I love Greece. My first trip to Greece sparked a love for this country, this culture, this everything that I didn’t know a person could have for a place. Athens provided my first insight into all Greece has to offer and I was hooked. My friends and I came up with a brilliant plan that instead of exchanging Christmas gifts, we would take a city trip somewhere new. It is never a bad idea to give the gift of new things! So off we went to Athens, Greece for a weekend getaway in the middle of November.
Getting to/from Airport
The cheapest mode of transportation to get to the city is the direct train. It takes around 40 minutes and brings you right into the heart of Athens. You can buy the tickets at the airport and is 22 euros. It takes forever and you’ll need to account for that 40 minutes when you return to the airport. A taxi is no more than 50 euros, depending on the time of day.
Lodging
As usual, I hunted on booking.com for the best deals in the center and I couldn’t help but choose a place that promoted a view of the Acropolis! However, upon arrival and seeing the size of the city center, we quickly realized that 90% of the city has a view of this magnificent ruin. I recommend not using this filter as a way to choose your hotel; use other specifics that are important to you.
Perusing the City
Usually, I do not promote buying city passes as I don’t think you get the bang for your buck. In this case, we opted to try it out when we bought tickets for the Acropolis. Without the pass, the cost is 10 euros for entry (in winter); the cost of the pass is 30 euros. Here is what you get:
- Entry to Acropolis (Parthenon, Citadel, Theatre of Dionysus)
- Hadrian’s Library
- Ancient Agora
- Roman Agora
- Archaeological site of Lykeion
- Temple of Zeus
If you are going to see the city for Ancient Greek sites, then the pass is truly a cost savings investment. However, the cheap side of me has to point out that the majority of these landmarks are out in the open and can be seen and photographed from behind the barrier. If you are on a cost savings trip, or if your main goal is to eat, drink and be merry. Then skip the pass and just see the sites from the outside.
Food
Greek food is my ultimate favorite (When it comes to European food. Don’t get me started on my love for Indian and Mexican cuisine) thanks to the plethora of lamb, feta cheese, olives, wine, dolmades….I can go on and on. Our first night in Athens, we searched for the coziest wine bar in town and toasted our weekend adventure and our Christmas present to each other. The main street of the city is loaded with restaurants, but these guys are the annoying ones who come up to you on the street with menus and special discounts to eat there. We didn’t want anything to do with that. We found a delightful restaurant in the Plaka district, a place loaded with locals and cute restaurants on steps.
Athens is a place I can not wait to visit again. It’s a true walking city and the perfect weekend getaway location!
steerintotheskid 