, and they kindly directed us to an alternative path where we could easily navigate without encountering many steps. It was convenient to stroll around with our baby in the stroller for most of the journey. At the entrance to the top, there is a designated area where strollers can be parked free of charge. From there, we carried our baby in a carrier, which made exploring the Parthenon an enjoyable experience and capture numerous memorable moments.
Theaters of Dionysus
As we made our way up towards the Parthenon, we were treated to a captivating sight: the Theaters of Dionysus and a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Athens.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
After our visit to the Parthenon, we made a stop at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This open-air stadium is known for hosting live performances, particularly during the EPIDAURUS FESTIVAL in the summer. If there are no ongoing performances, the Odeon is usually closed to the public. However, if there is a performance taking place, an entry fee is required to attend.
Parthenon Museum
Next, we proceeded to the Parthenon Museum. While there is a separate entry fee to explore all the ruins inside, we decided not to purchase the ticket as we had already seen a significant portion of the ruins from the outside. The museum is conveniently located near a variety of restaurants and shopping areas, making it a perfect place to stop for lunch or indulge in some shopping after returning from the Parthenon. We opted to have lunch at Thea Plaka, where the food was satisfactory.
Ancient Agora
Before reaching the Parthenon Museum, you have the option to visit the Ancient Agora via a backside route. We took a longer route to reach the Ancient Agora, but since we already had the combo ticket, we were able to enter directly without purchasing additional tickets.
Hadrian’s Library
Then we took a leisurely stroll to Hadrian’s Library which is also near by, making the most of our time before the closing hours. It’s important to note that all these sites typically allows the last entry allowed before 7:40 PM.
These attractions offer a fascinating glimpse into Athens’ rich history and provide ample opportunities for sightseeing and cultural experiences.
Day 3:
Arch of Hadrian
We embarked on a morning walk to visit the Arch of Hadrian. This impressive structure stands as a grand archway, showcasing its historical significance and architectural beauty.
Temple of Zeus
Continuing our exploration, we strolled to the nearby Temple of Zeus. The entry to the temple was included in our combo ticket. Although not much remains of the temple, as it was left unfinished, the sheer size and presence of the remaining pillars still leave a lasting impression.
Panathenaic Stadium
Our next stop was the Panathenaic Stadium, which holds the distinction of being the only stadium in the world entirely constructed from marble. While there is a separate entry fee of 10 Euros to explore the interior of the stadium, you can still enjoy a fantastic view of the entire stadium from the entrance without purchasing the inside tickets.
National Gardens
Following our visit to the Panathenaic Stadium, we ventured into the adjacent National Gardens, a serene and enchanting oasis. The best part was that there was no entry fee to enjoy this picturesque green space. We took the opportunity to unwind and connect with nature, finding a tranquil spot beneath a canopy of purple flower trees. It was a peaceful and rejuvenating experience, allowing us to escape the bustling city and embrace the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Zappeion Hall
Within the National Gardens, we came across the remarkable Zappeion Hall. Unfortunately, access to the hall was restricted during our visit due to a scheduled event. The Zappeion Hall holds historical significance as it was constructed to host the opening ceremony of the first modern Olympic Games. While we couldn’t explore the interior on this occasion, the grandeur of the hall’s exterior added to the overall charm of the National Gardens.
On our way back towards Syntagma Square, we decided to stop for lunch at The Greco’s Project, a renowned restaurant known for its Greek Gyros. With its delectable flavors and reputation for excellence, it’s no wonder that the place was bustling with customers.
In the evening, we made a visit to the Athens Metro Mall. It’s important to note that while the mall itself remains open until 11:00 PM, the individual shops close at 8:00 PM. Therefore, if you plan to do some shopping, it’s advisable to arrive before 8:00 PM. We purchased one-way metro tickets at a cost of 1.2 Euros per person to reach the mall, making our transportation convenient and affordable.
Day 4:
We spent our time shopping and exploring Syntagma Square. Later, when it was time to head to the airport, we opted for a taxi. Initially, the driver agreed on a fare of 40 Euros, but upon arrival, he requested an additional 5 Euros as a tip. If you don’t have much luggage and have enough time to reach the airport, it’s advisable to consider taking the metro instead. The metro provides a convenient and cost-effective option for transportation.
Shopping Tips: When it comes to shopping in Greece, Athens offers a great advantage in terms of affordability. Compared to many other islands in Greece, Athens is known for its lower prices and a wide variety of brand showrooms. Therefore, it is recommended to take advantage of the shopping opportunities in Athens. While the fashion and clothing styles may be similar across the islands, the prices tend to be higher in the island destinations. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly shopping experience, Athens is the place to be.
