Athens: History, Souvlaki & a Side of Chaos
- Fiona Cook
- May 26
- 5 min read
Athens is loud, gritty, ancient, and utterly irresistible. It’s where democracy was born, gods were worshipped, and where today’s traffic jams feel like they’ve been going since 500 BC. But scratch beneath the slightly chaotic surface, and you’ll find a city that’s full of charm, flavour, and enough ruins to make your high school Classics teacher weep with joy.
Things to Do
1. The Acropolis (obviously)
You can't come to Athens and not visit the Acropolis. It’s the Beyoncé of ancient ruins—majestic, iconic, and surrounded by scaffolding. The Parthenon, perched high above the city, is still a stunner. Go early to beat the crowds (and the heat), and pretend you know what a Doric column is.
Fair warning: there’s a bit of a climb involved. It’s not Everest, but it’s enough to leave you feeling like you’ve earned that post-tour pastry. One member of our group didn’t quite clock that “hilltop monument” implies, you know, walking up a hill. Cue the surprise cardio.
Pro tip: Book a guided tour to skip the massive queues and get the inside scoop before you start snapping photos. Ours tour through Get your Guide was perfect—our guide whisked us past the lines, gave a short but punchy overview at the top, and then left us to explore on our own (which is exactly the energy we wanted at 8am).
Now, navigating back to the bus was… an adventure. Someone (naming no names, Hayden) suggested we take the scenic route around the hill. A bold choice when the bus has a schedule. Thankfully, good sense prevailed—we re-evaluated halfway, turned back, and made it to the meeting point on time. Moral of the story? Always trust your gut (and maybe not Hayden’s internal GPS).
2. Acropolis Museum
Just down the hill, this sleek museum is air-conditioned bliss and full of artefacts that were definitely not stolen (ahem). It's also got great views of the Acropolis, so you can say you saw it twice.
3. Plaka and Anafiotika
Wander through these neighbourhoods like the flâneurs you are. Think cobbled alleys, hidden tavernas, and stairs—so many stairs. Anafiotika, in particular, feels like someone dropped a Greek island into the middle of a capital city. Whitewashed houses, bright bougainvillaea, and sleepy cats napping in the sun—it’s a whole vibe.
Our tour included a short guided stop to the Plaka, but once we made our way toward the fringes of the area, we were cut loose to explore solo. This was met with glee by Hayden, who, once he clocked the direction most of our tour group was heading, promptly led us in the opposite direction.
First stop? Beer. A large, frosty one. And let me tell you, that beer hit like poetry after a morning of ruins and uphill climbs.
With renewed enthusiasm (and possibly a mild beer buzz), we wandered the shops—Plaka is a treasure trove of locally made goods. If you’re in the market for handmade leather sandals, this is the place. We scored a gorgeous pair for a fraction of the price you’d pay back home, and they came with a backstory that includes ancient craftsmanship and a charming shopkeeper named Yiorgos. Iconic.
Whether you’re shopping, sipping, or just strolling the alleys pretending you're in a Greek rom-com, Plaka and Anafiotika are not to be missed.
4. Monastiraki Flea Market
Come for the souvenirs, stay for the spectacle. You’ll find everything from vintage leather sandals to questionable antiques and aggressive magnets. Haggle gently, and bring cash.
5. Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square
It’s weird, it’s theatrical, and the pom-pom shoes are something else. The guards move in slow motion and do leg lifts that would make a Pilates instructor cry. Catch the full ceremony on Sundays at 11am.
6. Olympic Stadiums: Past and Present
Athens doesn’t just have one Olympic stadium—it’s got two, because of course it does.
Panathenaic Stadium (aka the OG): This marble beauty hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and was built on the site of an ancient stadium. It's shiny, it's symmetrical, and you can run a lap like an ancient Greek (or walk it like a modern tourist gasping in the sun).
OAKA – Athens Olympic Sports Complex: Fast forward to 2004 and you’ve got the newer stadium on the city’s outskirts. It’s all sweeping Calatrava architecture and Olympic nostalgia. A bit empty these days, but hauntingly beautiful if you like your sports venues with a side of drama and weeds.
What to Eat
1. O Thanasis
Right by Monastiraki Square, this place serves up legendary souvlaki. It’s basic, bustling, and oh-so-Greek. Order the lamb kebabs, some fries, tzatziki, and a cold Mythos, and you'll understand why people rave.
2. Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani
Part charcuterie, part restaurant, all delicious. Come for meze-style dishes, cheeses, cured meats, and the kind of hospitality that makes you want to stay forever.
3. Kostas Souvlaki (near Syntagma)
Small, no-frills, and always a queue. But for €3, you get a warm pita stuffed with spicy meat, juicy tomato, onion, tzatziki, and a little paprika magic. Worth the wait.
4. Loukoumades at Krinos
Tiny, golden, Greek doughnuts. Drenched in honey and cinnamon, or if you’re feeling wild—chocolate sauce. They’re as addictive as they sound.
Where to Stay
1. Plaka
Perfect if you want to wake up surrounded by neoclassical buildings and be walking distance to everything old and important. It’s touristy, yes, but also charming.
2. Psiri
A little grungier and a lot cooler. Great for bars, street art, and late-night souvlaki. You might hear music until the early hours, but that's just part of the fun.
3. Koukaki
Close to the Acropolis, but a little more local. Quiet cafes, bakeries, and boutiques abound. Ideal if you want a slower pace but still be central.
Final Thoughts
Athens is a beautiful mess—part ancient marvel, part modern madness. It’s loud, proud, and bursting with flavour (culinary and otherwise). Whether you’re here for the ruins or just chasing the perfect gyro, you’ll leave with a head full of myths and a belly full of carbs.
Been to Athens? Tell us your favourite spots (and where to find the best souvlaki). Dreaming of going? What’s top of your list—the Parthenon or the pastries? Let us know below!
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